Sunday, August 31st, 2025, Proper 17

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, `Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, `Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." He said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:1, 7-14

Very few of us are hosting wedding banquets or other large events. We mostly don't hang around with royalty and important people. Yet, we do know what it is like to be given a place of honor and the hurt of being sent away empty handed. Too often, we think exclusive clubs and exclusive venues are what we need and want, when what we really need is a bigger table and a place for everyone. We all ooh and aah over fancy, yet we love nothing more than a home cooked meal in a relaxed and safe environment. God's reign is not one of exclusion but welcome. Welcome to all classes and cultures, welcome for the humble and the stranger, and food enough for everyone.

                                A Litany for Sunday, August 31, 2025

Welcoming Creator, you make enough for all

and invite us to gather together to celebrate

providing for the grandest and least among us.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors.

People choose to separate themselves from others

look down their noses at those who are less fortunate

and always grab the very best seats in the house.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors.

Yet you call us to invite the poor and the meek 

feeding those who cannot walk and feed themselves

reminding us how gracious and welcoming you are.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors.

Move us from our selfish ways to compassion

and soften our hearts to see the needs around us.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors.

You welcomed us when we felt abandoned

and embraces us when we were left in the cold.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors.

Give us your grace so we might build a table

big enough to feed everyone that is hungry today.

Blessed Jesus, help us to bless and welcome all our neighbors. Amen.

Sheep are Scattered

And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’ Mark 14:27-42

When we are left to our own devices, we scatter like sheep when trouble comes. Well, trouble has come to our nation again. A troubled young person shot into the chapel of a Catholic school. Children and adults scattered, climbing under pews, running to the Pre-K room and barricading the doors with chairs and tables. Some rushed to help their wounded. We have betrayed our children, the ones we are

supposed to care for and protect at all cost. We love guns and individual independence more than we love the children. This includes the trans shooter, a child, hurt beyond measure by the judgement of our culture. Winning and dominance have usurped all responsibility for our neighbor and our precious children. Right before his arrest, Jesus prayed and found his disciples sleeping, heavy with food and drink. We are sleeping too, forgetting our real responsibilities to care for the poor, the weak, the outcast, the stranger and the children.

Creator, you are the source of all compassion

even when we overindulge and fall sleep 

you love us as a perfect parent love the offspring

and you weep with us as we cannot protect our own.

We spent too much time on selfish needs and wants

as the sheep scatter, hungry, lost and terrified

we turn away from the deepest anguish and hurt

believing it is someone else's flock and problem.

Lord Jesus, wake us up to the reality of our times

we are called to care for the vulnerable and needy

imprint your love so deep into our hearts again

that we run with courage again to rescue the little ones. Amen.

Prepare the Table

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.’ When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:12-26 

As you well know, the "last supper" is the traditional Jewish Seder and has become, for Christians, the model of communion or eucharist. Although this passage in Mark does not say there were women involved with the preparation, every Seder I ever was honored to be part of was prepared by women, with curious children milling about and getting in the way. We have pictures in our mind of this last supper, mostly famous Rennaissance paintings, all of which had no idea what that event was like. It would Jesus' last meal with the ones he loved, his family and friends, and they would hold this as their sacred and new tradition. Their way of moving forward in the midst of terrible tragedy. We are reminded that being at table is one of the most intimate gatherings, and we are invited to prepare the table of love for others who might never be invited anywhere else.

Wondrous Creator, you call us to your table

providing us with all our food and our sustenance

we rely on you for our breath and our sight

and you call us your family and your children.

We set rules to keep strangers away from our table

we keep your abundant generosity to ourselves

we act like we have created all that we have 

and brag about our independence and our skill.

You call us to prepare a table with many seats

a place where the smallest and greatest can gather

a family table where we move over to let others sit

and where we share all of your loving abundance. Amen.

In Remembrance of Her

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’ While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.’ And they scolded her. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’ Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased and promised to give him money. So, he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. Mark 14:1-11

Most of the stories of selfless love, particularly in the Gospel of Mark, are acts done by women. Most of these women are poor, outcast and an unwelcomed sort, immediately criticized by the religious leaders and other men.  They scolded her. Yet Jesus defended her selfless love, an act of tenderness and devotion, that none of them was capable of. They were quick to judge her, yet Jesus has made her first among the saints. Her story has been told throughout the generations. Jesus' honoring of the woman made Judas take the final deal that would betray his teacher and friend. She teaches us love even in a world full of angry, privileged men. Her fearlessness is a model for us all in these times.

