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 72: 1-7; 10-14—Festival of Epiphany C

In many places around the globe today IS the festive feast of Christmas. 
Music, gifts, parades and lots of food will be shared.  
From Spain to Russia to Mexico to South America to Harlem NY – 
Epiphany is the celebration of the Incarnation-the Light come into the world.
 
Today  Psalm 72  reminds us that the gift, the savior, was given for a very specific purpose--Justice and care of the poor and those in need.

12 For she delivers the needy when they call,
  	 the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
   and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
   and precious is their blood in her sight.
and
11 May all in power fall down before our ruler,
   all nations give service.

We celebrate this Ruler of Peace and Light to the world, 
known to us in Jesus.
And may we continue on in the light of Christ 
to deliver justice and care for those in need. 
In Jesus’ name. Amen

For your Epiphany reflection: (NRSV adapted for language)

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
1 Give your justice to the Sovereign, 
O God, and your righteousness to the royal Heir 
2 May they judge your people with righteousness, 
and your poor with justice.
 3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, 
and the hills, righteousness.
 4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, 
give deliverance to the needy, 
and crush the oppressor.
5 Grant her life while the sun endures, 
and as long as the moon, 
throughout all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, 
like showers that water the earth.
7 In these days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, 
until the moon is no more.
10 May the monarchs of Tarshish and of the isles render tribute, 
may the rulers of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
11 May all in power fall down before your ruler, 
all nations give service.
12 For she delivers the needy when they call, 
the poor and those who have no helper.
13  He has pity on the weak and the needy, 
and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
   and precious is their blood in her sight.

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Living Psalm  for the Epiphany Year C:  Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14  was written  by Mary Christine O’Connor-Thomsen, St Peter’s Roman Catholic Parish, Manhasset, NY.
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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.  Maren Tirabassi, editor

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 2022  Mary Christine O’Connor-Thomsen. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.