Transfiguration - The Mercy of the Cross

Transfiguration - track 6 - The Mercy of the Cross Fire from the North improvisation led by Francis Cummings (The God Who reconciles) The miracle on the Mount of Transfiguration points the way to ultimate Reconciliation. Through the mercy of the Cross, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, black nor white – though to our shame we continue to perpetuate such divisions. Forgive us where we build barriers instead of bridges, and fail to honour Your presence in each other. Where I can put wrongs right, let me reach out in love and forgiveness Especially towards Christians of differing traditions, and toward those for whom I feel no instinctive affection. Wash me clean from words that defame, deeds that shame, and thoughts that defile. Cleanse me from the arrogance that insists on my own way, the prejudice that poses as wisdom, the contempt that stems from pride, and from the envy and ill will that lies so close beneath the surface of my heart. Cleanse me from all eagerness to indulge in gossip, slander and dubious practices; all tendencies to selfishness and greed, all bitterness and cynicism, all needless thoughts and activities that rob my soul of peace and purpose. Lord, let Your Kingdom come in our hearts, and our communities as we proclaim the victory of the Cross over the memory of past abuse and exploitation, and over present strongholds of fear, disease and death. Jesus was transfigured in the presence of three close friends, but it was to Mary that He first appeared after His Resurrection. In Christ we are one and there is neither male nor female, yet prejudice against women continues to hamper the Church. Worldwide, violence against women remains a greater cause of death and disability than cancer, malaria, or even war itself. Lord, You created woman in Your image. Protect all who are menaced by violence today; shield and protect their hearts and homes, honour their willingness to follow the wounded man from Galilee. We pray for all who labour long, yet can barely feed their families. Grant hourly grace to juggle competing claims; wisdom to know when to soothe and placate, and when to say ‘no’ to unfair demands. Save and empower women around the world who’ve been betrayed, or forced to sell their bodies to survive, or who live in bondage to rich and powerful overlords. Grant to those who have been denied justice and dignity, the special grace You gave to Mary and Joseph to endure the humiliation of becoming refugees and asylum seekers. Find ways to make their exile a chapter in their lives and not the end of the story. We lift before Your throne the plight of women who are shut off from a full and normal life; Women who suffer terrifying ordeals who are held against their will or seized for immoral purposes; We cry to You to let your Spirit flow to reach these women. Let men and women serve together in the power of the Spirit, the gifts of one complimenting the strengths and weaknesses of the other. As a man, I ask forgiveness for all the ways by which I degrade women, and do not honour them as I should. As a woman I ask forgiveness for all the ways by which I demean and make unfair demands on men, where I exert control and manipulate to get my way.