Refuge for the Suffering--March 23, 2021

 

For too many peoples, their lands

have become a ruin and a waste. 

The sound of mirth and gladness

is replaced by the roar of war. 

 

As for us, one thing we know:

although we may not be blind, 

we have looked the other way,

have not seen their awful pain.

 

God of all, with no distinction 

as to which party is suffering,

cover them with your wings;

let all find refuge there.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 34; 146; 25; 91

Jer. 25:8-17

Rom. 10:1-13

John 9:18-41

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 91:4

[The LORD] will cover you with his pinions,
          and under his wings you will find refuge;
          his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

 

Jer. 25:10-11a

And I will banish from them the sound of mirth and the sound of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.  This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste…

 

Rom. 10:12

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.

 

John 9:25b

“…One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”  [The man whom Jesus cured, to those who did not believe]