Dear Ones,
Today is a solemn day as we observe a National Day of Mourning for the 100,000 lives lost from the Covid Pandemic.
Today marks another solemn day as we realize the national crisis we are experiencing due to incessant, violent racism in our land. For an excellent summary of the gravity of the situation in our national life, please see this “Address to the Nation” by Bp. Mariann Budde, given prior to the service at the National Cathedral yesterday:
Today is also the “Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth”. May we, with Mary and Elizabeth, take life-sustaining comfort in the reality of the person of Jesus who came into the world to live and to preach the power of love. May we, like Mary, live our lives devoted to Jesus and his will for peace and justice.
Collect for today:
Father in heaven, by whose grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
See Verse One of the Hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory”:
1 God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your power;
crown your ancient church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.