By What Authority? Sunday, October 1st

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.” Matthew 21:23-32

Authority is a complicated matter, particularly for Indigenous people. We showed hospitality to the first settlers, refugees and immigrants. Quickly we became enemies of our fledgling government, then wards of the government. Others had authority over us. The citizenship act of 1924 did not give tribes sovereignty. That happened in the late 1970s, and that was limited to the federally recognized tribes. Even now, the sovereignty of tribes is often challenged and denied. We find Jesus being tested by the religious leaders about where his authority comes from. They didn't like to think he was treading on something they thought was theirs by right. When we take something for granted, we often forget our power, strength and authority is a gift and a blessing, not a right. The Creator is generous and is not bound by the shallow and greedy nature of humanity.

A Litany for Sunday

Generous and loving Creator, you give us authority

so we might care for the lost and the downtrodden

you strengthen and bless us with your Holy Spirit

so our hearts might be full of your generosity.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. 

We grappled and struggle for great authority

we grab what is not ours and push others away

we fail to see the harm we have selfishly done

and do not follow you on the sacred road of love.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. 

Lift us from the deep pits of our selfish ways

open our eyes to see how to use the power of love

take us from the smallness of our greediness

and make us humble and faithful in everything.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. 

You told stories to enlighten the confused

help us be your lights in the darkest of times.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. 

You made your home with the broken ones

help us to welcome as you once did.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. 

For your love is our beginning and end

and all authority rests in your loving sacrifice.

Precious Savior, help us believe and follow you today. Amen.

Ah, Wilderness?

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Philippians 2:1-13

My blog today offers my reflection on our concerns as church leaders about decline and finding ourselves in what has been described as "wilderness". And so, I have to ask -

Is Our Church Truly in the Wilderness?

 

It is hard for me, as an Indigenous bishop to understand the worry about being in the wilderness. I was brought up to see all the riches that wilderness offered, learned to navigate by the stars and find food in hidden places. We generally don’t go into the wilds alone, instead the youngest and the eldest ones are surrounded by the able bodied. We teach and learn together. We tell the stories of survival and strength and show the scars of our challenges.

We spoke about the church being in the wilderness following statistics about church decline, small churches getting smaller and the lack of funds needed to sustain ministries. As far as I can see, and my eyes have certainly dimmed with age, we are not in a wilderness, but rather in a turning time, a time when the ancestors can speak to us and the holy spirit can use us. Before now, we thought we knew everything. We were righteous, actually self-righteous. Now we have been brought low by our own privilege. For centuries our church has lived a life of privilege, with gorgeous buildings in fashionable places, while our little missions have continued unfunded and neglected. And yet, the little missions, on reservations and degrading city streets are surviving on next to nothing, thriving as they serve their neighbors.

True wilderness for us, individually, would look more like life in our cities' food deserts, our neglected schools, our tent cities, and aching bellies. Our bellies are full, we have shelter and security. We might be troubled, undone even, but this does not seem like a wilderness to me. Actually, it seems like a place of invitation to gather, to tell the stories of survival and strength and to show the scars of living beyond the crisis and the battles. Our Creator is most often drawing close when we are unsettled and confused, not when we vie for power and righteousness. When we learn and forage together, across generations, then our Creator will stir up more possibility and more vitality than we can even hope for.

 

Practicing Piety

‘Beware of practicingyour piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Piety is a word we don't often hear these days. Yet, there are plenty of people who love to be seen. Whether it is someone campaigning, declaring their righteousness and insights, or those who let us know how good they are by how much they exercise and how healthy they eat, we are often overwhelmed and challenged by their "piety". They want attention more than anything. Like the person who, in a crowded restaurant, declares at the top of their lungs about their amazing diet, they get their reward. A shallow reward it is. We are invited to draw near to God in a quiet place, hidden from view, and truly open our hearts there. God is always near us, and we are encouraged to be near to God.

Wondrous Creator, we find you in secret

in the honest places, next to broken hearts

you dwell in the mess of our daily lives

and lift us up in our times of great sorrow.

We love attention and acclaim so much

we love to show off our gifts and skills

like little children needing to lead the others

we push and show our way to the line's front.

