Losing 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. Matthew 5:27-30

These are some of the harshest words of Jesus. Plucking out an eye or cutting off of one's hand is graphic on purpose. We are so very ready to shame and blame others, calling folks out for their sin, mistakes and failures. We are very rarely ready to admit to ours, let alone to take responsibility for them and change our ways. Jesus was likely frustrated with the religious leadership who were so ready to stone and punish impoverished sinners, yet were refusing to admit their own mistakes, demonstrating an arrogance and hubris. I guess they think they were insulated from sin because of their power. None of us are. God invites us to a new humility and self-examination in this season of resurrection.

Eternal Creator, we are made in your image

we are tinted in the arrays of your beauty

we are given your wisdom and compassion

yet our sin keeps us from living your love.

You taught us to live daily to serve others

yet we seek attention and our self-importance

we step on others who are hurting and failing

and are jealous of what blessings others have.

Lord, help us to see our sin and human failings

give us the strength to pluck out the selfishness

make us strong enough to cut out sinful behaviors

so that your love flows freely through us today. Amen.

Fulfilling the Law

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus was surrounded by detractors whenever he spoke. His compassion and love were often questioned. The religious leaders of his time were known for being very liberal with their sense of the law for themselves, while being quick to judge others and seek punishment for minor infractions. Some human behaviors never change. We find ourselves in a world that is quick to judge while reluctant to forgive. We like the law to come down hard on others, while we all want mercy. Jesus invites us to live into the fullness of the law which is love. Love completes and goes beyond what the law suggests and tries to enforce.

Wondrous Creator, you put love in all of us

despite our human tendency towards selfishness

you gave us hearts of compassion and mercy

and built your law on the bedrock of love always.

We want the sinners to be held accountable

yet we do not want to be held responsible

our law is often me first and everyone last

while you gave your life so all may thrive.

Help us to be always ready to love and forgive

may the mistakes and hurts we may inflict

be countered with humility, love and forgiveness

so others might experience the true law of love. 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

There was a lighthouse in the town where my family lived. Visitors would come and complain about what they would call "the bright flashlight" someone was shining in our windows at night. Every 15 seconds the light rotates and it flashed against our three story home for generations as well. The light has been crucial to navigation for generations, and still is, even in this age of electronic and satellite navigation. Despite how people misunderstand or criticize us, we are called to share our light and our flavor. No matter how we are treated God invites us to shine, for the world is always in need of that light.

Wondrous Creator, you send light in our darkness

you salt the world with flavor and paint the sky

you lead us safely to share in terrible storms

and set a table for us where love is truly genuine.

We often curse the darkness and our bland lives

we ache when we are criticized and reviled

acting out like small children who are spoiled 

instead of trusting in your love and blessings.

Give us your spirit of hope and deep insight

let us be salt and light to those who are aching

make us help those who are sinking deep

and give us abundant love for all people everywhere. Amen.

Blessed

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

We often don't feel blessed, do we? In a world where winning is everything, most of us often can feel as if we are less than, not enough and the also ran. Jesus is sitting on a mountain surrounded by people who are poor, outcasts, bereaved and lost. He sees on their faces the burdens that they bear, and wants them to know how loved and blessed they are. All of us can find ourselves in his list of those who are blessed and loved. In spite of our circumstances, our failures and inadequacies, we are reminded that, despite how it might seem to the world, we are blessed and loved by our Creator.

Loving Creator, source of all blessings

you see the pain in the faces of the people

your love and blessing for all creation is endless

and you ache for those suffering in our time.

We often feel our hard times are punishment

not seeing how close you are drawing to us

not knowing how you ache for each and everyone

refusing to see the love and blessing surrounding us.

Open our eyes that we might see you here

open our hearts to see the suffering around us

help us to know your blessings in our lives

and make us blessings to the people around us. Amen.

Temptation

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

We are all tempted, and in some seasons, it seems the temptations are endless and there is much to draw us away from our Creator. We are tempted to give up, let go with our anger and get revenge on all those who are hurting us. My mother often said, "you know you're getting close to God when the devil starts working overtime!" And these days, it seems very true. For all of who are torn by the hurts and violence in this world, for those who are facing one calamity after another, Jesus says to us, "I am with you always to the end of the age." May we all rest in the loving arms of our Savior in all these hard times.

