Binding and Loosing

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Most human beings find themselves bound by one thing or another. We bind ourselves to others in marriage, in a family, in all sorts of relationships. We can also become overburdened by the things what people we have committed to. We might even pray to be set free engulfed in terror and tears. In our Gospel today, Peter’s faith and insight give him the power to bind and loose. We are like Peter, with all our faults, given the same power. May we bind up the fear and anger around us, and let loose with compassion, justice and love.

Loving Creator, source of freedom and joy

You bind us together in your loving arms

And give us power to be your heart right here.

We are often fearful, angry and confused

Ready to strike out or run away from others

Yet you call us to let go of all our fears today.

Bind us in you, dear Lord, so we might be strong

Ready to stand against the evil in the world

And full of love to set others free of all fears. Amen.

Signs and Miracles

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then he left them and went away. When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have brought no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!’ Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:1-12

We all have fallen victim to a good sales pitch or great sale. We are often disappointed or angry with ourselves for being swept up and being conned. False prophets and hucksters have been around since the dawn of time, and we all have fallen victim from time to time. Jesus invites his disciples, and us as well, to be wary of those whose restrictive teachings and rigid lifestyle demands can tempt us to straying from God's love and truth. The disciples, just like us, are often pulled away from love and truth.

We are called, at all times, to seek Jesus when we feel confused, overwhelmed and pressured. We will find him among those who heal and those who share the Creator's loving abundance.

Wondrous Creator, we see you in the majesty of mountains

we hear your voice in the roar of the wind and waves

your love is most often found among the least here on earth.

We ache to be included and have simplified lives

we want to be strong, powerful, and in with the popular

yet you call us to seek you out among the hungry and hurting.

Help us, dear Lord, to seek you face in daytime and night

among the familiar and in the places we fear to go

trusting that you love is everywhere and you are with us always. Amen.

Compassion

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Matthew 15:29-39

We may not have witnessed what we call miracles in our own life, yet miracles happen every day. When a community sees a need and helps, whether it is comfort, feeding, housing or health care, these are the small, everyday miracles that change lives. Before Jesus fed the thousands, he healed the blind, the deaf, the lame and the broken ones. Huge miracles and small miracles all at the same time. We are invited to see that we find God's love deepen as we see and respond to the needs around us. We are blessed over and over again, by feeding the hungry on their way home.

Precious Creator, your heart is full of compassion

you notice the needs on our streets and in our towns

and have us eat our fill before we head to our homes.

We do not see the need and always worry about money

despite the abundance before us and around us

we are afraid to help since we cannot imagine enough.

You, O Lord, are always enough for our daily needs

you fill us when we are empty, hold us when we are alone

and you give us the strength to be your love here today. Amen.

Even the Dogs

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28

We adopted as rescue dog shortly after I retired. He was very underweight and hungry all the time. We think he probably was a scavenger on the streets, digging in trash for any food he could find. He had to learn to wat slowly when we brought him home. He was desperate, just as the Canaanite woman was desperate for her daughter to live. Honestly, I've always thought his first statement to her was harsh with the dog analysis. Yet, Jesus understood her need and had compassion for her and her child. Healing comes to all of us, even when we feel shunned, outside and rejected. Matthew was writing to a Jewish audience, and this might have helped them be more compassionate and caring. All's I know is God's love and healing is for all, no exclusions.

Loving Creator, you hold all the people in your hands

tenderly caring for the inhabitants of this tiny planet

and calling us as beloved children of the living God.

We divide ourselves, calling others dogs and rejects

while suffering and hurting we lash out at strangers

believing that they have come to hurt us in some way.

Help us Lord, to have your compassion and caring

for we, like the Canaanite mother come to you

asking for healing for all children across the world. Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Proper 5

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.” 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 9:9-13, 18-26

Two women, one young, one older, have an encounter with Jesus that saved and changed their lives. I always find it extraordinary that, despite the fact that women had no importance in Gospel times, Jesus is ready to heal them and forgive them. He doesn't treat them like second class citizens but equal and worthy. In these times, when people are being separated out as less than worthy, we are invited by God to open our hearts and to see others as beloved and so very worthy. The Pharisees were ready to jump to judgement, but our Creator is not and loves each one despite how the world and the powerful behave. Jesus tells us all to take heart, to live by faith and trust that we are all beloved.

