The land of the Holy One
Okay, I’m a church rat, which means that way too often, texts of hymns and other bits of church lore spring to mind as a response to what I observe. And as I’ve spent the past few days in this part of the world, the line from the hymn “God of grace and glory” that comes to mind goes something like this: Cure thy children’s warring madness. (I’m away from my hymnal so I’m not sure that’s right and I’m not sure of the hymn number, but I am pretty certain text the text was written by Harry Emerson Fosdick, a great preacher of the past century.) This land is so beautiful, so holy, and so deeply divided. I’m new to this part of the world, so I don’t presume to suggest any analysis of the situation, or to say anything but how it has made me feel. The warring within Christian groups and between different faith traditions (just visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, “managed” by several denominations, or walk through the various quarters of the old city, divided between Jews, Christians, Armenians and Muslims) makes the heart ache for a sense that we are all God’s children. None of it is new. It’s been going on for centuries. And much of it strikes me as madness, in every sense of the word.
At the same time, the spiritual energy is palpable and deep. My outstretched hand seemed to vibrate at the wailing wall. And there is such an opportunity to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness in this place. But I felt both perplexed and saddened by the travails of this holy city, or as one person described it, this city of the holy one. There is still a church built on the Mount of Olives, marking the place where Jesus prayed with tears for the city of Jerusalem. The need for a place like that persists, after so many centuries. Pray today for the peace of Jerusalem, and perhaps you’d pray the closing refrain of Fosdick’s fine hymn, and maybe we’ll sing it soon together: Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour.
St. George’s to David’s Tower hang a left down Latin Patriarch St past Gloria Hotel and before Crusader Hostel – the lamb is greaaaaat’
I’m going to find my 1982 Hymnal and look up Fosdick’s hymn before I head to bed. Good way to turn in. Thanks.
Here you go:
God of grace and God of glory, On thy people pour thy power; Crown thine ancient church’s story; Bring her bud to glorious flow’r. Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, For the facing of this hour.
Cure thy children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to thy control; Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, Grant us Courage, Lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.