Lacking Nothing

‘Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.’ He said to them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘No, not a thing.’ He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough.’ Luke 22:31-38

Let's admit, we humans worry. When we are young we sorry about being smart enough, being attractive enough, and we worry about having the right clothes and friends. We worry that no one will like us and that we won't have friends. As adults we fret about the bills and meeting the demands of our bosses. We worry that no one will remember us when we are gone. To all our troubled hearts God says we lack nothing and we will always be loved for eternity. May we all realize that we are wanted love and completely enough and what we lack is in God's hands.

Loving Creator, source of all blessings

you promise that we will lack nothing

that we are always held for all times

in your loving arms close to your heart.

We worry and fret about what we lack

we scheme and dream about wealth

about having enough and being loved

yet in every moment you love us all.

Help us to fall back into your arms

trusting that there will enough for today

knowing that our worries solve nothing

and in you arms we abide forever. Amen.

One Who Serves

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:24-30

We Americans love British TV and Victorian dramas with households full of servants. We relate to the grand family, even though most of us would be servants, others would have been slaves. We forget the pain of our own history in this country. Indentured servitude and slavery fueled our economy for many generations. How many powerful people sat in church and heard these words? Did they really swap their power for servanthood? Well, we have the opportunity in this generation to remove ourselves from the seats of power to kneeling and washing feet, as Jesus did. Are we willing?

Gracious Lord, Incarnate as servant

we have been healed by your touch

we have been made God's children

and you have called us to serve with you.

We are rebellious and angry children

thinking we have been denied honor

we struggle and grapple for power

and we forget to hear your words.

Help us to let go of our need for honor

and instead honor those in great need

let us share the bounty you have given

so that we might eat at your holy table. Amen.

In Remembrance of Me

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this. Luke 22:14-23 

An annual religious holiday and family gathering can be both a joy and a challenge. Jesus and his disciples had celebrated together every year they were together, but this one would be different. That night there would be drama and betrayal, chaos and great pain. The words Jesus spoke to them at table was etched in their memories, as was the horror that would ensue. This last supper for us becomes the renewal of life, the presence of the Divine at our table.

Gracious God you welcomed us

to sit at table with your friends

you promised to be with us all

and told us to remember your sacrifice.

Too often we forget to seek you

regularly we wander far away

and yet you invite us again

to live in remembrance of that night.

Set us free from worry to focus on you

help us to prepare for you every day

strengthen us to joyfully serve others

joining them at you feast of love. Amen.

Preparing A Meal

Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple. Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ ‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, “The teacher asks you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ” He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.’ So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. Luke 21:37-22:13

Important celebrations always include a meal no matter how elaborate or humble they might be. There is an anticipated joy in the meal prep, the conversations and the laughter that go along with getting everything ready. I have often joined my mother in the kitchen and my husband and I love to cook together, and love having the whole family around. Most family meals, however sacred, do not hold the portent we know is in our Gospel story of the last supper preparation. Yet we can be present with them, when we remember Christ's sacrifice which began and continues with a simple meal.

Wondrous God, you came among us

taught us to live like your children

you blessed us with healing and hope

and brought us all back to new life.

We are often distracted and foolish

caught up in the politics of the day

thinking we can win if loud enough

believing that money will change things.

Bring us back always to your table

welcome us and teach us your love

remake our hearts for service alone

and help us be blessings here and now. Amen.

God is Near

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’ Luke 21:29-36

Summer is here and the heat and humidity encompass us all here in New England. The highways and byways are overhung with greenery and the flowers and trees are in bloom. We have waited for summer and now we have summer weather to complain about. Jesus was encouraging all who would listen, to pay attention, living faithfully despite the distractions and worry of our lives. The disciples had no idea how quickly their time with Jesus would be done. No change in seasons, no hard turns in our lives will separate us from the love of God. We are promised that his love and words will never fade away.

Wondrous Creator, source of all life

we marvel at the blooming plants

and gather in the shade of leafy trees

blessed by your love in every season.

We often stray from the good road

distracted by our selfishness and pride

we forget to see the signs you show us

fail to listen to your words of love.

Help us today to stay focused on you

give us the faith to trust your words

let our lives be dedicated anew to serve

that we all know that God is truly near. Amen. 