Wondrous Creator, author of all goodness and light

you have made every person your beloved child.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

We live in times when some are treated as criminals

their only crime is difference and aching for a home.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

You have promised to make a home for each of us

despite the way our leaders and others might behave.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

The times are tough and it's hard for us to have faith

yet you, O Lord, love us as children, your beloved.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

Give us eyes to see those around us as beloved ones

help us defend them and care for the burdened ones.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

For you, call us all to take heart, and have faith

as your healing and renewal is still present here.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love. Amen.

Take Heart

Immediately he 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 towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, 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 towards 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 worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36

Life is full of storms, and we have many reasons to be fearful. Whether it is our health, our employment or lack thereof, our family situations or political situations that make us afraid, we have lots of reasons to worry and be afraid. The disciples were facing high winds and were feeling abandoned when Jesus came walking on the water. Who wouldn't be afraid. Peter steps out but then panics, like all of us might. Bold at first and then terrified. Jesus reminds them (and us) to take heart and not to be afraid. That's easier said than done. We are called to take heart, even when the storms get fierce, for He is in charge of the wind and the waves.

Gracious Creator, you give us faith and strength

to face the storms of life and those strong gales

shielding us with your eternal and comforting love.

We can easily forget to trust you when storms arrive

we try to come up with solutions in our deep fears

and we sink lower as we give in to the deep waters.

Lift us up, Lord, so we might keep walking to you

fill us with hope when the times get dark and scary

and make us filled with your love in all out hearts today. Amen.

Generosity

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there 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

All miracles begin with an act of generosity. A child offered his lunch and the whole crowd was filled to overflowing. We can often find ourselves worrying about "will there be enough". This happens in families, in communities and in our churches. What I learned from my mother was that one act of generosity leads to another. In her eighties, she fed 25-40 children on a weekly basis, sending them home with leftovers. Once people heard of her work, they would arrive to our home with food, loading her freezer with perishables, and her car trunk with non-perishables. We are invited today to listen to the needs around us and act with generosity, even if we feel what we have is not enough. God will bless and provide the increase.

Wondrous Creator, you give us our daily food

and call us to generosity in all that we do

so your miraculous love is known on earth.

We hoard as we are afraid of not having enough

we fight over money and possessions with family

and we forget to be generous and turn daily to you.

Make us the ones who share their small lunches

make us generous and kind to see the needs here

and give us the love we need to see miracles unfold. Amen.

The Cost of Truth

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:1-12

The cost of honest criticism can be a death warrant. In ancient times, defying and criticizing a king or queen could get you killed. In a democracy, with free speech as a guaranteed right, death should not be the cost. And we know it is easy for the powerful to get what they want and silence a critic. Herodias' daughter, Salome, danced for the King's birthday and was given her wish which was really her mother's. Revenge. We all know the feeling of desiring revenge, yet it is clear that, no matter how powerful we might be, getting even never wins out. A temporary win, but an eternal failure. We are called to stay away from bitterness and the need for revenge, as they bring nothing but more violence.

Blessed Creator, you renew us every day

so we might soak in the sunlight and warmth

and live free of fear, revenge and condemnation.

Too many of us are petty and want enemies to suffer

we wish them silenced and shut out from the world

yet you call us to love and forgive when we are hurt.

Help us Lord, to pray for our enemies today 

so that your light and warmth shine through us 

making your love our daily aim and daily goal. Amen.

Too Familiar

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58

When we are too well known, we can often be dismissed. "Familiarity breeds contempt" is too often the case for us humans, especially among friends and family. We can discount the capacity and wonder another can bring when we think we know them well. Jesus was at home and the people discounted him. and they would not accept he may be more than they knew him to be. We are invited today to open our hearts to possibilities, in ourselves and in others. We all may be more than what has been said or known about us, as God is still working in all of us.

Wondrous Creator, who made each unique

giving us the power to be remade and healed

renewed by your loving creativity in us all.

We get set in our ways and hold opinions

we do not update our knowledge and experience

and so we miss the joyous rebirth within.

