Living Water

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John’— although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come back.’ The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to you.’ John 4:1-26 

A very common practice once, drawing and carrying water from a well, is much rarer in this country. People lived by streams and rivers so they could have potable water and travel from one place to another. We are fortunate to have a well and have water pumped into our home. Many Indigenous people still have to carry water long distances for themselves and their livestock. Jesus came upon an Indigenous woman, a Samaritan, and asked her for water. This encounter is a shock to his disciples and a gift to us all. Throughout his ministry among us, Jesus broke protocol after protocol to show us who is included in God's living water. Time and time again, he met with, and often heals, those outcasts, enemies and women. May we follow Jesus and see the love of God in a stranger's eyes.

Blessed Creator, who is living water and abundance

you shine your light on all the people of the earth

and clothe us with your spirit and your compassion.

We give into fear when we encounter an enemy

we judge and cast them away before speaking to them

and forget that they too are made in your loving image.

Give us new sight so we might see your love here

help us to offer a drink of water to the thirsty and alone

and follow you in making community with outcast and strangers. Amen.

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized— John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’ The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:22-36

Both John and Jesus knew who they were and knew each other as cousins. We have no idea how much time they spent together as children or adults, but they must have had some time since their mothers had a deep bond. John's ministry was to set the stage, he was a stage manager, pointing the focus always on Jesus. Like our ministries today, we are not the focus, Jesus is. Otherwise, we are just empty, missing the living spirit and love sent by God. If we put ourselves first and take over center stage, we are getting in the way of God's healing and forgiveness. Too many like the limelight and overshadow the one sent for all.

Wondrous Creator, you set us in communities of hope

giving us all skills, some to build up, others to welcome

and all of us have the role of making room for Jesus here.

Too often, we like the attention and the singular focus

we love the adoration, the gifts and the many honors

all of them truly meant for the one who died for all to live.

Help us, dear Lord, to get out of the way today and everyday

so people might see Jesus working tirelessly in their lives

and embrace the love, joy and forgiveness which is fully divine. Amen.

a

Born of Water and Spirit

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? ‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ John 3:1-21

Many of us don't remember our baptism since we were so small when it happened. I remember my daughters' baptism though and the many baptisms I have performed throughout my ministry. My girls mostly cried through their baptisms. Families, friends and community are gathered around. It is a powerful moment, a celebration and a responsibility on the whole community. For we witness and accept our part in bringing the spirit to the child (or adult) and promise to help them in their walk of faith. Some of us may not remember our baptism, yet we can, with the Spirit's help walk with those who are struggling and remind them that "God so loved the world." Every one of us, no matter the challenges we face and the pain we bear.

Gracious Creator, you have loved us throughout time

you hover over your creation sending love and hope

even in times when all seems dark and completely hopeless.

We wonder where you are when we're in deep pain

and like Nicodemus ask how we can be born when we are old

yet you love us even when we are unwilling to open our hearts.

Give us new hearts and new spirits, dear Lord, today and always

make us face each new day with your hope and joy within us

so others might see and know your love for the whole world. Amen.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 - Proper 14

Sunday, August 9, 2026 

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

Out on open water in a boat is no joke. Even the most seasoned sailor can get caught far from the land when a storm blows up. No matter how many charts and forecasts we watch, storms will surprise us and threaten our lives. Such was this night when the disciples were out on open water and a storm blew up. The were unprepared and afraid, praying for a miracle, since they could not make it to safety. Jesus walks on the water to them, and Peter jumps in and starts to Jesus. Peter gets distracted by the storms and troubles of life, takes his focus away from Jesus and starts to sink. Like all of us, when the storms are wicked and we are afraid, we take our focus off of Jesus. Yet, even in those moments, Jesus reaches out a hand and pulls us in, calming the present storm. 

Wonderful Creator, author of calm seas and bright stars

you give us your amazing love so we might navigate all storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

Despite all the times you have seen us back to shore

we panic when we are left alone and troubles come knocking.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

We think you have abandoned us when you are at hand

reaching out to craw us back into safety and home.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

When we lose sight of land and the safety of the harbor

we can believe you are punishing us and testing our faith.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

We fail to see you with us in our darkest nights and we cry

like small children who cannot find our way back to safety.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

Make us strong, Lord, so we might be your disciples here

and share your love with those who are sinking in these storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times. Amen.

