a new liturgy for welfare week

Every Thursday morning the interns and a few staff from the Mustard Seed have been getting together spending time in discussion and reflection. One week, during cheque week (or mardi gras, as some people call it), we sat down and read through a liturgy. I do not know the author.

(Based on Isaiah 57-58)

God, Eternal One,

You who live in a high and holy place,

but also with those who are contrite and 

lowly in spirit, to revive their hearts,

We gather once again on cheque week,

lifting up our neighbors, whom we love,

as they spin through another unjust cycle

of having, spending, and needing.

It is the rhythm of this place,

and though we love this place,

we hate this welfare rhythm.

We lament that our friends and neighbors

are given money that helps them survive,

but does not encourage them to thrive.

We refuse to be satisfied with a system 

that does nothing to break the cycle of poverty.

Jesus, teach us how to loose the chains of injustice.

We grieve the fact that our friends and neighbors 

are given money but deterred from offering back,

earning money and serving their community

with dignity.

We refuse to be satisfied with a system 

that entrenches their role as passive recipients.

Jesus, teach us how to break every yoke.

We are frustrated that our friends and neighbors

are given money but rarely offered

the opportunity for life-giving relationship.

We refuse to be satisfied with a system 

that keeps the rich comfortably distant 

from the poor.

Jesus, teach us how to spend ourselves 

on behalf of the hungry.

We are angry that our friends and neighbors

who are battling addictions

will face great temptation this week,

many without support or hope or freedom.

We refuse to be satisfied with a system

that enables pain-numbing,

but not wound-healing.

Jesus, teach us how to satisfy the needs 

of the oppressed.

Jesus, for the times when we turn away

from our own flesh and blood, our fellow humans,

forgive us.

For our pointing fingers and our malicious talk,

forgive us.

For our hunger for power and control,

and our reluctance to lay it down,

forgive us.

Yahweh says,

"I have seen your ways, but I will heal you;

Peace, peace to those far and near."

Lord, we long to be like a well-watered garden;

like a spring whose waters never fail.

We long to see your light break forth like the dawn;

we long for your healing to appear.

May your Kingdom come!

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus!