Heaven Opened

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:47-51

Heaven Opened

That afternoon was nothing special

the light was mottled through clouds

the wind was gentle and cool

nothing on the list had to be done.

The heavens opened for a moment

my heart stood still then and there

a glimpse of more than unlimited tasks

life surrounded by the many angels.

I held my breath so I could hear

a thousand wings flapping together

the possibility of joyous flight

awakened hope of eternal love.

This brief and often sorrowful life

gives us glimpses of the divine

treasure the glorious moments of light

dance in the rain despite the shower.

Lazarus and the Rich Man

Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:19-31

We live in a very divided society. The poor have become poorer, the rich ever so much richer. The homeless and those seeking asylum are  called "bad and dangerous people". Many who have found themselves on the streets, or crossing our borders, are doing so because of harsh public policies and violent regimes and gangs. They are called dangerous and yet, are often the victims, those who have been rejected by society and family. They are our neighbors too.

Jesus tells another parable about who God loves and rescues. Clearly, the selfish rich are not beloved of God. Our wealth and status in this life mean nothing to God. Our compassion and sharing mean everything. We are invited in our comfortable places to see the need around us and share what we can. Foe God does not divide us, nor created the chasm. It is a chasm of our own making, which we can close, if we would but respond to the need in our midst.

Today, I ask God to open my eyes to the needs around me and help me to give freely. May we all  open our hearts to the Lazarus in our lives, reaching out of comfort into love.

Treasures in Heaven

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:19-24

Treasures in Heaven

That small smile shared

a hand helping another

the soft tender embrace

riches beyond all measure.

Truly nothing can buy love

because love is a  heavenly gift

showered down on all

freely given, never sold.

We live on a fragile earth

she gives us all we need

yet we would wound her

making ourselves rich.

Yet we are poorer day by day

heaven still offering kindness

sharing what we have not earned

we would rather destroy it all.

May we store up the permanent

the songs that never fade away

mercy that never ever gives up

and joy that is new every morning.

Praying

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:7-15 

There is something wonderful about praying the Lord's prayer in church and to hear a child's voice raised above all the others. I learned it when I was young and it pours out of me when no other prayers or words come. As a child, I prayed "debts abd debtors" although now most often it's "trespass and trespasses". Sitting with a group during Compline last evening, we were offering petitions. Each person who had a petition ended by saying, "this is my prayer." We responded with, "this is our prayer." Often the simplest is the best and stays permanently in our hearts.

Jesus teaches his disciples a simple way to pray. He has warned them about false piety, and now focuses them on humility, simplicity and forgiveness. The prayer encompasses the trail and challenges we face every day. We often try to expand our praying and our worship. We can get lost in expression and wordiness, when God hears our hear. We are invited to come simply before God in all we do.

Today, I ask God to help me keep my life and my prayer, simple and humble. May we always put prayer and forgiveness first in our lives.

Piety

Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

I remember crying on my way home from a elementary school concert, because someone had teased me about my outfit. My solo had been flawless and beautiful but I don't remember it. I only remember the stinging wound of judgement. The love and care, beauty and bounty we offer can be destroyed by others' judgements and creulty.

We judge others every day, comparing ourselves favorably to their failures. And in doing so, we move away from God. Jesus taught his disciples that showing off their religious chops is meaningless. The true worship is a humble and loving heart, one that moves away from jusgement and ever closer to compassion. 

Today, I ask God to help me let go of judgement and help me to pray in every encounter and place. May we move from false piety to genuine love, the true gift and sign of God's presence among us.

Love Your Enemies

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

Love Your Enemies

The scars don't seem to fade fast
the hurt lingers in the darkness
memories of that bloody trauma
arise from the earth unbidden.

Fists tight, hurt jaw clenched
we are ready for another attack
though the sirens are silenced
forever we fear it will return.

Hate grows in that fear garden
the only antidote is greater love
poured on in huge buckets full
forgiveness spilling out all around.

The panic and fear will return
yet we always have the remedy
letting loose  a cloud forgiveness
will dispell the deep anxiety.

May we face the day with love
sharing more than we receive
releasing all the horrific threats
to be turned to joy in the sun.

On the Road by the Sea - for 9/24

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
   on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
   have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
   light has dawned.’
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 4:12-17

I have always been most at home by the water. Somehow, it helps define and refine me. The ocean grounds me, and in hard times, I always see out the sea. The sea somehow settles my heart and revives my sagging spirit. When I can succumb the sound of crashing waves, the saltiness of the water, the cry of the gulls, then I am put right back together again, centered and calmed.

Jesus was hit with some frightening news. John had been arrested, signaling the rise of violence and oppression. Their words of hope and faith were challenging the status quo, so the authorities responded with strict control. Jesus went and made his home by the sea. I like to think he went to center himself, settling by a place that gave him strength to go on. We are invited by God, in these times, to also seek out the places and people who will help center and calm us for the days ahead. God needs us to be less reactive and more restoring, less fearful and more grounded.

Today I ask God to give me the wisdom to seek out the ground of my being, so that I might be strength for others. May we all bring light to the darkest regions in our world.

Faithful in Little

Proper 20 September 22, 2019

Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?' He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.

"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Luke 16:1-13

It's a small thing to change from paper to cloth napkins. It's a small thing to stop using plastic straws. Yet all of these small things might just save our planet. The more we practice car of others, the more time we have for others. Small changes in habits, changed practices, often bring large changes. In reverse,when we serve ourselves, when we serve comfort and wealth, rather than those around us, we whither and are isolated.

Jesus is pressing back against the religious leaders who are trying to trap him. They want him to deny the things of the world, as they luxuriate, and are care for by others. He wants us to see how we can use the little or the lot we have for the good of the Gospel, for the good of the world. We are invited to make the changes we need to, in order to bring God's love into the midst of greed and corruption.

Today, I ask God to help me have the discipline to build small habits that bring about loving changes in me. May we use the blessings we have well, so others might thrive.

Collect

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Salt and Light

Jesus said, “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.

“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.” Matthew 5:11-16 

Today is the last day of our Fall house of Bishops meeting.  In truth, it has been frustrating for the most part. I am grateful to be counted among this group, and honored to be still here. Yet too often, we are salt without flavor and hidden light. The world needs salt and light, a bright and fierce response to the troubles of this world, and we continue to do little or nothing, except for talk.

Jesus reminds us all that our lives in faith are marked by attacks and persecutions. In the midst of all of that we have these great gifts of salt and light. The world needs shining lights and authentic flavor, people who are not afraid to act and move for others. We are invited again, from the mountain sermon, to be and act for the sake of others, brining whatever we can for the love and transformation of all.

Today I ask God to help me do less talking and more action. May we all do the small and great things we can, so the people around us might see the love of God in action.

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.” Matthew 5:1-10

Blessed

We arise, praying with the sun
shunned and misunderstood
standing with feet on the earth
we give humble thanks for all.

Some reject us as dark and dirty
our ways are not their so fearful
yet we walk in beauty and love
from birth we know our names.

We sing in the nighttime with joy
joining with our winged relatives
rejoicing in the whole creation
thankful for our breath and being.

Some will say we are savage, heathen
yet we too follow the Galilean man
we take the road that leads to peace
seeking healing and restoration.

We have watched you destroy earth
cried as our children were taken
kpet vigil as the waters were poisoned
yet we know blessings enough to share

Walking By the Sea

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:18-25

Walking By the Sea

The moon danced with the clouds
water crashing and wind blowing
this solemn night I heard the call
all's I could do was answer back.

The familiar comfort of warm sand
the sweet solitude of darkest night
home left behind in an eye's blink
following a road unknown to me.

I still close my eyes and dream
that place, my home ever close
though I picked up and followed
it goes with me to the darkest alleys.

Still that simple windblown laborer
now working on another ocean
as dark, cruel and mysterious as ever
I followed, there's no turning back.