Fourth Sunday After Epiphany January 31, 2021

Sunday January 31, 2021

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Deuteronomy 18:15-20 

Moses said: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the LORD replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.” 

 Psalm 111 

1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *

 in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. 

2 Great are the deeds of the LORD! * 

they are studied by all who delight in them. 

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, * 

and his righteousness endures for ever. 

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; * 

the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 

5 He gives food to those who fear him; * 

he is ever mindful of his covenant. 

6 He has shown his people the power of his works * 

in giving them the lands of the nations. 

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; * 

all his commandments are sure. 

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * 

because they are done in truth and equity. 

9 He sent redemption to his people; 

he commanded his covenant for ever; * 

holy and awesome is his Name. 

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *

 those who act accordingly have a good understanding; 

his praise endures for ever. 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. The 

Gospel Mark 1:21-28 

Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and
taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “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!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. 

An Epiphany Sunday Litany

O Creator, heart of all wisdom

you made all seasons for learning

winter for telling our stories

summer for growing our foods.

Help us to be always wise and compassionate.

You gave us traditions and teachers

elders who patiently molded us

and when we had strayed or were lost

you sent others to bring us home.

Help us to always be wise and compassionate.

Disease and disaster have found us

yet you never let evil destroy us

in each trial you stand with us all

a beacon of love as the winds rage.

Help us to always be wise and compassionate.

Others will judge and try to control us

yet you have set us free to love

you have made us and you have healed us

and we are your beloved, you very own.

Help us to always be wide and compassionate.

In the new morning's darkness

we will praise you

In the dismal fading light

let us praise you

In our falling and our rising

Let us praise you

For you are love which has no end

And we are yours forever.

Cruel Hearts

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ “You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)—then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:1-23 

O loving Source of all life

font of goodness and grace

you give us a mind and heart

and the choice of how to use them.

Too often we have been selfish

using intellect to destroy others

taking joy in  cruel judgement

and laughing at peoples' pain.

Yet you rebuked the leaders

who thought themselves holy

who looked down on the poor

and who lived for self alone.

Thaw our hearts this cold day

strengthen us for love and service

make us holy by what we do

let our actions be for love alone. Amen.

Walking on the Sea

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and Jesus was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.  Mark 6:47-56 

Marvelous Creator maker of all seasons

the warm summer ocean, our frozen lakes

sea and sky and light which all change

dancing to your heavenly music.

We who live on solid and frozen ground

have much to fear in this cold season

storms overwhelm us and deplete us

we do not venture out on rough seas.

Yet you saw your followers struggling

and came to them in the darkest night

calmed the winds and their hearts

and you come to us in this stormy time.

Open our hearts to your songs of love

let us sing again of miracles and hope

help us to be faithful in the dark nights

make us carriers of your hope and peace. Amen.

Sheep Without a Shepherd

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

Gracious God who aches for all Creation

who seeks out the lost and heals the sick

you feed the hungry and hold close the outcast

help us to see the needs around us today.

We are all aching for loved ones to hold

we are longing for green pastures and solace

the bleak winter of  loss and great sorrow

have left us all like wandering lost sheep.

Yet you feed so many with a small lunch

you saw the need and abundantly provided

your blessing multiplies our failing resources

yet we often forget your abiding presence.

Draw near to the lonely and the forlorn

help us to respond to the great needs about us

take our small offerings and transform them

so your love might flow like a spring thaw. Amen.

A Prophet's End

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

Wondrous Creator author of all power

you wield your strength in love's blessings

you shower us with new light every day

yet we would harness power to destroy.

You sent prophets to teach us to live

you offered you child for the world

you send abundance to all creation

yet we would hoard and denigrate others.

We are woven together as one family

yet we struggle for absolute domination

we cannot hear the prophet's warning

to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Make us aware of our grudges and greed

cleanse us from selfishness and anger

make us whole again for love's service

weave us together as one family again. Amen.

Hometown Prophets

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

 Gracious and patient Creator

you have placed us in community

 raised us up in family and tribe 

yet we often miss the local miracles.

 Blessed with siblings we complain

 aching for an end to isolation

 weeping for the unbearable losses 

we miss the beauty in sunrise and stars.

 You struggled to bless at home often ridiculed and undermined

 yet all who believe are touched

 your healing is daily at hand. 