Loving Creator, you know our pain and temptations

your Son died so we might all live fully in your love

you send us angels to lift us up when we are falling

and surround us with those who will pray with us.

We often give up, give in and scream in anger

we often blame you for all of our various troubles

we refuse to seek you in our calm and untroubled days

and come crying to you when we are at our very end.

Help us to be those who are seeking you daily

make us those who hold others up who are sinking

make us your disciples so we can know your strength

and give us an extra measure of your love this day. Amen.

Beloved

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ Matthew 3:13-17

We read today of Jesus' baptism and how he asked to be baptized by John, despite John's reluctance. We know they were cousins, and they must have spent much time together growing up. They were comfortable with each other before and now an awkwardness came over them because of their roles and where God had called them both. We all find ourselves in roles that restrict how we can be with one another, bound by rules that prevent an intimacy we once had known. And yet, both Jesus and John do as God instructed, despite their discomfort. We are invited by God to move beyond where we are stuck and go where we are called, and we too will be regarded as beloved, even amidst our awkwardness and discomfort.

Gracious Creator, you sent your servants

to teach us the challenges of discipleship

to model for us they humble way of love

and to invite us into life as your beloved ones.

We often recoil from following you

because we have to take on hard roles

we have to go places that frighten us

serving and living with strangers and enemies.

Help us to rejoice in your love which we carry

make us humble so we might lift others' burdens

make us fearless in our loving and serving

so we might be beloved in heaven and on earth. Amen.

Bear Good Fruit

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 3:7-12

We are dangerous when we rely on our family name, our status or our place in the world. Dangerous because we stop examining our behavior and begin to believe everything we do is right and proper. Some take great pride in their independence, rarely looking back to all the people that help them up, bailed them out and kept them from falling or failing. John doesn't mince words. He tells them and us to bear good fruit and to continue to do so. We cannot stop loving and caring for others and we cannot fail to be grateful for the blessings we have today.

Gracious Creator, you are the source of all love

you shower us with undeserved blessings

you fill us to overflowing with your grace

and hold us when we are aabout to fall.

We often forget all you have done for us

taking pride in what we have accomplished

thinking that we are most important than others

and refusing to be grateful for what we don't deserve.

Help us remember the abundance of your blessings

give us your humility so we might share with others

a broken world needs your love which we have hoarded

break us open so we might make your love known. Amen.

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Prepare the Way

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. Matthew 3:1-6

John prepared the way for Jesus and would lose his life for doing so. He baptized all the people that came to him and confronted them with their selfish and cruel behavior. He wasn't always considered a popular guy, but rather he was compelling and people saw in him the connection to the Holy One. We often think we have to prepare by making everything perfect. Instead, we are invited by John's witness to make our lives compelling invitations to draw close to the Holy One, to be those who walk with those on the margins and those who have lost their way.

Wondrous Creator, you set apart prophets like John

who guide us into deeper relationship with you

who give us their comforts and their personal needs

so others might be drawn into the waters of baptism.

We are often to taken up with worry to make space

for those who frighten us and those who are different

we don't want to be singled out as wild as John

so we miss the opportunity for real holy connection.

Make us your people who always offer invitation

help us be those who set a feast for those around us

draw us close so we might draw others nearer as well

and give us your voice to proclaim love to all creation. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter

Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:36b-48

Peace is not an easy thing to come by, nor is it something that is the absence of strife. Jesus comes among his disciples and speaks peace to them in the midst of the terrors of the world around them. They had watched their friend and teacher die a horrible death and were still reeling from the news the women had shared. To them he offered his hands and his side and sat and ate with them. It was in the action of eating with them, the offering of himself in their midst, that the began to open their hearts to God's peace which break in our moments of great anxiety and fear.

A Litany for the Third Sunday of Easter

Loving Creator, you breathe peace in our storms

you sit at table with us when we are trembling

you hold us when we are shaken with grief

your love and peace breaks into all our troubles.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace.

We often blame you for the problems of the world

while we refuse to actively seek your peace and love

we spent our time loudly criticizing and complaining

failing to see your hands and side offer to us all.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace.

Make us and mold us into instruments of your peace

help us to work tirelessly for the welfare of others

let our voices be raised in prayer and great songs

that the world might know your peace in times of trial.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace.

We often lose our way and struggle with many fears

yet still you are by our sides speaking your peace.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace.

Let our hearts be open to receive all at our tables

may we feast together at the banquet you have set.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace.

For you have brought peace in every season

and you will bring peace in our time as well.

In times of strife and sorrow, Lord, bring us your peace. Amen.

Stumbling

‘I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. ‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:1-15

In fifth grade, my whole class went on a wonderful field trip to New York City which included a visit to the New York City Public Library. We were having a great time at the library when it was announced it was time to go for lunch. We headed outside, gathering on the front steps. As I started to make my way down, I took a tumble and fell down all the steps of that grand building. I was mortified but not hurt badly. My mother, seeing my pain and who was one of the chaperones, put me in a cab and took us to lunch. I survived but have this memory etched in my brain. We all stumble, whether we are seen or not, and know how easy it is to stumble, physically, personally or faithfully. Jesus tells us he is there with us in our stumbling and understands our humanity.

Gracious Creator, you are with us in our humanity

you see our stumbling and our frivolous behavior

and love us despite the many time we run away

you surround us with your peace despite it all.

We often blame the stumbles and missteps on you

not willing to admit our part in all the disasters

we want everything simple and comfortable

and we refuse to mend those things we have broken.

Help us today to be open our hearts to you

let your humility and love flow through us

so we might be those who mend the sacred hoop

and bring all into relation with your loving heart. Amen.

Love One Another

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. ‘If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, “Servants are not greater than their master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It was to fulfil the word that is written in their law, “They hated me without a cause.” ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:12-27

We all really enjoy the concept of love, yet really loving others and living for others is extremely hard. Jesus made this a commandment specifically because it is so challenging. The ten commandments that Moses received and Jesus and his ancestors lived by, is summed up in this one commandment of Jesus. We have been made friends, indeed family because of Jesus' sacrificial love. Yet living a life of sacrificial love will always be difficult and the most blessed way we can be. We are reminded today that the following Jesus is challenging, is full of pain and persecution, but is also surrounded by great love.

Loving Creator, we are made in your image

slung between the eternal and the temporal

you call us to be those who care for one another

with the love that you shower upon all of us.

We don't do this very well and daily fail

the burden of loving is so hard to carry

we move towards self-protection and hiding

ignoring the needs and burdens of others.

Lord, help us to follow your commandment

let your love flow through us to others

help us to be fearless and kind in loving

so the world might be healed through your love. Amen.

True Vine and Branches

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. John 15:1-11 

We are born with an umbilical chord and still have the remnants as our navels. We are bound together, even when we refuse to recognise it. And now we hear Jesus telling us we are bound to him as branches are to the good strong vine. Wind and weather cannot separate us. Whether we recognise it or not we are made of the same spiritual DNA as Jesus and bound up together, despite our differences, our ways of life, or the depth of our faith. And we will be pruned, all out of love, all out of making us stronger together.

Marvelous Creator you have bound us to you

we are made in your image and of your substance

no matter how far we wander or refuse to see

you will be essential always to our daily lives.

We often grow distance from our familes of origin

even though we are born from our mothers

part of her substance and part of all lives

we allow our differences to separate us from them.

Help us to see our part as many brahces of your whole

let us return again and again to the strength of the vine

make us always aware of the many blessings we have

and help us to always abide in your endless love. Amen.

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:18-31

Watching the solar eclipse yesterday, I imagine that it was a phenomenon feared by many. The sunlight changed in a short period of time, an unexpected transition which dropped the temperature and changed all the shadows and light. We all find ourselves fearing transitions, celestial or personal because it might feel like we're losing control, and we are. Yet it is those times of fearful changes, when God draws close to us and embraces the frightened small child that we become. We are never orphaned by God, rather we are sent friends and helpers so we might face the times ahead.

Gracious Creator, present in our darkness and light

you bring hope and new life to us when we are fearful

you hold us when we tremble and feel so all alone

sending angels and companions to walk along with us.

We live in times of great discord and greater anxiety

there is no way for us to fix all the broken pieces

you come among us when we are lost and wandering

helping all of us to find our way back to your home.

Set a fire of compassion and kindness in all of us

make us those who seek you in every challenge

give us your peace as we face the unknown changes

and let us rest in your loving arms at all times. Amen.

