“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There shall no more be anything accursed…” (Revelations 22: 1-3a)
This was John’s invitation to walk the heavenly streets in the midst of bloody times at the turn of the first century. The shameful and angry images that cover our air waves and social media pages today remind us that behaviors which we would wish to think are things of the past can very quickly rise again to the surface and bring their hatred, violence and disruption.
On the eve of the celebration of this people’s independence from monarchical rule, we are invited to our own walk in the heavenly streets, through the gift of the expression of the values we embrace in our prayers for this nation, each of which is in itself a call for vigilant and constant action.
“Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace; Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.” (BCP 258)
Even for our enemies, we pray, “O God the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty and revenge; and in your good time enable us to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”(BCP 816)
For those serving in places of incarceration or detention, we pray these values: “When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous.”(BCP 826)
And finally, in our thanksgiving litany for this national life of ours, we conclude, “Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.” (BCP 839)
In the peace and love of Christ,
+Alan
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa
