It’s the second day of Lent! Today I am analyzing a hymn from our teal hymnal (#1028). The Fire of Commitment (words by Mary Katherine Morn and music by Jason Shelton) is a wonderful song about what feeds our, as Unitarian Universalists, commitment to social justice and change.
From the light of days remembered burns a beacon bright and clear guiding hands and hearts and spirits into faith set free from fear.
So many people before me have worked for religious freedom. James Luther led the Protestant reformation. Our founding fathers wrote the first amendment, guaranteeing us the freedom to practice our religion how we so choose. All of my Sunday school teachers, summer camp counselors, and high school advisors have ensured that I have a safe space to explore my belief system. Each and every one of them have contributed to me recognizing the value of this faith.
From the stories of our living rings a song both brave and free, calling pilgrims still to witness to the life of liberty.
The best way to leave a legacy is to make stories. To make stories of our freedom is to show those that come after us what we have done. To make stories for the future is to give the future a means of comparison.
From the dreams of youthful vision comes a new, prophetic voice, which demands a deeper justice built by our courageous choice
So much of the change made in America is made by young people. It was young people who rebelled against World War 1, against the vietnam war, against gun violence, against environmental issues. We haven’t had all of our dreams crushed yet, and we want to see to live our future. We demand to see change.
When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze. When our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way. When we live with deep assurance of the flame that burns within, then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin.
When I leave a Unitarian Universalist event, like a conference, rally, camp, or even a really good sermon, I talk the whole way home. My mom and I have hour long (or more!) conversations about incorporating what we learned into our church, our lives, my youth group, and this blog. I am set ablaze with the hunger for change. These events fuel my passion and commitment to making my community and this world a better place.
This song was written for the 50th anniversary of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, and I am sure that it was perfect for that event. This song addresses our past, our present, and our future as a liberal faith always on the forefront of social change. If you haven’t given this song a listen, I strongly encourage you to do so here.
Best of wishes,
Artie Evans