Second Sunday in Lent 2/28/2021

Second Sunday of Lent

 
The Collect 

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 

Psalm 22:22-30 22 

Praise the LORD, you that fear him; * 

stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; 

all you of Jacob's line, give glory. 

23 For he does not despise nor abhor

 the poor in their poverty; 

neither does he hide his face from them; * 

but when they cry to him he hears them. 

24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; * 

I will perform my vows in the presence

 of those who worship him. 

25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied, 

and those who seek the LORD shall praise him: * 

"May your heart live for ever!" 

26 All the ends of the earth shall 

remember and turn to the LORD, *

 and all the families of the nations 

shall bow before him. 

27 For kingship belongs to the LORD; * 

he rules over the nations. 

28 To him alone all who sleep 

in the earth bow down in worship; * 

all who go down to the dust fall before him.

 29 My soul shall live for him; 

my descendants shall serve him; * 

they shall be known as the LORD'S for ever.

 30 They shall come and make 

known to a people yet unborn * 

the saving deeds that he has done. 

The Epistle Romans 4:13-25

 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. 

The Gospel Mark 8:31-38 

Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 

A Litany for the Second Sunday in Lent

Wondrous Creator who speaks to the stars

who calls all life together in community

who loves all creation and redeems us all

draw near to us suffering with our human fraility.

Lord, strengthen us to lift our cross and follow you.

Savior of the world who knows our need

who healed the sick and welcomed outcasts

you live among the poor and the needy

help us to seek you in hard places.

Lord, strengthen us to lift our cross and follow you.

Holy Spirit you move over all of creation

breathing hope into the broken  places

light into the deep darkness of our lives

renewal and redemption for the earth.

Lord, strengthen us to lift our cross and follow you.

Each loss and suffering you bear with us

each broken relationship and disease

you carry it and place us in your hands

help us to know your loving arms around us.

Lord, strengthen us to lift our cross and follow you.

Gentle Savior, lover of the world

lead us beyond these times of crisis.

Tender Shepherd, who seeks the lost

bring us back and shelter us at home.

We are weak, worn down and afraid

yet you are in our deepest dark places.

Gracious Creator, Redeemer and Spirit

wrap us in your healing blanket today. Amen.

Spirit Given Without Measure

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized—John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:22-36 

Creator of gushing waters and endless love

shower and drench us with your spirit today

for we are sorrowful and always afraid

and have forgotten your loving presence.

Five hundred thousand losses and counting

the weight of isolation and fear bears down

we are trapped and enclosed in every side

and cannot see remember your holy promises.

You walked among a people much like us

weary from captivity and oppression

casting judgement and turning on one another 

drowning in fear and anxiety every day.

Baptize us for your service again, Lord

let us be remade in your loving image

help us to be joyful servants of all people

so that your spirit might pour down again. Amen.

God So Loved

Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:16-21

Wondrous God source of all life

you love every cell of creation

from tiny crawlers to infinite skies

love is your constant gift to us.

When we turn away in anger

when we turn away in grief

when we rail against pain

you offer unencumbered love.

You sent the world your son

and we did not see love's miracle

even then you did not reject us

continuing to shower us with love.

Help us to wake to love revealed

today in every face and every moment

may the earth ring with love songs

and may we live in gratitude here and now. Amen.

Born from Above

When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone. 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. John 2:23-3:15

Loving Creator who renews the land

the snow cover becomes living water

the lengthening light brings new shoots

life renewed by your eternal love.

Nicodemus came to you in nighttime

aching to have answers to his questions

wanting the promise of eternal life

hearing he must be reborn by the spirit.

We wait aching for the world to change

yet we ourselves are unwilling to change

we turn away from the spirit's call

yet you, Lord, never give up on us.

Help us to open our hearts today

let us be cleansed and born anew

in this season of great loss and despair

let us be light and live for our world. Amen.

Clearing the Temple

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:13-22

Gracious Creator you love all you made

freely you give us life and sustenance

yet we would turn gifts into profits

taking advantage of the least among us.

You came into a denigrated temple

a spiritual sanctuary turned market

profits and mark up the only focus

as people came to draw near to you.

We are people aching to draw near

yet far too often money calls us

we worry about our own security

destroying sanctuary with greed.

Remake us into seekers, dear Lord

let our only goal be knowing you

give us new hearts for love alone

and help us build sanctuary for others. Amen.

Wedding at Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. John 2:1-12

Great Creator of all seasons

you turn our world to the sun

and you turn it back again

so that we might learn your ways.

We have spent a year learning

about loss and endless isolation

yet we have not turned our hearts

we have not been open to your love.

