Take Heart

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and Jesus was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

Take Heart

The winds have whipped up again
the waves have swelled to mountains
our lives are in great and violent turmoil
we fear we will not survive the night.

Out of our sight he comes to us
the luminesence around his feet
reaching out to out tossing chaos
walking to the midst of our great fears.

The journeys we face are tremendous
the swells and the valleys so large
when indeed the panic surrounds us
then look and there will be peace.

There will be peace in the middle
just when the storms are too great
just when we thought death was coming
take heart for ther will be peace.

Compassion Turned into Miracles

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. Mark 6:30-46 

Some have heard me tell of my mother's trunk. When she was in her seventies and eighties, she had an old Buick that my Dad had purchased before he passed away. It was a big boat of  car. People were always stopping by our house, strangers to me, opening my Mom's trunk and putting things in. None of us were alarmed. Once a week, she and a small band of volunteers fed an army of hungry, disadvantaged children. The trunk deposits were supplies compassionately given for feeding the children. The kids often when home with cartons of food to share with their families. 

Jesus and his disciples were attempting to rest. They couldn't get away from the needs of the people. Compassion moved his heart and Jesus put his needs aside for a time to help the crowds that had gathered. These were not the rulers and owners, but those who labored, the broken, the outcasts and aliens. He not only taught them but he fed them in abundance. We are reminded that sometimes our plans will need to change but we can expect miracles if we respond with compassion.

Today, I ask God to help me open my heart always to the needs of others. May we live for the miracles that happen when we give up our plans for the sake of others.

Hasty Promises

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:13-29 

The Red Queen, in Alice in Wonderland is considered to be mad, along with many other characters in the story. Yet she reflects an attitide, and a behavior, that we humans can understand. When someone upsets her way of living, revealing her shallow, self-centered madness, she wants them to die. She makes threats and promises to cover her madness and deception. Destrying others, so that noone sees the rulers frailties, is as old as time itself.

Jesus' ministry has begun with miracles and healing of heart, body and mind. The people see him as a possible reincarnation of John. Herod killed John because he made a hasty promise to Herodias. Her mother took the opportunity to destroy John, who had told the truth about her deceptive ways. He had to die so she could be justified. We are invited today to understand the revenge and anger we sometimes hold. The anger can be justified or it can be fury over embrarassment. We can destroy others by the creulty that rises out of anger. Or we can turn and find freedom and healing from self-centered madness. 

Today, I ask God to give me the strength to examine my hurts and angers, turning and seeking forgiveness and healing. May we see the anger in our world today for what it is, the crying out of people who need healing, forgiveness and love.

Ask, Seek and Knock

July 28th, 2019 Proper 12

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:1-13

Ask, Seek and Knock

Could just stand here lost, berwildered

trying to find my way without help

or I could ask a stranger to help me

and be set free from my selfish worry.

I could just stay in this garden's comfort

smile at the lovely flowers and the quiet

surrounded by the comfortable shelter

or walk up to the door and rap away.

Could I linger forever in this doubt 

thinking it better than the unknown

or will I shoulder the bravery and heart

that it takes to pray for something better?

Can we imagine for a moment love listens?

and that God has good enough for us all?

Can we try out our voices just a little

and explode hope and dreams over all?

I choose today to sing a new song

to pick up the dusty instruments and play

to wander in the strangers land and knock

knowing that God will surely meet me there.

The Collect

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

On the Road

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

On The Road

Go ahead, reject me, my hometown
for I am needed somewhere else
here, you find me strange, too familiar
there they will say their needs outloud
and be grateful that love has come their way.

On the road, new sights and sounds
strange foods and stranger even smells
our eyes sweel with dust, our skin burns
yet here we find a welcomed response
to the peace we are readily willing to share.

Packed highways with anxious tourists
hidden country lanes with working farmers
they all have hidden secrets, much is broken
all aching for a small touch of the divine
a whisper of love and greeting of peace.

