Beside the Sea

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






Beside the Sea

On this All Hallows' Eve my soul
aches to be beside the sea once more
my holy birthplace and my restoration
deep understanding as the waves roll.

My toes desire the feel the chilly surf
my face and chest want to breathe salt air
all of me is seeking redemption now
in this season of dark and turning.

There is beauty all around me always
yet it can be hidden by a broken heart
it can be invisible when one is trembling
love can seem so completely out of reach.

It is her waves and her majestic tides
always turning always bringing in again
the lost, the broken and the barely living
lifting all the sinking boats around me.

Let us today seek out our baptismal place
the place of turning dunking and welcome
the home that changes and yet always ready
to receive the homeless and the new seed.
 

Who Is Family?

Jesus said, “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 

Who Is Family?

So often excluded and set aside
some wander the lanes and cafes
looking for people who understand
seeking those who might welcome.

My family is black, red, brown and white
mixed up and scrambled all together
my people are those who make strangers
into family welcomed at the table.

So many close their doors to difference
they close their doors to their own blood
the ones who look or love differently
too often excluded by Jesus' followers.

Yet God is the source of all true love
and God throws the doors open wide
this family is not exclusive or rigid
God's family is all scrambled together.


 

A Kingdom Divided

Then they brought to Jesus 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 live in a very divided, very contentious country. We also have known and do know a divided church at times. We have all witnessed when people of good will are shut down for political reasons, for greed and so one ego can triumph over another. All of our divisions are fear based. When we choose for self and not for God, when we choose power instead of love, we all loose. There is no gain in strident winning.

The religious leaders were trying to take Jesus down because they were afraid his love and healing would "win" the day. He knew their hearts, they were not in their roles for God but for power. He knew their fears and offered them the truth. Love cannot be destroyed by petty despots. God's goodness and abundance is given freely, is never shut out, never lost despite the politics and potentates of the day. God invites us to double our efforts for love and healing. There is no power in the world that can conquer the love of God!

Today, I ask God to help me love those who differ from me, those who are trying to destroy me and my ministry and those who wish to do others harm. May we pray for those who oppose us and  double our efforts to give the world the love of God, so needed today.

Proclaim Justice

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

When Americans think about justice, they often think about our courts and policing system, a TV show called Law and Order, or the fictitious superheroes that they admire. We don't often think about Christians, followers of Jesus, as a justice league. More often Christians are considered judgement leagues, condemning " lifestyles ", cultures, immigrants and other religions.

Jesus calls us to bring justice in his name to the gentiles - to those who in his time were outside the faith, culture, practices, orientation and race. If we want peace, someone once said, then we need to work for justice. God invites us not to isolate ourselves from others, but rather, seek our the other, and stand with them in their darkest days.

Today, I ask God to help me stand with the "other" and fight for justice in our time. May we know the light of God as we serve the least among us and as we welcome the outcast and the stranger for love's sake.

I Desire Mercy

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” Matthew 12:1-14 

I Desire Mercy

How I would love to live here
where mercy and love overflow
where light is refracted through hope
where competition and greed are not.

We live in a world of crushing cruelty
where the poor as shamed as the lazy
when sick need to beg for basic care
where children go to bed hungry daily.

There is plenty for all and abundance
yet some would choose to hoard all
power corrupts and makes judgements
on those whose sin is simply skin color.

How I ache to see the rainbow return
the living waters running over all
children with full bellies laughing
no one refused because of their lack.

Today we will pick the grain heads
we will walk and continue the journey
we will persevere for justice and love
praying in the night and at dawn.

My Yoke is Easy

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

My Yoke Is Easy

Oh the mornings I try to get up
yet pain and fear restrain me
facing a day of adversaries
is something I cannot do alone.

I bind myself to Jesus then
in treacherous times like these
when power and money control
love and compassion thrown aside.

Oh let me sing and dance again
with the joy that only God gives
in darkest night and hardest days
may I plow along side the King.

My burden may seem onerous
the strain the toil unending
yet God is working through me
love will certainly conquer all.

Sheep Among Wolves

Jesus said, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:16-22

Over the past months, I have had some disheartening experiences where people have attacked me and my ministry. It feels like they are after blood and it hurts me deeply. Sometimes it is easier to recover from physical bruises than the psychological and spiritual ones. I can hear my mother reminding me, " when you are getting close to God, the devil starts working overtime!" It can be hard to step aside from the anger and hurt to remain humble and to continue to do God's work in these kind of times. But we must persevere, for we are never alone.

Jesus cautions the disciples that their ministries will not be easy. And he cautions us. For the disciples,  their precious friend and Savior promised there would be words when needed and we those who endure will be saved. And so will we - be given words when needed and we will never be abandoned or let go. Those who are willing to be humble and to serve will have what they need for each day.

I ask God to help me let go of hurts and humble myself in service. May we remember that we will not be abandoned nor left with out what we need at the time of testing. And may we use our hours and days in compassionate service for the whole world.

Give to God

The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

The challenging part of every new year, is not the resolutions to keep, or learning to write the new year on a letter or a check. Really, it is trying to make sure all the previous year's receipts are gathered, collated and added up for taxes. We then send them off to a guy we know who is a specialist in clergy taxes. Clergy taxes are a unique challenge and very, very complicated. We decided a long time ago to get someone to help us with our taxes in order to keep us sane. I have often wondered how much help most of us get to know what we need to give to God. Or do we just guess?

Jesus is being tested, which seems to be a sport for the Pharisees. Actually it seems that Jesus makes them nervous. So they try to trip him but he answers simply and confounds them all. They had rules but lived by the letter of the law rather than by God's intention. God's intention is always for compassion, healing and generosity. We are invited to put our best forward for God, to be generous so that we might bring God's love to this world.

Today, I ask God to give me the strength to give my best at all times and to live for others. May we not focus on the small worries of our lives but rather give our best and know God will supply the rest.

Listen!

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!” Matthew 11:7-15

Listen

Can you silence your internal dialogue
your need to be heard, front and center?
Will you take the time to quiet down
and hear the heartbeat of a loving God?

We are here to welcome and to serve
we are made for loving and caring
can we listen to the needs of those around
and act for those who cannot move?

The day by day loud shouting voices
will not listen nor will they hear
the singing, laughing joy of those
who within God deems to dwell.

Come dance with those who once
could not walk or who could not see
come rejoice with those who once
could not hear the whisper of the Creator.

The Poor Have Good News

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:1-6

The visible and outward signs of the presence of Jesus is healing new life and good news. Too often our churches are full of political struggles that are none of those. Too often, we get hurt and walk away just when our hands, our time and our service are needed most. Jesus always tell people to declare what they have witnessed - the love of God changing lives for the good. Our squabbles are no help to the Gospel of Jesus.

Some people came from John to find out who Jesus was. Jesus answered them to see what has been done and report back. The good news of God is always in the doing, not in the talk, the theories and the politics. There are no winners when we follow Jesus, but rather those who bring good news with action and service. Today, Jesus asks us to not worry about the trappings or the politics, but rather get up to our elbows in service of others.

Today, I ask God help me to leave politics alone and get busy in service of others. May we all follow Jesus who brings healing and new life for all.

A Cup of Cold Water

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
“For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” Matthew 10:34-42

A Cup  of Cold Water

How often in the middle of the night
does a child stumble into their parents
asking for cold water or protection
for there is much to fear in the night?

We would never refuse our children
there is always time and space for them
but so many others we can shut out
who simply need a little sip of kindness.

The church can be a place of welcome
and it can be a place of judgment
competition can break our among us
and we can take each other down.

Let us treat one another today at least
as blessed family, dear children in need
making room for the awkward and fearful
giving honor to the aged and infirmed.

God is love and sadly we rarely are
we preen and gaze at our reflection
yet we never see the servant we can become
we never see the friend that is so needed now.

The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”  Luke 4:14-21

The Spirit of the Lord

In the quiet of the night I prayed

make me an instrument of peace

help me be a way to your healing

let me be a conduit of all things good.

Convicted by the Spirit is humbling

so many would hear God's voice

only if it comes with personal gain

not if we are brought low by our brokenness.