Gracious Creator, you made us all your children

we sing and dance in very different languages 

yet you are among all of us in our diversity

inviting us to fearless love and faithfulness.

We ache to fit in with the times and the culture

while mothers and children are rounded up

we look away from the violence being done

and forget to be the women always remembered.

Lord, help us to be more like the woman

let us be ready to break open what we have

so the world might see your love among us

and be filled with the perfume of great hope. Amen. 

Keep Awake

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ Mark 13:28-37

We live in a time when folks seem to want to sideline truth for what makes them comfortable. We shut out real life with headphones and windows up and miss both the beauty and pain around us. We "curate" our lives, shutting away any real truth about ourselves. We don makeup and coverup any flaws and pretend we are perfect. Yet Jesus reminds us that the Creator sees us in our complete and flawed state and loves us in spite of all that we are. Jesus reminds us to be alert and awake for we do not control our time, no matter how hard we work at it. Our lives are in God's hands, and we are invited to work for divine love, spreading mercy, healing and forgiveness while we have time here.

Wondrous Creator, you make us in your image

you plant us in this time and space to serve

the needs of the lost, forgotten and abused

sharing your love in these and all hard times.

We live for ourselves and protect our wealth

as if we have unlimited time and all control

we fail to know our limits and blessings received

and we think we are the masters of our lives.

Oh Lord, make us listen to your Son today

turn our faces to the needs of our neighbors

turn our hearts to the work set before us all

and tur our hands from rebuke to service today. Amen.

Gathered from the Four Winds

‘But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. And if anyone says to you at that time, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything. ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:14-27

Some years ago, the series 'Left Behind' was very popular among some Christian groups. During that time, I would see bumper stickers that said, "this vehicle will be empty when the rapture comes!" Folks were encouraged to expect the end times and get right with God. This thinking has permeated into our present day and some of our country's leadership. Some in every generation have expected the end times and read the signs wrong. Their behavior was foolish, and they forgot to care for others since the end was near. When we personalized our faith, instead of embracing others, from the four winds, we are not following a scared path, we are following our selfish path. May we embrace the four winds and those sent to us from every direction.

Eternal Creator, you are the alpha and omega

we begin in your heart and we return to you

we are your children and families on earth

and you call us to care for all of your children.

We think that controlling others is a good thing

isolation and protection are our natural rights

when we live on land that is truly stolen

and forget that so many were brought as slaves.

Help us Lord, today, to live with open hearts

never let us live as those preparing for end times

but rather those who open their hearts to new ways

new possibilities and your miracles on the horizon. Amen.

Sunday, August 24, 2025, Proper 16

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing. Luke 13:10-17

Jesus healed a woman on the sabbath, and the religious leadership was furious with him. He called them hypocrites and shame them which contributed to his death. There were religious laws concerning the sabbath which they felt needed to be upheld, while Jesus saw the woman, her pain and her struggles, and healed her. Her suffering, whatever the cause was, was gone, and she was so grateful, having been set free. I get this lady, as in the past, I have been stuck in a wheelchair, had to use crutches for years, and still use a cane on occasion.  People don't see the bent over, wheelchaired, handicapped ones. They push by as if there was no one there. Yet, Jesus saw the woman and called her to him. Jesus sees our suffering and calls us to him. He sets us free. May we draw near in our pain and bring love to those who suffer today.

                                A Litany for Sunday, August 24th, 2025

Gracious Creator, you made us wonderfully

we are formed of stardust and your breath

sent into the world to love and be loved.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again.

We are often bound by the chains of suffering

pain, fear and anger choke out our lives

yet we forget to turn to you in our deepest pain.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again.

You see the burdens and pains we bear

you are with us in the weary and sad times

and you see us in the times when we run from you.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again.

We all need you to heal and renew us today

we need to be set free from our tremendous burdens.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again.

We are afraid that the world is turning so cruel

and we feel so helpless, bound by so many demons.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again.

You, dear Lord, see us when we are bound in pain

and will set us free to carry your love to the world.

Gracious Savior, set us free, and let love flourish again. Amen.

