O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

Most Sundays I come away from church feeling fulfilled and optimistic about the week. Some Sundays I seem to develop a temporary case of ADD and feel like I’m sitting in Charlie Brown’s classroom. And some Sundays it all clicks and for one fleeting moment I have it all figured out. The moment of clarity passes but I am left with hope for myself, my friends, my world.

This was one of those days where it “clicked.” We sang the hymn O for a World and for some reason it spoke to me. The thing that immediately struck me is how inclusive it is. There is no mention that only Christians will live in this world. Goods are shared with everyone, equality for everyone, everyone’s misery is relieved. God’s reign of peace is for everyone. The author of this song speaks to a God who is bigger than war and hate, hunger and inequality. A God who is bigger than religion and who can save us from ourselves.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.” Heaven on earth. Huh, what a concept.