Come hear the Spirit of the Lord

who invites us to bend and serve

asking us to see the beauty in all

keeping us from serving self alone.

We who would follow the Beloved One

must spread love and healing daily

turning from our selfish desires that damage

lifting others up always before us.

Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

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

There are times in my life when I have gotten confused and let people walk all over  me and hurt me trying to keep the peace. There is a campaign on Facebook in recent days, for women who have experience sexual assault and abuse to say, "me too!' I added my name. Too often we women have kept silent because we are afraid of the shame, the discounted reactions, the worsening of punishment. We are called to be wise and innocent, and too often, we have only been innocent, fearing that showing our strength might make life unbearable. It is time to listen to Jesus and to be wise in many more moments.

Jesus knows just how complicated a life of faith can be. He was often criticized for being too political, too cutting edge, too "in your face." Yet, living the love of God is a call to learn and be wise, knowing when to speak and act.  The price of this life of faith is high, and there are many assaults along the way, but we know Jesus walks with us every step. We are invited to be both compassionate and firm,  loving and fierce in the care of those who have no protector.

Today I ask God to help me be wise and innocent, compassionate and firm. Let our words and actions be signs of our faith in Jesus, who walks with us and encouraged us when we fall.

Shown Great Love

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”Luke 7:36-50 

Shown Great Love 

She saw the chance to demonstrate 

Love and gratitude to the humble Savior

The one who had accepted her as she was

Never shamong or sending her away.

In many places she was simply a woman

A possession, a servant,  set aside, ignored

Without a voice nor any kind of power

Except to please whomever demanded it.

Just a woman, no status, no regard

Yet this man, unique among all men

Treated her with honor and respect 

Gave her space and listened to her.

Should she not respond with love?

Should not tears overwhelm her?
Should we not lean in and listen 
To his kindness and compassion?

We woman so oftenjoy an object
Become a precious friend welcomed
A mother respected and dignified
In a kindness which changed the world.

A Heavenly Banquet

Once more Jesus spoke to the people in parables,
saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared
 to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 
He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited
 to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
 Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who
 have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, 
my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered,
 and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 
But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, 
another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, 
mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. 
He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned
 their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, 
but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom
 they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ 
And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants,
 ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many 
are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:1-14

A Heavenly Banquet

Get ready folks a train is coming
Taking us to a grand celebration
A place of welcome and joy
A seat reserved just for you.

We may feel broken or foolish
Maybe not worthy of this place
We might want to get busy
We might find a bold excuse.

Yet that seat at the table still awaits
A groaning board full of delights
Satisfaction in a life of disappointment
Fullness in a life of grief and loss.

Oh people get ready for the journey
It is not a trial nor a painful hike
Songs easy to sing surround us
A festival of transforming love.

Sheep Without a Shepherd

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him Matthew 9:35 – 10:4 

Today I am in Fairbanks at an Interior Deanery worship leader training event. There are 25 people here learning to lead their communities and villages in worship. There are many years places where a priest is an infrequent visitor. Some have felt like a sheep without a shepherd. They are being empowered as the disciples were. What a joy to be a part of it!

Jesus is overwhelmed by the lack of leadership and care for the people. He empowers his disciples to be his heart and hands in the world. Likewise, God invites us to step up and offering ourselves in our communities. There is so much need in our very day.

Today I ask Gofor to help me see the need and offer myself to be God's heart and hands in this world. May we all be ready to offer ourselves for the healing of our world.

Sheep Without a Shepherd

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him Matthew 9:35 – 10:4 

Today I am in Fairbanks at an Interior Deanery worship leader training event. There are 25 people here learning to lead their communities and villages in worship. There are many years places where a priest is an infrequent visitor. Some have felt like a sheep without a shepherd. They are being empowered as the disciples were. What a joy to be a part of it!

Jesus is overwhelmed by the lack of leadership and care for the people. He empowers his disciples to be his heart and hands in the world. Likewise, God invites us to step up and offering ourselves in our communities. There is so much need in our very day.

Today,  I ask God to help me see the need and offer myself to rEsmond to that need. May we all have the courage to step forward to be empowered by God's love. 

