All Hallows' Eve

I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? 

 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 

 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. Psalm 121

There are folks who wrongly think that Halloween or All Hallows' Eve is of satanic origin. In fact, its origins are from the Celtic Samhain and other traditions that celebrate the end of harvest and summer and the beginning of the winter season. Ancient Egyptians and others believed that the barrier between the living and the dead was thin and permeable at this time of year. The Church celebrates All Hallows Day or All Saints, remembering those whom we have lost. In the US, children ring doorbells and get candy while adults dress up and act like children, mostly forgetting the ancient and holy meaning of the season. We are drawing in to the dark time of winter, the days are short and the cold grows deep. It is a time to look back and look forward. And the ancient words of Psalm 121 remind us of God's goodness for us and God's protection in all seasons.

Wondrous Creator, you are present in all seasons

you protect us from the fearful things that surround us

and nestles us, like small children in your loving arms.

We want to demonize those who are different from us

and think that they are the cause of all our fears today

when fear come from within our very hurting souls.

Help us to remember your constant love for us all

may we be fearless in all things and love our neighbors

trusting that you love us and will love us through all seasons. Amen.

Bearing Fruit, Being Good Soil

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ Matthew 13:18-23

Life isn't easy and rarely makes sense. It is normal for us to want to give up when life throws us rough curves and thorns that would us deeply. We are living in an environment of verbal violence and threats, thorns so deep they can't help but wound us. Being good soil and bearing fruit requires us to have faith during the harsh seasons, resting and healing during the blinding cold, trusting that the warmth will return and we can provide what the small seeds need. We all have days when we feel drained and dry, as if there we have absolutely nothing more to give. Yet Jesus is promising us fruit in abundance and love overflowing. Good news on our roughest days.

Gracious Creator, you have planted us in good soil

given us families and communities of strength

and teach us to walk in faith along the good path.

We often stumble and get caught up in the lures

of wealth, power and our need for control

and yet you call us to be the tender soil bearing fruit.

Help us to trust completely in your words of love

make us tender and willing to be remade and replanted

and give us the strength the bear the fruit of your love.

Blessed are Your Eyes and Ears

Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. Matthew 13:10-17

We are home after a wonderful trip and truly glad to be back. We went many places and had great visits and amazing experiences. Our last evening, we spent at the Scottish Storytelling Festival in Edinburgh, being regaled with ancient stories of the sea and the people. Folks listened intently and were on the edge of their seats the whole time. Unfortunately, at other times, we fail to see and listen in the same way. Walking the busy streets, we were amazed by the many people who saw nothing because they were focused on the little phone in their hand. They neither saw the beauty of the landscape, nor the fascinating faces of the people around them. We are all guilty of not seeing and not hearing even if we have good eyes and ears. The disciples were questioning why Jesus told stories and his answer, less direct than I will be, was so that they would remember and tell the story again. Riveting stories get retold. Let us be those who hear and see and retell the wonderful, good news.

Gracious Creator, you paint the earth and sky

giving up the stories from the sea and wind

so that we might share the stories given to us.

Yet we keep the wisdom stories to ourselves

we fail to tell them to our children and neighbors

and we fail to use the wisdom you have given us.

Open our eyes and ears again to be blessed by you

give our hearts the ache to share your love again

and help us tell your stories of love with the world. Amen.

Sts. Simon and Jude

‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. ‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:15-31

St. Simon and St. Jude are thought to have been missionaries to Persia and died there. These two are maybe least known historically, which is why I like them. It is Jude that asked Jesus why questions and get the answer that they will be sent the spirit and “my father will love them, and we will come and make our home with them.” It is then that Jesus promises the Holy Spirit who will guide us and teach us. It’s not for nothing that Jude is said to be the saint of lost causes. Sometimes we are all lost causes. As we fly home today, after a wonderful adventure in Scotland, I will think of St. Jude of lost causes and remember that the holy trinity has made a home with even me, no matter how far I wander.

Wondrous Creator, you have made your home with us

Teaching us the good ways of love and healing 

And you walk with us on every challenging journey.

We like to go our own ways and think we know best

We are often lost to your way and your truth

And you have promised to find us wherever we roam.