True Light

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14

This afternoon, folks across our continent will be straining to see the eclipse. Hotels rooms in the total eclipse zone have quadrupled in price, if folks can find one. People are mad to see the event, and signs along the highway predict crowding congestion and traffic jams. People ache to see signs and wonders. And on this day - the feast of the annunciation, we are reminded, there are more signs and wonders than we can imagine. And those signs and wonders often come in small moments to unprepared people. Phenomenon like the eclipse today remind us of the wonders of the Creator's universe, the beauty and amazement of moments which can seem large or small. 

Creator of the stars and sky, today we look up

to see the moon and sun dance above our land

and marvel and the works of your created world

feeling both small and beloved at one time.

The world does not recognize your still small voice

we give ourselves credit for the beauty you provide

we forget the tender moments when you whisper

love is the gift, the way and the sign for all creatures.

Let us take this day to be grateful and curious

help us to see the rare gems in people around us

make us aware of these extraordinary blessings

that are gifts of your love in great and small moments.

Second Sunday of Easter

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:19-31

I have often thought of Thomas as one of the most honest disciples.  We know that the disciples dismissed the women's story as an idle tale. We know that their lives were surrounded by fear and threats. Thomas says out loud what we often think when we are skeptical. "Show me!" He may have felt left out of the previous encounter, he may have been hurt or tricked by his fellow disciples once too often. Whatever the cause for his skepticism, we know the others had felt the same way. And Jesus understood and showed his hands and feet. And Jesus prayed for all of us in that moment as well. Our faith is given from the stories of others before us and we are blessed to be those who believe.

A Litany for the Second Sunday of Easter

Loving Creator, you made us all in your image

with hearts full of possibilities and potentials

we human are full of fear, disappointment and doubt

but you are willing to show us your deepest scars.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe.

We struggle with the challenges of our daily lives

our failures are always in the front of our minds

we might even believe that we have been abandoned

yet you are always bringing us peace and new hope.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe.

When we are left out and didn't see your face

we can think that we are not wanted by you

yet you love us beyond all doubts and fears

and fill us with your peace and your constant love.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe.

Help us be those who share your love freely

with those who are full of fear and disappointment.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe.

Give us your strength so our faith does not fade

renew us and heal us so we might serve others.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe.

From the beginning of time you have loved us

and your love will sustain us all throughout eternity.

Our Lord and our God, help us be those who are blessed to believe. Amen.

An Idle Tale

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Luke 24:1-12

Those first women, heartbroken as they might have been, still went to the tomb to anoint their dear friend. Love urged them on despite their desire to stay home and hide. They found the tomb empty and their lives were shattered once more. They were terrified by the sight of the messengers they encountered. Yet, despite it all, they became the first evangelists, carrying the good news of the resurrection, despite the disregard the others had of them. Their idle tales became the ground of our faith. May we be fearless in carrying the good news, despite how we are regarded, and in the face of ridicule and disregard.  Let us be like those brave, heartbroken, yet loving women.

Loving Creator, you plant your heart in us

and in that heart is a deep well of love

we are reluctant to use that great gift

yet you will always replenish us to overflowing.

When we are stingy with your great love

our love turns to anger and we hit or we hide

yet when we venture our with even a small measure

you make us fearless in carrying your good news.

Let us live like the women who came to the tomb

aware of all of our grief and carrying the spices

yet also willing to grasp that there is always more

and your love will restore and heal all that is broken. Amen.

I Am With You Always

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:16-20

The disciples were facing radically uncertain times. After their teacher's crucifixion, they were convinced that the authorities would come after them. Most struggled to believe that he was resurrected, and even after he came to them, some still doubted. Yet even in their weakness and as they doubted and were terrified, Jesus gave them all authority on earth. He sent them out to serve the people promising to be with them always. And, Jesus gives us his authority and strength, even when we are stumbling, weak and terribly afraid. And in every moment of darkness and light, weakness and strength, in fear and confidence, he is with us always.

Eternal Creator, you draw near to the people

as a parent envelopes a terrified young child

you surround us and hold us tenderly close

and remind us of your love when we are terrified.

In our moments of confidence and strength

we think we are capable and can face anything

yet when the cruel forces in this world attack

we cry out to you like small, vulnerable children.

