An invocation for Black History Month, February

James Weldon Johnson the great poet and composer of what has become the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing; wrote a series of poems called God’s Trombones in 1927. One of the most well-known lines from this collection says, “young man, young man, your arm’s too short to box with God...”

The words begin his telling of the story of The Prodigal Son; the Biblical story of a selfish sibling who wastes his father’s wealth and lives a life of debauchery only to be rewarded by his father for returning home...“young man, young man, your arm’s too short to box with God...”

The line is meant to say, we are too short-sighted and short-armed to see and punch against the world; and receive Grace coming our way.

May we remember these words, “young man, young man, your arm’s too short to box with God...” when people are punching down; hurting the most vulnerable.

May we remember these words “young man, young man, your arm’s too short to box with God...” when the image of God who imbues the world with Grace; is too often invoked emotionally or nostalgically; but not actually as a spiritual presence that transforms cruelty, injustice, and selfishness.

So today, may the God of justice, and love, and mercy; live in your arms.

May you reach out to your neighbor. May you share love.

May the Kingdom of Heaven be within your grasp.