The Word

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

The Word

From the very beginning the Word was love
love incarnate, love in creation, love beyond measure
the Creator's abiding love for the earth and us all
despite our resistance from the very beginning.

They say that love makes the world go round
love borned the world and fed her as well
we have shamed and abused her body so
and yet the word from the beginning is love.

The song says the what the world needs now is love
yet from the beginning love was there among us
breathing life and healing into the broken streams
seeding new life where there was only barren ground.

The love which put on flesh and touched the broken
abides with us still as from the beginning of our circle
we are invited to a round dance circling the globe
circling time, and our brokenness with new life in love.

Transfiguration

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:1-9

When I think of the transfiguration, I cannot help but think of my sister Pegi. She was battling cancer and I flew down to Miami to be with her and my folks during her surgery which proved to be her last. I was newly ordained, walking the halls of an unfamiliar hospital, feeling completely lost. I finally found her room, and stood at the door, watching my parents, one on each side of her, as she sat up in bed, her beauty radiating from under her bald head. I knew she was going to die, and I knew she was going to be all right. My parents, like two pillars of faith were beacons of hope and promise despite the circumstances.

The transfiguration of Jesus happens at a pivotal moment. From this point on he is heading to Jerusalem and his death. This is the last Sunday of Epiphany and next Sunday we will be deep in the season of Lent. In the midst of this moment comes a vision and a promise. The three disciples see the loving relationship that God has with the saints of the past and promises that to us as well. Despite the circumstances ahead we are offered a vision of hope and promise. God invites us to enter this time with hope, knowing there is more love and life to come than we can imagine today.

Today I ask God to help me hold onto the vision of hope and love. May we understand our circumstances and trials as temporary, knowing that we are loved by God and held firmly in God's hands.

Praying

Concerning Almsgiving

6‘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.

2 ‘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. ³But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.^*

Concerning Prayer

5 ‘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. ⁶But 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.^*
7 ‘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. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 ‘Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name.
¹⁰   Your kingdom come.
   Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹   Give us this day our daily bread.^*
12   And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³   And do not bring us to the time of trial,^*
     but rescue us from the evil one.^*
14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; ¹⁵but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Concerning Fasting

16 ‘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. Matthew 6:1-16

Praying

On are knees alone we talk
With the Creator like a child
Asking a parent for real help
Baring our soul and weeping.

When  we stand and lead others
We find flowere words covering
Our broken hearts and raw wounds
Pretending the need belongs to others.

Our authentic tears like rare stones
Precious and uniquely personal
Cherished by God as a child'support drawing
Plastered with joy on the wall.

Letting go of judgement and forgiving
Freeing our hearts to fly again
A child joy to see Creation as a gift
A dance

Loved Beyond Measure

Jesus said, “You have heard
that it was said, ‘An eye for
an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I say to you, Do not resist
an evildoer. But if anyone strikes
you on the right cheek, turn the
other also; and if anyone wants
to sue you and take your coat,
give your cloak as well; and if
anyone forces you to go one mile,
go also the second mile. Give to
everyone who begs from you,
and do not refuse anyone who
wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for
he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the
unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the
tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are
you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your
heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48

There are times when we want to strike out in anger and weep in sorrow. The world seems turned upside down with car bombs and sports bar shootings. Into this mix we hear about love. When I was newly ordained, I thought I knew how God wanted me to be and act. That arrogance was quickly changed and I realized my ministry was not about me but totally about others. About loving unconditionally and accepting the hardest and the most difficult.

Jesus continues his sermon on the mount. In this sermon he has turns the traditions on their side. Everyone listening would have memorized the sayings he was referring to. His was an oral culture where these great lessons and texts would have been known by heart. They would have shaken their heads in acknowledgment and the opened their mouths in surprise. Jesus was pushing the boundaries, knocking down the traditional walls and telling them that love was for everyone and everyone was their neighbor. The perfection is found in the love of God, which when we share it freely, makes us better and renews us day by day.

Today I ask God to help me be a minister of God's love. May we be vessels of love and forgiveness, setting aside judgement, and making room for love beyond measure.

