Follow Me

After this he went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax-collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.’ Then they said to him, ‘John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make wedding-guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.’ He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, “The old is good.” Luke 5: 27-39

Follow Me

Gracious Creator who leads us

when darkness has covered us

when our eyes cannot see ahead

when life has broken us all.

You call the outcasts and the fools

the sturdy and those with disease

the people that the world rejects

and likewise you call us all.

In this time we ache for direction

we want for leadership and mission

we wander lost and often afraid

yet you have promised to lead us.

Help us turn to you today and follow

let us be humble enough to know

our gaping need and the need of others

following you on a path of healing. Amen.

St. Michael and All Angels

And if anyone says to you at that time, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything. ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:21-27

Angels

O Creator of the four winds

who is the source of all good

your world is shaken by evil

dark shadows cover all that is good.

The false messiahs bellows and rage

the people tremble and are in fear

some think the signs of this age

are the beginning of the very end.

Yet you told us to always be alert

to not fear those who would harm us

you called us to seek your face

to turn with hope and trust your power.

Help us to not give in to these fears

let us be those who strengthen our steps

make us those who rise up and surround

our neighbors with your love and justice. Amen

Let Down the Nets

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 

Let Down the Nets

O loving Creator who hears our pleas

we are weary and tired of fighting

so many have lost their livelihoods

so many have lost their lives to a virus.

It feels as if we cannot go on much longer

yet there is much to do and daylight to do it

we fear that all our efforts are in vain

that evil is rising taking the upper hand.

You had compassion for the ailing crowds

the lost, betrayed, the poor and homeless

you blessed weary fishermen abundantly 

and revived the hopes of the people gathered.

Help us to let down our nets with hope

help us to trust that you will supply our needs

strengthen us so that we might try again

to bear love and hope into this aching world. Amen.

Sunday, September 27th, 2020 Proper 21

The Collect O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 First Lesson Exodus 17:1-7 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” 

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 1 Hear my teaching, O my people; * incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; * I will declare the mysteries of ancient times. 3 That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, * we will not hide from their children. 4 We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, * and the wonderful works he has done. 12 He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, * in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He split open the sea and let them pass through; * he made the waters stand up like walls. 14 He led them with a cloud by day, * and all the night through with a glow of fire. 15 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness * and gave them drink as from the great deep. 16 He brought streams out of the cliff, * and the waters gushed out like rivers.

 Second Lesson Philippians 2:1-13 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

The Gospel Matthew 21:23-32

 When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Changed

Loving Creator who bends to us

and bends our world towards justice

you weep over our cruelty and hurt

and ache to gather us all together.

We have broken trust with you

we have refuse to go where you send

we judge others as we fail ourselves

and we refuse to admit to our faults,

Your arms are open to everyone

there is no race, culture or language

no gender, politic or religious tradition

that is far from your loving heart.

Turn us around and change our hearts

make us humble and honest with all

let us be love on these dangerous streets

so your love and justice rolls on through. Amen.

 

She Served Them

After leaving the synagogue Jesus entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44 

She Served Them

O God of every people and land

you heal us and raise us up

giving us strength to serve

giving us faith to restore hope.

We follow in the footsteps of many

women who given strength served

Peter's mother in law and RBG

and all the unnamed sisters and mothers.

We are mired in selfish circumstances

where greed and fame count more

than the need of the missing and hungry

than the care of innocent and in-prisoned.

Help us to be those healed who serve

empower us to rise up with love now

make us those who respond to your call

to be yur heart and hand in this times. Amen.

Be Silent

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, “What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. Luke 4:31-37 

Be Silent

O wondrous Creator who knows our hearts

who aches for us when we are so broken

who binds the wounds of our daily battles

draw close as we are surrounded by trouble.

From within and without we are assaulted

the threat of disease and political battles

loss of so many to pandemic and injustice

we are worn down and weary from it all.

You set a troubled man free from his demons

you light the morning with fresh new hope

you promise better possibilities to come

and hold us as we weep and tremble now.

Let us be ever willing to let you in to our lives

help us to pray and serve without ceasing

help us to be your heart and hands here

so that your love might silence all the demons. Amen.

The Spirit of the Lord

Then 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.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Luke 4:14-30

The Spirit of the Lord

O Lord who is present in all creation

you make yourself visible in all changes

as the season's turn and world revolves

you are present in the small and great.

You are present in justice and compassion

yet our world seems fully devoid of both

hiding in plain sight you remind us

to open our eyes and hearts to your spirit.