Help us to see you with us in every moment  today

may the small tasks we take on remind us that

you have given us the strength we need for today

and that you will be beside us in every challenge we face. Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the people to this day. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Matthew 28:1-16

We gleefully hide Easter eggs, dress in bold finery and celebrate Easter with great joy and delight. We have no fear or trepidation in this season, but rather delight in the blossoms on the altar and the bright colors returning to our world. What we fail to see is the real terror of Easter morning and the days which followed. Not only were the disciples terrified, but the religious leaders were also terrified. The disciples were afraid they would be rounded up and killed as well. The religious leaders were horrified that their plans had not worked, so they invented a coverup. When human beings are rattled like this, daily life is upended, and no sense of calm or normalcy can return. We all have known times like these although we do not relate them to Easter. Yet, the Christ who was crucified and was raised, turned the world upside down, and unsettled the status quo forever.

Wondrous Creator, you daily send us peace

in the middle of storms of human selfishness

amidst the cruelty and divisiveness around us

you seek us out and shelter us in your arms.

We now forget the sacrifice you have made

and want a faith of comforts and softness for us

yet you love us in the middle of human brutality

and stand with us when we are isolated and alone.

Help us to be your heart and hands here on earth

let us use the gifts you have given to revive the suffering

strengthened us to stand up to bullies and abusers

so the most vulnerable may find their way to you. Amen.

Stubbornness

And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterwards Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:9-20

It is painfully hard to change our opinions when we are sure we are right. When our eyes have shown us what we know to be the end, the finality of a relationship, it is hard for us to change our minds. It is more than just a mental shift but entailed our whole being, body, mind and spirit. The disciples were slow to change their minds since they had seen their teacher's death up close. And, they had learned the good news of the resurrection from a woman, who was a troubled person, and probably considered emotionally unstable. Most women still are. Yet, we are invited to restore hope and possibility within us, to open ourselves to be changed anew, for God is not, and never will be done with us.

Gracious Creator, you demonstrate love to us

in every breath we take, in every kind word

we find your love in the wind and the storms

as well as in the tender touch of loved ones.

We are stubborn and turn from being faithful

when we are hurt, betrayed and in deep pain

we reject the love and healing you offer us all

and wallow in our despair and lick our wounds.

Yet you come to us and show your crucified self

to us in our darkest and emotionally unstable times

surrounding us with you love and deep renewal

so we might turn and share your love with others. Amen.

For Fear

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the religious authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ John 20:19-23

The Monday after Easter is often the day that clergy try to catch up on sleep and chores left undone. Although Christ is risen indeed, clergy are often spent, exhausted and fractured. Holy week can prove to be overwhelming to many, despite the great passion and joy the season provides. They often don't share that with others, choosing rather to crawl back into bed or hide until their strength and spirit returns. The disciples were in the same boat. Exhausted, depleted and fearful. They had heard of the stone rolled away, they had rejoiced in the hope of the resurrection, yet they had much to worry about, and no deep feeling of comfort and peace. And, it is into this shut down moment, when hearts are on the ground, that Jesus comes with peace, for the disciples and all of us.

Blessed Creator, you entered fully into humanity

walking in dusty roads and being broken open

you knew great faith and joys as well as betrayal

and died for us all so we might freely live in peace.

We often bear our burden silently, shutting out others

we fail to seek you in our fear and broken hours

we too often trust our capacity alone until we fail

and then wallow in our suffering and our self pity.

Yet you came to your terrified friends and did not scold

instead you leaned in and breathed on each of them

changing their deep sorrow and doubt into great joy

and renewing their love for one another and the world. Amen.

Easter Sunday 0204

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. 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

They approached the tomb in tears, carrying their traditional spices for burial. The haste with which Jesus had been entombed had not let the women tend to the body, as was their way. Their pain and sorrow did not keep them from doing what needed to be done. They were anxious and troubled, afraid of the guards and knowing they would need help to move the stone. Their sadness turned suddenly to terror and amazement. They couldn't believe what they saw or heard. In Mark's Gospel, they were paralyzed with fear and couldn't speak. I know that if I had been such a witness, I would not know what to do. These women were catapulted from knowing how to anoint a body after death, something their mothers and grandmothers had taught them, to running for their lives. They eventually found their voices and trusted what they had seen. The first Easter was not a time of bright flowers, dyed eggs and big meals. It was a moment when faith and nerves were shattered, hearts were set ablaze and their whole world (and ours) were changed forever.