By Your Endurance

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’ They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them. ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. ‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:5-19

I consider myself a long-distance swimmer. Not really a fast swimmer as much as I am able to keep moving and swim a mile or more with out tiring. Or at least I was until the past year. I cannot wait to get back in the water and develop my endurance again. Sprinting and going fast over short distances is easy compared to continuing on stroke after stroke, breathing and exhaling as the body moves ever forward. There is a wondrous beauty and reverent silence in going the distance, enduring through choppy waters and when there is no one to turn to but God.

Loving Creator, you draw us out of the sea

we are formed and shaped in living water

you breathe life into to every one of us

and set us each on the course of life.

We want to blaze through our growing

we want to set aside the learning for winning

we think life's trials are you abandoning us

yet you are by our side in every season.

Help us today to learn to swim in troubled waters

let us know the challenges as faith lessons

give us you patience to endure and go on

so that your love might flourish in our time. Amen.

A Widow's Generosity

Then he said to them, ‘How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ” David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’ In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’ He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’ Luke 20:41-21:4

My mother was a widow for more than twenty years. During most of those years, she cooked meals for, and fed, upwards to 40 children every week. Most of these kids had a parent in jail and were living in substandard housing. Her car trunk was filled with the donations from others but a good deal of what was served came out of her own pocket. She didn't have much money, but she gave generously. She knew what it was like to be hungry as a child and knew her small offering could go a long way.

Creator God, heart of all generosity

you shower us with love and homes

you provide light along our paths

and guide us in our darkest nights.

We turn away from those in need

hoarding our riches, hiding our wealth

while others suffer because of greed

and children go to bed hungry at night.

Help us to follow the generous widow

may we share your abundance with joy

everything and each breath comes from you

so make us grateful and thankful always. Amen

God of the Living

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally, the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed, they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’ Then some of the scribes answered, ‘Teacher, you have spoken well.’ For they no longer dared to ask him another question. Luke 20:27-40

I have spent a good deal of my life by the ocean and the sound of the surf still can lull me to sleep. Noone who spends time along the sea can fail to understand that it is teeming with life. Small crustaceans hide in every rock crevice, the outgoing tide deposits horseshoe crabs on the shore, and at night the tiny luminescence are visible in the rolling surf. There is life where we cannot see it as well. Deep in the depths the ocean teems with life. So too, our Creator, the God of the living, is renewing and restoring life in the places where we might not be able to see or to comprehend life. 

Great Creator, source of all life

the seas roars with your praises

the birds sing with love for you

all creation is alive with your spirit.

We only see life as we know it now

we fail to anticipate the renewing of life

we worry that there is nothing further for us

yet you hold us tenderly in your hands.

Help us to join all creation in song

for you are the God of the living

and those no longer here are with you

as we are too, loved completely by you. Amen.

Juneteenth 2023

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ Luke 4: 14 - 21

A Litany for Juneteenth 2023

Loving God, Creator of harmony, Author of Justice,

We pray you draw near to your children crying out

For justice and freedom that was theirs by your love

But which was withheld and they were enslaved.

We are bound by your love to bring freedom to all.

 

Our President said in 1863 “ I do order and declare

 that all persons held as slaves within said designated States

 and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free”

 and “I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind”

We pray for your gracious favor and help, Almighty God.

 

Some of us have experienced persecution and pain

Some have been separated form their home communities

Others have lived with great privilege and power

And you have declared that we are all your children.

We pray for the humility to acknowledge our siblings, Dear Lord.

 

Love and freedom begin and end with you, Lord

The streets are full of voices crying for justice

Our children point out the inequity and violence

Yet we are too often reluctant to get involved.

Precious Savior, empower us to work for justice here and now.

 

Free us from the fear of conflict

Make us your hands and heart today.

O Good Shepherd, lead us and guide us to freedom.

 

May all our works and words

Bring justice and liberty to all.

In your love, O Christ, we are made free to serve. Amen.