Giving All

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ” David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’ And the large crowd was listening to him with delight. As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’ He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’ Mark 12:35-44

In our gospel lesson today the rich people giving their alms only notice themselves and their friends. Jesus notices the poor widow who gives her all. The pompous displays of wealth and success might be impressive to others, but Jesus see real generosity. In our world today the wealthy and powerful get all the attention. Jesus sees the work of the poor and humble and honors it while condemning the false narrative of wealthy and powerful. They think they are blessed by God, but they are not. Those of us willing to be humble and honestly give of ourselves with no expectation of gain are and will be blessed.

Loving Creator, you lavish us with abundance

the green and leafy trees give us shade in summer

the warmth of home and fires give us warmth

and the earth yields fruit and food in season.

We admire those who are wealthy and powerful

believing they are blessed and loved by you

while you are looking at the deep margins

and loving the lonely ones who are generous.

Help us to be truly generous and humble today

this world needs signs of your loving presence

may we be the ones who give our all for you

so the world might know your true blessings. Amen.

Love God, Love Your Neighbor

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbor as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34

We have lived in many places across this country, including Maryland, New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Montana, Alaska and Massachusetts. We've had all sorts of neighbors, city, suburban and rural neighbors in a great diversity of lifestyles, cultures and languages. Loving one's neighbor is next only to loving God. Although Jesus and the scriptures are very clear about this, most Christians today still think they can pick and choose. "My neighbors are the ones I like, right?" Nope.

My neighbor doesn't include the guy passed out in the street, right?" Nope again. There is no limit to who is our neighbor. We show our love for God by loving our neighbor. May we be those who demonstrate the love of God by truly loving al, yes all, our neighbors today.

Loving Creator, you are the source of community

Yourself, as three in one, teaching us interdependence

we are born completely dependent and others rely upon us

and we are called to love our neighbor in all places.

We step over and look away from the street folks

we disapprove of the language, color or customs

and hide in walled-in communities avoiding neighbors

and we lose our faithfulness as we fail to love all.

O Lord, in this time of terror and pain on our streets

open our eyes and hearts to our neighbors again

help us to see your face in the stranger and neighbor

and make us ready to do all we can to truly love again. Amen.

God of the Living

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him. Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married her and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.’ Mark 12:13-27

Jesus finds himself under constant questioning from those who bitterly dislike him and want to trip him up. They want to argue about money, politics and life after death. Sadly, we find ourselves still arguing about the same things. Yet Jesus helps us in this Gospel lesson today by refocusing their traps and ploys. Give to Caesar what is Ceasars and to God what is God. Live knowing there is a resurrection, and our earthly powers and rules have no control or importance there. We get so caught up in trying to win argument and power struggles, that we forget to live with compassion, justice and kindness. When we fight for power and authority, we can unintentionally give the worst folks more power. May we live our days honoring all of creation, caring for the least among us demonstrating we are people of the living God.

Gracious Creator, source of wisdom and power

you made us in your image of love and compassion

giving us a good life and an abundant garden

yet we want to be more godlike and in control.

Despite our limited vision we think we see all

despite our lack of love, we think we are right

we ache for authority despite our lack of knowledge

yet you came among the people and reside with us still.

Dear Lord, help us to be humble and kind

let us leave argument and control alone

drawing near to the least and lonely here

so that your love can be our first and final act. Amen.

Tenants in the Vineyard

Again, they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.’ They argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “Of human origin”?’—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So, they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ 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 watchtower; 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”?’ When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So, they left him and went away. Mark 11:27-12:12

Jesus seems to be confronted by the religious leaders of his day. They saw him as a threat to their power and control. The religious leaders did not like his criticism of them and tried to trap him. When that didn't work, they came with the force of the government to have him arrested and killed. They wanted their lives to look clean and neat. We live in a time when our leaders want this country to look clean and neat, instead of diverse, strong and vibrant. We sorely need our immigrant workers, yet the leaders see them as criminals, who are doing the jobs others won't do. Jesus us is speaking to all those in management, in authority, who think they own the vineyard and do everything to look like they're in control, neat and clean. This strive for control and "beautification" is the worst of human behaviors. May we move to honor the beauty and vineyards we are caretakers of and be grateful at all times for the abundance we have been blessed with.

Loving Creator, you give us all that we need

showering us with rain and abundant sunshine

giving us trees for shade and plants for food

and communities that teach us to live humbly.

Lord, we want to control others and the land

yet it is not ours but a gift you gave to us all

we ache to run off anyone who challenges us

yet you sent them all to teach us how to live.