In the most lowly and remote place

in the most humble and simple creations

in silence and in the deep darkness

your spirit in always there among us.

Come and dwell  with us in these times

help us to share your loving healing

release for prisoners, good news for the poor

and your spirit on all the oppressed and abused. Amen.

Temptation

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13

Temptation

O God who dwells with us

in the darkness of pain

in the joyous light of day

and in the depth of temptation.

You lived in the chaos of humnaity

walked the streets of confusion

fasted and prayed in the wilderness

and offer your life for all the broken.

We live now during chaos and pain

torn apart by the winds of fear 

tempted to turn away from you

living only for ourselves alone.

Loving Savior stand with us now

in the dark places of temptation

help us to cling to your love

and make us strong to stand together. Amen

My Child, My Beloved

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Luke 3:15-22

My Child, My Beloved

Gracious God with a heart in creation

you called your son beloved as baptism

you could not hold back your joy

you do not hold back your joy from us.

Your love embraces us like a mother

your hope and pride like a father

your wisdom like a grandmother

we are surrounded by your love.

Today we are weary and down trodden

there is so much to do and little time

justice has been captive and abused

we ache for your affirming embrace.

Make us beloved children again

give us the power to be love incarnate

help us to wrap others in your joy

empower us to bring your justice now. Amen.

Treasure of Heaven

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ Matthew 13:44-52

Treasure of Heaven

O Creator who scattered gifts everywhere

hidden in the mountains and the seas

every step we take echoes of your blessings

every face reflects your imprint of love.

We struggle daily to conquer and win

to gather up all the goodness of life

hoping for security and recognition

yet you have given us very good thing.

Too many people are without the basics

while others extort and hide in palaces

at night the streets hum with the pain

the voices of the broken and tossed aside.

Draw near to us O God and help us see

the treasures that surround us this day

may the bounty of love that surrounds us

be shared with all we encounter today. Amen.

Proper 20 - Sunday, September 20, 2020

Proper 20 -Sunday, September 20, 2020

The 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. 

First Lesson Exodus 16:2-15 

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’ “And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. The LORD spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning, you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’ “ In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

 Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

 1 Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; * make known his deeds among the peoples.

 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, * and speak of all his marvelous works. 

3 Glory in his holy Name; * let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

 4 Search for the LORD and his strength; * continually seek his face.

 5 Remember the marvels he has done, * his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,

 6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, * O children of Jacob his chosen.

 37 He led out his people with silver and gold; * in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.

 38 Egypt was glad of their going, * because they were afraid of them.

 39 He spread out a cloud for a covering * and a fire to give light in the night season.

 40 They asked, and quails appeared, * and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.

 41 He opened the rock, and water flowed, * so the river ran in the dry places.

 42. For God remembered his holy word * and Abraham his servant. 

43 So he led forth his people with gladness, * his chosen with shouts of joy.

 44 He gave his people the lands of the nations, * and they took the fruit of others' toil,

 45 That they might keep his statutes * and observe his laws. Hallelujah!

 The Second Lesson Philippians 1:21-30

 To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. 

The Gospel Matthew 20:1-16

 Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Last Will Be First - A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator who made humanity good

in great variety, beauty, strength and voice

you call us to our knees as the season turns

for we have been complicit in holding others back.

Free us, Lord from our vanity and selfishness.

You have given us minds with which to compromise

hearts that can bend in compassion for others

you call us by name, all your beloved children

yet we crawl over others to be first in line.

Remake us, Lord, with hearts full of humility.

We have lost so much in this year of pandemic

great souls, like Ruth and John have left this earth

strangers and neighbors have been taken from us

we ache to blame someone and cry with the loss.

Hear our hearts, dear Lord, for they are breaking.

You promise that as we bend to serve others

we will know you in their smile and in their eyes

you will renew our spirits and fill us with hope

so that we can keep walking the justice road.

Make us those, Lord, who are always ready to love. 

We lay before you the weary and the lonely

Lord, have mercy.

We lay before you our pride and our selfishness.

Lord, have mercy.

We lay before you the fears of our nation.

Lord, have mercy.

We lay before you the health of our planet.

Lord, have mercy.

We lay before you all our joys and sorrows

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, we ask that you make us whole again.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

,

Do Not Judge

Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.” John 12:44-50

 Do Not Judge

Dear Eternal God of perfect love 

you taught us compassion and kindness

you gave us hearts that turn to you

 we are lost in a world of false judges. 

The harsh words of our daily lives

 falsehoods filled with cruel words

 are the venom of jealous hearts

 the hunger of selfishness and greed.

