Measure for Measure

He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’ He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:21-34

To quote from Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, "virtue is bold and goodness never fearful." We are called, simply as a part of humanity, to live with goodness and virtue, focusing more on what we can give than what we can get. In life, as in so many plays and dramas, people are too often worried about what they can get and will manipulate and scheme to get their way. And yet, we are called to follow the one whose life is measured by sacrifice, by giving up so that all may live. Jesus spoke in parables, in word pictures, often, to help people see and hear the call to be more than slaves to selfishness and greed. Let us use all of our expressive gifts so that we might model a life of virtue,

 goodness and service.

Generous Creator, you write on our hearts

you draw the stars in the heavens above

you teach the birds to sing every morning

and teach us to praise you in serving others.

We often refuse the life of service here

instead wanting to be the center of attention

seeking our gains on the backs of the poorest

forgetting your parables and your sacrifice.

Lord, help us to measure of life in service

use our gifts to enrich those around us

give us the strength to give up our pride

so that we can bless others and be blessed by you. Amen.

Good Soil 2/28/24

Again he began to teach beside the lake. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the lake on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that “they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” ’ And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ Mark 4:1-20

The House of Bishops is meeting in Texas this week. It was an extraordinary contrast, after leaving on a cold Boston morning to arrive in Houston where it was more than 80 degrees. As we traveled along to the meeting place, there were many fields of green, and many fields already turned over ready for planting. We only dream about planting in Massachusetts this time of year. Most cannot even begin to turn over the soil, not ready to add the compost, still in that cold frozen state.  I have learned that good soil is often hard to come by and needs tender care and regular feeding. So it is for the church. Many churches and people need tender care, regular feeding along with abundant water, air and sunshine. 

Generous Creator, you made this earth verdant

you put plants in places they would surely grow

different species for very different climates

yet we fail to provide the climate so all may grow.

We pave over too much and pour chemicals down

choking off the sacred ground, our rich Mother earth

thinking we know better and grow things faster

we have made our gardens places of great danger.

Help us all to repair this sacred gift of earth

make us those who are willing to mend the circle

give us your strength so we might labor on

so there is good soil for all to grow strong in you. Amen.

Then He Went Home

Jesus departed with his disciples to the lake, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home. Mark 3:7-19

Today we hear of Jesus naming the twelve disciples to help him with his ministry. The crowds pressed in on him, for everyone wanted to be made whole. Jesus called them and named them his disciples and then went home. We rarely hear what happens when Jesus goes home, yet, it is terribly important that he does. And as his followers, we too, are called to go home, to go to those places and people that revive us, give us rest and safety. The boat was always at the ready so he could go home when he was overwhelmed, exhausted and hungry. If Jesus couldn't do his best work without going home to rest, how much more should we, who are so fully human, follow our Lord's example and go home and rest.

Gracious Creator, you made the seasons

with varying bright light and deep darkness

so we might find the rhythm of our work

so we might work hard and take our rest.

We think we are strong and able to go without

believing ourselves greater than the Savior

we find out how broken we really are

as we collapse after we fail to love others.

Help us in this season of Lent to follow you

make us humble enough to know our limits

make us faithful enough to be gentle with others

and give us your spirit so we might tend to the weary. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

Apache "Devil" dance

    

                                                Second Sunday in Lent

Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “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, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:31-38

In our modern age, most people say they don't believe in Satan or the Devil. Yet, we love movies that depict evil and many adore true crime mysteries and stories about serial killers. If we are honest with ourselves, we know that there is evil in our world, no matter how we choose to describe it. We also know our own personal capacity for evil. We are often selfish and greedy, gossiping and judging, seeking the best for ourselves while we take from others. We have an invitation this Lent to take time to be aware of our broken selves, riddled with the desire to strike out and hurt. If we are honest with ourselves and offered the brokenness to God, healing will come. 

Precious Savior, heart of our Creator

we are fashioned from dust and the stars

we are broken yet filled with your spirit

we need your healing and direction daily.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you.

