Excerpt from Psalm 81

"Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our festal day."

Reflection by Felix Carrion

This festival psalm is about the harvest and the festal day. It wonderfully admonishes the people to sing aloud, shout for joy, raise a song, sound the tambourine, blow the trumpet, "have a party for God's sake."

Twice now I have worshipped in Cathedral of Hope, UCC, in Dallas, where Psalm 81 is their practice. Every Sunday the church's symphony accompanies the choir making beautiful music in worship. The whole congregation becomes an extension of the choir. As their guest, you can't help but belt out the wonderful hymns of the Church with abandon. For Cathedral of Hope, every Sunday is a festal day.

Who told them they could bring these instruments into worship and have such a good time? Well, of course, the scriptures! And, oh yes, the Spirit!

This openly gay church belongs to all those who were once rejected by other churches, as it belongs to everyone who believes in this kind of extravagant welcome. At harvest time many of these brothers and sisters were not picked. But, thank God, they are more than good enough for Cathedral of Hope's harvest. Thank God that they are more than good enough for the United Church of Christ.

For God's sake, let's bring into our churches this harvest, these instruments, this joy. Let's rock n roll, let's swing our hips, let's give ourselves permission to praise with complete joy, let's feel good about who we are in Christ Jesus.

I really do want a festal day. Guess what, Felix? You have one. It's called Sunday.

Prayer

O God, let it be known that your invitation to the party of welcome and joy has already been sent to all who have ever lived, live now and will live. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

"God is still speaking: What does that mean?"  This brochure by the Stillspeaking Writers' Group explains it all, briefly.

The Daily Devotional is now on Facebook. Become a fan!

Sign up to receive Daily Devotionals

More items written by the Stillspeaking Writers' Group