 You have called us to trust you fully

 to not judge others we don't understand

 to forgive, forgive and forgive again

 in these hard times it's a tall order. 

Renew us today so that we might love 

help us to follow you step by step 

make our moments times of redemption

 so the world might know you are here now. Amen

Love of Human Glory

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:36b-43

Love of Human Glory

Dear Creator of all human kind

we are all different and the same

we ache for acknowledgement

we cry as small children to be held.

This season we have been isolated

for some it is a joy, others rejection

we want for affirmation from others

and forget that your love surrounds us.

You have promised if we simply

there is healing and insight for all

in you there is abundant living

yours is love always, love renewing.

Help us to look to you for healing

empower up to tap into your love

strengthen our belief so we might shine

as your lights in these dark times. Amen

Walk While You Have the Light

Jesus said, “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. John 12:27-36 

Walk While You Have the Light

Dear Lord of our waking and our sleeping

you restore and renew us day after day

we stumble when we try to follow you

yet you give us your light for our way.

The days are quickly growing shorter

the nights deep darkness prolonged

the season's rapid change shocks us

as we are caught in a perilous time.

You knew that your time was near

heaven roared in love and affirmation

you have been steadfast in love for us

and you promise to be our light always.

Help us to stand us and face the change

may we embrace the neighbors given

sharing your love's light with all

so that we may follow you with joy. Amen.

A Grain of Wheat

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

A Grain of Wheat

O Gracious Creator of all seasons

we live on a ever rotating globe

seasons come and go to teach us

but we are resistant to turning.

Our Savior and Brother joined us

incarnate and yet fully human

to turn and turn with us again

as the seasons rolled by in life.

Yet we build walls to preserve

stockpile goods to insure our ways

fight the times of change and insight

push back against necessary changes.

Help us to turn and follow you

give us the strength to die to be reborn

empower us with humility to turn again

so that love's light can shine in our time. Amen

Daughter, Do Not Be Afraid

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!” John 12:9-19

Daughter, Do Not Be Afraid

O God who knows our hearts and minds

we live in troubled and anxious times

folks are aching for quick solutions

when we need a deep change of heart.

You rode into Jerusalem during festival

honored like a king by average folks

within days they had turned against you

and screamed with joy for your crucifixion.

Help us to examine the depths of our hearts

diving past the tangles of cloying fear

into the peaceful and joyful center of love

where hope can be reborn even in these times.

Make us prayerful, peaceful and ready to serve

help us set aside pride, greed and selfishness

give us eyes that see the critical needs around us

and give us hearts ready to reach out in love. Amen.

God So Loved the World

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:11-17

God So Loved the World

O Creator who called light forth

who breathed your spirit in all flesh

who gave us good roads to follow

help us to seek your ways today.

Some are lost because of worry

some are lost because of greed

others have lost their way for pain

and some are just standing still.

We all need your love poured out

we ache to be transformed again

we know you gave you son for us

to save us and make us your children.

Empower us to day to be carriers of hope

let us be those who bear neighbors burdens

help us to walk the holy and good road

so that your love might flourish again here. Amen

Sunday, September 13th, 2020 Proper 19

The Collect
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading Exodus 14:19-31
The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.”
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the LORD tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the LORD did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

Psalm 114
1 Hallelujah!
When Israel came out of Egypt, *
the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,
2 Judah became God's sanctuary *
and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea beheld it and fled; *
Jordan turned and went back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, *
and the little hills like young sheep.
5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *
O Jordan, that you turned back?
6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *
you little hills like young sheep?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *
and flint-stone into a flowing spring.

Second Reading Romans 14:1-12
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

The Gospel Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” 

Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times

Gracious Creator of Every Good Season

we stagger through yet another month

we hold our anger at all the wrong done

pour your forgiveness into our hearts.

We have witness terrible abuse and injustice

others are petty and refuse to care for others

some spend their days in thoughtless selfishness

drench us with your forgiving love.

We think ourselves independent and free

yet we bind ourselves and others with our fury

we pack on the weight of resentment's burdens

baptize us with in your holy streams of love.

Help us to stand up and witness to love's power

as we turn to the one's we have hurt and ask

as we turn to those who have crushed our souls

Lord, set free us to forgive and be forgiven.

Fear and Belief

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death. Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among the Jews, but went from there to a town called Ephraim in the region near the wilderness; and he remained there with the disciples. John 11:45-54

Fear and Belief

Dear God who knows are terrors

the dreads we do not even voice

our bodies fail us as we grow old

our worries daily overwhelm us.

You are God of the old and the young

the caregivers and the medical team

those who fight to save our freedom

help us to see you in our midst today.