Help us Lord, today, to open our hearts

to renewed understanding and new possibilities

so your love might flourish in every one of us. Amen.

Trinity Sunday

    

            

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

The Sunday after Pentecost is traditionally Trinity Sunday, when we reflect on the meaning of the Triune God, the Creator, Redeemer and Companion all rolled into one. We as humans might struggle to understand this concept, yet the comfort found in a Creator who is both designer and companion, our God who is willing to be with us in our failing, well, that's a God we need right here and now. Our world is broken by division, by starvation, disease, abuse of power and war. Our Creator is with us in dark turbulent times as well as the peaceful times. And our God is willing to help us restore our peace even as we struggle and complain. The three in One, provides us with deep loving facets that provide hope, direction and creative possibilities.

Wondrous Creator, you are three persons in one

providing our needs for hope, direction and support.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages.

This world is broken by selfishness and great greed

yet you call us to be loving to enemies, stranger and friend.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages.

We want to hide from the strife in these harsh times

and you give us yourself as Creator, Redeemer and Friend.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages.

In our isolation and loneliness, we feel we are alone

yet you have promised to be with us throughout all time.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages.

We are often unable to see your loving face in our time

you see us through the darkness and bring us to light again.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages.

Help us, Lord, to live as your disciples spreading love

so your hope, your light and your heart might be here now.

Precious Savior, be with us now and to the end of the ages. Amen.

Mustard Seeds and Yeast

He put before them 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.’ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’ Matthew 13:31-35

"The kingdom of heaven is like" signals to us that Jesus is telling parables and drawing pictures for us so we might understand. I have always been drawn to the image of faith in the story of the yeast, partially because I don't have any experience with mustard trees. I've lived in colder climates where mustard trees don't thrive. But yeast, well, I love making bread, the smell of the bread rising and baking, as well as consuming the finished product. Yeast is also a tangible image for me, as it works to provide delicious food for many. Bread can be made in small or large batches, and the yeast works in both. Our faith can blossom in large places as well as small. As we can make bread in small or large kitchens, God's love can blossom in them all. 

Wondrous Creator, you give us signs of life

your presence among us so we can flourish 

and faith enough to move big mountains.

We can lose our faith when plans get ruined

we can give up when it becomes too hard

but through all our struggles you are present.

Lord Jesus, renew our faith and help it grow

for in you we can live and serve with great hope

and you will provide the yeast necessary for us all. Amen 

Good Seed

He put before them 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.” ’ Matthew 13:24-30

Living is a complex and sometimes confusing project. We all like to think of ourselves as good and yet the world often demands that we play politics, fudge the numbers and push others out to get ahead. Living faithfully is hard when most of life is not binary, simple choices clear to us in black and white.  Jesus promises that clarity only comes in the harvest time, which adds to our confusion. We are invited to live with the ambiguity, choosing love and justice at every turn.

Wondrous Creator, you have given us a verdant world

full of luscious fruits, grains and green vegetables

to harvest well and feed the whole wide world.

Often the wealthy control the fields and starve the poor

while we stand idle and watch the cruelty as we eat our fill

not willing to name the abuse so we can still be filled.

Help us Lord, to live in ambiguous times with love

not sidling over to the selfish and dark places

rather growing in your light of eternal love. Amen.

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

In an uncomfortable moment, Jesus seems to reject his family, choosing his followers as his family. History and time have erased the real lived circumstances, and the scriptures often leave out helpful clues. Yet, we have all, at one time or another, told someone that they are family. Some of us have friends and colleagues who are more family than our blood relations. Families are complicated, and this passage has often made me uncomfortable. I suspect, Jesus was trying to get a point across, and the interruption annoyed him. He was calling all of them family, without regard for religious status, earned authority or station in life. Those who follow Jesus, will be filled with the Holy Spirit and made one family, even in times of great crisis and pain. 

Gracious Creator, you have placed us in families

and you live among us despite our conflicts

sending you Spirit again and again to heal us.

We love being righteous and on the winning side

we tear down others to put ourselves in authority

losing all of the family we have been called to love.