 Help us to set bitterness aside

 let us arise like hopeful children

 awe struck by you love each day

 ready to be local welcome blessing. Amen

Healing Daugthers

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 21-43

Wondrous Creator who blesses all creation

Grandfather and Grandmother of us all

there is too much suffering and oppression

and our daughters and mothers carry the load.

All of our children have been burdened

this world is cruel and abusive to difference

the tender care and support is often lacking

too many lives are still being broken and lost.

You healed the woman who touched you

the daughters of the powerful and the obscure

you gave sight and strength all who asked

and we come today to ask for healing again.

Our communities need your touch of love

the healing that transforms hearts and bodies

make us your servants for peace and restoration

so that love might flourish again in the land. Amen.

Follow Me - Third Sunday After Epiphany

Third Sunday After Epiphany - January 24, 2021

The Collect 

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Jonah 3:1-5, 10 

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. 

 Psalm 62:6-14  

6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; * 

truly, my hope is in him. 

7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, * 

my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken. 

8 In God is my safety and my honor; * 

God is my strong rock and my refuge. 

9 Put your trust in him always, O people, * 

pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge. 

10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, * 

even those of low estate cannot be trusted. 

11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, * 

all of them together. 

12 Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; * 

though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it. 

13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, * 

that power belongs to God. 

14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, * 

for you repay everyone according to his deeds. 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. 

The Gospel Mark 1:14-20 

After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. 

A Sunday Litany

Great Creator who moves waters and hearts

bringing light and healing to dark places

you shower us daily with love and faith

your abundance is without limit or charge.

O Lord, help us to turn and follow You.

Our hearts have been broken so often

loss piled on loss, violence shattering peace

we go through the motions and try

our daily routines seem empty and shallow.

O Lord, help us to turn and follow You.

The cold winds blow on a frozen land

fear and disease have bound us all

our country totters, our people cry

yet You have promised to remake us again.

O Lord, help us to turn and follow You.

You called fishermen and tax collectors

out of the midst of their daily lives

shake us up, help us to turn to you

give us new hearts and new vision today.

O Lord, help us to turn ad follow You. Amen.

When Pigs Fly

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea. The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. Mark 5:1-20

Miraculous Creator of every new day

you astound us with beauty and light 

showering us with abundance and mercy

with every new dawn new opportunity.

We lose sleep for our anxiety and worry

we toss and turn while the animals sleep

we trust ourselves and not your capacity

we ignore your limitless wondrous source.

The world is draped in winter's ice and cold

we are reluctant  to hope once again

yet you call us to rise up and serve others

in our service true miracles are found.

Help us release the fears of the angry past

embracing the possibilities of the future

admitting in every moment our need of you

bending in care for the world you love. Amen.

Calming the Storm

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

Great Creator of the winds and seas

who dwells within storm and calm

you are present in our worst dangers

yet we often think you are sleeping.

These days we are sad and worn down

the toil from the tumult of our nation

the grief from so many lost to disease

and no clear answers of the horizon.

You spoke to the wind and the waves

the listened and ceased the terror

speak to our hearts as we shake with fear

bring your calm to the storms ahead.

Lift up those who are too weary to stand

strengthen those who are bent with worry

empower us with your precious love again

be our beacon and our safe harbor today. Amen.

Measure for Measure

Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:21-34

Gracious Creator, author of abundance

you have set us free and made us well

supplying us with all the good fruits

yet we would covet what others have.

You promised more given if we share

abundant light to enliven the whole house

fertile harvests and rushing streams

shade enough to shelter all that need.

We have been greedy and selfish

again and again you tell us the story

drawing pictures of possibilities

where we have scorched the earth.

Remake us and reweave our hearts

let generosity and kindness be ours

so that we might give abundantly 

and that our land be blessed anew. Amen.

Bearing Fruit - Inauguration 2021

Again Jesus began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” And he said, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.'” And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:1-20

A Litany for the Inauguration

Loving Creator, source of all wisdom

we have been planted in a fertile nation

you have taught us to walk the good road

yet violence and division have marked us all.

Help us to bear the fruits of your love in this season.

Precious Savior, you commanded us to listen

you told us stories to help us understand

you gave us the words of life to sow deep

yet we have too often been rocky, shallow ground.