No No

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:27-37

One of my favorite comedies is the Vicar of Dibley. Jim Trott, played by Trevor Peacock, is very entertaining and constantly saying, " no, no, no, yes." He tends to confuse everyone with hilarious results. We are often confused by people who say one thing and do another, with not comedic but sad and dangerous results. I myself have to be careful what I promise in order to make certain I can deliver. We humans are always big on promises and low on results. It is a spiritual discipline to check our words and actions to make certain we are honoring what we say and caring rightly for the people in our charge.

Jesus continues his sermon on the mount, with challenges to familiar cultural and religious rules. He knows the religious leaders are all too good at following the letter of the law and ignoring the spirit and truth of the law. We are invited by God to take seriously our commitments and words to one another. When we take vows, either religious or in relationships, we are invited to understand how important our words, our vows become.

Today, I ask God to help me honor the depth of my vows as a bishop and serve the people I have been given. May God strengthen each of us with humility and compassion, so that all we do honors the people we serve.

Reconciliation

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; 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

Reconciliation

Over time we even forget why we were mad
yet the wounds fester and persist until
we leave our gifts at the altar and go
seeking the sister or brother we've hurt.

We bend and kneel in meaningless prayer
when we walk outside and break others' spirits
the altars of the world accept our greedy gifts
showering honor and praise on the violent.

We release love and hope into the world
like a flower blossoming despite the weather
covered with snow and winter's chill
reconciling opens the heavens again.

Salt and Light

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:13-20

In the middle of winter, here in Montana February, I often think hoe important light truly is, as well as flavor like salt. Things can get dark and bland as we snuggle inside against the cold and eat the soups and stews we have made repeated times. Even comfort food gets old after a time. Life can be very bleak without light and people who bring us hope and joy in the midst of dark times. I often find myself, standing outside when the sun shines bright, trying to absorb every ray of sunlight to lift the winter's isolation.

Jesus reminds the people that no matter how challenging our lives become, we have something to offer, something to give. There is great need and many dark places in this world. People are aching to receive a little brightness, a little hope, a little joy. God  promises to multiply our possibilities when we share the little we have with others.

Today, I ask God to help me be light and salt in this world. May we not keep to ourselves but rather share God's love in the deep darkness and the cold, tasteless places.

Blessed

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed

The deportees and the rejected are blessed
those who are hiding from the law likewise
this God of our is one who loves the broken
seeking out the hungry, the lonely the oppressed.

We are following a train of compassion
riding the rails with the outcast and deserted
sitting on sidewalks and alleys in cities
we find God in these most humble places.

Blessings do not come to those who hoard
nor to those gated, hidden, fully protected
but to those with little who still dream and hope
to those who carry their young in the night.

We are  walking on the heavenly highway
on foot in front of the other leaving no one behind
we hold hands as we cross in dangerous places
we find God awaiting us at every border.

Small Coins

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘

“David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. Mark 12:35-44   

. 

Small Coins

What she has she shares as she persists

To pray despite her constant rejection

Constant  buses from those who see poverty

Women like her as a pariah a sin.

She stands facing us hinting

That God is not among the selective and arrogant

Nor among the rich proud judgemental

God is found among the humble broken and poor.

We know our blessings here in the alleys

Here in the one room full of children

Here is God among he we know and mistaken

God is abundantly found right here.

Love God, Love Your Neighbor

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

As a child I loved the Charlie Brown and the Peanuts characters. As an adult, I have loved the insight and honesty of Charles Schulz. He seemed to understand how hard it is, even for Linus and me to follow the "love" commandments. Loving God might be easier to some, but loving our neighbors is so much harder. Folks can get under our skin so easily. We can be so filled with anger that we forget how important, particularly now, the commandment to love our neighbor truly is. It is key to our survival and everyone thriving.

Jesus has a confrontation with a scribe, a learned religious leader, who wants to trip up the incarnation of  God. Jesus, after this conversation reminds tells he is not far from the reign of God. Jesus acknowledges the scholar's grasp of the law. He also invites us to draw nearer to God by truly living out those commandments. We cannot draw close to God unless we love our neighbors, and see the importance of embracing all our neighbors, event those who we find difficult to love.