Water into Wine

Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days. John 2:2-12

Weddings are a wonderful and sometimes difficult thing for clergy. We love to be present for family, friends and parishioners, but the excesses and anxieties can be overwhelming. Folks put so much worry about the party, the alcohol and food that they forget about the more important stuff. They're celebrating love, a couple joined together and a new family beginning which too often get subsumed by the outfits and the venue costs. Many clergy will tell you they would rather do a funeral. Jesus is put on the spot by his mother at a wedding crisis where he seems reluctant to help out. I get it. And yet, he does help and performs his first miracle with lots of pestering from his mom. We might learn today that even in the most awkward situations, even when the pressure is on and things are annoying, God is still working through us and with us all.

Gracious Creator, who is the author of all love

you place us among families and communities

giving us the power to be a positive force here.

We are often reluctant and unwilling to help

when things seem frivolous and unimportant

neglecting the needs of the people around us.

Empower us, Lord, to be a positive influence

let us not be unkind, unsupportive or reluctant

since you never shy from loving and healing us again. Amen.

The Feast of the Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

Rarely do we get a chance to glimpse the whole reality of any individual. We think we know someone and then we learn something shocking or wonderful that changes our minds. The disciples who went up a mountain with Jesus glimpsed his totality surrounded by pillars of the faith. This vision helped them on the road to Jerusalem and the final drama of the cross. James, John and Peter were overwhelmed and fearful at that moment, but it made them stronger for the days ahead. We are invited to glimpse with them the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for us and the abundant love of God which surrounds us all, whether we are awake, distracted or asleep. 

Great Creator, who give us insights and glimpses

of your abundant love for all of your creation

showing us beauty in all of the living world.

We are fearful, distracted and often too afraid to see

your beauty surrounding us in are dark, lonely days

and we fail to hold your love in our broken hearts.

Stir up your love within us so we might have a vision

of your tender care for the world and all that is in it

and let us be your living love in the deepest darkest places. Amen.

The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:29-42

The testimony of John the Baptist was enough for Andrew and then, Simon Peter. John's Gospel differs from the other three in that way, as the others have Jesus calling them away from their fishing, their livelihood. Andrew and another disciple of John stay with Jesus for a day and then went and got Simon Peter. I am reminded of the telephone game we used to play in groups at school and church. Someone would start by whispering a phrase in another's ear and round the circle it went. By the end, what was said at first was not at all like what it began as. So, we have multiple stories, but still one truth, that Jesus was the lamb of God and Andrew and Peter followed him. Their lives changed instantly. And we are invited to see, however we get there, Jesus was the one who came for all, died for all and connects us all to the living God.

Precious Creator, in tenderness you sent Jesus

and however we seek you, you will find us all

making us all you children here on this planet.

We often feel far off from your love and unconnected

we often get confused, disappointed and isolated

feeling far off from your love and your healing love.

Help us to follow you, O Lamb of God, who loves us

let us be confident in your sustaining power and grace

and show us the truth of your love in this broken world. Amen.

Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

John baptized and prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He was scrutinized by religious leaders, wanting answers, while they were afraid and out of their comfort zone. John's answer was profoundly simple and humble. And it reminds me that we, who baptize, are baptizing in the name of Jesus and preparing the individual for a humble life of service in Jesus' name. Too many who don't look like the dominate culture may not be listened to, they too may be crying in the wilderness. Yet our children have something to tell us, and they see things often more clearly than adults. May we have ears to listen.

Wondrous Creator, who put your wisdom in infants

your compassion in the hearts of all of creation

and give voice and justice to those in the wilderness.

We have lost our voices and forget to raise them now

our comfort makes us silent, our ease make us blind

but we too might soon be those who need to speak up.

Help us Lord, to hear the cry of those without justice

make us listen to the young ones who see more clearly

and let us make room again for your presence here. Amen.