Proper 6 Sunday, June 18th, 2023

The Collect 

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

The Gospel

Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. [Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)

I have often bristled at this Gospel since Jesus limits the disciples' ministry to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. Most Christians today would be considered Gentiles and Samaritans. What was Jesus doing? It finally dawned on me that this was their first time on their own without their teacher. A good teacher ends the students out for a limited time and a limited range. Their capacity is limited, their understanding of other cultures and communities is limited. So, they are initially sent out to build their confidence and to learn how to serve. All of us were beginners at one time, and we had to learn in a safe and limited environment. All of the disciples became more capable and stronger because of this fidt assignment. Learning is difficult and a good teacher understands how to keep the learner safe and growing.

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, you give us teachers

gentle and fierce leaders who model love

who help us to grow in our faith and skill

and who walk with us in new challenges.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name.

We think we know how proclaim your truth

yet these times are strange and challenging

we forget that we are students and not experts

we honor power and control instead of service.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name.

You have promised to be with us in all things

in times of trouble your teaching holds fast

you limit our range for the safety of all

and you gently lead us back home again.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name.

Help us to be patient as we daily learn

may our service bring forth justice.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name.

Let us know our capacity and our limitations

so that we might seek you in every moment.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name.

For you have walked the dusty roads before us

and you will guide us through the darkest nights.

Lord, help us to become loving disciples in your name. Amen.

House of Prayer

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’ Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer”; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard. Luke 19:41-48

I often wonder how we all would behave if we considered every inch of our earth, every creature, every being as part of a house of prayer. We have become people who commodify everything, from "real estate" to relationships. We put a price on everything and are willing to sell to the highest bidder. Yet what if we considered every day a visitation from God? I do believe we are standing on Holy ground. How do we walk and live here?

Gracious Creator, you provide for us

you shelter us from violent storms

you daily bless us and you feed us

in all you are abundantly generous.

We take what you have freely given

charging a price for your generosity

we count wealth above all else

and pity those who share their little.

Help us Lord to recognize you here

may your visitation not go unseen

may we praise you in the night and day

and live faithfully on your blessed holy ground. Amen,

The Stones Would Shout

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ Luke 19:28-40

In many of our Indigenous traditions, stones and rock are animate beings, part of God's living creation, precious along with all being. In modern times many people regard mountains and hills, rocks and trees as inanimate objects, something to be moved and destroyed when they get in the way of progress. We fail to listen to the trees, rocks and the ground we inhabit. Jesus knew that the rocks had life and capacity, the capacity to cry out and praise their Creator. May we be wise to the voices of our earth.

Loving Creator, lifegiving One

you made us in your image

endowed us with wisdom

and hearts built for compassion.

We often miss the most obvious

the blessings you shower upon us

we are oblivious to your presence

and forget to praise you every day.

Give us new hearts and minds

that we might see your life in all

may we hear the rocks and hills

and join with them in songs of praise. Amen.

Trustworthy in Small Things

As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’ Luke 19:11-27

This parable of the talents, as it once was called, has often troubled me. Jesus is often making a point in the extreme when he uses parables. I can't imagine God as one who would punish the fearful and the anxious. Instead, I think we are invited today to use what we have been given, however small it might be, for the building up of God's kingdom, divine love here on earth. We might be afraid of failure, yet we are promised increase and blessings however big or small our gifts might seem.

Gracious God, you give us enough

fill us with food and shelter for today

strength to face the storms of tomorrow

and a loving community to strengthen us.

We are often fearful and reluctant to act

we hide our talents and bury our treasure

we believe that a shortage is inevitable

and we discount your promises to us.

Help us to offer the small and meager gifts

knowing you will help us to flourish

trusting that your love is more than enough

believing that we are blessed here and now. Amen

Up A Tree

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’ Luke 19:1-10

In Sunday School, as a child, I learned a song about Zacchaeus, which I still remember to this day. The final words of the song are something like, "I am coming to your house today, I am coming to your house to stay." Zacchaeus wasn't perfect, he was a rich tax collector and much maligned by the religious leaders. Yet his heart was open and he sought Jesus, who came to his house bringing love and salvation. We are all sinners and fragile humans. And Jesus is always ready to come to our house to stay.

Precious Creator, you seek us out

you know us each by our names

and call to us when we are up a tree

seeking to come join us in our homes.

We forget to take time to seek you

we try to hide our flaws and mistakes

we throw money at the problems 

yet you seek us out in our hiding places.