A Litany for Easter Sunday 2024

Eternal Creator, source of all miracle and wonders

you have made us in your image and set us free

to delight in the world around and in one another

turning the sorrow of our hearts to songs of joy.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

We revel in our routines and our daily comforts

we are often afraid to venture out in the dark

yet when the women came to the tomb in tears

the angelic voice of love told them of life restored.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Worn down by life we forget your promises

we hang our heads and think we are too old

for the shocking surprise of life renewed

for your gifts of healing and restoration.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

We live in a world broken by human domination

help us to break the chains of abuse and cruelty.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Let you love flow through us so completely

that none of us fears the dark places of death.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Break us open Lord and give us brand new hearts

so that we might be instruments of peace here and now.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love. Amen.

Maundy Thursday 2024

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’ So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.’ They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, ‘Surely, not I?’ He said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ Mark 14:12-25

A Litany for Maundy Thursday

Gracious Creator, you invite us in as family

to sit at the table and listen to the promise

of life eternal, your love surrounding us

a way through our human suffering and pain.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

The days of betrayal and abuse are upon us

you took on all our human failings and sorrows

so that we might know the depth of love

you have for every one of the human family.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

We enact the foot washing and altar stripping

we move to the deep shadow of your cross

we draw into ourselves the dust and blood

that is spilt mingled, and lost for us all.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

We are not worthy of your great sacrifice

yet it is your worthiness and not ours

this divine act of deep and abiding love

has freed us all to follow in your ways.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

Let our lives today and always be love

let our words and actions bring peace

may our sacrifice be of our own pride

so the world might know your love as well.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today. Amen.

Rejected and despised

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;* this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’ Mark 12:1-12

Who hasn’t felt the sting of rejection? Whether in school, or employment or in love, we have all felt the pain of rejection. Even when we know we are smart enough, loved enough and worthy enough, we can blush with the shame of feeling rejected. As we walk this holy road during the week of Christ’s passion, we can overlook those around who are rejected and despised right here and now. We can be so busy that we forget to reach out to those aching to be accepted and let in. None of us are illegitimate, unworthy nor unwanted by God.

Precious Creator, you formed us with your hands

Softening us and molding us like a potter

Building us up and watering us as we grow

Into your precious vessels here on earth.

We have known the sting and pain of rejection

We know the ache of being on the outside always

And yet we often forget to look around us now

Opening our arms to those who are waiting also.

Make us those who turn and see your people 

Help us to never let busyness or profit

Keep us from sharing our days and our lives

With those who have suffered as Jesus once did. Amen.

A Prayer For the Church in Holy Week

1 Help me, Lord, for there is no godly one left; *

 the faithful have vanished from among us. 

2 Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; *

 with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.

3 Oh, that the Lord would cut off 

all smooth tongues, * 

and close the lips that utter proud boasts! 

4 Those who say, 

"With our tongue will we prevail; * 

our lips are our own; who is lord over us?" 

5 "Because the needy are oppressed, 

and the poor cry out in misery, 

" I will rise up," says the Lord, 

"and give them the help they long for." 

6 The words of the Lord are pure words, * 

like silver refined from ore and 

purified seven times in the fire.

7 O Lord, watch over us * 

and save us from this generation for ever.

8 The wicked prowl on every side, *

 and that which is worthless 

is highly prized by everyone. Psalm 12

A Prayer for the Church in Holy Week

Unfathomable Creator, you place us in this season

of a story which is both so wondrous and frightening

a passion road which we try to walk tenderly along

finding ourselves falling down and worn out.

You have made us in your image every one of us

yet all things around us are bedeviled and breaking

from copiers which will not print to organs not sounding

we cry out to you as we feel so very much alone.

Our suffering is not like your suffering we know

yet as we polish the brass and shine the silver

we wonder who will notice all the effort we make

and wish we had more hands to help with happy hearts.

You know our sorrows and know we are broken

yet Easter and resurrection will still come to us

help us to be humble enough to await your healing

simple enough to ask for help, leaving all the rest behind.

Heavenly Father, send your renewing spirit 

to your weary priests, exhausted organists

to the frustrated choir directors and hoarse vocalists

so that all may rise us with joy on Easter morning. Amen.

