All Saints' Day 2020

All Saints' Day 2020

The Collect 

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 

The First Reading Revelation 7:9-17 

After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."  

Psalm 34:1-10,22 

 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; *

 his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

 2 I will glory in the LORD; * 

let the humble hear and rejoice. 

3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *

 let us exalt his Name together. 

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me *

 and delivered me out of all my terror. 

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *

 and let not your faces be ashamed. 

6 I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *

 and saved me from all my troubles. 

7 The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *

 and he will deliver them.

 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; *

 happy are they who trust in him! 

9 Fear the LORD, you that are his saints, * 

for those who fear him lack nothing.

 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *

 but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is good. 

22 The LORD ransoms the life of his servants, *

 and none will be punished who trust in him. 

The Second Lesson  1 John 3:1-3 

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

 The Gospel Matthew 5:1-12

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

For All the Saints   November 1^st 2020

O wondrous Creator who renews our world

You wrap the wide earth in snow blankets

Sending us indoors to tell our ancient stories

To remember those who taught us to love.

Make us a blessing in our time, dear Lord.

 

Thousands upon thousands have perished

Unknown to us and always your beloved

Their families grieve and ache for their loss

And we cannot comfort them as we want to.

Make us a blessing in our time, dear Lord.

 

We raise the names of the saints who have passed

We remember their touch, their laughter and tears

We hold them close though they are gone

Giving great thanks for their time on this island.

Make us a blessing in our time, dear Lord.

 

The turmoil of our world can overwhelm us

Yet saints known and unknown lead the way

They teach us to sing and pray in dark days

And know the embrace of your loving arms.

Make us a blessing in our time, dear Lord.

Consider the Lilies

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.Luke 12:13-31

 Consider the Lilies

 O wondrous Creator of seasons and times we are overwhelmed by storms around us We are overwhelmed by storms within us Hear our prayer as we ache for comfort.

You remind us that we can worry and plan believing that we are completely in charge yet peace and beauty only come when we put our trust in you completely.

The clouds are dark and closing in the rhetoric is violence and unabated we go to bed with worry and rise up so hear our prayer as we ache for comfort.

Let us rejoice in the day you have given awed and wondrous as children in snow let us splash in the surprise puddles and know we are loved through and through. Amen.

More Than Sparrows

When Jesus went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 11:53—12:12 

More Than Sparrows

O wondrous Creator, protector of all creation

not even little sparrows are forgotten to you

nothing is wasted and no one neglected

yet we, your creations, squander so very much.

We dispose quickly of the slightly broken

we shove aside the lost and the foreign

we burn down your beautiful forests

complaining about our slightest discomforts.

In the face of cruel unfeeling leadership

you told the people to have no fear

each is tenderly love by their maker

each is more valuable than they even know.

Help us to behold everyone with you eyes

let us see the beauty and gift in each one

make us know we are precious and beloved

and help us not to be fearless in these days. Amen.

Neglecting Justice

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. ‘But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the market-places. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.’ One of the lawyers answered him, ‘Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.’ And he said, ‘Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute”, so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.’ Luke 11:37-52

Neglecting Justice

O wise Creator of families and clans

you put us in relationships of respect

you bind us together and have us care

yet we too often neglect your justice.

Those given the greatest authority

too often do not care about the weakest

too often pile judgment on the innocent

and punish those who are different.

Jesus was angry at table with leaders

religious and local authorities alike

for they are given great responsibility

and refused to care for the lost and missing.

Help us to be warriors for justice

make our lives dedicated to healing

let us be the balm in the midst of chaos

and let love for all roll down again like rain. Amen. 

Light

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.” Luke 11:27-36 

Light

O Wondrous Creator of sun and moon

who hung the sky will brilliant stars

the world is turning cold and dim

bring your light to our hearts today.

Where there is cruelty let us be tender

where there is violence let us be healers

where there is judgment let us be recocnilers

when the storms loom on the horizon let us be shelter.