Find us and heal us dear Lord, we pray today

So that we might live in your truth and love

And carry love and healing to all lost souls today. Amen.

We are Family

‘When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but it finds none. Then it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.’ While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’ Matthew 12:43-50 

We are on our next to last day here in Scotland. On one day here, we spent time in Paisley, at the history center, searching for ancestors of my father who came over to upsate New York mid-1800s. They were supposedly from Paisley and I was carrying a paisley scarf from here. We met with a lovely woman and she worked tirelessly with us but we could not connect the names to a place. It felt as of I had lost family. Yet the next day, we met with folks from St. Mary,s Cathedral and it felt like home and family. Jesus was not rejecting his mother and brothers, but instead, changing the narrative entirely. We are the family of God, not by blood or lineage but by the love we share. We then can find family wherever we go.

 Loving Creator, you have made us all family 

from every land and every culture you call us 

to be one people of devoted love and service. 

 Greed and domination have injured our family

 we tried to colonize rather than love others 

and yet you, in your love for us, call us your own. 

 Take us from our selfishness and teach us to love again

make us those who make family through loving strangers 

and give us your heart so we might serve everyone. Amen

Sunday, October 26th, 2025 Proper 25

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

Bravado and arrogance seem to be everywhere, and the humble andare bumped out of the picture. In my understanding and the teaching I grew up with, that was childish behavior and needed to be left behind on the play yard. We had a wonderful opportunity last night to visit St. Mary’s  Cathedral to witness their Ceilidh, traditional Celtic dances, which was offered as a fund raiser to replace their organ. The dancing requires great humility and cooperation. Arrogance will get you spinning out of the circle, as it moves fast and interdependence is required. We are reminded today that humility is the way we draw close to God and to our fellow travelers.

Wondrous Creator, you place us in community

And teach us how to be humble and kind

So that the circle of community remains whole.

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again.

Too often we go off on our own path alone

Thinking we are carving up a better way

When in fact we are just cutting ourselves off.

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again.

In Jesus you have given us the heart for all

And we are called to join this humble circle.

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again. 

We can be foolish children behaving selfishly

Yet you call us to be humble and admit our faults. 

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again.

Sometimes our limitations can make us angry

Yet even limited you love us beyond measure. 

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again.

Make the wide circle whole again, dear Lord

And make us humble so your love flows through us. 

Lord,  be merciful to us, and make us your people again. Amen.

The Kingdom of God has Come to You

Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Can this be the Son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.’ He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12 22-32

Sometimes it is hard to sort out good intentions from bad ones. Sometimes we have leaders who say all the right things and acts so differently in private. We have all had experiences that have turned out badly and we have been taken advantage of. We can be hurt deeply by these experiences and fail to trust those who are really acting for our good. Jesus is healing a man who could not see or speak. The religious leaders claimed his work was evil. They did that mostly because they were jealous and angry with Jesus. He was making them look bad. Those who bring light, healing, kindness and justice are those who have the heart or kingdom of God. May we be those today.

Gracious Creator, you draw near to us all

Breathing healing and justice upon sus

And calling us to be agents of your presence.

We have been hurt and fail to trust anyone 

We fail to see the heart of God.drawing near

And we refuse to take on or share your justice.

Help us to put aside our hurts and fears, Lord

Turning again to be open to your healing love

So justice and healing might run down on us all. Amen.

My Beloved

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.’ Matthew 12:15-21

When we talk about one’s beloved we often get goofy and romantic. Yet through out scripture if most often refers to a child, a follower or a dear one. A person who is gentle and restores the hope of the people, insiders and outsiders as well. Right now we seem to have no people who live with the spirit of love so deep for all of the people. Even some of faith leaders are too worried about the bottom line. Yet Jesus was as one among who served and who proclaimed justice to outcasts, the overlooked and those who are treated as the enemy. We are called today to live as beloved followers of Christ, those willing to carry the spirit of gentleness and inclusion to those who are aching for some hope.

Loving Creator, you put your kindness within us

Calling us all your children and your beloved ones

teaching us how to care gently for one another.