Come, travel on, all you who would 
 on these roads we can change the world
by each small sign peace, love's embrace
each welcome to the alien and rejected
every moment when stranger becomes friend. 

Daughter, Your Faith Made You Well

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him.

And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?'” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:21-43

Daughters

Their hearts are amazing furies of love
committed to those they have chosen
bound to the little ones in their care
rarely putting their own bodies first.

Their minds are lively creative fonts
overflowing with hope, dreams and wishes
aching to remake the world with kindness
letting the feeblest ones truly shine.

They often wait too long for their healing
thinking they are too troubling to God
always putting others first and self last
waiting by the roaside for help to come.

God passes by daily and at every moment
event the dead broken dreams can rise again
even the little dancing girl can emerge 
leaping and spinning due to livng faith.

Casting A Net

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. Mark 1:14-20

Casting a Net

Normal days can turn on us quickly
simple dreams becoming nightmares
life changed by a stunning diagnosis
while we were just casting our nets.

They daily chores are really routine
they give us a rhythm and a cadence
they set a familiar tempo to our lives
we ar lulled and reassured by it all.

Some days thouh, becoming a wheel
the light and sounds have changed 
somehow we see the world differently
we know we are called to chage direction.

The tide ebbs and flows at th mmon's pull
the days begin and end with the light
we likewise are tugged away for a season
the time to follow  living love and justice.

There is no warning, no clanging bell
just a shift in the light, the atmosphere
we look up and see a stranger approaching
our heart tells us it is time to turn and go.

On Stormy Seas

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41 

I spent part of this morning getting my car inspected. While waiting on line, I made a list of all the things I still need to get done. And then, while waitng in the office during the inspection, the TV was showing the Mueller testimony before Congress. Yesterday, tonadoes touched down on Cape Cod and wrecked havoc everywhere it went. We live in stormy times, when truth and generosity are hard to come by. And personally, there is always too much to do and no day is long enough.

Jesus, dead asleep on a rocking boat, wakes up to frantic disciples. They are seasoned watermen, so for them to be terrified, it was a bad storm. Jesus seaks to the storm and it calmed immediately. We are invited to hear that Jesus is with us amidst the storms of our lives and our days. We are personally and communally not alone in what we face. We are invited to seek the solace and calm we need for today. 

Today, I ask God to give me the humility to ask for the help and solace I need for today. May we be prayer warriors, those who are always ready to pray for answers to the simple and complex storms of our lives.

The Measure You Give

Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”

He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:21-34

The Measure

I played with the aluminum measuring cups
before I could speak properly or even walk
they hold still the reflections of generosity
that flowed daily from my mother's kitchen.

When older I took hold of te dented wonders
following instructions, watching carefully
listening to my mother's sighs and prayers
such pleasure in the giving of good food.

We made bread together and church casseroles
food for dozens and food for the hundreds
multiple turkeys to feed the newly arrived
the smiles of children sent home with extras.

She gave measure upon generous measure
never weighing the cost, trusting in God
the kitchen, silent now still inhabits dreams
the metal taste of those old cups still lingers.

Go and Tell

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 15:47-16:7 

Things are often not as they seem. We can never know people's true motivations for why they do something. When we guess as to the why, we are most often wrong. Human beings cannot comprehend the complexities and motivations of their loved ones, let alone those of their neighbors. We might think we understand everything, and have control over our own lives. Experience tells me that we can fool ourselves into believing that, only for so long.

The women who were close to Jesus came out to do their required tasks. The sabbath had passed so they were allowed to walk the required distance to the tombs. They knew what they would find and cringed and cried with anticipation. They probably talked about having money to bribe a guard or soldier to roll the stone away, and how to prepare for what Jesus' body would look and smell like. They did not know what was waiting for them. They must have been terrified! Yet, they ran with hope and joy to carry the good news. We are invited today, to be ready at all times to be shocked and awed with joy and to be carriers of good news.

Today, I ask God to give me an open mind and heart, willing to embrace all the new joys and surprises in store for me. May we live the good new by being open to new love and life despite the overwhelming tasks of our lives.