Make our every action bring light

let our every thought be one of love

make our hands and hearts reach out

let us sing for the living and the dying.

Let your light so shine within each of us

that we cannot help but be loving and kind

let us bear the pain of sisters and brothers

as thanksgiving for the love you have given. Amen.

A House Divided

Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? — for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but not finding any, it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Luke 11:14-26 

A House Divided

Good and loving Creator

we are very divided now

name calling the norm

violence and cruelty everywhere.

Yet you are firm and timeless

ready to bring us back together

ready to salve the open wounds

and make us united once again.

Enemies are within and without

yet You are still here with us

if we would but listen to You

and turn our hearts to the other.

Help us to be united in compassion

make our whole lives an invitation

make our work service always

and let your love roll down on all. Amen.

Love God, Love Neighbor

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 First Lesson Deuteronomy 34:1-12 

Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the LORD showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” Then Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, at the LORD’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the LORD had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. 

 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

 1 Lord, you have been our refuge * 

from one generation to another.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, 

or the land and the earth were born, *

 from age to age you are God. 

3 You turn us back to the dust and say, * 

"Go back, O child of earth." 

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *

 and like a watch in the night. 

5 You sweep us away like a dream; *

 we fade away suddenly like the grass.

 6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *

 in the evening it is dried up and withered. 

13 Return, O LORD; how long will you tarry? * 

be gracious to your servants. 

14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *

 so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *

 and the years in which we suffered adversity. 16 Show your servants your works *

and your splendor to their children. 

17 May the graciousness of the LORD our God be upon us; *

 prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork. 

The Second Lesson 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. 

The Gospel Matthew 22:34-46 

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. 

Love God, Love Neighbor - A Litany

O Great Creator of this round world

you have made us in all varieties

diverse and wonderfully complicated

and too often we chose fear over love.

Lord, help us to live out your love.

You came among the very least of us

consorted with the outcast and homeless

promised to care for us more than sparrows

yet we let worry and fear overrun love.

Lord, help us to live out your love.

The world is in turmoil once again

a pandemic rages and we are fearful

we distrust and vilifying our neighbors

not seeing Your face reflected in them.

Lord, help us to live out your love.

Renew us this day to be vessels of love

make us humble servants of others

let compassion be our only concern

and love be the map and final destination.

Lord, help us to love out your love. Amen

When You Pray

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 

When You Pray

O tender Creator who draws near to all

who leans in when we cry for help

and who opens the door to our pain

lean in and hear us praying now.

These times are a ball of confusion

there is too much pain and sickness

too much violence and partisanship

and we are all tossed to and fro.

Help us to remember your words

that the Creator of all has good gifts

there is abundance even when we see drought

and there is plenty even when hunger pinches.

Give us your spirit today so we may pray

let us be constant in our song to you

let our hands and feet be ever in prayer

so your love washes over all today. Amen.

Innocent as Doves

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

Innocent as Doves

Loving God who breathed life into all

giving us the capacity to daily choose

innocence and wisdom, love and hate

in a world that is filled with wolves.

We live in scary, unsettled times

and it seems as if evil is winning

yet you still send us two by two

and empower us to bring healing.

Let our motivation be for love alone

let our hearts move to forgiveness

make us those vessels of possibility

that grants the world hope again.

Strengthen us for the coming days

when violence happens may we be peace

when ridicule mounts let us always pray

and when things settle, let us see your face. Amen.

Love Your Neighbor

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37

 Love Your Neighbor

O Eternal life giving Spirit

who forms us deep within

into vessels of love

into  carriers of compassion.

Remake us as loving neighbors again, Lord.

In this season of turmoil

when we fear our neighbors

when divisions are so very deep

help us to live compassion again.

Remake us as loving neighbors again, Lord.

We are weary of isolation

we are angry at the disease

we have struck out at neighbors

feeling helpless and alone.

Remake us as loving neighbors again, Lord.

Come and dwell with us now

draw near to the down trodden

heal the broken hearted

and help us be instruments of peace.