Help us to seek you in the early mornings

in the hidden rooms and shadows at night

give us your spirit so we might life up others

making you love known in our daily service. Amen.

Cause to Sin

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:27-37

Being human means falling into sin. We are, all of us, selfish, self-righteous, and flawed. We Christians can get to judging others and fail to see our own flaws and sins. Mattthew writes to the religious leaders of his time, sharing Jesus' words to be humble and contrite at all times. We humans can sometimes think that we know the truth and others are stupidly flawed. Yet, this behavior is exactly where Jesus calls us out. Love and forgiveness have been freely given, and we are to always move from power to service, from hubris to humility, and from judgement to self-examination. 

Loving Creator, your beauty surrounds us

the seasons turn and the world is so small

you gave us neighbors and teachers

and family to teach us how to live together.

We are often bent on destroying your goodness

we stamp out your beauty and pollute your rivers

we carelessly build castles in the shifting sand

and cry to you when our foolish plans ultimately fail.

Help us to daily repent of our sin and live humbly

let us rededicate our lives to your love and service

give us your grace so we might know our flaws

and give thanks eternally for your forgiving love. Amen.

First Be Reconciled

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

We have all gotten our feelings hurt, and even worse been permanently harmed by someone. Very few of us will admit to the hurt and harm we have caused others. Humility, apologizing and forgiving are hard for us to live into, although the center of our Christian lives. How hard it is to forgive those who wound us, intentionally or by accident. Yet, Jesus strongly invites us, actually charges us, to apologize and forgive, day in and day out. When we forgive, we stop carrying the wounds we have, we begin the healing process and sets the other free. When we apologize, we loose the pain we carry and open our hearts to God's healing love, and we offer up the possibility of reconciliation. Nothing may happen instantly. Yet Christ promises to be there in every moment.

Gracious Creator, you bind up our wounds

you carry us through storms and rough ground

you provide us with food, shelter and family

and your love hovers across this wide earth.

We want to be righteous and always fail

often blaming our failures on innocent others

we forget to wake with forgiveness in our hearts

and so we wrestle at night, angry and sleepless.

Help us to know you way of peace now

the way which is paved with forgiveness

the road which we litter with our apologies

is the road of healing, love and freedom. Amen.

Sunday, September 24th - Proper 20

                                                   The Last Will Be First

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:1-16

I have watched as many institutions, including the church, struggle with the issues of racism. Faithful, kind people, want to make right the ravages of slavery. And it is a very good thing. I also see, way too often, well-meaning leaders, overlooking the people who have been here all along, who had their land stolen, their ancestors murdered and their children abused. Jesus' parable breathes new life into the work we do as Christians. We are not to follow fashion, thinking ourselves righteous and good. Instead, we are to look to the excluded, the denied the shut out. They will be and truly are our leaders. These are the ones who have waited prayerfully and believed the promises of God.

A Sunday Litany

Great Creator, you breathe us into existence

you pour your life-giving spirit into all flesh

lifting us from the depths of worry and despair

daily renewing your promises to everyone.

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome.

The storms of life are beating on our shores

we huddle inside and rejoice in our safety

we do not venture out and look for the lost

and we do not pen our doors to the desperate.

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome.

We have squandered your love over and over

yet your love in endless and you take us all 

we think ourselves righteous and act like royalty

you know the very damages we think we hide.

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome.

As the world turns cold, we hunker down inside

failing to see the throng hoping for a warm meal

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome.

As the light fades and darkness settles in

we make ourselves safe by shutting out the world.

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome.

You, dear Lord, call us to turn our hearts again

so that love might throw open every bolted door.

Lord Jesus, take away our pride and make it your loving welcome. Amen.

Salt and Light

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16

We live in a very self-promoting world, where entrepreneurs and self-made folks are king. And yet to be salt and light means to be a gift and blessing for others, spending ourselves so others may thrive, living to carry new life into the broken and dying place and people. Our blessings come, not as fame, celebrity or money, but as deep, abiding blessings that renew us. We are filled with joy as those who lost their way can find home and life again. We live in a time desperate for the salt and light we can be. May we respond to the call to take the less glamorous road of salt and light, living for the joy of others.