Lord, make us humble tenants and caretakers

loving the small and weak more than the mighty

give us your compassion and your kindness

so we might serve the world in your loving name. Amen.

Sunday, August 17, 2025 - Proper 15

Sunday August 17, 2025

Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" Luke 12:49-56

Fire is scared among Indigenous peoples, so much so, that we often honor the sacred fire with dances that honor fire. Traditional people knew the central importance of fire for life. They also taught their children how to safely care for fire and respect its gifts and dangers. Today's Gospel from Luke seems harsh and out of character for Jesus. Yet Jesus might be speaking to our times. We see so much division and open hostility. And the world is warming so rapidly that there are huge fires out of control and glaciers tearing apart. Some might claim that these are the signs of the end times, but they would be very wrong.  In every generation and season, Jesus is calling us to open our eyes and hearts, something we do not want to do in the summer, or ever. The fire that Jesus speaks of is holy fire, not the fire of angry destruction. A sacred flame that gets down the bare places of our lives. That heart of hearts which brings forth forgiveness, reconciliation and compassion.

                                               A Litany for Sunday August 17th

Wondrous Creator, you gave us fire to live by

to heat our dwellings and cook our foods

and to help us cleanse in every time and season.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.

We don't want to pay attention in these times

we would rather take side and demonize others

and we are comfortable in our hate and division.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.

Our forests are burning and our seas are rising

we cry to you for help but refuse to change our ways

and we hide behind the rhetoric of our leaders.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.

Take your Holy fire, dear Lord, and set us free

to live for love, reconciliation and your peace.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.

Take your Holy flame and burn away arrogance

so we might see the people in need around us.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.

Take your Sacred fire, and set our hearts ablaze

for the love and care of all of your creation.

Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire. Amen.

Take Heart

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

The story of blind Bartimaeus reminds us all to take heart for we are being heard and sought by God. We can despair when pain, loss or illness overwhelm us. Yet Jesus is always telling us to take heart, he is calling us to draw near. I've been thinking about hearts today as I have a beaded cross I love which was made by and given to me by Juday Gau. The cross has a heart within the beading and the letters AK for Alaska. My heart is with all the people of Alaska today, those who are overwhelmed and confused by the political summit being held today. There is disruption and complications across the state, all for a bit of show. There is no drawing closer to Jesus nor hearing his call in this meeting. Noone is seeking peace but control and fame. May we today take our hearts to Jesus, drawing close, staying humble, and seeking healing and reconciliation.

Gracious Creator, source of love and healing

you give us the voice to speak truth to power

the wisdom to know how to care for people

and the heart to seek you in every moment.

Some would rather have celebrity and control

many choose to win while abusing others

we are often far from the presence of Christ

thinking we can rule in the place of him.

Help us to take heart today, Lord Jesus

let us draw close to you for healing and vision

make us humble so we can hear the cries

of those who seek you healing and youe love. Amen.

Came Not to be Served but to Serve

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

Too many in our country are focused on winning, and winning at all costs. Leaders, in many places, are focused on their own needs and being absolutely right, rather than leading with compassion and humility. We find two disciples demanding to be first and then being ridiculed over it. Jesus steps in to tell us all how we should lead, as servants, not as despots and bullies. Too often, we learn to lead by observing those who lead with force and absolute control and think it is the way to be. Following Jesus, calls us to humility, compassion and service to all. Yes, it is countercultural then and it is countercultural now. And, servant leadership lifts everyone up, when we lead with love grounded in care for others.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in your sacred image

making us a part of your diverse and beautiful creation

co-equals in the inheritance and leadership with Jesus

and you give is hearts of compassion and humility.

We have been taught to build up our control

we are so afraid someone will take advantage of us

that we bully and scheme our way to the very top

only to find ourselves afraid and terribly lonely.

Help us, dear Lord, to get down on our knee today

give us the strength to rejoice in others' success

and humble hearts aways ready to serve others

so your love might be manifest, here and now. Amen.

Give the Money to the Poor

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

The news broke the other day. The President was taking over the police force in Washington DC, in order to rid the city of it's homeless. Not to care for them, nor help them find safe living situations, but rather, so things can look pretty and clean for he and his wealthy friends. Threats were made that seem to point to coming violent retribution if the homeless didn't move. This is so far from something a follower of Jesus would do. Calling oneself a Christian, and then abusing the least among us, is not Christian at all. We all need to pay our bills, but when we are blessed with billions, we culd save whole families. We could show the love of God to a hurting world. May we be those who give what we are able and give hope to the suffering.