We are selfish, competitive and often cruel

Forgetting how vulnerable each of us can be

And using money and power to destroy others.

Lord, help us to act like your beloved once again

Make our cruel hearts kind and caring again

So the world might know hope again as we serve. Amen.

I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?’ so that they might accuse him. He said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Matthew 12:-14

Jesus is often confronted by the religious leaders of his time. His behavior was seen as outside of their laws. Yet many of the laws made it impossible for marginalized to eat and survive. The life of faithfulness carried a heavy price. Many could not afford it due to circumstances. The church throughout history has gone astray when we put a high price on faithfulness. Some have to eat when they can, work when they are able and participate when it’s possible for them. Too often shame has met them at the doors of the church. Listening to the stories of the Reformation here in Scotland, sometimes once price was replaced with another. Yet Jesus fed them and healed them when they had need and not when everything was perfect.

Tender Creator, your heart is with your creation

With the least, the vulnerable, the young, the old

And those on the margin who no one has let in.

We close our doors and build bigger fences

Yet we feel less safe and a paranoid daily

And despite it all you care for each one.

Turn us from all fear and anguish today

So we might see the ones who need us most

And respond as followers of Jesus today. Amen.

Come to Me, All Who Are Weary

At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Matthew 11:25-30

Som seasons are more joyful than others, in our lives, and in every year. As we travel we see people who are burdened with their daily lives and others who kindly engage in the care of others. We were on a train last night, which suddenly had to stop due to trouble on the track. It was pounding rain, bitterly windy, an old around ugly night. We were an hour from our stop. People came and helped us, got us onto the next train, carrying our bags and calling out to hold the train. We arrived in Aberdeen, soaked and hungry and ever grateful for kind strangers. I believe we can count on Jesus the one who invites us all to come and find rest. 

Gracious Creator, you find us shelter in storms

Hide us in the rocky crags nestled from enemies

and get us safely home to places of deep rest.

We fear the storm and believe we are abandoned 

Yet you sought out the little lamb gone astray

And call us to come to you when we are weary.

Help us to seek you in our joys and sorrows

Give us the rest we need so we might carry

Love to a world of heavy burdens and deep fears. Amen.

From East and West

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Luke 13:22-29

We have been in Scotland for several days now. We are in Aberdeen and we came from Edinburgh late last night. Edinburgh was full of voices from around the world. Here we have found more local voices and customs. Here we got to overhear conversations in remarkable local accents about everything from church, family and fish and chips. And I am learning to work on a brand new iPad. It is easy to feel as an outsider and foreigners. Yet there has been so much kindness and hospitality. We followers of Jesus must hear his words today. We cannot assume, because of our family or clan that we are welcomed through the narrow door. Our hearts must be open to others and our lives and works full of compassion and justice.

Oh wondrous Creator, who made the world round

With no edges and no restrictions for travel

You call us to you from every place and family.

We refuse to see your loving work in our world

Instead we focus on the misdeeds of our leaders

Forgetting to focus on our failures and cruelty.

Lift us from our selfish and closed visions

Help us to see your love the world round

And make us your followers as we serve. Amen. 

Sunday, October 19th, 2025 Proper 24g

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

Jesus was teaching his disciples about prayer and never giving up. Why? Obviously, his disciples were prone to giving up and not praying. Just like us.We humans are prone to worry and fear, expecting that failure and misery are our lot. Some of us enjoy the role of most pitiful and downtrodden. Jesus teaches us today that we need to be persistent and pray constantly. Unlike the jaded judge, our God is love eternal, and our persistence, prayer and patience bring love upon us all.

Wondrous Creator, source of love and healing 

You call us to persistence and to ceaseless prayer

So we might know your love in this world.

Lord Jesus, grant justice to us who cry to you day and night.

We love the judge are jaded and very lazy

We want everything quickly and completely 

Refusing to be prayerful and persistent always.

Lord Jesus, grant justice to us who cry to you day and night.

You call us to be warriors in this life of prayer

And to be steadfast and persistent with our needs.

Lord Jesus, grant justice to us who cry to you day and night.

We give in to our fear and think we are all alone 

While you are listening O God of healing love.

Lord Jesus, grant justice to us who cry to you day and night.

Help us to be faithful, persistent and prayerful

Trusting that you listen and respond to your children. 

Lord Jesus, grant justice to us who cry to you day and night. Amen.

A House Divided

Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Can this be the Son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.’ He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:22-32 

 We arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland early yesterday morning, groggy and happy to be here. This is a land that has seen much conflict, full of ancient castles and beautiful scenery. This country is still part of England yet many people ache for self rule. They are very proud of who they are. We left a country severely divided, a government shutdown still rolling along. A house divided. Jesus reminds us division brings ruin. We are called to wake up every morning and follow Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Gracious Creator, you are the healing source

teaching us how to be loving neighbors

and giving us your spirit to heal divisions.

We do not listen to your call for justice

we turn away from the suffering we see

and we break the circle when selfish.

Lord Jesus, help us to listen again today

give us your compassion to respond

so our divisions cease and healing reigns. Amen.

More Valuable Than Sparrows

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:24-33

Do not be afraid! Don't be scared! Easier said than done for me and most people. New situations, new places and new people scare us sometimes. And sometimes we scare ourselves. In October, scary images, stories and movies fill the air. When I worked in a two-year-old day care, we read a book to the kids, "The Don't be Scared Book" all the time. At the end of each page the final line was "don't be scared!" which the children loved to shout with me. Under the bed, the dark night, and all sorts of things were noted in the book that we shouted back, "don't be scared!" We adults know that we have terrors in our lives that scare us to our core, from the violence and politics to our own health and safety. And to all our terrors and fears, Jesus reminds us how valuable and cared for we are. We are loved and hovered over, cared for despite all our fears. "Don't be scared!"

Wondrous Creator, you set us on this earth

teaching us how to live faithfully and well

surrounding us with communities of love.

Too often, we find ourselves afraid to live

life changes and leadership turns cruel

and we are trembling and crying all the time.

Yet you hold us close and supply our needs

you tell us to take heart and to be fearless

for you are defending us and loving us perfectly. Amen.

Sheep into the Midst of Wolves

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:16-23

It is hard to be a faithful Christian in times when our world is so divided and when leaders turn on their people. We have all been betrayed by someone we thought was a faithful friend. Often, we are taken in by the right words and interesting ideas. We are vulnerable, like sheep, who are not too bright and who follow the shepherd with the herd. We can tell ourselves folks are good and we find out how selfish and reprehensible they are. Jesus was so aware of the challenges his disciples would have to face, the betrayals, the persecutions and the hatred. We too face these troubles. We are reminded that the Spirit is with us, giving us words to say and escape routes when necessary.

Eternal Creator, source of love and goodness

you set us in communities of faith and strength

and give us Jesus as the most loving shepherd.

Too often those who lead are selfish and shameful

ready to pounce on anyone that dares to challenge

and those who live lives of true faith and goodness.

You are the good shepherd, you care for us all

you will give us the words to say and the peace needed

and you will find us ways to return to green pastures. Amen.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cart out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. Matthew 10:5-15

When Europeans first set foot on this continent, they were Christian and had chaplains with them. They were greeted by our Indigenous people with curiosity and hospitality. Each tribe has stories of how our ancestors helped visitors. Yet these visitors were not living the Gospel but were instead directed to seize and gather the riches of this land, taking as much land as possible for their progeny. We made our homes welcome and peaceful and they took what they wanted. They gave us deadly diseases and Jesus in the same breath. Today we celebrate the incredible survival and thriving of our tribes and people, despite all they suffered and were stripped of. We survive, strive and thrive for our children, their children to the seventh generation yet unborn.

                        A Four Directions Litany for Indigenous Peoples' Day 

EAST: We come to you, O God, as a few of your many children on this earth. We thank you for the gift of life that comes to us like the dawn of each new day. We pray for light on our path. Open our hearts to your Spirit. WE also remember your people who live to the east of us on this earth. Bring peace where there is constant fighting, and freedom where there is coercion, so that people may welcome the daylight with joy rather than fear.

We welcome our cousins and celebrate the gifts they bring.

SOUTH: We humbly thank you, God, giver of life, for the abundance and variety of your creation. We thank you for the warm winds of the south that allow plants and food to grow, year after year. Give that we may learn the lessons hidden under every leaf and rock. We pray today for the many peoples of the south who do not have enough to eat. Help us always to be generous with what we have and share with those who have less. WE pray, too, that you will bring healing where there is strife and brokenness. Give to the powerful a change of heart, and to those who suffer, courage and the ability to forgive. Where there is death and hatred, sow the seeds to new life.

We welcome our cousins, and celebrate the gifts they bring.

WEST: Lord, we thank you for the beauty of the red and purple sunset. By it teach us respect for all the things you have made. Renew our understanding day by day as we travel along our own road through life. And give us insight today that will serve us long after we leave this gathering. WE thank you for the heritage you have bestowed on this country through the generations who lived here long before the Europeans came to settle. Open our ears to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. Help us to share with gratitude the unique gifts you have bestowed on every nation. Bring healing also, we pray, to the many Indigenous communities who suffer because of what a greedy and insensitive culture has done, often in your name. By your Spirit, bring reconciliation between our cultures so we may walk together before you.

We welcome our cousins and celebrate the gifts they bring.

 NORTH: We thank you, O God, for our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice makes us pure as the snow. We all depend on your forgiveness and grace. We ask it for ourselves and for our nation. Give us courage to ask forgiveness when we have been wronged. Send wisdom along with the white hairs of our elders. Teach us to listen when you speak through them. AND help us as sisters and brothers to mature in our faith and our understanding of the Gospel. Make us ever ready to come to you with clean hands and straight hearts.  

We welcome our cousins and celebrate the gifts they bring.

The circle of love is repeatedly broken because of the sin of exclusion. We create separate circles: the inner circle and the outer circle, the circle of power and the circle of despair, the circle of privilege and the circle of deprivation. 

 Forgive us our sins, as we forgive all who have sinned against us. 

The circle of love is broken whenever there is alienation, whenever there is misunderstanding, whenever there is insensitivity and a hardening of the heart. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive all who have sinned against us. 

The circle of love is broken whenever we cannot see eye to eye, whenever we cannot link hand to hand, whenever we cannot live heart to heart and affirm our differences. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive all who have sinned against us. 

Through God’s grace we are forgiven, by the mercy of our Creator, through the love of the Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Let us rejoice and be glad. Amen.

(originally written for the Indigenous Peoples' Day Service at Old North Church, Boston 2022 - first responses were sung)

Sunday, October 12th, 2025 - Proper 23

                                            Sunday, October 12, 2025

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

Sometimes, when something good has happened, we forget to be grateful. Sometimes, when we hurt someone and apologize, we are not forgiven. Recently in a store, a women accused me of screaming at her, when she was pushing past me and I asked her to wait. I apologized and she told me I should apologize and refused to forgive me. It shook me and I ached to leave the store. Shortly after, one of the staff, who had witnessed the encounter, came and told me how upset she was by the lady's treatment of me, and she gave me bunches of flowers for free. It calmed and touched my heart. Jesus said to the one in ten who returned to thank him, "your faith has made you well." Small acts of kindness, small acts of faith bring great healing.

Gracious Creator, you seek us in our dark times

you bring healing and light to the saddest days

and lead your children into the light of new days.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take.

We hang on to our hurts and tend to lash out

to anyone who gets in our way in our hurrying

and we try to justify our hate with righteousness.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take.

Yet you call us to always be kind and grateful

full of faith that sees the good in all neighbors

and forgives and embraces the least among us.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take.

Teach us how to have faith that is deep and loving

so our days can be filled with joy and hope.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take.

Lift us from our fears and our anxious times

so we might serve those who ache for love.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take.

You have promised to forgive and heal us

help us Lord, to be grateful in everything we do.

Precious Lord, help us to grateful with every step we take. Amen.

Have Mercy on Us!