Gracious Creator, you light the night sky

with moon and stars to guide our way

your abundance feeds the world over

yet we would hoard the blessings given.

We want quick answers, fast solutions

yet we are unwilling to offer anything

we draw near to power and to fame

and forget to be salt and light for others.

Help us today to take the humble path

the way that builds community and trust

the careful and kind steps of welcome

that blesses us all, over and over again. Amen.

Blessed Are You

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10

For whatever reason, yesterday was challenging for many people. Several of my colleagues were overwhelmed by sudden losses. Yesterday the House of Bishops met to pray for our Presiding Bishop undergoing surgery. It was a very long time before we heard anything. From time to time, we all have days and seasons that bring us to our knees. We become rattled and fearful, flooded with worries and memories. To all of this, Jesus' reply is simple. He climbed up the mountain, sat down and said, "Blessed are you." When we are morning, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and broken, our God brings us more blessings, in spite of our circumstances. To our hurting humanity, Jesus always responds with more blessings.

Marvelous Creator, you bless us daily

giving us companions to carry our grief

a community to surround us in weakness

and your love which lifts us all up.

We face loss, weakness and pain

fearing you are punishing and scolding us

yet you, O Lord want only more love

more blessings and more mercy for all.

Help us to be a blessing this very day

to those whose load is overwhelming

make us companions to the suffering

and give us the open arms to receive your blessings now. Amen.

Follow Me

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:18-25

Fishing is and has been, throughout history, an essential life sustaining work, not a recreational sport. Those who lived by water were sustained by fish and used all of their by-products. We forget how communal fishing was. It was and is team work, grueling and arduous. The days were long and the conditions rough, with unpredictable storms and other dangers. And yet, they fished to give life to their communities. So, when Jesus calls them away, they followed him, offering the same collegial attitude and offering hard work. We who would follow Jesus are invited to be willing as the first disciples were, to offer our work, our time and our labor for the care for our world.

Magnificent Creator, you trouble the waters

you stirred the fisher folk to follow you

they gave up all that they knew to follow you

and we are truly blessed by your daily presence.

We are often afraid to follow you in our time

we think we are not strong enough, nor able

we believe that you have stepped away from us

yet you are leading us onward inviting all to follow.

Lord, help us to let go our nets and follow you

make us strong enough to take to the road

make us humble enough to follow on the way

and breath your new life so we might live to love others. Amen.

Kingdom of Heaven is Near

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 4:12-17

There are times when we know the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Our breath stops as we take in an amazing sunset, when the wind blows cool air in great heat. We look in the face of a newborn child, the sweet, wrinkled face of an elder, and the tender hope in our families. God is indeed always near, even when we do not see or acknowledge God's presence. We may not see but with each breath God draws always closer, inviting us to prayer despite our anger, anxiety and fears.

Loving Creator, who draws near as we sleep

who touches us when we awake each morning

who lifts our feet when they have grown weary

and fills us up when we are so totally spent.

We often think you have abandoned us here

the violence and dangers that arise every day

convince us that you have given up on your world

yet you are breathing ever and walking with us.

Gracious Savior, hear our exhausted prayers

refill our empty hearts and our empty spirits

help us to see your face in each stranger we meet

and let us be your light in impending darkness. Amen.

Tempted and Tried

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:1-11

Being human means being subject to many temptations. We are tempted to overindulge, to be selfish, to hoard and to steal, to act on our angers and our jealousies. In extreme situations, we are tempted to end it all for someone else or ourselves. We want more than anything, for our lives to be simple, happy and unchallenged. Too often the hurdles are high, the challenges too much and the pain too excruciating. The good news is we serve a God who knows the lived realities of our pain, suffering and temptations. We are loved by a Creator who know suffering and forgives us our humanity and our failures.

Wondrous Creator, you took on our humanity

in the person of Jesus you hungered and were tempted

you lived in a dusty, challenging, and painful world

and love us all despite our failures and our brokenness.

We too often blame others for our mistakes

we too often blame you for our present condition

yet you always invite us to seek you in our desperation

and cling to your promises of forgiveness and healing.

Help us to call upon you in our darkest hours

remind us all that you suffer along with us now

give us the strength to cry out in our temptations

and seek you in every hurdle and challenge we face. Amen.

