Today is Epiphany. A day of revelation. It celebrates the visitation of the Magi whose arrival was a sign that the incarnation of God in Christ had been made known and was recognized by the heavens to the whole world, so that even Gentile wise men from the East came to pay him homage. Yet, Epiphany is also a day that reveals empire. King Herod, disturbed at the news of the arrival of this new king, seeks to preserve his power. Violence would fall upon the little town of Bethlehem. In a sense, it’s fitting that the deplorable acts of violence currently taking place in our country are on Epiphany.
We condemn these acts of violence and the rhetoric from leaders inciting violence and division. We also call on all to work for justice and the common good of our communities. This call is more than simply an opposition to violence, but the active modeling of Christ’s love and peaceableness in our lives.
Join us in praying these words:
God grant that violence be overcome by the power of love,
that opposition give way to reconciliation
and that the desire to oppress be transformed
into the desire for forgiveness, justice and peace…
May peace be in our hearts
so that they are open to the action of God’s grace…
May leaders be led by your wisdom;
May they search your will and see it clearly
If we have turned from your way,
Reverse our ways and help us to repent.
Give us your light and your truth, let them guide us;
Through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior.
Amen.
Prayer Adapted from https://socialjusticeresourcecenter.org/prayers/justice/ and UMH 517