Wondrous Creator, who blessed us with life

and who showers us with abundant gifts

the sweet riches of community and family

and our daily food and our daily shelter.

Too often, we let our greed and fear define us

we hoard our wealth as if we can take it with us

we refuse to see need as a sign from heaven

to offer what we have for the needs of others.

Lord, help us to live as last in line, instead of first

give us eyes to see the aching people around us

and give us hands to help and hearts that are moved

to share what we have and live always for others. Amen.

Let the Children Come to Me

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

I have been brokenhearted by images of children being separated from their parents during recent ICE raids. I am outraged when we tear any child from any parent. I spent a good deal of my young life teaching Sunday School, babysitting and working in a nursery with two year olds. Their working class, hard-working parents in the 1970s had no choice but to have us take care of them during work hours. But the delight they demonstrated when picked up each afternoon was astounding. And the terror they felt when a parent didn't show was horrifying.  Jesus says that God's kingdom belongs to the children, and we are to care for them as such. We are also to behave with the kind of love, sincerity and wonder that children display. 

Gracious Creator, you made us small and vulnerable

so when we grow up, we might understand the weak

the outcast and the homeless with great compassion

and live our lives for the care of these precious children.

Yet we take our strength and power as our right

and wield authority as if it cannot be taken away

we forget about those who you called us to love

and refuse to care for the vulnerable in our lives. 

Lord Jesus, make us childlike and compassionate again

give us the eyes and the hearts of little children

who live to embrace the new day and loving family

and make us care for the needy and vulnerable again. Amen.

Be At Peace

‘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 all want peace, I believe, but we want our competitive, walled off lifestyles as well. Peace means living with other people in mind, protecting the safety of the vulnerable, making room at the table for the hungry, and seeing to the needs of the unhoused. We can be stumbling blocks so easily when we fail to make the care of others our priority. Peace comes when we sit together and listen, not when we bomb communities and leave them with nothing. We are called to be salt, living for others, and be at peace with one another through compassion, care and listening.

Loving Creator, you are the source of peace

despite the chaos we create and truly enjoy

your heart is one of compassion and caring

calling us to be those who shelter the weary.

We like our creature comforts and our fences

we love to criticize people who are different

we round up the aliens and the refugees

and call them criminals and undeserving.

Give us your peace anew today, dear Lord

and give us hands to share and eyes to see

the needs around us and strangers as family

so we can carry your peace into our world. Amen.

Sunday, August 10th, 2025 - Proper 14

Sunday, August 10th, 2025 Proper 14

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. "But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour." Luke 12:32-40

When we were children, living by the ocean, a family friend owned a gift shop which had a treasure chest called "Captain Kidd's Treasure Chest." It was filled with surprise bags; paper bags filled with trinkets and small toys. We rarely got a chance to dive in and get a bag, but on occasion, our parents would front us the 25 cents so we could pick a treasure. Usually we were delighted, but sometimes we were disappointed in what the surprise bag held. Life is often like that as we dream of great riches, and we are disappointed with our small "treasures." We fail to see the riches we have in the love and faith around us. Jesus tells the disciples to give, rather than build up treasures. He calls us all to build up treasures in heaven. Faith, compassion, love, generosity and inclusion are the gifts and treasures of heaven. They are in short supply these days. May we be those who have our lamps lit and are spreading God's love.

                                                A litany for Sunday, August 10th

Wondrous Creator, you shower us with treasures

giving us abundant love and community for free

asking us to tend to the needs of those around us.

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again.

We often fail to see the want and needs around us

too busy focused on amassing wealth and power

never seeing how fleeting and shallow both are.

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again.

You told the disciples to sell riches and give alms

and store up treasures in heaven by giving to others

and caring for the most vulnerable around us.

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again.

Move us from fear to helpfulness today, dear Lord

for we are weary, confused and without direction.

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again.

Help us to live humbly and with great compassion

so all might see the loving treasures in their midst.

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again.

For you are the source of all good and gracious things

and we are always yours, secure in your love for us all. 

Draw near to us, precious Savior, and teach us how to live again. Amen.

I Believe; Help My Unbelief!