Today, I ask God to help me draw close by extending my hand and heart to those around me. May we find ourselves treating everyone like beloved family today so that all can draw closer to the living God who loves us more than we can even fathom.

Night Prayers

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

Night Prayers

The melting is on, the snow piled gray
shows our detritus and dropped coins
at the closing of the day we wake up
to all the things we have left undone.

We know better than to leave undone
the care and kindness the world needs
yet we stumble on thoughtless and shadowed
failing to respond the needs still cry out.

The darkness descends and we hope
for a fresh tomorrow without mistakes
a sunshiny day full of possibilities
although we have ignored so much today.

The divine sits with all the living
those who complain, those who pray
the ones who cannot face their future
those whose lives are shrouded by the past.

The incarnate in the midst of our failure
aches to hold us in our fractured pain
seeks to bring new days and possibilities
rises always to bring light and hope again.

The Cornerstone

Again Jesus and the disciples came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes’?”
When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away. Mark 11:27—12:12 

Every family has events, places and people that form the cornerstone of their relationships and stories. Many of those stories and people we have met in far flung places but they under-gird and support the love we share. Everything we know about ourselves is built up from the places where love grew, where people laughed and ate together, and who held us in hard times.

Jesus goes back to Jerusalem and angers the temple authorities so much that they want to kill him. He stands firm as the cornerstone of God's love on earth and they hate that. They hate that their power is superseded by some humble man who lives for others. They live for themselves and so reject love, healing and transformation. They are greedy while God incarnate is kind and loving. We are invited to remember that God is not found among the powerful and elite. God is found among the humble and the servants. These people are the building blocks of God's love.

Today I ask God to help me be humble and kind every moment. May we be found close to the cornerstone, not seeking power but always seeking love and healing.

House of Prayer for All Nations

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written,
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?
But you have made it a den of robbers.”
And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.
In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:12-26 

House of Prayer for All Nations

When seated in the comfortable pews
observing all the rites and rituals
do we look around and see ourselves only
or do we see the richness our neighborhood?

Can we truly bend in prayer without others
from the rich and colorful tapestry of God?
Can love be known except when shared and
can prayer be honest behind walls and locked doors?

The love of God is not bound by our fears
nor regulated by what makes us feel safe
it breaks through all our preconceived notions
and tears at the fibers of our false security.

This house of prayer is a house of welcome
where we might not understand the language
yet we share a common hope and love
for the children yet to come to thrive together.

Come and pray then with your neighbors
work side by side with enemies and friends
make love visible in our bending abd serving
restore this brokenness by truly living.

Feast Day of Absalom Jones

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11

This year, it seems particularly important to remember faithful leaders like Absalom Jones. "The life and legacy of The Rev. Absalom Jones is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, his faith, and his commitment to the causes of freedom, justice and self-determination." This quote comes from the history of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia, which was founded in 1792. Born in slavery in Delaware, buying his freedom as an adult, he fought faithfully against the violence, rejection and societal constrictions of the day. I look to him today for strength and courage as we fight different agents but the same evils in our day.

Jesus understood that he faced imminent death. He also knew his disciples and followers needed the celebration of his entry into Jerusalem and the Passover to carry them through the rough times ahead. He did not destroy custom but inhabited the cultural needs, in order to help the needy humans around him be strengthened and thrive beyond great violence and tragedy. God provides us, in every time, moments of celebration that help us through the horrors of our own societies and governments. God stands with us in the midst of our worries and fears and reminds us to hold on, be faithful, and believe as the saints before us did.

Today, I ask God to help me be strong in faith and follow the lead of Blessed Absalom Jones and others who have built for love in the face of hate and denial. May we all stand up to any and all abuse with the love and faith of our ancestors and the saints above.

Be Reconciled

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; 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.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”Matthew 5:21-37

Be Reconciled

The divine hand reaches and we extend

our hearts and capacity for choosing, 

choosing community over self, welcome over walls

love over hate and forgiveness over judgement.

Made in the image of God with all capacity

to free or to damn others, to limit or empower

to silence or to voice, to bend or to repel

we can make the world again by our persistance.

Love cannot be bound by any human hands

violence and boundaries can in no way diminish

the hand of God still reaches out for each of us

we need only to look up and grasp life.

The divine hand reaches through the fog and grief

way beyond language and cultural barriers

for the eyes of God see beloved children

caught in the trap of fear and self-loathing. 

We are made for love, made for the divine

stamped permanently with possibility and hope

severed never from limitless joy and wonder

planted securely in the loving heart of God.

 

Take Heart

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

We have been a bit overwhelmed with weather these last few days. The first came overnight Tuesday before a planned trip to the hospital in Boston. Then all day Thursday it snowed, so the meeting I was to attend that day was online. Then yesterday we traveled into the city for the rest of the meeting and were overwhelmed by snow again overnight. The drive home was slow and slushy. It is easy to panic when one can't see very well, or have much control of the car on snowy, icy roads. We can be overwhelmed by what we cannot accomplish. But I know God was and is with us breathing out 'take heart", when we are most afraid and isolated.

Jesus was traveling in Jericho and heard the cries of a man who was blind. Some of the followers of the incarnate God were silencing him, but Jesus wanted to know his need. God in the flesh wanted to heal him. And God, among us still, wants to bring us the healing and transformation we need. God incarnate seeks out the isolated, the broken and the needy, everyday and in every place.

Today I ask God to strengthen my resolve and my voice. May I not hold back but reach out in love, voicing the needs of the silenced and having faith where faith has been broken by violence and pain.

Be A Servant

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.”
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:32-45

Be A Servant

We are not built to bully and demand
rather build for stretching and serving
strengthened by walking behind
enriched by the constant lifting of others.

The divine law does not prohibit
love spent in bending and feeding
nights seeking out the lost children
days emboldened to speak truth to power.

The incarnate love of God served
the bent, the withered and the possessed
saw the suffering and the hungry
and made food and healing their own.

We are designed and known by and for love
we will understand the love we have by sharing
by walking the streets and darkened alleys
making love and healing spread abroad.

Eye of the Needle

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." Mark 10:17-31 

Yesterday I say it a surgical waiting room for many long hours crocheting to keep my hands busy. I was waiting for my husband who had a procedure. His procedure was very quick and the doctor called me and said all went well, but then I had to wait almost three hours before I could see him. Somehow, that crochet hook in my hands became more clumsy and misguided as time went on. There was no one to call make the time go more quickly. I finally, exasperated with myself and waiting, spent some time praying and realized that although there might be no one present with me, there was a great crowd in heaven and dear friends across the planet praying as well.

Jesus is setting out on a journey. There was no resting for him. He was asked a hard question and gave a honest answer. His disciples were anxious with his answer, and probed further. Jesus wanted them to hear that the riches of this world are no great gift, but rather the willingness to give them away and to give ourselves as well, is the biggest blessings, the greatest gift. A life lived for God and for others is the richest on earth and in heaven. God invites us to be sacrificial in our living and our giving, so that we might know the abundant blessings from God.

Today, I ask God to help me move form selfish to sacrificial, from fear to letting go, from anxiety to trusting. May we live abundantly for God and one another as we give ourselves away for the present and future.

Being Salt and Peace

Jesus said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:42-50 

Salt and Peace

Peace does not come from conformity
it blossoms like a flower in a garden
chaotic colors both deep and pale
extending our understanding of love.

Salt does not come from abundance
it gently enters the world's dishes
giving strength and sustenance
without overpowering the flavors.

We are salt and peace when we live
as we were made imperfect and perfectly
wonderful in our acceptance and understanding
humble in our need for the broken others.

Peace reigns when we live our salty lives
giving our true nature a voice and listening ears
when we bend in the dance of compassion
we are made whole in being bound together.

Never losing ourselves mean sharing
the radical difference that each of us is given
accepting the chaos and confusion here
dancing in the garden where we are planted.

One Such Child

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” Mark 9:30-41 

My ancestors were forcibly made to leave their homes and walk to Indian Territory, now the state of Oklahoma. A thousand and more miles on foot, rejected from our home land which formed all our understanding and knowledge. We were rejected from our place by recent immigrants who thought they knew better what to do. So many died along the journey and the small children and women were the most vulnerable. Today, we are strong again, despite the behavior and cruelty of  those Christian leaders who thought they understood freedom, and who mangled justice for their own gain.