And the Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

We have shifted this week from Matthew's gospel to John. I have always loved John's gospel for it's poetry and imagery. He tells many of the same stories as the other Gospels but has made the telling an artistic, insightful story. John is the latest of the Gospels, which means there might have been more time to describe and imagine. "The word (of God) is made flesh and lived among us. God among us, here and now, as well as then. Jesus came and the world rejected and crucified him, yet he rose again for our sakes, the be with us as we live. What a gift to know God's love is so intense towards all creation, that the incarnate Word, lived and suffered as we do. We are never alone, nor far from the living God. God who was human, real human flesh, knows the depths of our fears, despair and pain. 

Wondrous Creator, who sent your only Son to us

as your Word made flesh to dwell among us here

so that we might see you standing with the world.

We suffer from the hurts and wounds every day 

we lash out with anger and scream in prayer

and all the time you abide with all of us here.

Help us to see you in our joys and out sorrows

help us know your Word so we might speak love

and be your love and compassion in the flesh. Amen.

Sunday, August 2, 2026, Proper 13

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21

Jesus had compassion for them, the Gospel says. How often, when we are moved by compassion, do we find we have more than we thought? More strength, more capacity and more so that all are fed. We often marvel at these miracles of Jesus and fail to see the incredible miracles in our lives. We suspect the disciples might have raided a child's lunch and that generosity led to a feast. Can our generosity and compassion lead to miracles? I truly believe so. When each of us contributes a little, there is often plenty left over. May we be miracle workers in someone's life this week.

Gracious Creator, we carry your heart within us

and you make us miracle workers in every season.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Too many are starving and without safe, warm shelter 

you call us to see them and have compassion for them.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Your compassion within us strengthens our capacity

and you give us enough so that everyone may be fed.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

We often think we do not have enough and hoard food

yet you are the author of the feast and make every good gift.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

We are nothing without the compassion of those who teach us

and through them we carry on your way of love and healing.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Make us your miracle workers again, dear Lord Jesus

so the suffering might know your love and compassion here. 

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all. Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ Matthew 28:1-10

It is easy to tell someone not to be afraid, it's another thing to be able to be unafraid. The women that loved Jesus had spent days in terror, fearing for their lives and the lives of Jesus' followers. Despite all the reasons to be afraid, they did not stay hidden and went out to the tomb. We would forgive them for hiding, but they chose to walk into a dangerous situation for the love and care of their teacher and friend. They expected to find armed guards who would send them away. Instead, they found a stone rolled away, an angel to greet them and guards either asleep or stunned. They went and they stayed, despite all the fear and personal danger and in doing so, they witnessed the resurrection. Jesus restored to life, stood in front of them and made them the first evangelists. May we remember, when we are afraid, we might just find Jesus in the midst of it all.

Wondrous Creator, who seeds hope in dark clouds

who makes miracles to happen to the least of us

you call us to be unafraid even in the scariest times.

We believe that there is nothing new to witness or tell

yet you move in every generation and bring new hope

so that the unlikely ones might witness your glory.

Take away our fear, Lord, and make us go forth in love

for you love this broken world and all to creation here

and daily send angels to show us your living presence today. Amen.

From A Distance

Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, “He has been raised from the dead”, and the last deception would be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone. Matthew 27:55-66

There was so much political intrigue and danger for the women followers of Jesus, they could only watch while another took his body and laid it in a tomb rolling a stone in they way. Pilate and the religious leaders were afraid that Jesus' body might be stolen so they put armed guards on watch. What a thing to have to watch from a distance rather than tend to the body of a beloved friend and teacher! How painful it must have been for those women. Yet, they persisted, were faithful, despite their pain, hung on despite all of the dangers, and their faithfulness would let them see the risen Jesus.

Creator of deep mystery and great light

your creation groans in pain and fear

and you provide us with miracles daily.

We think we have to win at everything

yet we know deep inside we always fail

when we are distant from your loving embrace.

Hold us close, wondrous and eternal love

so we might persist and be always faithful

and see the risen Jesus here with us today. Amen.