Help us to bear the fruits of your love in this season.

Wondrous Divine, you made us all in your image

yet we demonize the other, refuse the stranger

we plant deep roots of hate and  violent distrust

yet still you call to each of us to be reconciled.

Help us to bear the fruits of your love in this season.

Humble God, who chose to be among the poor

turn us away from our selfish and cruel ways

inspire us to plant gardens of hope and joy

forgive us again so we might sow love again.

Help us to bear the fruits of your love in this season. Amen. 

A House Divided

Then Jesus went home; and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:19b-35

O gracious God, Creator of day and night

you set balance and compliment in everything

the seasons turn for toil and for rest

and we are made whole is our relationships.

Our present time is off balance and wobbling

we are a country and people divided

afraid of the violence in our neighbor's eyes

not admitting the violence in our own hearts.

You have called us to be sisters and brothers

sent daily to work for love and reconciliation

yet we would judge others by race and clan

we rarely confess to our dominate others.

Creator, humble us and remake us today

help us to be your servants of peace alone

let all our work be healing and forgiveness

strengthen us to stand together as one family. Amen.

Up the Mountain

Jesus departed with his disciples to the lake, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home; Mark 3:7-19

Wondrous Creator who hung the stars

you have given us mountains to climb

and rough seas to swim and navigate

renew our strength for the journey ahead.

The threats of great violence surround us

sickness and death are at our doors

the leaders have betrayed the people

help us to carry your good news today.

The winter storms have overwhelmed us

the isolation and anxiety is profound

we are like sheep without a shepherd

lead us to your precious light, O God.

Strengthen us for service this day

make us ready to go to the dark places

help us to bind up the abandoned and afraid

let us be your heart and hands today, good Lord.

Epiphany 2 - January 17th, 2021

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Collect

 Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20) 

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” [Then the LORD said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.” As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.] 

Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17

1 LORD, you have searched me out and known me; *

you know my sitting down and my rising up; 

you discern my thoughts from afar. 

2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places * 

and are acquainted with all my ways. 

3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, * 

but you, O LORD, know it altogether. 

4 You press upon me behind and before * 

and lay your hand upon me. 

5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; * 

it is so high that I cannot attain to it. 

12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; * 

you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; * 

your works are wonderful, and I know it well. 

14 My body was not hidden from you, * 

while I was being made in secret 

and woven in the depths of the earth. 

15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; 

all of them were written in your book; * 

they were fashioned day by day, 

when as yet there was none of them. 

16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! * 

how great is the sum of them! 

17 If I were to count them, they would 

be more in number than the sand; * 

to count them all, my life span 

would need to be like yours. 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. 

The Gospel John 1:43-51 

Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” 

A Sunday Litany honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gracious Creator, we a re made in your image

your formed us each in the mysterious time

you breathe life in to every heart and mind

and you know us all as your very children.

Empower us to live as the beloved community of love.

You called disciples from hidden places

from all nations, tribes, cultures and clans,

you forgive and remake us daily for service

calling us daily to be compassion and care.

Empower us to live as the beloved community of peace.

We remember Martin and all who stood for love

the ancestors, the saints who fought for us here

who did not put their freedom above others

they sacrificed their all so that we might be one.

Empower us to live as the beloved community of compassion.

We are crippled by fear and threats to our nation

our selfishness and greed has infected the whole

we are worn down by disease and broken by death

yet still you call us to join together as one.

Empower us to live as the beloved community of hope.

Light of our darkness

Set us free to love again.

Hope of the downtrodden

Let freedom ring again.

Creator and source of all goodness

Make our hearts loving again.

You held waters at bay

So your people could be free.

Draw near, dearest Lord and Savior

restore this land and all her people. Amen.

Stretch Out Your Hand

One sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 2:23-3:6

Wondrous Creator, present in all

we breathe your breath with sighs

we are broken without repair

and we cry from our handmade bars.

Our selfishness has bound us all

our arrogance has blinded us

we are crippled by our greed

and there is no good remedy.

You fed the hungry on the sabbath

and restored the withered hand

help us to stretch out to you today

let us pray without ceasing for all.

Remake us with new hearts and hands

teach us compassion and kindness

equip us with the weapons of love alone

so that the world may be made whole. Amen.