Help us, Lord, today, to live as one loving family

forgiving one another and accepting our faults

living as servants to the needs of the whole world. 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 are in a time when we all know what it is to live in a divided land, among people divided. Jesus understood how the religious leaders were mocking him and trying to undermine his ministry. And his main ministry was to love and to heal. He knew that when we are divided we eventually implode. We fall apart and blame other people, although we took sides and cheered on bad behavior. We are called to serve by loving and bringing healing and justice to those on both sides of all divisions. We are called to serve like Jesus.

Loving Creator, you are the source of healing

you bring love and mercy to us in every breath

and call us to care for the lost and the outcast.

We have taken sides and built up strong walls

hoping to be deemed righteous in the end

when the world is crumbling for lack of love.

Help us, Lord, to be strong, loving warriors

undoing the traps and breaking own walls

so the world might know your love for all. Amen.

Pentecost 2026

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: `In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' " Acts 2:1-21

The day of Pentecost caused confusion and panic in some. And it still does in many ways. One year, shortly after I was ordained and serving in a church outside of Philadelphia, I had the children wear fireman hats and twirl wind tube toys that made a startling sound as they entered church during the sermon. Needless to say, this caused some confusion and panic in some. We are often anxious for the Holy Spirit to come, yet when it comes to dwell with us or someone else, we are often overwhelmed and afraid. Peter reminded them, and us now, that the Spirit is and will be poured out on everyone, without regard for gender, status or identity. To be a follower of Jesus calls us to see all others as vessels of the Holy Spirit and welcome them without malice or judgement.

Wondrous Creator, you put your Spirit in all flesh

help us to welcome your Spirit today in all people.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Our lives can be tangled with fears and anxiety

yet you have promised to unbind us and set us free.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

We ache to live a life full of your Holy Spirit

yet we do not want others to have what we do.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Make us willing vessels of your love and light

so the darkness and hurts might fall away from all.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Lift us from these tangled and fearful times

so we might be ready to follow you in faith.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Fill us, Lord, with your Holy Spirit today

so we might serve the world in your name.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light. Amen.

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 humans love to judge before we fully understand. We love to decide what is wrong with other people and situations without taking the time to get to know either. Ted Lasso, in a scene where he is playing darts, told everyone that people had underestimated him his whole life. "I saw a quote by Walt Whitman written on the wall, be curious, not judgmental." We are too often given to judging without knowing, never finding out why a person is acting or living the way they do. Jesus calls us to love the unlovely, to live with mercy, not judgement or sacrifice. Love and mercy along with curiosity are our best teachers.

Blessed Creator, you bring us into the world

so we might share your love and your mercy

and enjoy all the many facets of your creation.

We human love to be part of the in groups

shunning those who we fail to understand

and making life more painful for the suffering.

Make us merciful, compassionate and curious

so we might spread your love in this broken world

and bind the wounds of those who have been judged. Amen.

Take Up Your Bed

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

All of us have had a time in our lives when it felt impossible that we would ever feel good enough to get up. Whether Covid, acute illness, body pain or serious illness has felled us, we would love an instant cure like the paralyzed man received. Many of us have prayed, been prayed over, and still were not able to rise up. Some zealots would tell you that you faith was weak and inadequate. Yet, the man being carried by friends, had been that way for seemingly forever. The religious leaders wanted to squash Jesus. The ill man just wanted to be better, as we all do. This close encounter with the living God made one man well, the crowd filled with awe and the leadership furious. The living God draws near to all of us, calling us to trust in the divine love and healing for all. We just can't control the time.

Gracious Creator, you heart aches for the suffering

your love and healing is meant for everyone

and the world scoffs at faith and divine possibility.

We have all been sick and think you've ignored us

we get angry and think you have forgotten our needs

yet you, O Lord, are drawing near to us every day.

Help us Lord to seek you in every season and moment

trusting that you will provide the healing we need

and ready, when you call, to take up our mat and walk. Amen.

Ascension Day

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

I think it might be hard to imagine a dear friend vanishing into the sky. Minimally one would be terrified, panic and run away. Leaving a loved one, by any circumstances is hard, and folks departing in death is even harder. These disciples have witnessed his death and resurrection, which would have been heartbreaking and terrifying enough. And here, Jesus takes terror one step further by vanishing into the heavens. What strikes me is how clear they heard his words, his directions to them, despite the panic and terror of the moment. Too often, the words remembered are make disciples of all nations, although he asked them to remember "I am with you always, to the end of the age." We love taking his words as direction to dominate and control the world, but not to remember that he is with us always. His ways are present and real to us, even if we try to ignore them. We cannot teach and baptize without knowing and loving them as Jesus loves them. We cannot think we are in charge, because the Son of God is with us always. 