Jesus told the disciples in very clear words what was ahead for him. They immediately began arguing over who was the greatest and who would take over leadership. He told them that leadership began with servant-hood, with a humble life, and the vision to welcome the least and the most vulnerable. Greatness comes from love, not from power or might. God invites us to lift up the most vulnerable and to see the real power in love which makes room for the other, setting aside fear and making love our priority.

Today, I ask God to help me be a servant. May God use our hands, hearts and heads for the healing of the world. May we not fear the stranger but rather be about making them a place in our families, in our communities, offering them welcome and support in their journey.

Light of the World

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:13-20

Light of the World

For strangers and visitors a curiosity

for residents and sailors a necessity

light in the deepest cold darkness 

and a signal that homeland is at hand.

This light does not obscure the stars

but can break through the densest cloud

can restore hope to the drifting lost

and can guide the distraught back to land.

This light is not extinguished by fear 

is not overcome by wind, currents and tides

riding above sinking sand and terrorizing waves

there is no darkness that can overcome it.

Light my path homeward sweet light

for I am a wanderer and need to be found

There are others behind me needing safe passage

and many who fear the last breaths are near.

Light be restored  within my trembling heart

my weakness and isolation all too visible

shine again within and without my fragile surfaces

so that I might serve and lead others to love again.

The Collect

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Only Through Prayer

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

Only Through Prayer

I tried to fix it but made it worse
tried to be strong to continue to fall
forced my hand when there was no responce
then only through prayer does the change come.

Dark waters surrounded me and pulled me in
cold and terror carved into my resting dreams
deep sorrow that would not let me alone
but prayer lifted me from the inner storms.

The words can be mumbled and blurted out
deep silence and watching in the dark night
chilling screams when so completely overhelmed
the heart of God is with us in every prayer.

When we give up being God and let go
when we come to the dead end and admit need
when we reach out feeling consumed by death
God is always willing to lift us up again.


 

Transfigured

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” Mark 9:2-13 

Years ago, when I was newly ordained, I flew to Florida to see my sister who was facing another cancer surgery. I walked into her hospital room, and stood by the door for a minute. The vision I saw was my sister Pegi, my parents one on each side of her bed, and her face was radiant despite her bald head. I understood, standing there that she was dying very soon and my heart broke. I also understood she was beloved and going to a better place. Her painful journey would be over and her joy would be complete. She died a week or so later, and I miss her to this day but cling to that vision of love enlightened in the midst of great sorrow.

Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem by taking a retreat to the mountains where he encounters great ancestors and is again reminded how loved he is. The disciples don't know what to do with this vision. But the vision was for them as well as for Jesus, as it is for us. In the midst of great pain and challenges, we are to be reminded that the love from God surrounded us, makes beauty where there is strife, and casts out the darkness that can seemingly overwhelm us. God's love abides and shines, despite the isolation and pain we might feel.

Today I ask God to help me remember the vision of the constant presence of divine love. The world may seem spinning out of control and yet we are encompassed by God's love which sets of feet firmly and safely on the journey ahead. May we remember and be courageous as we move on, never alone, and buoyed up by love we share.

The Presentation

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:22-40

Today is the celebration of the presentation of Jesus in temple. For Americans, it is also Ground Hog Day. The ground hog saw his shadow so six more weeks of winter are predicted. For the parents who were just doing what was traditional,  they received great words of promise and amazing prophecies. The words they received affirmed what had been promised, solidified what they had hoped and yet they were still amazed. We are too, sometimes, amazed but what God has made real for us. When a glimmer of hope becomes a reality, when a hard life changes for the good, we finally have the affirmation we need. God wants us to know the affirmation, the promise has been there all along. And God, who promises good to the beloved, all the children, will surely bring it to fruition.

Today, I ask God to help me trust and be faithful every day, no matter how bleak things seem or how far off the promises might be. May we rejoice with Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna, as we see God's love and peace unfolding in our world. May we  not fear the challenges we face but cling to God's promises today.