LBW #429, "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life"
Devotion
“Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” is one of the few hymns that place us in the midst of life and that name both the cause and the effect of the world’s hurt and pain. Written nearly a hundred years ago it gives voice to the human woes that cry out for agents of “the strong compassion in your [God’s] face.”
Is there a way to sing this hymn without assuming that we are the ones who are the primary conveyors of the cup of cold water, of the help that God offers to those in need? Suppose that John had returned to Jesus singing this hymn instead of complaining about those who were “not following us” (Mark 9:38)? We might sing this hymn with new enthusiasm if we were to name those “someones” other than ourselves who are bearers of God’s goodness to the world.
Prayer
God of compassion, help us to hear the world’s pain and hurt. Shine on us with the compassion of your face so that we may yearn for that day when “all the world shall learn your love.” And help us celebrate all who “follow where your feet have trod.” Amen.