Loving Creator, your first priority is healing love

knowing us each by name and being present here

so we might carry your love and healing to others.

Lord Jesus, before you ascended you promised

to be with us in every challenging moment

and we are to be humble as we go through each.

Help us Lord not to judge our neighbors

rather give us strength and humility to love

as you loved and as you walk with us today. Amen.

Testing

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:41-46

We all know that being tested is not fun or joyful. This is the time of year when students all over are having final tests, taking standardized tests and writing papers anxious about grades. Out of school we are also tested, among our peers, our supervisors and strangers on the street. "Who are you, what are you doing and why should you be here?" All those questions and more are part of existence. Jesus was tested and tried just as we are. He was the son of God and we, in contrast, can wonder who we are and where we belong. The testers never get the final word, our Creator does. We are the children of the living God, and no one can snatch us out of God's hand nor call us anything but beloved. 

Loving Creator, you call us each by name

and protect us during the storms of our lives

so that your love and care can shine through us.

Often, we feel inadequate and like imposters

we put on attitudes and fight for attention

when you always are with us holding us up.

Lord Jesus, help us remember we are beloved

so many need to be reminded of your love

may we be those who shine with your love today. Amen.

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

The parables about seeds and growth are very appropriate for this season. We are finally in a place, here in New England, to put plants in the garden and sow seeds as well. When the nights are too cold, the plants and seeds will be damaged, so we have had to wait. Often, I am very hardworking and zealous in the spring, getting the gardens going and ridding the beds of weeds. As the summer progresses, I can get lazier and lazier, letting the weeds take over. We all know how easy it is for the weeds to take over our lives of faith. Anger, resentments, church fights, shunning all lead us to undermine our faith and work for power alone. May we take the call of Jesus, to be good soil, taking daily care of our spirits and using our lives for the good of others.

Gracious Creator, you have given us an abundance

of rain and sunshine, soft earth to plant again in spring

and hearts full of love for the care and feeding of others.

We often find ourselves in a drought of the spirit

times when anger brings us to the edge of real violence

when we could be clearing the weeds and restoring the soil.

Help us to examine our hearts and minds today

help us to rid our lives of the weeds of anger and hurt

so we might be abundant and fruitful with your love. Amen.

Sowing Seeds

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 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!’ 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. Matthew 13:1-16

The push is on to get the gardens going now. We have had so many cold nights, with some frost, that it was not smart to start planting fragile seeds and plants. Yesterday afternoon, we got some beds ready and our eldest daughter and our son-in-law, built us a raised bed as well as helping with tasks to get us ready to plant. Jesus told parables all the time, stories to help people understand the ways of God, our Creator. As an agrarian people, they heard clearly since they knew completely. They all had times when the soil went bad or there were rocks hidden which choked the roots. They knew the damage thorns and weeds could do to tender crops and they understood how vulnerable some people are. We are invited today to be good and loving gardeners, tending to the weak, clearing the weeds away and making abundance happen among people and places that were once rocky and barren.

Wondrous Creator, you teach us through nature

how vulnerable and tender life truly can be

and how we can listen, learn and grow again.

We want things instantly and completely easy

we refuse to take the time to weed and to clear

and we miss the gifts that are abundant in the garden.

Lord Jesus, help our eyes to see and our ears to listen

make us patient with the tender growing vulnerable ones

so we might learn your way of renewing our earth together. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter - Mother's Day

Jesus said, "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 forever. 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.” John 14:15-21

Today we celebrate Mother's Day in the US, while Mothering Sunday is held in March in the UK. Wherever you celebrate this day, it is one of appreciating the mothers in your life, biological and chosen. We hear Jesus talk about keeping his commandments. He often taught that the first is love the Lord with all your heart and the second is love your neighbor as yourself. His commandments are simple and yet terribly hard for us humans to do. We are reminded today, that we are intimately connected with our mothers, a biologic and emotional cord that is eternal. Likewise, we are connected and woven into the Creator with a holy and divine cord as strong and eternal as our human connection. Our human bonds can be shattered and frayed, but we are connected to the Creator eternally and nothing can break that bond.