We are willful, arrogant and often cruel

we put ourselves before the ones you love

we scheme and plot so we get our own way

yet your way id one of love and service.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you.

Every season you call us to repent

your healing and forgiveness at hand

we resist your love and tender care for us

and then cry out to you to rescue each of us.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you.

Our hearts are weary from division and war

you call us to make peace with our enemies.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you.

We struggle to win and always be right

yet you call us to be humble and serve others.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you.

Come Lord Jesus, heal us and make us new

implant your divine love in our hearts forever.

Lord Jesus, help us to take up our cross and follow you. Amen.

Fresh Wineskins

Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. ‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’ Mark 2:13-22

Since the worst of Covid was behind us, we all wanted to go back to the "way things were before the pandemic." And we are seeing that we truly cannot go back to the way things were since we were all changed by the experience. We cannot pretend such a powerful time in human history can be erased or forgotten. We have been remade, changed, even if we don't want to admit it. We cannot go back to all our old ways. We have to use fresh wineskins, look with fresh eyes, and follow Jesus into unknown territory. The times have changed us and the world around us. We are called to follow on a new journey, to places and with people we have not known before. 

Wondrous Creator, you restore all living things

you designed the seasons so we might turn

you changed the light and the wind by seasons

so that we might be refreshed and made new again.

We have suffered so many loses and changes

we ache to return to a safer, more familiar world

yet that old world cannot hold us anymore

we are all changed and heading to a new world.

Help us to follow you wherever you lead us

give us faith to trust your unfolding new way

make us brave enough to let go of old ways

so we might carry your love into this new season. Amen.

Through the Roof

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ Mark 2:1-12

No matter how often I hear or read this story, I cannot help but be moved. These were good, actually extraordinary friends, who persisted despite the huge barriers. They did not let the crowd stop them and risked the anger of the homeowner to help their friend. They knew they would also have huge repairs to do, and bills to pay. That kind of love persists despite consequences and pain. That is the love which we have been given. And, that is the love, put into action, which we are called to every day.

Healing Creator, you gave us your love

when we were far off and wracked by fear

when we couldn't walk and we couldn't see

your love filled us all and set us free.

When we suffered in body and mind

we believe you have abandoned us

yet your love is made visible in others

the ones who break through barriers for us.

Help us to see your healing love here

make us those who make your love visible

help us put your love into real action

breaking through so others might be free. Amen.

Got Up and Served

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:29-45

For some people, serving others is a sign of having lower status and being a member of the "serving class." In Victorian England, they were those "below stairs." People of color, poor women and immigrants were those who served and continue to serve in this country. Yet for Simon's mother-in-law, it was a sign of gratitude and great joy. She was able to serve the Lord, the one who healed her. Often times, we forget that serving others in God's name is most honorable a role. During Lent, we might just relearn the great blessings of service, by, instead of giving up, we give and serve others with joy.

Wondrous Creator, you sent us your servants

Jesus came as human and lived with and like us

healing and honoring the least among the people

touching the hearts and souls of all he encountered.

We shun any role that would not assert our worthiness

we ignore those who serve us and treat them cruelly 

believing ourselves superior we show our foolishness

and cannot find healing in our isolated, lofty places.

Help us, Lord, to move daily towards humility

let our lives be focused on service and tender care

make us always ready to get up and serve others

so your love is made visible in our small offerings. Amen.
 

Fishing

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:14-28

The life of those who fish for a living is grueling. These days commercial fishing demands that folks are away from their families for long periods of time. The winter seas are cruel and hazardous, and the summer seas are brutal as well. Many die in the pursuit of a livelihood. The fishermen that Jesus called lived a rough life of hard work, long days and deep disappointments. They also came from generations of people who fished, so knew nothing else. I have known many who went to sea to feed their families and know how hard their lives are. I also know that by calling them, Jesus was bringing hardened men into even harder circumstances, facing challenges and people they had no preparation or training to face. Their willingness sets an example for us, and reminds us that God calls us to places we are not prepared for. We must lives by the grace of the Holy Spirit and trust in the Creator's love for us.

Loving God, you call us away from comfort

sending us into the unfamiliar and the foreign

yet you never leave our sides in troubled times

and you send your Holy Spirit to encircle us.

We humans try to control the chaos and storms

although time after time we know our limits

we think we can outsmart and outthink the dangers

yet we find ourselves crying out to you for rescue.

Help us, Lord, to seek your presence in this time

on troubled seas, stormy nights and calm mornings

your are always with us and guiding us along

help us to make our safe harbor with you always. Amen.

Prepare The Way

 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:1-13

Our family home was by the ocean, and we loved scrambling down to the beach with simply a towel, ready to dive into the waves. Last summer, because of my injured ankle, on crutches and wearing a boot, I could not walk onto the beach myself. My dear friends, who work on the beach patrol, picked me up in the "mule" and brought me all the way onto the beach. It was so kind. They made a rough way plain, taking away the multitude of obstacles so I could enjoy the water. John made the rough and complicated ways plain so people could reach Jesus. May we be those today who help others by making gentle and kind roads for them, helping them to our incarnate and approachable Savior. 

Gracious Creator, you make a way for us

in the darkness and in the daylight

in the storms of winter and heat of summer

you invite us along a soft and gentle road.

We put obstacles and rules in others' way

we judge and restrict gifts freely given

we keep away from others who are different

yet you are waking with those we reject.

Help us to find our way back to you

give us new hearts of compassion

make us those who rid the road of hazards

so all may make their way to your loving home. Amen.

First Sunday of Lent

 

First Sunday of Lent 2024

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Mark 1:9-15

We often find ourselves between rejoicing in tender moments and hungry and starving in the wilderness. They may be wilderness and isolation of our own making or surprising times when we are thrust outside in the cold. The spirit speaks truth to Jesus in both places and to us as well. God’s spirit is found in both our high and low places and everywhere in between. As we begin our deep dive in Lent, may we be buoyed by the promise of God’s spirit present with us in all of our very human, confusing and chaotic times.

A Litany for the First Sunday of Lent

Divine Creator, we depend on you

In our hours of sleeping and waking

In our fullness and our deep hunger

always present in this humble chaos.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today.

In this season we are marked with ashes

outwardly we demonstrate our failing

inwardly we are filled with great pride

making a mockery of your sacrifice.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today.

Despite our constant foolishness and pride

you never fail to be present with us

you constantly seek us when we are lost

and always forgiving when we are contrite.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today.

The world is torn by violence and war

we fan the flames of bigotry and hate.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today.

You are the freedom and healing we seek

let your justice pour down like rain on all.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today.

Make us your people in service to others

let your love flow in the broken hearts now.

Lord Jesus, send your spirit upon us today. Amen.

Protect Them

I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:9-19

When my children were young, I worried about them all the time, praying for them when they headed out to school and other places. It's a parent thing, I guess. And now they are grown, strong, beautiful women, I still worry about them and put my worries into prayer. "Protect them, Lord, keep them safe and help them know they are loved." I ask them to call me once they arrive safely when they are traveling. I can't help it. Nor could Jesus. When we love others we care deeply, want them to always be safe and protected. How marvelous to realize our perfect Savior, who gave his life for us, cares about our safety and protection. He care like a human mother or father for us, his headstrong and wandering children.

Wondrous Creator, source of all love

you tenderly care for us as a perfect parent

watching over us in the day and in the night

always holding us close to your tender heart.

We wander off and get lost in our foolishness

headstrong and determined we seek trouble

only to ache for a clear direction home

only to find you watching over us all.

Take our hand, Lord, and guide us home

help us to find rest in your loving arms

make us humble enough to seek you help

and may our prayers seek your protection for all. Amen.