Bear Fruit of Repentence

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ Matthew 3:1-12

We do not admit it, but repentance and humility do not come easily to us humans. And those of us who have been abused, forced to repent or forced to grovel, will tell us that that has destroyed their sense of self. John is pointing us to something different than forced and abusive humility. John was speaking to the religious leadership who had abused their power so completely. The fruits of repentance and humility are a safe and secure community, where everyone has a voice and their gifts are honored.

Loving Creator, you fashioned us all

from stardust and divine wondrous light

and you made everyone in your image

a people of endless capacity and beauty.

We have used our power to scar others

we have abused the blessings you give us

we have been arrogant and haughty

thinking ourselves the authors of life.

Help us to be humble and repentant

so that we might see the beauty in others

let us cling to your love as a life preserver

and bear the fruit of love, patience and compassion. Amen.

Refugees

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’ When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’ When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’ Matthew 2:13-23

We don't often talk about the Egyptian years, when Jesus, Mary and Joseph spent many years in exile as refugees in Egypt. They may have had family and friends there, but maybe not. They could have been complete strangers, Joseph taking daily work and keeping their heads down to avoid the authorities. Even when they returned, they could not go home. We live in a land where the predominance of citizens are immigrants, as well as refugees and asylum seekers. Those who arrived several generations back seem to loathe those who are just arriving, seeking asylum, work and a new life. And those of us whose people call this land home for thousands and thousands of years, look on with great sadness. What if we treated all our refugees as the Holy family, with the kind of welcome, hospitality and compassion of those who greeted the very first European settlers?

Loving God, who knows life as a refugee

who knows rejection, danger and scorn

despite the vile human treatment received

you love us all as your beloved children.

We prove over and over our lack of gratitude

we live as if we can claim this land as property

we forget that we have been blessed with abundance

and that there is room at your table for all.

Help us to see Jesus in the stranger and refugee

help us to be those who welcome and embrace

let us live with the compassion you have for us

sharing your love with the hurting people here. Amen.

Following A Star

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12

Here on the east coast, everyone's eyes are on the storm named Lee. We want to know whether it will cause damage where we live. the spaghetti models predict a wide swath of possible impact. Our eyes are on the skies. We don't often, in this day and age, keep our eyes on the skies and the heavens. Wise people did in times past. We haven't looked close enough to understand the signs of the seasons, let alone the events which are announced in the heavens. Our ancestor knew to look up. We are fixated on screens these days. Wise men, who were foreigners, looked up and followed the star and found Jesus. May we do likewise.

Gracious Creator, you have sent the stars 

to light our way, help us navigate our voyage

they dazzle us with beauty and captivate us

and hold our hopes and dreams before us.

We have become so distant from the skies

we look at screens and scientists for direction

yet you still spin our fragile and tender globe

and promise to help us find our way home.

Help us to seek your love through your creation

may we set aside our profoundly limited ways

seeking your love and your direction daily

so we, like the wise men, might see you face to face. Amen.

Do Not Be Alarmed

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

It is Truly easy these days to become alarmed. Sometimes simple changes in routine can upset and bewilder us. And when big changes happen, when accidents or violence befalls us, or when storms descend upon us, we are alarmed. The angel tells the weeping women not to be alarmed. Easier said than done. God is truly with us at all times, yet we cannot help being human. The women who went out that first Easter morning were faithful and human, trusting and terrified. The angel's words were so positive and yet so jarring, they could not help but be afraid. Today, we hear that right in the middle of our worst moments, in the terror of the storms around us, the risen Jesus is with us. Our alarm is normal, and God's love is truly present in our worst storms.

Loving Creator, author of the winds and the rain

our world is turbulent with violence and storms

we are easily alarmed and ache to run to find safety

and You are with us in the darkest days we face.

We want every day to be sunny and without pain

yet the world is ever more divided and terrorizing

folks are arguing and battling seemingly all the time

and we are adrift in anxiety, worry and fearfulness.

Lord Jesus, be risen among us in our darkness

help us to move beyond our fears and worry

give us the strength to go out and love in your name

and carry hope and amazement as we go forth. Amen.