Remake us as loving neighbors again, Lord. Amen.

Revealed To Infants

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” Jesus said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Luke 10:17-24 

Revealed To Infants

Loving Creator who sends us out

and calls us home to comfort

you gave us great wisdom and power

and the even greater gift of compassion.

We live in these times of great foreboding

when everything seems to have toppled

a virus has the whole world in its grip

fear seems to bubble up everywhere.

You sent you servants two by two

to carry good news and healings' power

equip us now to do the very same

since our lives are in such desperate need.

Look on your world and send love

empower your servants with strength

help us to face the days ahead with hope

knowing that your love reigns even now. Amen.

Sent On Ahead

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Luke 10:1-16 

Sent On Ahead

O Gracious Creator you seek out all

and particularly those on the very margin

the ones with little else but constant faith

the others who have give up all hope.

You sent the disciples out two by two

never alone and always collaborating

help us to go ahead even in this time

when we are all sheltering in place.

Give us your voice to carry good news

make us your heart so we share peace

help us to not be hurt when we are rejected

but continue to accept the hospitality given.

You know the times are hard and cruel

yet you have promised to be with us all

empower us for service and for great love

so the whole world might have hope again. Amen

Saint Luke

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. Luke 1:1-4 (NRSV)

Dear Gracious and ever loving God

who inspired Saint Luke to write

     who encourages us all to tell

    the love you have placed within us.

    We live in times of false narratives

    when some would control all words

    when violence and illness surround

    yet there is good news to be shared.

    Saint Luke lived in troubled times

    violence and oppression the rule

    yet your love was a beacon of hope

    a light for all the suffering people.

    Let us be beacons of hope in our time

    help us to tell love's wondrous stroy

    make us your storytellers and healers

    so that our world might know your love now. Amen

Giving to God

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Sunday October 18, 2020 Year A, Proper 24 

The Collect

 Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

First Reading Exodus 33:12-23

 Moses said to the LORD, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.” The LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”

 Psalm 99 

1 The LORD is King; let the people tremble; *

 he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.

 2 The LORD is great in Zion; * he is high above all peoples.

 3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; * he is the Holy One.

 4 "O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; *

 you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." 

5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and fall down before his footstool; 

* he is the Holy One. 

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *

 they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. 

7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; * 

they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them. 

8 O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; *

 you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds.

 9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and worship him upon his holy hill; * 

for the LORD our God is the Holy One. 

The Second Lesson 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-- Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. 

The Gospel Matthew 22:15-22

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

Giving to God -A Litany

O good and generous Creator

we see your abundance everywhere

the falling leaves amidst harvest

tell us of your tender love for us all.

Help us to honor you with generous hearts.

The year has been hard on so many

losses and grief surround on all sides

violence and cruelty erupt in the streets

your love still abides across our world.

Help us to honor you with compassionate hearts.

Your son walked with the poor and was tested

the wealthy and the powerful were angered

yet he brought peace despite the turmoil

and taught all how to be loving and forgiving.

Help us to honor you with lives of service.

You have promised to live among us still

as we give to others and care for the least

you will be known and seen on our streets

and we ache to see and know you here.

Help us to honor your love with all that we are. Amen

Welcome This Child

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met Jesus. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:37-50 

Welcome This Child

Loving Creator we are your children

 we are yours whether poor or rich

yours no matter where we call home

we are all yours across our sacred earth.

Some have forced us to live apart

forced to cut our hair, change our ways

to use language and custom not our own

and punished us when we needed home.

The world is a harsh place for children

whether coddled, neglected or abused

we are expected to hide our true self

remaking ourselves to hide from terror.

Yet you took a small, dark skinned child

in that child claimed us all beloved

so let us welcome the true child in all

making welcome and love our custom and way. Amen.

Listen

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36 

Listen

O wondrous Creator who breathed on creation

causing the waters to cover the whole earth

making the waves crash and streams sing

help us to listen to  your son's voice.