The Hour Has Come

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. John 17:1-8

As we begin Lent this year, there is much worry fear and anxiety. The war in the Ukraine, the war in Palestine and our divided country as we face a presidential election, all weigh heavy on our hearts. Added to those fears are the acts of senseless violence on our streets. Many are fearful and isolated, at a loss to know how to respond. Our Gospel today invites us into the intimate relationship between Jesus and God as part of the family of God, belonging before we ever understood it. As Lent begins, we are invited to dive deep into the waters of baptism, to know ourselves as children of the living God, and examine our lives as we serve others. Noone is outside the love of God and everyone belongs to our Creator.

Precious Savior, you spoke the truth

as the living earthly presence of the Creator

you stood among us, teaching us who we are

the beloved children of the living God.

We stray far from home and your family

we are impatient with waiting and prayer

we think we can survive on our skills

and find ourselves lost, fearful and alone.

Gather us up, dear Jesus, like small children

remind us of your constancy and great love

help us to behave as your beloved family

making your love a gift to our broken world. Amen.

Ash Wednesday 2024

‘Beware of practicing your 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. ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

The Ash Wednesday liturgy is a powerful service and a time for us to turn ourselves to deeper faith and deeper reflection. This year, today, we not only observe Ash Wednesday but so many also celebrate Valentine's Day. We are sending valentines and imposing ashes all at the same time. It seems like a huge conflict. If we dive a bit deeper though, we find that both commemorations focus on the love that heals and renews us all. We impose ashes to remind ourselves of our need to examine our lives and our hearts. We send valentines to demonstrate our love for those who have made love possible in our lives. We're in a season of turning, love always turning and renewing, lead always by God's love, eternal and forgiving. May we embrace the fullness of love this season and take seriously the call to humble ourselves and seek God's renewing and healing love.

Eternal Creator, you set the world in motion

tis beauteous orb is always changing and moving

turning to the sun and away from the light

yet your love is constant and never ending.

We ache to be loved and change ourselves

yet you love us for who we are, your children

we think beauty and gifts we solve our problems

while you gently call us to deep, tender prayer.

Help us to hear your call for loving justice

help us rid ourselves our all anger and envy

let our love and service be real and genuine

and make us new again as we seek your face. Amen.

Absalom Jones

‘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. John 15:12-15

Today is the feast day of Absalom Jones, was born into slavery, bought his freedom (and his wife Mary's) and went on to be the first ordained African American priest in the Episcopal Church. Bishop William White ordained Jones as Deacon in 1795 and as priest in 1802. He lovingly lead the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia for many years, until his death in 1818. Despite the challenges he faced, he stood tall in the face of horrific discrimination, worked tirelessly to care for his people while building up their faith in God and God's care for the "oppressed and distressed." Today, he is a model for persistence in the face of abuse, and love that lifts all people. May we follow in his footsteps on our walk of faith.

Collect for Absalom Jones

  Set us free, heavenly Father,

 from every bond of prejudice and fear; 

that, honoring the steadfast courage 

of your servant Absalom Jones, 

we may show forth in our lives 

the reconciling love and true freedom

 of the children of God, 

which you have given us 

in our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

who lives and reigns with you 

and the Holy Spirit, one God, 

now and forever. Amen

Denial and Testing

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, ‘You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.’ When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ Again, Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. John 18:15-27

I cannot play poker or bluffing games. My face always gives me away. I have always wanted to hide the hurt and pain, to keep it from my face and only allow the joy, yet, it is impossible for me. Our reading today finds us deep in the passion of Christ, when he was being tested and called a liar, while his dear friend Peter was lying and denying him three times over. The truth comes from our Creator and falsehoods from our broken humanity, our need to save ourselves. In God, there is no weakness. And we are forgiven our many deceptions and falsehoods by our Creator, who is always love and truth. 

Blessed Creator, you are in our darkest hours

shedding light and warmth where we cannot

giving us strength in the face of great threats

and peace in the midst of dangerous storms.

We often forget that we are never alone

thinking we have to fight or run away

we deceive ourselves and we deceive others

yet you know the brokenness in our hearts.

Help us to face the times of trial with peace

help us turn the enemy in to a friend with love

let our lives be open and honest when tested

trusting i your ever loving presence with us now. Amen.