The Philadelphia Eleven

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Luke 24:1-11

52 years ago, today, eleven women were ordained priests. Merrill Bittner, Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Allision Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield, Jeannette Pickard, Betty Bone Schiess, Katrina Swanson and Nancy Witting put their lives on the line so that others might follow. They were mocked, threatened, abused and subject to all means of discrimination. Several would become my teachers and friends. Bishops Daniel Corrigan, Robert Dewitt, and Edward Welles took on the responsibility of changing the church and giving women a true place among the clergy and, in time, bishops. Their extraordinary witness, their sacrifice, has made it possible for the world-wide Anglican Communion to include women as priests and bishops. We have a female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. Like the women at the tomb, these faithful women were met with disbelief and troubles. Yet they persisted, and I am forever grateful for their honesty, faith, humility and sacrifice.

Gracious Creator, you made a vast array of humankind

giving voices and skills to all of your lovely creation

and you have given us hearts of inclusion and love.

Our society's rules have changed over the decades

but women are still at risk for violence and abuse

and many are uncomfortable with women leaders.

Help us, Dear Lord, to welcome difference openly

put aside our fears and move us to welcoming

and make our heart ready to carry the Good News. Amen.

Save Yourself

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’ Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” ’ The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. Matthew 27:32-44

We forget sometimes how easily folks turn on one another. In pain, fear and sadness we often strike out at people who have done nothing, mocking and abusing them in our own pain. We see too many people today blaming their pain and shortcomings on immigrants and refugees, who have done nothing to them and are only seeking a better life. Jesus hung between two criminals and the pain must have been unbearable for them all. Yet Jesus did not taunt them or respond, even as the crowds, who enjoyed hanging and crucifixion, mocked him too. We might think are above that now, but some sit and watch reality TV and mock the losers. May we today have passion for those who are being tortured and abused simply for who they are. Jesus took on all our sorrow and pain so that we might be beacon of hope for the suffering.

Tender Creator, who suffers with the sorrowing

you teach us to live with genuine love and compassion

and give us your Son so we might see how to live.

This world is bathed in blood and violence now

we think we are less primitive but enjoy the spectacle

and try to step on those who are already downtrodden.

Lift us Lord, from our base, cruel words and actions

and soften hand and hearts so we might embrace others

who need to know the One who suffers with us always. Amen.

A Crown of Thorns

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:24-31

This passage from Matthew seems ill-placed on a beautiful summers' day. The morning broke crisp and cool, the light dancing through all the green leaves. We want to turn away from the torture, pain and suffering that Jesus endured for who he was. Right now, in our country people are being mocked and tortured for who they are. Across the world, folks are suffering unimaginable pain for just being who they are and where they were born. This passage is here to remind us to look and see what is happening around us, look and see Jesus in those being tortured. The living God who came to dwell with us, dwells with us still in the suffering and deep pain in this world.

Loving Creator, you breathe life into every one of us

and call us home when our short time here is complete

walking with us as we journey through this lifetime.

We think we rule these days and try to control others

we torture and mock those who we assume are different

and imprison the aliens who come here to have life.

Lord Jesus, help us to see the pain and suffering here

help us to act and care for those who are being mocked

and live a life of sacrifice for the sake of your divine love. Amen.

Sunday, July 26th, 2026, Proper 12

Sunday, Jul 26th, 2026

Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

There was a story about a couple who were dining at a restaurant near my hometown along the ocean and ordered oysters. They were there celebrating their anniversary and had a year that was not their happiest. Times had been tough. As the woman looked at her plate of raw oysters, she was astounded, for there was a huge pearl sitting right in the middle of her gooey, delicious appetizer. Everyone was amazed and gathered round. She was excited and terrified, wondering if she could keep it. Turned out it was worth tens of thousands of dollars after appraisal, and she was able to keep it. The kingdom of heaven here on earth is always surprising us, always giving us more than we can imagine and thrilling us with new gifts and challenges every day.

Wondrous Creator, who made pearls to spin in the sea

and waters and breeze to renew our hope in life itself.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.

We often forget the gifts your give to us in each season

as we would rather have uninterrupted safe routine.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.

Yet your kingdom is always both incredible gift and challenge

a world of hope in the darkness and light in the worst storms.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.

Give us eyes to see the blessings sitting in front of us

help us to let go of the burdens we've gathered behind us.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.

Make us strong enough to bear the weight of worry and fear

and soft enough to embrace the wonders each day holds.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.

Make us citizens of your kingdom in these times of confusion

so we might shine with your light today an bear it forward always.

Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew. Amen.

30 Pieces of Silver

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.’ After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason, that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’ Matthew 27:1-10

We can easily condemn Judas, believing we would never behave like him and betray his teacher. Yet, all too often, we can find ourselves in situations where the right and wrong are not clear. Judas had been painted with an evil brush, yet within each of us, there is the capacity to use a situation to our own advantage. Taking a big salary and keeping quiet, taking a role that destroys someone else, stealing a friend away from another. We have all been tempted and most of us have given in. We all have fields of blood that we can't pass by or think on. May we today be encouraged to live humbly, with integrity and honor, something our world isn't demonstrating particularly well right now. 

Wondrous Creator, you give us free will and choice

we give us a verdant world we can enjoy in our lives

and give us power to share the wealth or to dominate.

We condemn the Judas acts as we participate in them

we are selfish, desire and demand the very best for us

and take away from the weak and the needy every day.

Help us Lord to live honestly and humbly today

putting others' needs before us and sharing what we can

so the world might know you rose again so we might all live. Amen.

The Sad Shame of Denial

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’ But he denied it before all of them, saying, ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’ When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ Again he denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man.’ After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.’ Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’ At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: ‘Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75

Peter was one of the closest to Jesus and Jesus built the church on Peter and others like him. And yet Peter openly denied even knowing Jesus one fateful night, right? Fear does terrible things to many of us, including denying who we really are and denying knowing someone who is now in trouble. All the sycophants who hover around seats of power scatter when the leader is in trouble, we see it so often in our world. Peter's denial is raw, and human, really what any of us would do in these circumstances. Jesus founded the church on the most human, fragile and fearful beings and we live daily with those blessings and those consequences. We can only hope to be like Peter, who lived to bring honor to Jesus and to humbly follow him in this very broken world.

Blessed Creator, you set us on safe waters with good wind

help us to find safe harbors and lives of abundance and joy

while we often aren't grateful nor see the blessings we are given.

Too often we chart our own course and are terribly stubborn

so when we get in trouble, as we will, we cry in the night storms

and beg for your help which has always been with each of us.

Today, make us grateful, honest and willing to admit our fears

so your love can overcome all we face in this harsh world today

and bring honor to you as we humbly follow you in these times. Amen.

Mary Magdalene

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18

Today is the feast of Mary Magdalene. She was either alone or with the other women at the tomb. We know some thought her a fallen woman, yet whatever was thought and is thought of her, she was the first or among the first to proclaim the resurrection. In some Gospel stories, we hear that no one believed her, but she kept her story and refused to be silenced. Throughout the history of our faith, too many women have been silenced, shunned and put away. Yet Mary Magdalene and others remind us that our faithfulness will always carry the good news, and we can carry good news as we serve the world in Jesus' name. It never matters how others see us, it matters how God knows us.

Precious Creator, who gives your truth to all people

you gave Mary eyes to see and ear to hear Good news

and made her courageous telling her eyewitness story.

We live in times when many are shunned and silenced

society has made into evil what you have called good

and forgotten to listen to your truth and commands.

Let us today, in honor of Mary Magdalene, live fully

sharing your good news to all who will embrace it

and living your love in these challenging times. Amen.

Put Your Swords Away

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:47-56

Normal human responses, when we feel threatened, usually include freeze, flight or fight. In this passage of the arrest in the garden, all those responses were in play. And in these times, they all seem to be in play as well. More bombs seem to be the answer rather than true peace. Some stand by and watch in shock, frozen and unable to do anything. And some of us run away. Even in the moment when he was being arrested, Jesus was able to calm the crowd, and move from violence to a peaceful resolution. May we follow his example and more others from terror and violence into peace.

Wondrous Creator, who offered your Son for all

you teach us to turn from all violence to peace

as we learn to see our enemies as friends and neighbors.

The world is crippled by war and deep acrimony

moving to swords and name calling all too quickly

refusing to see those we fight against as your beloved.

Lord Jesus, help us to have your heart in these times

give us the strength to move from terror to compassion

and help us to put down our swords and take up peace. Amen.

The Hour is at Hand

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’ Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Again he went away for the second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’ Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’ Matthew 26:36-46

I find it an enormous comfort to know Jesus and his struggles in the garden. This passage from Matthew's gospel indicates that Jesus was grieved and agitated. He was, like all of us, anxious and troubled, occasionally fearful and torn by all that he had to face. If we are honest, we too, are often anxious, troubled, fearful, grieved and agitated. We are truly human as Jesus was. The load he carried was bigger than our load, and yet he, like us, asked for the load to be lifted. We can draw near to Jesus, son of the living God, since all our troubles are near to his heart.

Tender Creator, you made us in your image

our emotions and artistry are of your hand

and we are full of both panic and desire.

We downplay our fears and terrors of our hearts

and fail to admit them or share them with you

thinking we have to solve everything alone.

Help us to be awake to our hearts' joys and sorrows

ready always to lift others and pray without ceasing

drawing your love near to our grieving world. Amen

Sunday, July 19th, 2026, Proper 11

Jesus put before the crowd another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!” Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Weeds are an ongoing problem for gardeners of all varieties. When I planted seeds and plants this spring, we first put down weed preventing fabric and then put hay on top of that. And still , there are weeds. Oh, they're not as prevalent as they might have been, but we still have weeds. When the plants were tender, with shallow roots, we had to be careful not to pull up the weeds and the plant as well. Jesus is telling this parable about how we are to live. There is both good, producing seed and nasty weeds in all our gardens. Yes, we have to deal with the weeds we can but also we want to be careful with the tender ones. The Creator invites us to be patient with the tender ones and keep the weeds at bay so all of us can grow.

Wondrous Creator, you sow good seeds over all

our world is verdant and lively because of your love.

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion.

We try to keep the worst weeds away from our lives

and we often demonize those who are always good seed.

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion.

We let fear and isolation cloud our view of our lives

and defend our lives from all the illness around us.

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion.

You, Lord, call us to grow abundantly side by side

and stay close to even those who are different from us.

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion.

Your kingdom is rich with diversity, blessings and troubles

and we are surrounded daily by your fierce love for us.

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion.

Make us your people, dear Lord, and help us to love

despite the weeds in our world and the terror on our streets. 

Lord Jesus, help us to tend your garden here with love and compassion. Amen.

Betrayal

On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” ’ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 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.’ Judas, who betrayed him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ He replied, ‘You have said so.’ Matthew 26:17-25

As an Indigenous woman and a student of history, I can tell many stories of betrayal from the very beginning of this nation's founding. We humans have all been betrayed at one time or another and may have even betrayed someone. Judas thought he was doing the right thing at the time, although we cannot fathom his reasons. Maybe he was broke, and in serious debt. We don't know his reasons and never can truly know his pain and suffering. It is not good to think, "well, it turned out for the best!" 

We are invited today to ask Judas' question, "surely not I, Rabbi?" Invited to examine the many ways we betray the mission and love of God through our own selfish acts.

Gracious Creator, you invite us to a banquet

a table groaning with good food and blessings

and we are rarely grateful and often complain.

We betray your call to love all our neighbors

we betray your love by calling others enemies

and we forget you as we imprison refugees.

Make us anew so we can be forgiving and kind

never betraying your call to justice and love

so the world might see your living presence here. Amen.

 

In Remembrance of Her

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’ Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, ‘Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’ Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:1-16

Today we hear about the woman who anointed Jesus. She gave all that she had and her compassion and kindness is always remembered. Today, we went out blueberry picking in a neighboring field. Not wild berries, but a wonderful moment in the sun. The woman who owns the field was so very kind, I will never forget her kindness in bringing me in her golf cart and helping us back to the car. Her kindness was extraordinary. Blueberry picking is not back breaking labor, but it reminded me of all the folks who spend all day in the hot sun, so we could have food. I pray for them even though I don't know their names. May we remember and pray for all the unnamed folks who care for us and are tender, kind and give their all.

Wondrous Creator, we give thanks for abundant fields

the richness of this earth, sacred and always turning

and for the unnamed who care for us in times of need.

We often overlook the ones who serve and labor for us

we ignore their needs and distrust the strangers here

yet you know and love those who labor in our fields.

Help us to remember, Lord, how you love all

the unnamed, the forgotten and the ones called aliens

and make us your people as we love as you do. Amen.

Sheep and Goats

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’ Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus is telling folks about his return, which most of the early Christians thought was in their lifetime. It was not and they had to retool their thinking thereafter. He talks about us as sheep and goats, not the brightest in the animal kingdom, but familiar to his audience. I'm probably more goat than sheep, but that is not his point. His point for the faithful is about the care and feeding of the neediest among us. We will not be judged by our radiant vestments, our writings, our prayers, but by how we demonstrate the love of God in the darkest places among the most hurting people. We have witnessed the skies turning yellow and green these past days and it can feel very apocalyptic. When we feel that way, Jesus reminds us to find ways to love the unlovely, welcome the stranger and free the prisoners.

Awesome Creator, who dances with the twinkling stars

and sings with the birds and the creatures in the sea

you give us the spirit to be compassion and kindness.

Too often, we see scary signs and run and hide away

drawing away from the people who need us the most

and worrying about our safety and trembling in fear.

Lord, take away all fear today and help us care for

for the immigrants who lives are truly in danger

and those on the margins who have no one else. Amen.

Talents

‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all 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. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:14-30

This story of the talents, unevenly divided, reminds me of all the times in my life when I have said, and others with me, "it's not fair!" As a child, I clearly remember my parents saying, "that's life, kiddo." None of us has all the money and talent we wish, and we are often jealous of those who have more. This parable invites us to think about we do with what we have. All we have is a gift and remembering that invites us to use the talents, the money, the emotional intelligence, the compassion - all these we can share with others and increase our joy. May we use what we have to also increase the safety and joy of others.

Gracious Lord, you gave each of us great abundance

in our families, communities and our individual gifts

yet we often forget how to share and increase the gifts.

We bury our heads in the sand, shaking off the truth

pretending that we are not afraid as we tremble

and hide from the world because we are not enough.

Help us to share our talents and encourage others

so that we might all help those who are afraid

live with the great joy of sharing what we have. Amen.

Keep Awake

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13

Some people get up very early in the morning, retiring early so they can meet the dawn. Others, like me can never get to sleep very early. When I was younger there was so much to do and now that I am older, the pattern is well set. Jesus tells a parable about foolish and wise bridesmaids and about being prepared for the groom's arrival. All of the women, foolish and wise had fallen asleep, and it was just half the women who did not have enough lamp oil. The others could have shared but Jesus wants us to see how important it is to pay attention. Not prepper type preparedness, but ready in our hearts and minds to receive the presence of the living God, for the Creator lives among us and we need to see.

Wondrous Creator, you make our world beautiful

feeding us with fields of grain and fruits abundant

and you prepare us to see you in all your glory.

Even when we are awake, we do not notice your love

so tied up in work and worry, we forget to look

and see your loving work here in these times.

Give us the strength to be prepared and awake

willing to have your love wash over us all

so we might be ready to welcome and to serve. Amen.

Sunday, July 12, 2026 Proper 10

Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” “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 13:1-9,18-23

I have often struggled with this story of Jesus preaching from the boat. Not his words about sowers and seeds, but the very practical obstacles that this picture paints. Water, even a lake, let alone a tidal sea, makes a good deal of noise and is hard to hear over. For me, that may be the most important point of the sowers and the seeds. The seeds are all good, but there is so much noise to drowned out the good, we sink into the cruelty of our world. We are always called to be good, fertile soil, even when we feel we can't hear Jesus at all. We are called to yield fruit and trust that God is working through all that we do, every day, no matter how we feel, or how little fruit we see. God sees our hearts and loves us in all seasons and times.

                                A Litany for Sunday, July 12, 2026

Gracious Creator, you teach us through the natural world

and speak to us through storms and wild, noisy seasons.

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world.

The troubles of these days keep us from being rich soil

and the worries and anxiety creep in and we forget you.

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world.

Gardeners know the challenges of earth, water and sky

yet too many are so far away from real, solid ground.

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world.

Some feel abandoned, at sea, and full of pain and sorrow

yet you promise to find us in our darkest lonely times.

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world.

In the summer heat and abundance of flowers and fruits

we forget to feed those who have no ground to till.

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world.

Lord Jesus, make our hearts open to the seeds sown in us

so we might bring forth the real fruits of your living love. 

Lord Jesus, plant your love within us so we can serve the world. Amen.