Going Up to Jerusalem

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.’ James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’ When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Mark 10:32-45

We are on the cusp of Holy Week, that sacred journey and Christ's holy passion. The brothers James and John, former fishermen, wanted to secure their place beside Jesus. They sensed something was about to change. Jesus' response to them, and to all of us, is for us to be close to Jesus, we must be servants. Fighting for power and control has no place in the formula. Serving the least among us and aching with compassion and care, are the only standards we have been given. As we approach Holy Week, may we seek to model Jesus' lordship of humility and service.

Wondrous Creator, you love the whole world

your heart is with the poor and the needy

calling us to proclaim your love in service

offering ourselves to the care of others.

We struggle and fight for honor and control

not following your model of sacrificial service

we want to be coddled and pampered

and bristle when we are asked to give up something.

Help us to see you in the least and the aching ones

make us those who are willing to be on our knees

empower us to let go of the attitudes that keep us

from loving you and yours in our hurting neighbors. Amen.

Last Will Be First

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’ Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ Mark 10:17-31

We are surrounded by news about the immigration "crisis". I find it particularly odd that we call it a crisis now, when for generations, we have quoted the words on the statue of liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor..." At the same time, we Americans revel in ancestry and love finding out that our immigrant families were so brave. Sometimes even the church has had confusing talk of welcome when people's actions demonstrated their fear. Jesus reminds us the last will be first. If we want to follow Jesus, we might seek out those who are last, on the margins, close to starving and those with no home to rest their head.

Blessed Creator, source of all treasures

you set us on a verdant land full of wonder

you have provided vast spaces and seasons

so we might see know you in your beautiful creations.

Despite all the blessings we hoard your gifts

we exclude and shame those who would share

only a small portion of all you have given us

wishing only to have a place to rest their heads.

Help us to see the last in line this day

make us your people who reach out in love

let us share a small portion of our blessings

so that the least might lead us to your home. Amen.

Let the Little Children Come

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Today was one of those days, long and painful. We all want to care for the most vulnerable and ease their pain, yet, sometimes we cannot. Helplessly watching others suffer, and unable to fix it, is a terrible thing. Too often we think we can logic, smooth or connive a better outcome. Most often, we have to throw ourselves into the loving arms of our Savior, who keeps no one at arm's length. From messy little ones to even more messy adults, we are invited to seek the blessing and healing from him who gave us his life for us all.

Tender Creator, you view us all as children

messy and foolish, scared and exhausted

to all of us you open your arms wide

you welcome and embrace heals us all.

We try to use our cunning and brains

to solve all the problems we have caused

we forget to lean on you for everything

until we fall shattered like little children.

Help us to run to you in every moment

may we seek not ourselves but you

may you bless us with new hope

and love us despite all of our failings. Amen.

Stumbling Blocks

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. ‘For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’ Mark 9:42-50

We have all experienced those who are stumbling blocks and those who are steppingstones.  Sometimes they can be one and the same. We often unintentionally make life harder for those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We say things and do things carelessly, with no concern for the impact. Today, Jesus' teaching for the disciples is very much for us as well. We learned from Covid how we could help protect or injure others. But post Covid, we are so anxious to live our lives fully again, we forget about those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We are careless with our words and selfish with our actions. May we all heed the call to be steppingstones for others.

Loving Creator, you lead us and guide us

in storms and deep shadows you take our hands

leading us through like small timid children

you bring us to safety and you bring us home.

Too many of us are careless and unkind

we worry too much about our own needs

and throw curves and stumbling blocks

in front of those who are already struggling.

Help us today to always be careful and kind

clearing the way for those who are quite lost

making room for those who have been excluded

trusting in you always, so all might thrive here. Amen.

Servant of All

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. Mark 9:30-41

We live in a society where winning is prized above all, and those who scheme and manipulate seem to get our respect and admiration. As soon as there is an opening in an organization, folks start scheming and plotting about how they can take power for themselves. We find the disciples arguing and scheming as they walked along. Jesus called them to be servants and to serve the most vulnerable. We are called to do likewise. Getting our way is not God's way.

Gracious Creator, source of all goodness

you put us on this earth to learn to serve

knowing as we serve we are truly blessed

as we care for the least we find great honor.

The world is in turmoil and pain around us

we have forgotten to serve and take up arms

you remind us today that love is our weapon

a gift we can increase as we share your love.

Let us be those who joyfully serve others

who seek out the most vulnerable to care for

bless us with your compassion and tenderness

so our service might bring forth true blessings. Amen.