The world is chaos and wrapped in fear

the pandemic has taken us from others

isolation and loneliness overwhelm us

help us to listen to your son's voice.

We have been dazzled by bright lights

persuaded to consume and be selfish

yet you remind us that love is the way

help us to listen to your son's voice.

Where we are weak, make us strong

where selfish, make us humble

where we would covet, let us share

help us to listen to your son's voice. Amen

Become My Followers

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27 

Become My Followers

O great Creator of all peoples

we find ourselves in wicked times

where glory and gain are most important

compassion and kindness are weakness.

You called us to deny ourselves daily

taking up our crosses and following 

we ache to be your disciples today

and find it hard in these troubled times.

The city streets are full of protest

our leaders are worried about self alone

illness wraps around every daily task

and we are reticent to go out anywhere.

Help us to not fear ridicule and hurt

give us strong and relentless hearts

make us your humble and tender followers

who never fear the cost of living love. Amen.

Shake the Dust

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. Luke 9:1-17

Shake the Dust

O Wondrous Creator who sends all

so that we might serve all in need

help us to know when to stay awhile

and when it is time to turn away.

We ache to make everything right

we want to serve all who we see

we often confuse ego with mission

aching to be the best at our call.

So many streets are closed to us

many doors slammed in our face

yet you are the God who opens hearts

and turns the dust into life again.

Help us to be willing to fail

make us confident in your presence

empower us as  your disciples

love brought from such limited beings. Amen,

Do Not Fear

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” When Jesus heard this, he replied, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.” When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56 

Do Not Fear

O God of the living and our ancestors

you have been a companion on the way

in removal, arrest, confinement and sickness

you have stood and wept with us all.

We are caught between so many extreme

danger surrounds the most vulnerable

illness and pandemic destroys our communities

and we see so many more storms on the horizon.

You have comforted parents and sick ones

you brought healing when it was impossible

we beg you to be near in these impossible times

and help us bring your love and healing now.

Take away the fear that keep us stuck and hiding

fill us with the power of hope and believing

give us arms to embrace the trembling and lost

and make us your heart in this broken world. Amen.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? ‘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. John 3:1-16

Indigenous Peoples' Day - A Litany

O Great Creator who places your people

in every corner of this rich round earth

adorning them with beauty and wisdom

help us to celebrate the gifts of this land.

We are your people, born of your spirit.

Many have come to conquer and possess

yet still we thrive grounded in your love

our feet are planted on sacred ground

and eyes lift to your voice in the night sky.

We are your people, born of your spirit.

There is conflict and violence everywhere

yet still you are in the midst of us all

you have made us sisters and brothers

relatives of all that you have made.

We are your people, born of your spirit.

Strengthen us to love despite misunderstanding

Help us to live gently on the land you give us

Empower us to show your presence everywhere

Make us your hands of love in trying times. 

We are your people, born of your spirit. Amen

Sunday, October 11th, 2020

Sunday, October 11h, 2020 Proper 23, Year A

The Collect

 Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

First Reading Isaiah 25:1-9

 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. 

Psalm 23 

1 The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want.

 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters.

 3 He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.

 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

 I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *

 you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

 6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *

 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 Second Reading Philippians 4:1-9 

My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 The Gospel Matthew 22:1-14

 Once more Jesus spoke to the people in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” 

Go Into The Streets - A Litany

O Great Creator you have called us all

you have taught us to live and be wise

you have told us that we are interdependent

and that we called to be dressed to celebrate.

Send us into the streets with your love.

Our world is on the precipice of failure

disease, violence and disparity rule

we ache to be present to the suffering

yet we fear the other in these times.

Send us into the streets with your love.

We are tempted to protect our own

to live in a bubble of our self making

yet you would have us see connection

a web of relations and interdependence.

Send us into the streets with your love.

Make us living examples of your welcome

make us the vessels of your loving presence

expands our hearts, our capacity and flexibility

so that your hospitality might flow forever.

Send us into the streets with your love.