Help us to seek you every morning

let us not be afraid to ask for help

make us your followers always

and come to our homes and stay with us. Amen.

Receive Your Sight

Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.’ But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Luke 18:31-43

We've been on Cape Cod the past few days as I had a visitation at Christ Church, Harwich Port. There are lighthouses here, seemingly all over the place, both functioning and decorative. In this day and age, we often forget how essential lighthouses were and still are. In the darkest of nights, in the worst storms, the beams from the lighthouse gave those on the sea their sight. Blinded by the storm, they could find their way to shore. We too, whether we know we are blinded by our storms or not, need the light of God to restore our sight.

Creator God, you hung the stars to follow

when we were crossing unknown and dark seas

you guide us through storms and rough seas

and bring us daily safely home to safe harbors.

We often defy you ways and seek our own

thinking we are smarter with our technology

needing no one else to help us return home

yet we are often terribly lost and so misguided,

Help us, Lord, to seek you everywhere

may our faith grow as we follow you

may we live humbly willing to ask you

for every need we and your people have today. Amen.

Proper 5 - Sunday, June 11, 2023

Collect - Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

When I was 12 and in seventh grade, I had to have abdominal surgery. In those days the diagnostic tests we have now did not exist. Because I was a kid, I wasn't too worried about it all. I later learned that my parents were terrified, worried that the outcome could be cancer. In those days there were few cures and it meant death, most often. Obviously, I survived and did not have cancer. As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain and grief my parents shared in waiting for the post surgical results. There was much prayer form our whole community. 

Wondrous Creator, maker of earth and sky

you fashioned us from stardust and red clay

you made us your beloved children here

and gave us your spirit so we might have faith.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.

We are often overwhelmed by fear and trauma

we worry for our children and their safety

we hurt one another in times of great crisis

and forget you have promised to watch over us.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.

The world can close in and be frightening

yet you have promise to be by our side

you promised to never leave us abandoned

and offered healing to all who asked you.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.

We are fragile humans, often confused

yet you are our great Creator, lover of all.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.

When we fail to pray you still seek us

all the lost and wandering you care for.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times.

Help us to pray at all times and in all things

for you have blessed us and you bring us home.

Lord, help us to pray and seek you at all times. Amen.

Humility

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Luke 18:9-14

Jesus was always telling stories. And the parables he told always found traction for the people he told, since they repeated them, wrote them down and saved them for us today. Humility is a challenging subject today since our world is focused on stardom, twenty minutes of fame, and reality stars. Yet we are invited to truly seek another path, humility. Honest assessment of ourselves and without judging others. As the song says, 'what a wonderful world that would be!"

When I was in fifth grade, our class took a field trip to New York City. We saw the sights and were even treated to a helicopter ride at the end. We stopped and toured the famous New York City Public Library. When leaving, as our teacher was organizing us, I stepped back, and proceeded to fall down all of the steps of the library, in front of my whole class. I was not hurt but mortified. We all hate to be humbled, yet the truth is we are all broken and imperfect people. When we can admit that, we are on the right road.

Gracious Creator, we are made in your image

we humans are your wanted and beloved children

adored in our complete and fragile humanity

called family by you despite our warring hearts.

We rush to judge others and fail to see ourselves

we laugh and point and the very different ones

we privately revel in not being like them

and yet, we are your image, every single one.

Help us to set aside all judgement today

make us always ready to examine ourselves

heal us from our vanity and our pride

so we might humbly serve in your name. Amen.

Pray Always

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” ’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’ Luke 18:1-8

Wondrous Creator, you promise to hear us

you said you are with us in every thing

you walked the earth and live as we do

your love surrounds us in breath we take.

We forget so easily that you are here

we try to solve the problems on our own

we think we are abandoned when it storms

and we neglect to pray in every moment.

Help us Lord to seek you in prayer daily

give us the strength not to lose heart

help us be like the loud and stubborn widow 

so we might remember that we are your children. Amen.