Transfiguration - Last Sunday of Epiphany

Last Sunday of the Epiphany
February 11, 2024

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Mark 9:2-9

Most of rarely have visions, and even less rarely do we have mountain top visions. Peter, James and John went up the mountain for some quiet prayer time away from the crowds.  They saw Jesus as he really was, his complete self, surrounded by Moses and Elijah, pillars of the faith. They wanted to build monuments to the moment, when they saw their teacher's completeness in relationship to the Father, and to all of history. Their eyes were opened for a glimpse of God's fullness. Instead of making monuments they had to go back down the mountain, put one foot in front of the other, and bear the pain that would come their way. It is this way for all of us. We can only glimpse the fullness of God's love for us.

A Litany for the Last Sunday of Epiphany

Wondrous Creator, your are with us all

in every age and with every tribe and family

you breathe your spirit upon all humanity

and see every one of us as beloved children.

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.

We humans fight for supremacy and wealth

violence and wars replace the works of service

we forget that we are so loved by you

that you send your son to die for everyone's sin.

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.

Help us to move away from selfless greed

make us put our effort and focus on community

let us see you face in the stranger and alien

and help us hear your words of love for all people.

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.

We often get afraid and think we are alone

help us to see you drawing close in cloudy times.

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.

We have lost our direction and our hearts

put our feet again on your righteous road.

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.

For you have given us your life and your spirit

and you will lift us to the mountain top again. 

Lord, make us new with the vision of your love. Amen

The truth Will Make You Free

Again he said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ John 8:21-32

We live in a year of elections, when candidates rattle on about lies other people have spoken, yet rarely own up to their own lack of truthfulness. We are human and often the truth is not in us, no matter how we try. The most faithful people are aware of their mistakes, admit them and ask forgiveness when they have harmed another. Jesus knew the truth since he was embedded in the Creator, the source of all truth. And he knew that truth will make us free. Truth and love live hand in hand both in our Creator and throughout all of creation. And untruths and hate grow like weeds together. We can choose one way or the other, but never both. We are invited to daily seek honest humility, and we will be made free in God's truth and love.

Loving Creator our source of all truth

you show the world your love in creation

shining through our darkness with hope

and give us the strength to live in you.

We wander away seeking power and signs

when all around us are the signs of love

in the humble who serve with great joy

you can always be found among them.

Help us to be those who seek your truth

let us humbly live in your love

let all we do be gratitude for love given

and your truth will shall make us all free. Amen.

Light of the World

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.’ Then they said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. John 8:12-20

I am reminded how essential light is to our existence. Here in midwinter February, as the days finally grow longer, I can feel how my body aches for light and sunshine.  So many days with clouds this winter, has resulted in so many aching for more light. When we lived in Alaska, and the light was minimal during the day in winter, we finally understood how people can be affected by the lack of light.  Today, here in early February, Jesus speaks directly to us, reminding us that he is the light of the world. We can find whatever we lack, whatever we ache for in Christ Jesus.

Beloved Creator you designed the seasons

for times of planting and caretaking

times of reflection and quiet rest

and times for basking in the sun's light.

We often complain about what we lack

and whine about the weather and the clouds

yet you have promised to be our light and life

in every dark shadowy time in our lives.

Help us to seek you in our deep darkness

trusting that we can find completeness in you

knowing your love is lifting the clouds

and brining new light and life to us all. Amen.

Neither Do I Condemn You

Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ John 7:53-8:11

Throwing stones was a very common punishment for misdeeds. We don't practice stoning now, but we do often throw verbal stones, criticisms and judgments which wound and destroy people. We quickly judge and shun, even though we all have committed the similar mistakes and failings. We separate ourselves from those who are different and from those whose lifestyles differ from ours. Yet Jesus, didn't let the stones be thrown. He found a way to make the accusers walk away. And, he finds ways to free us from the judgment of others. When we live forgiven, that forgiveness is for everyone, freely given, always a gift from God.