Tearing Old Cloth

Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “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.” Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:13-22

O Creator of wise and ancient wisdom

we see your patterns in the moon and stars

we know you through relationships given

and hear you breath on the winter wind.

You sat with the humble and the shamed

you healed the diseased and broken hearts

you gift is daily renewal and reconciliation

your hope is that we welcome the stranger.

Our days have been woven with fear

we are a nation on the edge of disaster

the hearts of the people are on the ground

we hold our breath and we pray in silence.

Renew us for loving leadership today

let us step out in love and service

may our every action bring your healing

and may our song be ever love for all. Amen.

Carried by Friends

 

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 

O loving Creator who places us in families

who weaves our hearts into communities 

whose design is found in interdependence

help us to carry one another and care again.

We are shattered by the echoes of violence

now afraid of our neighbors and friends

worried and troubled we toss about

yet you call us to lean in to one another.

You saw the love of friends who carried

breaking through a roof for one's healing

their effort brought restoration to all

love again shattering all the physical barriers.

Help us to act for our neighbors today

let our small faith help reconcile our world

make us your strength and presence now

so that love can break the dividing walls down.Amen

She Served

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:29-45

O healer of the nations come near

everyone is searching for you

we are sick and shaking with fear

the world is weeping and in pain.

You came to the bedside of the fevered

you touched the broken and they mended

you repelled and silenced all the demons

draw near, O Lord, and heal our wounded souls.

We confess we have not been compassion

we have failed to see you in other's eyes

we are too consumed with our own righteousness

to hear the cries of the hungry and the prisoners.

Help us to be like she who rose up to serve

let our healing empower us to act for others

make our hearts and minds tuned to your way

so that your love might flourish now and always. Amen.

Leaving Nets

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “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!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:14-28

Dear Author of the seas and sky

you who divide the day from night

who makes us strong for our work

you call us to follow your way of love.

Too many of us have dropped nets

to follow our own selfish whims

or to follow those who would destroy

if they cannot get their own way.

Yet you walk by the water and call us

you come into out humble dwellings

staying with us to draw us out again

to follow you in the way of love.

Make us midwives for birthing hope

make us servants of peace's arrival

give us your strength so we might follow

you on the rough road of reconciliation and love. Amen.

Out of the Water

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:1-13

Loving Creator, you moved over the waters

you transformed dry ground to gardens

painted the world with color and beauty

planting us in verdant places to grow

yet we would defile your precious gifts.

We have been baptized in your love

showered with needs and blessings

surrounded by family and clans

yet we rise up to war and insurrection.

Despite all of our terror you love us

with each rising sun you call us again

to turn from our darkness and cruelty

around to our dependence and responsibility.

Take us down into the deep waters again

baptize us anew with you peace and love

make us willing to face our wildernesses

so your creation might heal and thrive again. Amen.

First Sunday After the Epiphany

Fr. John Guilani, artist

The Collect 

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

 Old Testament Genesis 1:1-5 

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. 

 Psalm 29 

 1 Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, * 

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; * 

worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 

3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; 

the God of glory thunders; *

 the LORD is upon the mighty waters. 

4 The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; * 

the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor. 

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; * 

the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon; 

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *

 and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox. 

7 The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire; 

the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; * 

the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 

8 The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe * 

and strips the forests bare. 

9 And in the temple of the LORD * 

all are crying, "Glory!" 

10 The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; * 

the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore. 

11 The LORD shall give strength to his people; * 

the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace. 

The New Testament Acts 19:1-7 

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them. 

The Gospel Mark 1:4-11                                                                                  artist Tony Hunt

 

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 

A Sunday Litany for Our Time

Gracious and loving Creator

our world has been rocked

with violence and disease

we are like lost children.

Make us your people again, O Lord.

Winter's darkness and isolation

have caused anger and frustration

many ache for food and shelter

most ache for missing loved one.

Make us your people again, O Lord.

We are often fearful and worried

yet you have not abandoned us

your love reaches through the mist

seeking out the lost and broken.

Make us your people again, O Lord.

You came to the edge of the Jordan

sunk under the water to be baptized

you said yes when the world said no

offering love in place of terror.

Make us your people again, O Lord.

The clouds broke the heavens sang

a child beloved, called and sent

we too offer our small voices

help us be your love to this anxious time.

Make us your people again, O Lord.