Looking on from the Distance

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid. Mark 15:40-47

We were all looking on in stunned disbelief on September 11th in 2001. Most of us were far enough away to be safe, yet still permanently scarred from the events of that day. I grew up in NY just north of the city and several folks from my town never made it home. We remember where we were and what we were doing, and we remember how things changed for us for a time. We lived in Delaware at the time and near enough to Dover where some bodies and debris was brought to help identify those lost. Families came form around the country to live in motels and temporary housing to await any news and were there for months. Like the women and the disciples, it was an agonizing, scary time for them. We look back 22 years later and pray that we have learned compassion and understanding. 

Tender Creator, source of all mercy

you are always with those who grieve

whose lives have been changed forever

and you call us to be present for them now.

We want to forget and turn from the pain

we ache to go back to our normal lives

yet we know that everything has changed

and we are different, scarred and hurting.

Help us to rise to help those who grieve

let us be those whose compassion never ends

let us remember our fears and our terrors

working to love those who we do not understand. Amen

Sunday, September 18th - Proper 18

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:15-20

Living in community or simply in a family can be challenging. Even folks who are closely related rarely agree on much, let alone everything. We live in a very divided society, and very few people work at agreement and consensus. In traditional Indigenous communities, working towards consensus was essential, and often took a very long time. Yet, when agreement and consensus was found, it was a permanent solution that everyone upheld and supported. Jesus invites us to consider the importance of resolving our disagreements and finding ways to resolve them so that we continue to live in the spirit of God's love.

Beautiful Creator, you are the author of concord

you balanced the seasons and night and day

you make us your family in our vast diversity

and call us to always seek your peace among us.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.

The world is divided, angry and violent

we have not followed in your path of peace

we do not easily forgive or set others free

yet you still call us to bring love and peace to all.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.

We want to be loved and included at no cost

we want our own stubborn way and refuse to listen

yet your love has forgiven us first and often

and you paid the price so that we might all live.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.

Help us to be humble enough to admit our faults

and brave enough to apologize and forgive.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.

We preach peace and speak violently to enemies

free us from our arrogance, make us a family again.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world.

For you are the Alpha, Omega, our circle complete

and we need your love daily to heal us all.

Lord, give us your strength to be reconcilers in this broken world. Amen.

Stirred Up Crowd

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ He answered him, ‘You say so.’ Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, ‘Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.’ But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, ‘Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Mark 15:1-11

I have been to baseball games where the crowd was more dangerous than any flying bat or ball. And God forbid a person should attend the Patriot's game this Sunday and root for the Eagles. Crowds can be dangerous at times and individuals can easily be persuaded to follow the will of the crowd. There is then, no right or wrong, just going with the crowd to save oneself. An individual is subsumed by the crowd. And it's scary! The angry mob was whipped up by the chief priests and even Pilate, who was very powerful was unable to turn the tide. We are invited today to make sure we listen to the heart of God rather than be persuaded by the ignited, unthinking crowds. God voice will always be the still small voice.

Loving Creator, you placed your heart within us

you gave us minds to think and wills to move

away from the fashion and foolishness of the moment

and always toward compassion, justice and love.

We ache to fit in and change so we can be accepted

yet we are weary from the violence and judgment

you love us completely and for our whole selves

yet we are afraid to set out and be wholly different.

Give us your strength to speak up and move

away from conforming and towards embracing

all those who are different, rejected, and abused

knowing that Jesus was and is part of them now. Amen.

Denial

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:66-72

I must say I love Peter for his honesty and his humanity. He denied Jesus in his fear of being arrested and tortured, and immediately realized his failure. Like every other human being in that situation, he protects himself, and is tortured by his failure. We are all like Peter. Noble in one moment, terrified and felling in the next. And through Peter, we are invited to be fully human as he is. For this is how God makes us, love us and seeks us out, in our full, broken humanity. 

Precious Creator, you know our hearts

in their generosity and their fearfulness

our passions and in our dark soul nights

and love us completely despite our denials.

We often turn from you in pride and fear

we often turn our backs when we are pushed

we try to fit in with the crowd at hand

yet you call us yours even as we deny you.

Mold us and make us your own again, Lord

teach us to weep with those who weep today

and dance with those who celebrate again

so the world might know your ever forgiving love. Amen.