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ Someone from the crowd answered him, ‘Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.’ He answered them, ‘You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.’ And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘You spirit that keep this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!’ After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, ‘He is dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘This kind can come out only through prayer.’ Mark 9:14-29

Many modern scholars have decided that the story of the boy possessed by an evil spirit is the story of a child with epilepsy, something controllable these days. Yet I think we can get prideful and distracted by our modern diagnoses, while missing the anguish of the father and the failure of the disciples. In our times, with all the modern medical treatments, there are still times when the child is still getting worse and all the medicines and devices aren't working. That deep anguish is something we can all respond to, times when we've tried everything, nothing worked, and we're completely exhausted and broken by the experience. Jesus speaks to the heart of all of us who are completely exhausted and broken. "All things can be done foe the one wo believes." And we can respond as the father did. "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Wondrous Creator, you hold us as your beloved

a prefect parent embracing these crying children

bringing us the needed healing and deep peace

despite the fractious world we live in these days.

We often turn from our faith when pain prevails

we are furious that our pain is still with us

we try to blame others for the suffering we bear

and seek revenge on all who don't help us.

Lord, help us to believe again and ask for help

seeking your answers in a world of confusion

make us strong in our faith as we call on you

so all who come after us may know of your love. Amen.

Transfigured

Six days later, 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 any more, 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. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He said to them, ‘Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.’ Mark 9:2-13

Sometimes, we get glimpses of the real person, the one not hidden behind the facade of correctness and propriety. Occasionally, it's a good insight that warms our hearts. Too often, we see the bitter, angry and petty person hidden inside the polished, warm exterior. Three disciples, who lived with Jesus day in and day out, got a momentary glimpse of the real Jesus. They saw him with Moses and Elijah, the famous ancestors of their people, those they believed closest to God. And here was the man who walked the dusty roads with them, conversing with the saints, and hearing the voice of God. It confused and amazed them, scaring them within an inch of their lives. They didn't know what to do and they realized this was no ordinary teacher. From this dazzling moment on the mountain, their journey would be to Jerusalem and the final passion. This little glimpse helped them hold on to their faith in the face of great trauma.

Gracious Creator, you give us vision of beauty

in the midst of trying times you send sweet breezes

you comfort us with kind friends and strangers

and restore our hope even when we are very afraid.

We often trust in our own strength and power

and when those give out we curse and cry out

yet you are sending sunsets and new days to all

and restoring our vision, if we would but take it in.

Lord, help us today to see the glimpses of your love

make us humble so we can share your love abroad

keep us strong and faithful in these hard times

so your love might shatter all walls and chains. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

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.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’ Mark 8:34-9:1

Today, the church celebrates the feast of the Transfiguration, a moment when Jesus' true nature was revealed to three disciples. These disciples knew him so well, and yet, they really didn't understand him fully. And we, like those three disciples, don't really understand the full reality of Jesus nor of God, the Creator. We always try to make them something familiar, something we can comprehend. Yet, we are called, not to try to understand everything (for we never really can) but instead, to give up or deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. Following demands us to not know the road ahead or the destination, but to live humbly, caring for the people on the road, loving those who are tossed aside and rejected. May we, on this feast day, deny ourselves and follow him, so the world might be transformed by love.

Loving Creator, source of all knowledge and skill

you call us to live humbly in service of others

to share what we have with those who have nothing

and to be companions to those we meet on the road.

We like the comfort of our homes and secure walls

we think we are better off when we are defended

we refuse to mix it up with those who are struggling

yet you know we are struggling and no better.

Help us, Lord, to deny ourselves and follow you

so our hearts might be broken open to your love

and your love might transform us daily for service

so your love is seen in the darkest places on earth. Amen.

Healing Our Sight

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’ Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them 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.’ Mark 8:22-33

Jesus draws a blind man away from the crowd to heal his eyesight, which happens in stages. Healing is rarely an instantaneous event. Rather, healing calls for us to admit our need and be willing to be touched and treated by others. And healing our sight and our insight takes many steps and reiterations. In our Gospel story we find that Peter claims Jesus as the Messiah and in a short time later, is called Satan by Jesus. Like Peter, it takes us humans many iterations and much practice to open our hearts, minds and eyes to the healing in front of us. Peter's fear kept him from hearing the truth and made him rebuke the Savior of the world. We all have these times in our lives when our being can't or won't take in love and healing. May this be the season when we set aside fear, and all human defenses and open our eyes and hearts to Divine healing and love.