Have Mercy on Me

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. Matthew 9:27-34 

After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.”

Have Mercy on Me

Waiting for the Alaskan sun to rise
Breathing life into this fragile morning
Creaking as I reach and stretch aching
For strength and agility for this day.

Joining with others, venite and jubilate
Listening to the words appointed for today
Giving ourselves over to service
Finding the light in this autumn darkness. 

Oh Lord, have mercy on broken me 
Wishing to be more than my ability
Wanting to be less irritable and hurt
Kneeling and waiting for new life.

This healing is a gift and a sign
This need is a road to the Divinend
Our brokenness can be a welcome 
For God'said love to dwell within.

Take Heart, Daughter!

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

Yesterday was the International Day of the Girl Child. I am a girl child and I gave birth to and nurtured, as best as possible, three girl children. Yesterday, the boy scout of America chose that moment to announce that girls would be "allowed" into scouting, although we have been scouting for generations. Things are better for girls and women, for the most part, in the present day. The importance and capacity of women is still overlooked, underpaid and always compared unfavorably to men still.

Jesus is on the move again. The healings that happen involve a dead girl child and a woman who has bled for a very long time. There were taboos against touching women, especially ones who are bleeding or dying. Jesus stretches out his hand, his love and his respect for them, counter to his culture and upbringing. God invites us to see Jesus as the outpouring of God's true love and compassion for all people, all genders, all orientations and all cultures.

Today I ask God to help me live God's love and compassion. May we embrace difference and illness with the love that has healed us and given us life.

I Desire Mercy

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

I Desire Mercy

So many tweets, so many judgments
words that hurt, behaviors that wound
demands that the poor make sacrifices
shaming the broken from any protest.

There are Pharisees among always
wanting to shame the weary and sad
hurling tirades and rejections
love will never exclude the broken.

The Incarnate One came to the table
of outcasts, sinners and tax collectors
made friends with rough sailors
and women who were society's scorn.

Yet even know God desires mercy
not requiring sacrifice from anyone
making room at the table for the least
shutting out the criticism of the powerful.

Come sit at the table where mercy is spread
there is always enough for everyone
we are not cast out or down or aside
always gathered in to be cherished by God.

Stand Up and Take Your Bed and Go Home

And after getting into a boat Jesus crossed the sea 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

Today, while I am working in Montana my beloved husband has to drive into Boston for an MRI. As a caner survivor of 13 years, every time a doctor suggests another test, we get very anxious. Although  I am probably no great help, but I would like to be there and go with him. He is very brave and we manage, but we always want to hear the words, "everything is fine, go home." I am praying all day, expecting God's love to surround him and make him whole and strong.

Jesus is traveling, along a busy road. When he sees a man in pain, being lovingly carried by his friends, he stops and heals him. He sets him free from the pain, the fear and the limitations. He is now whole and able to go home on his own steam. Religious leaders nearby are critical and judgmental. Instead of rejoicing in the man's healing, they argue with Jesus. Yet, Jesus stays focused on the man, and his friends, standing there thrilled with a broken body healed. God would have us remember, in these times when criticism, cruelty and judgment are the norm, that the Creator is still focused on healing the broken and rejoicing with the faithful.

Today, I ask God to help me stay focused on the people around me and ignore the chatter and competition of this world. We are at our best when we focus on love and compassion, rather than looking for a theological fight. May God grace us all with the strength to honor and serve the people in our midst.

Indigenous Peoples Day

When Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. Matthew 8:28-34

Indigenous Peoples Day


We are not and cannot be discovered
we are people of great social traditions
who taught this nations' early leaders
about democracy and autonomy.

We never owned the land we loved
we care for her as our mothers' heart
and all our relatives, who swim and fly
the ones who walk and run on all fours.

The land was never to be carved up
never to be bound up for greed and evil
never to be less than any other life
always to be honored in all our lives.

We cannot be discovered for we are still
here despite efforts to run us off and slaughter
everyone of us, sending us like swine to die
forced over a cliff, the living signs of evil.

We are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons
veterans, chefs, teachers, writers and priests
we cannot be bought and sold so we will defend
this land and our people always with love.