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Matthew 9:27-34

In this age of tyrants and egos, it is easy to become jaded and withdraw. We can give in to our hurts and withdraw from the world, never asking for the help we need, since no one seems to listen or care. Jesus encounters two blind men and a mute demoniac, who everyone had given up on. These folks might have given into their hurts and withdrawn from the world, as the world had sidelined them. Yet Jesus comes to the place where the hurting, withdrawn ones dwell and brings them healing. And Jesus comes to our hiding places, our shelters from the world's hurts, and touches our hearts to heal and renew us, freeing us from the anger and hurts that have bound us for so long. May we cry out today, "have mercy on us", trusting that our freedom and healing is at hand.

Merciful Creator, source of life and healing

you make us in your image and name us

you welcome us and call us to yourself

reminding us that there is more healing to come.

We huddle in our anger, hurts and shame

refusing to hear your welcoming call to us

believing that nothing and no one can get better

losing our love, our hope and our faith.

Mend our hearts and our broken circles

so we might see you in all our dark places

trusting that your love will find us wherever

and hope, faith and love will be restored again. Amen.

Take Heart, Daughter

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:18-26 

One of the things that always strikes me about this story in Matthew is Jesus' compassion for a suffering parent with a dying daughter and a long-suffering woman. In both situations the world has given up on these two women, but Jesus has not and heals them. We find Jesus interacting with and healing many women in the Gospels. This is counter cultural for his time (and in some places, even ours). Women throughout history have been treated as inferior to men, fragile and incapable of leadership and strength. Yet Jesus considered them important to save, important to heal, essential to the life of faith. And so we can all take heart, because the overlooked and disregarded have become important and essential.

Gracious Creator, you love all of creation

and shower your love on every creature

drawing close to those on the margin

choosing to heal the outcasts and aliens.

We see some as better than others

withholding the good things from those

who are not chosen, not the good ones

yet you see us all as good and love us all.

Help us to love those who challenge us

help us to love those who confuse and scare us

give us enough love to share with the least

for we will always find you on the margins. Amen.

I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.’ Matthew 9:9-17

We encounter Jesus today, sitting at a meal table with folks who were considered sinners by the religious leaders. They thought themselves to good and righteous to be eating with filth. There was a time, not too long ago in this country, where we Native people were considered dirty and sinful. Better dead than read was one of countless phrases uttered and printed. We cannot condemn the religious authorities of Jeus' time, because we too judge and exclude people even now. Jesus reminds us today that we are called to make room at the table for all. Room for the different and the weird (to us), the ones who speak differently and live differently than we do. We are not being faithful followers unless we are willing to scoot down, make room and work to love those who scare and confuse us. May we have the courage to set a large table and have plenty of seats for Jesus.

Loving Creator, you made your children diverse

in language, customs, shading and traditions

and you love us all, one family, one people.

We cannot help but judge and fears as humans

yet you call us to be more than petty and foolish

you call us to set and table in our hearts, wide and deep.

Make us humble enough to stop judging others

make us faithful enough to offer welcome and food

and have mercy and love for everyone we meet. Amen.

Take Heart

 

And after getting into a boat, he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic— ‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

I arrived home late last night after spending better part of a week in Fairbanks, Alaska. I was there to participate in the clergy conference and diocesan convention. What a joy it was to be with dear old and new friends! I was able to see two friends ordained, and witness eight baptisms at St. Matthew's, along with wonderful deep sharing. Life and ministry in Alaska are challenging, not only because of the severe winters, but because of the need to reconcile the past and give hope for the present. I heard "take heart" over and over again in the songs, laughter and tears of the people. I am fully reminded that Jesus is found near the wounded, the broken, the challenged. 

Loving Creator, each day you give new hope

the beauty of the bird song in the morning

the wonder of the mountains above us

and the joy in the faces across from us.

Some of us have been so hurt and wounded

others will not try anymore because of exhaustion

yet you came near a man who could not walk

and sent him home, walking with great joy.

Lift us from our worried minds and hearts

and give us your joy in our hearts again, Lord

for the world needs to be reconciled and healed

and your love is with us as we serve others. Amen.