Loving Creator, you gave us mothers who held us

so we might feel secure and know your loving arms.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

We are often at odds with the world and one another

yet your love breaks through all walls and barriers.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

The light can fade in the evening and cold return

yet you promise that you will always hold us close.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

We might know loneliness, exile and shaming

but you look on us as a mother gazes on her child.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

Help us to see your love in this broken world

and keep us from losing our hope and faith today.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

For your love binds all humanity together as one

a beautiful circle of joy that renews all of life. 

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love. Amen.

Ask, Seek and Knock

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Most of us don't like to ask for help as we would rather be independent and in complete control of our lives (or so we think). I am terrible at asking for help, even when I know I need it, and I know am not alone. Our lives are completely dependent on the economy, our bosses, our leaders and our family. Our ancestors understood the fragility of life and our dependence on one another and the natural world. We forget to ask our Creator for what we need, thinking we can take care of ourselves, until troubles and tumults are upon us. Life is never without storms. We need one another and we need our God who promises to open doors, receive what we need and find our way in this fragile existence.

Gracious Creator, who plants us in community

like the three sisters we rely on each other to grow

and we share the nutrients of the light and earth.

We are too selfish and so full of foolish pride

that we refuse to ask for help when we are sinking

and curse others for abandoning us in the storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to ask, knock and seek daily

trusting that you will answer our needs fully

and make us a family, a community once again. Amen.

Consider the Lilies

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

It is astounding, in a world of so much strife and division, that the birds still sing and the lilies still grow. Yet if we look around us, as Jesus suggested the disciples do, we can see gorgeous signs of the Creator's care for us. The jonquils and crocuses, the grasses returning and even the dandelions are bright reminders of the love our Creator has for us, and how deeply we are cared for. Oh, it may not feel like it, and it can be explained away true, yet if we look at the bounty, we just might be grateful instead of scared. We might just be delighted for a moment instead of panicked. God is with us in our hard times as well as the splendid ones and there is evidence of that tender care, if we but look around.

Gracious Creator, you bring us life every morning

while the dew is still on the morning flowers

you are providing for us and loving us all.

We live in times of conflicts and great uncertainty

where people are divided by walls formerly destroyed

and old wounds are making old men seek revenge.

You remind us today to look at the beauty abounding

to trust that are needs are already met and our lives

are in your hands surrounded by your heart of love. Amen.

Treasures in Heaven

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! ‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:19-24

In our country, the gap between the haves and have not is getting wider and deeper. Too many are focused on how they can monetize everything rather than how they can help others. If we are all focused on personal gain, we forget how to be kind, compassionate and how to share. We burn the true wealth we have, love, family and faith, so we can get rich and be spoiled. We all know and understand what Jesus is talking about. It is often hard to so, since everything costs too much and we have to watch every penny. Yet our Creator, knows and loves us and ask to share what we have as we are able, and we will be blessed here and eternally.

Wondrous Creator, you give us our daily bread

and you bring the sunlight to warm the whole earth

and make the crops to grow to feed the world.

We have an urge to stockpile and hold our riches

while others live on the edge of death daily

and we refuse to see them and refuse to really care.

Make us aware of the needs around us and open hearts

so that we might be generous in all that we do

and grateful for all we have been given in these days. Amen. 

Praying and Forgiving

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:7-15

Prayer is often an easy thing when we repeat the Lord's Prayer and other familiar prayers. It's harder when we are terribly hurt and know the person or system that hurt us is unrepentant. We want them to suffer, we want to get revenge and have them endure the pain we suffer. Yet, God is not like that. We need to be about the real hard work of truly forgiving, so we might know forgiveness within us. We are unburdened and set free when we forgive the cruel ones who go on hurting, when we don't give them space in our hearts and minds rent free. That kind of prayer is hard work, and needs to be repeated over and over again.

Loving Creator, you teach us to forgive daily

knowing our hurt and tender aching hearts

wishing to free us from the burden of sin.