All Along the Watchtower

Jesus said, “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.” So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:

‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.”

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet. Matthew 21:33-46

All Along the Watchtower

We cannot help ourselves sometimes

we want what is not ours so fiercely

we plot and scheme to overthrow

fighting and whining to all who hear.

Blessed with rich soil and good work

we find so much to turn to worry

thinking our burdens are too great

we try to undermine what is not ours.

The gentle gardener the one who holds all

walks with us row by row and daily

watches as we unhappily fret and toil

returning to safe homes and full cupboards.

The loving Creator of all that is good

walks and sings to us tho' we listen not

hums to us as we shake with anger

calls softly to us as we struggle.

This rich vineyard, this sweet garden

can be lost and found in a breath

we can rest in love as we share this

as we lean in and care for all.

Got Up and Served

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

When I was a child I had a huge operation and a long hospital stay. As a young mother I had another extensive surgery that resulted in an extracted hospital stays. Both times I recall talking to God from a place of fear and brokenness. I asked if God would heal me, I would serve my Creator. I really didn't know what that meant at the time. I was afraid and trapped. And it is truly my blessing that God saw fit to not only heal me but use me. The joy of healing comes in service to others. Those of us who have been broken and defeated know what it is and have compassion for those around us.

Jesus is on the move after coming down from the mountain top. He is energized and the people around him see that. They all have needs, many were very sick and hurting. He responded to each and marveled at those who acted on the healing, getting up and serving as Peter's mother-in-law did, or trusting completely and getting on with our work, as the centurion did. We are invited by God to seek healing, and as we receive it, get up and serve those around us. It is our true joy to serve!

Today, as Diocesan Convention begins here in Montana, I ask simply to serve the people who come this day. May we all be strong, so others might live and embrace our healing so that we might know the joy of service.

On the Rock

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

On the Rock

Oh secure me to solid rock
for the storms are surely coming
bind me to the one who never moves
so I may live with joy tomorrow.

The winds and waves are threatening
the world is dark, the sky is weeping
let me see the shore light through it
my small boat is sinking fast.

I pray not for the torrent to end
but for me to live yet another day
to see the sunlight and hear birds
singing again with great glory.

Today I seem to have lost my way
yet there is ever a rock and a light
the love that liberates also saves
we can trust in him who rescues.

Come Unto Me

Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:25–30

Yesterday, I flew from Boston to Helena. These two places are very different worlds. Different world in the same country, which sometimes have very little in common and much to separate them. And yet, I live and work in both places, and find a home despite radical difference. I revel in the beauty of each place. One dry with big, wide open skies, the other with moist cluttering of buildings and trees. The leaves are turning and dropping in both places. God loves me in both places, and God created the vast array of difference as an expression of the Creator's love for all. Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who has helped many generations to love all, and to serve all of creation, as the expression of God in our midst.

Jesus speaks to the crowd in a prayer and we hear the invitation to all. Jesus excludes no one by inviting all who are weary - since we all are weary and heavy leaden. None of us is without the need for rest and refreshment. We all need to be held and comforted. And Jesus tells us that the Creator of all, invites all to be come and receive blessings. Nothing or no one is excluded.

Today, I ask God to help me see God in every moment, in every expression of creation before me. May we follow the lead of St. Francis by praying and living love for all creation.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

The Collect

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lillies of the Field

Jesus said, “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. Matthew 6:25-34 

Lilies of the Field

Oh how we worry and spin
tossing and turning at night
believing we can make a plan
that will keep everyone fed and safe.

We think ourselves some minor gods
looking down on the whole situation
making deals for the care and feeding
setting the world right by our might.

In every season we torment ourselves
missing the summer warmth for stress
avoiding the winter's silent delights
distracted while the children sing.

We are worth more than gold and lilies
more than the eagles, the ravens, the whale
we ache for love in our deep sadness
while it lives all around us in the light.

May we stop and breathe today
for we are loved beyond measure
children precious in God's sight
surrounded by arms that embrace us all.

Arms that embrace the broken and incomplete
the angry, the sorrowing and the lost
love that lifts us up beyond this pain
arms that hold us as we cry and as we dance.