Sunday, October 5th, 2025, Proper 22

Sunday, October 5, 2025 Proper 22

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, `Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, `We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'" Luke 17:5-10

I have been with the people of the Diocese of Alaska since Wednesday, attending clergy conference and diocesan convention. I feel like I have come home to a place joy and spirit. This is a challenging place to live, yet I have laughed, prayer, cried and sang with these loving people. One of the gifts being shared for everyone are large boxes of seed packets. Folks have been combing through them to see what they can take home, as the daylight is long but the warmth and heat are short lived. And yet, they loved to grow plants and flowers. The desire to find something small and help it survive and thrive is so powerful here. Their faith and experiences prove how powerful a small seed of faith is, and how we are to do what we can even when what we have seems so little.

                                            A Litany for Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Gracious Creator, you plant us here on earth

a place of powerful beauty and great challenges

and promise to be among us in every season.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love.

We grumble and moan about limited resources

we say we would do more if we had more

and we ignore the tiny seeds of faith around us.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love.

You call us to take the smallest gift and plant it

you call us to share the love we have been given

so that love might be planted in others' hearts.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love.

Lift us from our disappointment and fears

and turn us toward your light so we might grow.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love.

Turn us away from despair and hopelessness

for you promise us new joy every morning.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love.

You are the living God, our heart and our home

make us grow in the light of your love.

Precious Savior, make us faithful servant of your great love. Amen.

Such Faith

When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.’ And the servant was healed in that hour. When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’ Matthew 8:1-17

We know the devastation and frustration we feel when our bodies are broken and filled with disease. We can feel helpless and angry that we cannot participate in life as we would like. And when someone we love is sick, we hurt, afraid and heartsick. Jesus encounters men and women who are distressed and fearful, yet still full of hope and faith. The centurion was a symbol of the occupier, he would not have been considered faithful, and yet it is this foreigner, part of an occupying army who show us what it is to have such faith. We can get all get complacent with our walk of faith, yet Jesus is calling us today to be like this stranger and outsider, a person of such faith who shows others how to have faith and believe. 

Gracious Creator, you make us your children

you love everyone as a member of your village

you welcome the stranger and rejoice in our lives

and walk with us when the road is dark and dangerous.

We are often exhausted and frustrated by our lives

we want to find someone to blame for this hurt

we want to blame the stranger for the troubles

yet you teach us that you love stranger and alien.

Lord Jesus, give us the faith of that centurion

who was faithful even as he was rejected

let us love and serve with joy and hope today

trusting that you love us and walk with us still. Amen.

Built on the Rock

On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:22-29

I am in Alaska attending clergy conference and diocesan convention. Since I served here for several years, it has felt like coming home, seeing old friends and laughing together. I am among clergy, Native and non-Native who serve in challenging situations with great joy. I am reminded how many of my colleagues in other places could not understand the challenges faced here by many of the faithful. They act on the words of Jesus, giving their all and serving with great humility. Noone can be foolish here, since mere living can be overwhelming. They have all been through storms that would destroy others. They carry the love of Jesus. May we hear the words and act on his commands, building our lives on the rock Jesus.

Loving Creator, you are our home in all seasons

the anchor and rock where we are all secured

your love and constancy surround us always

and you give us the strength to face each new day.

We act as if we do not need support and go it alone

yet when we get in trouble, we cry out to you

like little children we wander fare from you love

and weep in distress in the many messes we have caused.

Help us Lord, to live and act on your eternal word

let love, patience, forgiveness, healing and grace

be our every action and in all that we do today

might show our need for you and your love for all. Amen.

Good Trees bear Good Fruit

‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:13-21

A week or so ago, my husband and I along with our eldest daughter and her husband were out picking apples in our favorite orchard. It's not a fancy place, just a few kind folks, two who manage the till and two who play music. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and we were overwhelmed by the beauty and the abundance that we were a part of. It reinvigorated joy. We are called to be those who reinvigorate joy, bearing the good fruit of kindness, generosity and peace. We are to be those who are not selfish and self-indulgent but rather, those who reach deep and share the goodness we have.

Abundant Creator, source of all goodness

you plant us in rich soil and tend us all

sharing your love so we might share as well.

We take pride in what we have produced

and think we have this abundance on our own

when it was always for the good of all creation.

Help us to bear the good fruit of your love

give us the humility to be ever grateful for it

and share this God given abundance of love with the world. Amen.