Living Psalms Book
Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Living Psalm 118: 14-24
Easter Day C

There are dark times, and there are light. 
There are days when shadows are as deep as the tomb,
when the voices that sing out for justice are silent,
and Christ’s followers are filled with doubt.
There are waiting times. 

There are interminable hours on the longest days,
the dark vigil when Jesus was not here
and he was not there, and his disciples 
could only think about their own betrayals, 
their silence as another suffered.

We cannot skip ahead past the dark. 
We cannot cheat death, or sorrow,
or regret. We can only wait together, 
hushed, patiently rebuilding our faith
for the moment when the sun breaks through,

for the opening of the tomb, the forgiveness
in the face of our transgressions. 
We can plot, and plan, and be ready to raise our voices. 
We can be ready to accept forgiveness
and to sing out again - the tomb is open!

Christ has risen! The light Christ brings is here,
guiding us, redeeming us, spreading the word -
that holy, precious Word - that we are forgiven
and loved, and meant to rise above rejection 
to rejoice in the power of our own voices once more --

This is the day that God has made!

Living Psalm 118: 14-24, for Easter Day C, was written by  Maria Mankin.

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community.  

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.

© Copyright 2019 Maria Mankin.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.