3rd Sunday (Men's Day) Responsive Readings.

How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head for there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord. From the depths of shame and degradation, we have been raised to bask in the light of divine love. We wear the righteousness of Christ Jesus for all the world too see. We are black men redeemed, renewed and regenerated. Praise God for redemption full and free. We call to remembrance the spirit and intellect of our ancient African ancestors. Their civilizations reveal the rich endowments of their culture. Their blood courses through our veins and reminds us that we are creative capable and strong. We stand on the shoulders of our forefathers. They survived the passage on crowded slave ships the humiliation of slavery the tearing away of wives and children the ravages of racism unemployment and underemployment. We honor the memory of both named and unnamed black men who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and peace. Thank You God that our lives are enriched because of their sacrifices. We recognize the contributions of extraordinary African American men such as Frederick Douglas and Ralph Bunch Jesse Owens Jackie Robinson Arthur Ashe George Pullman the Tuskegee Airmen Richard Wright Alex Haley Adam Clayton Powell and Richard Allen. Many more black male achievers such as these have inspired and motivated us. With perseverance and much determination black men have overcome many economic political and psychological obstacles. Lord lift us out of complacency. Help us protect love and support our families. O God remove all hatred animosity and anger from our souls, Keep us from the snare of the enemy. Envelop us in your undying love. Through Jesus Christ the way to abundant love has been paved for us. God our Protector we pray for solidarity among black men united courageous and responsible strong in the power of Your Spirit. Thanks be to You.