We pray that the bad ones get punished

and forget about all the time we have hurt

never counting the cost of our misdeeds.

Lord Jesus, help our prayers be forgiving

and let our lives be filled with your compassion

so that broken hearts and lives are truly mended. Amen.

Show Offs

‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

I have spent a good deal of my adult life theater-adjacent and most of my youth working backstage. Some present-day expressions of church seem more like performance than worship. I have always tried, as priest and bishop, to lead by example, humble and aware of my many faults. When we turn worship into a show, we lose the presence of the living God. No matter how beautiful our songs are, or how wonderful our liturgy, we must remember always that we are trying to bring the love of God to the people, and not the love of ourselves. Jesus saw what that kind of showmanship did to undermine the lives of the faithful. May we all seek to live justice and walk humbly with our God.

Blessed Creator, source of all goodness

you us in your image so we might serve

all of your creation with joy and love.

We love to be in the glowing spotlight

showcasing our talents and our wealth

forgetting you call us to put others first.

Make us humble and full of your radiance

make us joyfully sing your songs simply

so your love may shine through us today. Amen.

5th Sunday of Easter 2026

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”a-14 

 It is easy to say, do not be afraid. It is much harder to live it. Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples and face death upon the cross. His disciples really didn't understand it, nor do we today sometimes. In this frantic world where so many factions are fighting against one another, it is hard to believe that God is in the midst of us. And yet Jesus says, do not let your hearts be trouble. He tells us there is space for all of us, no matter how different and complicated. We might be Jesus promises to care for us even when we don't necessarily feel safe or cared for. One of the things we can do in these days is to be people of prayer and calm. Prayer and calm allow us to be kind and patient with other people. Sometimes we have to breathe deeply and sometimes we have to walk away. Jesus promised to be with us in the hardest of days around the most difficult people. Let not your hearts be troubled. 

 Gracious Creator, you have made space for us all 

and from the four directions you call us to yourself. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.,

 We live in turbulent times and folks are called criminals 

when they are just seeking a safer life for their family. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.

 The truth is twisted and we struggle to believe anything 

yet you remind us that we have a home with you always. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days. 

Make us prayerful and compassionate in these hard times 

and make your light and love shine through each day. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.

Help us to remember to seek your face in our darkest nights 

for you have made a home for us and we are never alone in you. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days. Amen

A Simple Grain

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

I have been scouring seed catalogs and looking longingly at plants. Unfortunately, despite it being May 1st, here in New England we have to wait a bit longer. We have had very cold nights with frost. Those fragile seeds and grains, need enough sun and warmth to break open, to die, so new life is formed. There is a time for everything. Jesus is reminding his disciples about how it is time for them to plant and reap. Their ways and traditions barred them from including foreigners and non-believers from religious conversations. It was time to break down the walls and the barriers. We all have to be broken open, and change our ways in order to bear fruit, to bring light and love to the world. We cannot carry a hard protective shell and really live faithfully. 

Wondrous Creator, who breathes life into creation

you animate us with love and joys with our people

and ask us to stretch so other might know your love.

We don't like those who challenge our way of life

who, in their difference teach us ways to change

while we would rather stay inside our familiar shell.

Break open our hearts today, dear Lord, so we love

those who do not know our traditions and our ways

and blossom bearing the fruit of your divine love. Amen.

Be Reconciled

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

Jesus is very clear about the importance of reconciliation. Drawing on the traditions of his ancestors, he points us all to a deeper understanding of reconciliation. Even small disputes and hurts are important to be reconciled. None of us like to admit we are wrong but are ready to scream from the hilltops when we consider ourselves hurt or slighted. We are called to a reconciliation that demands a daily self-examination, a daily listening to the truths of others, and daily seeking forgiveness. It is like a muscle that needs a daily workout, flexing and stretching so we are able and ready to forgive and be forgiven.

Gracious Creator, you made us fully human

we live in your image and always fall short

yet you remind us to work for reconciliation.

We do not like to hear how we have failed others

we shut our ears and our hearts to their pain

and lose the love gained in true forgiveness.

Lift us from the world of daily accusations

help us examine our hearts and seek forgiveness

so we can be vessels of your love needed today. Amen.