Clouds of Heaven

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him. Mark 14:53-65

There is something wonderous about the light and the clouds this time of year. The light is beginning to weaken in our hemisphere as the world turns into autumn, and the clouds reflect the changing light. Jesus was being tested by the high priest who was so frustrated and angry, that he could tale nothing in. His idea of God's love and creation were so different than Jesus'. He believed in an ordered, non-changing world with a political and religious hierarchy in place that would never change. Jesus ushered change and a turning from human power and authority to God's love being the true power. As our seasons and lives change, may we always look up so we might see the power of God's love.

Gracious Creator, you turn our small globe

so that we might see your love in all seasons

so we might know the true power hidden in clouds

and on the faces of strangers and friends alike.

We want life to stay as we remember it should be

as the political and religious leaders go to war

they fight for control and mastery and righteousness

all the things that you bestow freely through your love.

Help us to look up and to you again in all season

may the changes before us invite us to rely on you

putting our trust in your power and your healing love

so that the world might know your presence and peace. Amen.

Sunday, September 3, 2023 - Proper 17

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:21-28

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All of us love imperfectly. Peter, who just moments before had been declared the rock of faith, now becomes Satan for his unwillingness to hear what Jesus has to face. All of us who love our children, our siblings, our families and our friends, never want to hear what is to befall them. We don't want to lose them and, in our desire to keep things as they are, we fail to love folks as they are, present in this moment and no other. Peter, like all of us, is afraid for his teacher and friend. And, he is afraid to face such loss. We all have to face loss throughout our lives, it is part of being alive, and we are afraid, which can keep us from loving well in the time we have. We are invited to love in every way possible. As Paul writes in the 12th chapter of Romans, "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers."

A Litany for Sunday in Labor Day Weekend

Loving Creator, you have given us hearts

that swell and break with loss and grief

yet you urge us to share love in all directions

never flagging despite our fears and temptations.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given.

The seasons are beginning to change before us

the storms are rising across our many oceans

we have so much to fear and worry about

that we can forget to put loving others first.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given.

The long days of summer are getting ever shorter

the leaves will soon turn and the lights will dim

we see our friends crippled, aging and dying out

and we fear there is no longer time for our lives.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given.

You gave up you life, so we might all live and thrive

yet we too often doubt your promises of new life.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given.

You showed yourself to terrified women and disciples

and broke through their locked doors and locked hearts.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so we are renewed

to love and serve the world with full and overflowing hearts.

Precious Savior, let our love be genuine as we hold fast to the goodness given. Amen.

Feast of David Pendleton Oakerhater

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Luke 10:1-9

David P. Oakerhater (born around 1850) was a warrior and leader of the Cheyenne Indians of Oklahoma, and led a corps of fighters against the United States government in a dispute over Indian land rights. In 1875 he and 27 other military leaders were taken prisoner by the U S Army and sent to a military post in Florida. There, thanks to the efforts of a concerned Army captain, they learned English, were encouraged to earn money by giving art and archery lessons to visitors, and encountered the Christian faith. David and three others were moved to become Christians and to go north to study for the ministry. David was baptized in Syracuse, New York, in 1878, and ordained to the diaconate in 1881. He returned to Oklahoma and there founded schools and missions, and continued to work among his people until his death on 31 August 1931. When he first returned to Oklahoma in 1881, he said: 

You all know me. You remember when I led you out to war I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all He tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes all for peace.       (biography by James Kiefer)

For me, as a seminarian and newly ordained person, Oakerhater was an icon for me of faithful service in a church which often ignored the needs of our Indigenous people, treated us like decoration, and were rarely willing to honor our leadership. His faithfulness, honesty and humility are always before me as an example of how to serve and a beacon of hope in challenging times.

Wondrous Creator, you painted our world

wrapped us all in your beauty and in diversity

causing us to speak and sing in many tongues

all of us praising the blessings of Our Creator.

We soon found difference to feel like threats

and thought ourselves superior to others

living with hostility and violence every day

none of which you gave from the start.

Wipe away our fears and our anxiety

help us to see your love in the strangers' face

give us serving hearts like David Oakerhater

so that we might turn our warring into your peace. Amen.