Sermon text: Psalm 137
That we will express our grief with honesty
God, our source of song, few if any of us here, today, have seen our whole life collapse around us in national defeat and exile. We have not experienced that tragedy and pray that we may never experience it.
We have been deeply hurt, though, by enemies and friends. And we have thought the unthinkable in our desire to return hurt for hurt. We have imagined deprivation, pain, suffering and annihilation, and wished that they would come quickly from your hand.
We find no lasting satisfaction, no peace in such imaginings, though, at times, they are our truest thoughts.
Somehow, in this grief, our memories are awakened to your Spirit. Then we remember Jesus, hanging in agony from the cross, pleading, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”
We also remember that Jesus cried out in abandonment. And we ask that You listen, and hear our grief, and help us speak it truly, and stay close to give comfort. Amen.
Thoughts, and prayers from Pastor David Antieau at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ
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