We have grown afraid of neighbors

we stop expecting any miracles

yet you are the one who raised the dead

and you are coming among us always.

Help us to be more deeply disciples

give us the strength to follow you

make us pray without ever ceasing

so the world can ring with love's joy. Amen

Jesus Wept

Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:30-44 

Jesus Wept

Dear Savior who wept at Lazarus' grave

we weep as we sadly remember today

all the losses and the fear of 19 years ago

and the losses this season has revealed.

We find ourselves beside too many graves

the pain and agony etched into our beings

we want to lash out and viciously destroy

those who would cause us to be so broken.

You stand among us today calling us to see

beyond the fears and trauma of this season

to the work of unbinding and setting free

the work we are call to by you love.

Give us your strength to face the gaping wounds

empower us to bind the wounded with love

renew us so that we might unbind and set free

all the weary travelers who stand near by today. Amen

I Am the Resurrection

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29 

I Am the Resurrection

O God you hold our lives in your hands

so many have died in this strange year

the grief for families is overwhelming

the world echoes with the mourning.

You found that Lazarus was already dead 

his sister ran to you in her visible sorrow

and you assured her of lifegiving power

saying. "I am the resurrection and the life."

Let us be like the brave sister Martha

saying, "yes, Lord, I believe" now

with he weight of the loss on our hearts

restore our faith and belief again.

Make us resilient and strong today

help us to run with faith and courage

make you love our goal and home

so we cry with Martha, "Yes, Lord, I believe!" Amen

On The Road Again

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this Jesus said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:1-16 

On The Road Again

Dear God who walks with us

who faces today's terrors with us

who comforts the lost and lonely

be present we us as we face the day.

Our worries threaten to overwhelm us

there are questions without good answers

the road ahead is hazy and unclear

we feel like we are facing trouble ahead.

We have promised to follow you

to walk into the challenges ahead 

yet some are overwhelmed and weary

strengthen us again, dear Lord, for service.

You faced the loss of your dear friend

yet life was renewed through his example

raise us up and walk with us again, Savior

we are in need of your love to revive us. Amen.

Good Works

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled—can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there. John 10:31-42 

Good Works

Dear Lord of our nights and days

our deep sorrows and our joys

our dreams and our great losses

draw near to our aching hearts.

There is so much anger and fear

the world seems foreboding, hollow

the virus lingers and reappears

we want to be swaddled and held.

Come among us and empower us

while there is still light and time

recharge us and revive us for now

so that light can flow through us.

We pray for the lonely and sad

let us be their presence their friends

we pray for the over burdened

may we be the hands that set them free. Amen.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?” Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:19-30

My Sheep Hear My Voice

O great and loving Creator
you have called us your flock
you know us each by name
you have kept us safe so far.

In these times wolves surround
the weakest are in great jeopardy
some would profit in others' loss
we need clear direction right now.

Your voice whispers in the wind
in the night shadows we hear you
we will listen and draw close by
if you will sing to us once again.

Empower us with renewed strength
 help us to not grow weary in service
make us vigilant in love and welcome
help us to follow you for your love's sake. Amen

Sunday September 6th, 2020 Proper 18

                                     Proper 18, Year A September 6th, 2020

The Collect

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


First Lesson Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Psalm 149

1 Hallelujah!
Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

2 Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *
let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise his Name in the dance; *
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *
and adorns the poor with victory.

5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *
let them be joyful on their beds.

6 Let the praises of God be in their throat *
and a two-edged sword in their hand;

7 To wreak vengeance on the nations *
and punishment on the peoples;

8 To bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles with links of iron;

9 To inflict on them the judgment decreed; *
this is glory for all his faithful people.
Hallelujah!

Second Lesson Romans 13:8-14

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

The Gospel Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

Agreeing On Earth

Gracious Creator of wisdom and abundance
giver of light and darkness, seasons and years
we stand as the seasons turn once again
looking to you for direction in shifting times.
Make us peacemakers and problem solvers, O Lord.

Children are struggling to learn alone again
teachers are working overtime for their students
parents are worn down by the heavy load
every one of us are anxious for our very futures.

You taught us how to be reconciled to one another
we are to open our hearts honestly and tell the truth
we are to pray and forgive others moment by moment
keeping our lives strong and ready for service.
Make us peacemakers and problem solvers, O Lord.

Too many hunger for wealth and for always winning
you remind us that there is room for all at your table
help us to set out more chairs and make more space
so that your love can thrive in these broken times.
Make us peacemakers and problem solvers, O Lord. Amen