The Kingdom of God Among You

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed all of them —it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left.’ Then they asked him, ‘Where, Lord?’ He said to them, ‘Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.’ Luke 17:20-37

There are moments, when watching a child sleep, or during a magnificent sunset, where the kingdom of God can be glimpsed. Each of us can remember and imagine times when we know that the kingdom of God is among us. Holy moments breaking through our very human lives. The religious leaders were always trying to make Jesus demonstrate power and dominion. And he invited them, as he invites us to see the kingdom of God here and now. We are invited to live without worry for the last days but rather seek God's love and presence in our daily lives.

Loving God, you are here among us

moving our hearts to forgive one another

bringing us delights in the night sky

and wonders during our days on earth.

We often deny your presence here 

seeing only the divisions and violence

worrying that we have been abandoned

failing to see the real blessings around us.

Open our eyes that we might see you

help us to embrace the tender blessings

give us courage to invite your kingdom here

so the world might be blessed by your love. Amen.

Your Faith Has Made You Well

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Luke 17:11-19

Sometimes healing comes quickly and sometimes, it is a slow, frustrating process. Yet, God is the midst of all healing and gratitude changes everything. The process of rehabilitation and others exercises demand work of us, and the hope of new possibilities. As I work through learning to walk again, I have learned to pray when the pain is at its worst. And as fully human, I get frustrated and angry when things are painful and tough. And throughout there is gratitude knowing God is working through all, in all and moving me to a new place.

Holy Creator, healer of the world

you mend the broken circles again

you bind people back together

and draw us all as one renewed people.

We think ourselves deserving

we believe that we are righteous

and yet we turn away from the needy

and are self-congratulating daily.

Help us to return with gratitude

trusting that the healing has begun

knowing you are more ready to mend

and that you are seeking us daily. Amen.

Increase Our Faith

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ Luke 17:1-10

There is an ancient mulberry tree on the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. During the Lambeth Conference last summer, we would often sit under the tree to have our lunch or await a ride back to our dorm room. I thought about this passage from Luke often when sitting there. If we had faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we could demand this huge tree move itself and it would. The trunk of this tree is massive, and the branches reach out to cover a wide swath of ground and several benches in the shade. I would not ask this ancient tree to move itself, yet in following Jesus, we are given faith and power from the Holy Spirit. May we deepen our faith as we live as servants of a loving and forgiving God.

Wondrous Creator, you provide summer's shade

and shelter in the deep cold of our winters

knowing our daily needs and hope filled dreams

you call us to follow your way of loving service.

We attempt to do everything on our own

and come crying to you when we fail often

yet you forgive us, time and time again

and set us back on our feet as we follow you.

Help us to day to live as loving servants

always listening and seeking your direction

increase our faith daily so we might serve you

and share your love with this aching world. Amen.

 

You Cannot Serve God and Wealth

‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’ The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. So he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God. ‘The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped. Luke 16:10-18

"If I were a rich man" begins a familiar song from Fiddler on A Roof. Plenty of money would make personal and family lives easier. Churches struggle with funding and many worry about their survival. Poverty can crush one's spirit. And yet, we are called to put our hearts and minds focused on God. Despite the worries and anxieties, God has promised that there will enough, there will be what we need from moment to moment. 

Wondrous Creator, source of life

you have promised to feed us all

and lead us into verdant valleys

providing for our every need.

We worry about the cost of it

focus on the money and not the love

our focus is on numbers and receipts

and we forget all of your promises.

Take us by the hand again today

help us to walk this way of love

following you, focused on you

trusting that all of our needs will be supplied. Amen.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. Luke 16:1-9

I've always been uncomfortable with this parable, because I am not often shrewd enough when it is necessary and abhor manipulating people. So, I've had to wrestle to understand what Jesus is saying to me today. And if I could put it in my own words, it would be a challenge to be always aware of the context, the culture and the people one serves. Jesus is not suggesting that we should be con artists or thieves. Rather, we are invited today to be wise and observant where we are planted, learning the ways of the people around us.

Great Creator, source of all wisdom

you shower us with sunlight in season

keep us warm and sheltered in winter

and make us home with us here on earth.

We  are unwise often flounder helplessly

without paying attention to your gifts

we rage against the broken world around us

yet we do nothing to lift us all together.

Help us today to be wise and fully aware

help us to see the opportunities around us

let us always be learning and growing in faith

so that we might live in your presence here. Amen.