Canticle of the Turning – ELW#723
This hymn has been a steadfast guide for us so far in our Lenten journey. As we hear it, I’m struck by how the refrain names so much of our reality this past year:
“My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.”
We have felt our hearts sing of a future hope (alone, not with a choir). We have seen fires (wildfires and arsons). We have shed tears (public and private). And we have experienced lots and lots of turning points. What have been turning points for you in this past year? What have been turning points in your understanding of suffering, conflict, and grief? What have been turning points in your understanding of joy, connection, and hope?
A week or so ago when the sun started to hang around longer, more and more people were receiving vaccines, and the packed ice on my driveway finally gave up and melted, I felt like I was at a turning point toward something that felt more like… joy. Have you felt it? As we near the one year mark of this pandemic I invite you to take some time to just reflect on the turning points, the ups and downs of the last year. Light a candle, take time to just breathe, and sit with God as you review each turning point.
Maybe there are points at which you want to ask for forgiveness, or ask for comfort, or give thanks. Maybe there are points where there are only sighs too deep for words. We trust that at each turning point God was present, and promises to be present for the turning points about to come. While we wait, may our hearts continue to sing of the day that God will bring when the promises of new life turning come true.
In Peace, Pastor Ruth
Let us pray:
We are turning, Lord, to hear you, see you, and know you. You are merciful and kind, slow to anger, rich in blessings. With every twist and turn, lead our steps back to your grace and your mercy. Lead us in your ways of new life, forgiveness, and re-creation. We pray in the name of Christ, the one who reveals your love, Amen.