Wondrous Creator, source of all healing

you call us to seek your forgiveness

so that we can in turn forgive others

and live out the love you shower on us.

We enjoy criticizing and condemning

despite the pain we have endured

we ask for forgiveness and don't forgive.

torn apart by our own bitter rivalries.

Help us Lord to admit to our faults

and move quickly to forgiving others

helping your love to blossom again

filling our world with places of welcome. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of the Epiphany - Feast of the Presentation

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:22-40

They were poor and they were faithful. A first-born son was expected to be dedicated to God. The presentation in the temple also was the final stage of Mary's purification after giving birth. The gifts they brought, two turtledoves and two pigeons, was the offering of a poor couple. Others who were able would have brought a lamb as offering. To this young couple, who far from home and trying to do the right thing quietly, came a huge surprise. Simeon and Anna had been awaiting this child for a long time. Their waiting was fulfilled in Jesus. God's love, in the midst of dislocation, waiting and worry, became incarnate to them all in a very simple and tender moment. May God's love become incarnate in our simple places and tender moments.

Gracious Creator, you are present with us

in our simple homes and tender spaces

you remind us of your unfailing love

and your presence always in our humble lives.

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here.

We often miss the times of grace

because we are distracted and frightened

dislocated from our familiar surroundings 

we can believe you have walked away.

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here.

Yet Anna and Simeon found the baby

surrounded the parents with your promises

reminded them of your covenant with them

and remind us of your promises for us as well.

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here.

We are often worried and care worn

yet you seek us out in these dark times.

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here.

We often forget to see your face in the stranger

yet you send strangers and angels to herald your love.

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here.

Help us to always trust in your loving presence

for you are the Lord of the all of creation. 

Lord Jesus, help us to know your presence here. Amen.

Not Time Yet

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.’ (For not even his brothers believed in him.) Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come.’ After saying this, he remained in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, ‘Where is he?’ And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds. While some were saying, ‘He is a good man’, others were saying, ‘No, he is deceiving the crowd.’ Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews. John 7:1-13

I was in a meeting recently when someone remarked that although we have been working on this for decades, people have decided now is the time. The old folk song reminds us, quoting Ecclesiastes, " and a time for every season under heaven." It was not Jesus' time yet for the final passion, the final drama. He was drawn to stay away from the festival and was also drawn to the people. Despite the threats and fears, Jesus went to be with the people. And in bad times, good times and all of our seasons, he is with us, even when the timing is bad.

Living Creator, you dwell with the people

turning us and renewing us in all times

amidst challenges and great threats

you desire always to live among us all.

Our world is full of threats and violence

we divide when we should be leaning in

we push away when it is time to reach out

yet you are there in our very human failings.

Help us to see that it is time for embracing

it is time to serve and reach out to others

now is the time for your love to flourish

even when we are afraid and anxious here. Amen.

To Whom Can We Go?

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. John 6:60-71

I lived in a town where the train was central to life. Lots of people got up early and walked to the train to travel quite a distance into the city so they could work. The would read newspapers, do a puzzle or simply try to sleep on their commute. If you rode the train home in the evening, the signs of weariness and exhaustion were everywhere. And, day after day, they repeated the cycle, so they could feed their families and have a roof overhead. Some wondered whether it is all worth it, I am sure. All did the arduous commute for the love of their families and children. Jesus and his disciples were at a crossroads. Things were getting real and those who came along for the ride scattered like leaves in the wind. Peter and the other disciples knew where they belonged - by Jesus' side. Despite the challenges and troubles ahead, love called them and there they would stay.

Wondrous Creator, ground of all our lives

we are loved into existence despite our humanity

cared for tenderly despite our doubts and fears

and held close in our joys and our sorrows.

We often scatter and run when hard times come

thinking there is another greener valley for us

we forget the loving care we have received

and turn from the home where we have been called.

Help us Lord, to remain steady on our fears

help us to cling to your love and care alone

give us the strength to be faithful in hard times

trusting that you are truly with us through it all. Amen