Loving Creator, source of all healing

we are surrounded by your love and care

planted in communities of faith and hope

secure in your love for all of creation.

Inn our dark times, we can rebuke love

we turn away from truth and escape to fantasy

we pretend we are smart enough to mend ourselves

and forget that we are part of a larger holy family.

Help us to humble ourselves today and ask

for the healing, help and insight we need

realizing we are fragile, fearful and anxious

and you are the source of healing, strength and faith. Amen.

Signs

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ 

Mark 8:11-21

We all get to times and places in our lives where we ache for signs of hope or signs of direction. We can get lost under the weight of pain, grief, loss a physical and life changes. We often feel tested and sometimes fully disappointed with our lives. We crave a way out, a sign, helping us out of the mess we find ourselves in. Jesus doesn't chastise those that come to him hungry, ill or lost. He was chastising the religious leaders of his day who wanted signs to test him, not to help any of the thousands of people surrounding them who needed immediate care. Jesus doesn't chastise those who are suffering. Instead, he calls them and us, to fall into his arms once again. To trust that love in moving towards us all, bringing healing and restoration when we are breaking apart.

Gracious Creator, you wrap us in your love

like a warm blanket in the coldest nights

you gather up all people to your warmth

and provide your light as we stumble along.

We want to be self-sufficient and independent

none of us likes it when we need a helping hand

too often, when you draw near we pull away

and miss the tenderness of your loving arms.

Lord, enfold us again as a parent holds a child

let us fall back trusting you will be there

seeing the signs of your love all around us

and sharing that love with all who are suffering. Amen.

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 Proper 13

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, Proper 13

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Then he told them a parable: "The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, `What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?' Then he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, `Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God." Luke 12:13-21

We live in a country of have and have nots. The rich get richer, and others suffer due to their greed. Throughout scriptures we are admonished to care for the poor, the sick and the strangers in our midst, and yet we find that many are reaching just the opposite. If you are wealthy and keep amassing wealth, it is a sign of God's pleasure and blessing. Yet God sent his son to a poor, unwed mother. The child and his family became enemies of the state and became refugees. Jesus worked with his hands most of his life and condemned those who made money on others' suffering. For my people, wealth was not in possessions but in the love of a family. No riches can replace the love and belonging we have in our families and clans. We are called to be rich for God, to seek building up the treasures of kindness, compassion and inclusion. To have treasure in heaven. 

\

                                            A Litany for Sunday, August 3rd

Wondrous Creator, source of all families

you heap your blessings upon all people

and you live in every culture, clan and people.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven.

We often disregard your command to love one another

instead, we hoard our wealth and ignore the rest

we are comfortable at the expense of many others.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven.

Yet you tell us stories and show us the way to live

Your Son was born to a young mother, an outcast

and your brought abundant blessings through her.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven.

We walk away from need while we are too comfortable

help us to see the need and share what we have today.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven.

You have always made your home among the outcasts

help us to see your presence among the stranger today.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven.

Make us faithful and humble again, Lord Jesus Christ

so we might be blessed as we share with all your people.

Precious Lord, help us deny ourselves so we might have treasure in heaven. Amen.

Even the Dogs

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’ Mark 7:24-37

We were always grateful to have a dog when we were children so we could smuggle the food we did not want to the dog. We have been grateful, as parents, to have a dog to clean up food left after the children were done. We've had a dog around all of our lives together. These days some dogs are treated better than human children, with no expense spared on boots and strollers and the like. But our Gospel was written in very different times, when dogs were never seen as children. They were solely for protection, guarding and herding, protecting sheep and people from thieves, predators and pests. The woman who begged Jesus to heal her child, was willing to be numbered among the dogs. She knew that Jews were not welcoming to "gentiles" and were not to touch or converse with them. Yet she broke down barriers for love, she stood up to the cultural assumptions. Jesus responding with healing to her fierce love. May we all be willing to break down barriers for love, so Jesus can bring healing to us all.

Precious Creator, you love beyond culture and clan

you heal all manner of people and feed the hungry

you make room at the table for stranger and outcast

and call us to love them like you always have.

We like our private clubs and our exclusive ways

we think our massing of wealth and power will save us

we are unwilling to share or break down barriers

yet we too were once strangers and outside the walls.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to make room at the table

give us the strength to move beyond our fears

Make us persistent like the Syrophoenician mother

so we might fight for those who only get the scraps. Amen.