You came to a family wedding day

following your mother's instructions

reluctantly, maybe, water became wine

we still rejoice in your miracles.

Lift us up from our stuck places

plant us in your garden of hope

let us pray for miracles in our time

and trust your love to move mountains. Amen.

First Sunday in Lent

The First Sunday in Lent February 21, 2021 

The Collect

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Genesis 9:8-17 

God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” 

Psalm 25:1-9 

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; 

my God, I put my trust in you; * 

let me not be humiliated, 

nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * 

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 

3 Show me your ways, O LORD, * 

and teach me your paths. 

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * 

for you are the God of my salvation; 

in you have I trusted all the day long. 

5 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, * 

for they are from everlasting. 

6 Remember not the sins 

of my youth and my transgressions; *

 remember me according to your love 

and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD. 

7 Gracious and upright is the LORD; * 

therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 

8 He guides the humble in doing right * 

and teaches his way to the lowly. 

9 All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness *

 to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

                                                                                        

                                                                                        The Epistle 1 Peter 3:18-22 

Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. 

The Gospel Mark 1:9-15 

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. 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.” 

Litany for the  First Sunday in Lent

Loving Creator, visible in all creation

our world is covered in ice and snow

hidden below is your work of renewal

renew us so we might rise to service.

Baptize us for your service, dear Lord.

A pandemic rages across our land

fear and hate have infected us all

we have not trusted in your goodness

nor sought you will in every day.

Baptize us for your service, dear Lord.

We have watched as many have died

we are helpless and restless in seclusion

you abide with us in every storm and season

help us to turn and see you in these days.

Baptize us for your service, dear Lord.

You sought out the deep Jordan waters

then went to the wilderness to pray

the Beloved One, Lamb of the living God

help us to see you the deep and dark places.

Baptize us for your service, dear Lord.

We are weak and feeling captive

Yet you have made us strong.

We are all miserable offenders

yet you have redeemed us all.

We are afraid and lacking faith

Yet you promise to restore us all.

Loving Savior, be our light 

Precious Jesus, lead us by hand.

Spirit of God, dwell with us today

Baptize us for your service, dear Lord.

Under the Fig Tree

The next day 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 towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ John 1:43-51

Wondrous Creator of all the living 

plants and trees that shade us

the two, four legged and winged

all of us relatives and interdependent.

With each new day miracles abound

you bring hope with season's change

you light our  cold and darkest nights

and know us when we are hiding away.

Draw near to your creation bent low

the storms and winds have overwhelmed

the disease and fear has crippled us

we are weak and growing anxious daily.

Give us new hearts for compassion today

help us to see the promise in small things

let us serve you without fear or shame

you are the world's hope, the Lamb of God. Amen.

Come and See

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). John 1:35-42

Loving Creator you love all creation

you made us interdependent and free

all life in balance, dancing in rhythm

a sacred circle of vibrant living hope.

We have tried to control your creation

and we have sought to rule all things

yet now we find ourselves very weak

vulnerable to every passing storm.

You walked in the dust with the people

you offered invitation to everyone

and even though we betray and leave

you still stretch out your hand to us.

Make us faithful again to follow you

enliven our spirits and our curiosity

help us to seek you in every moment

so your sacred circle might be whole.

I Saw the Spirit

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34

Creator, you breathe your spirit

across the land and the seas

you give us your life and breath

renew our spirits in these times.

Savior, you stood deep in the water

baptized for once and for ever

we are sinking and fighting storms

struggling to hold on against the tide.

We are weary as this Lent begins

we are weak and always fearful

yet you lift us up every morning

and breathe your spirit every day.

Empower us today to get up again

strengthen us to serve and welcome

baptize us with power and humility

so love might flow like deep waters. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

Ash Wednesday Litany

O Loving Word of God given for us

let us now and always remember that

the palms that once waved for you

are burned to remind us of the cross.

Lord Jesus, draw near to us this day.

O gentle Savior, author of healing

we cannot feel the touch of others

nor gather, kneel and pray together

hear our aching and sorrowing hearts.

Lord Jesus, draw near to us this day.

Wondrous God who loves us all

we have not sought or honored you

we leaned on our will and cunning

while so many have suffered loss.

Lord Jesus, draw near to us today.

We begin this Lent with heavy hearts

yet you bore the weight of the world

you suffered so that we might live

your sacrifice offered for once and for all.

Lord Jesus, draw near to us today.

Help us to be sacrificial and giving

Lord Jesus, draw near to us and stay.

Make us humble so that we might serve

Lord Jesus, draw near to us and stay.

Let your love be our sword and shield

Lord Jesus, draw near to us and stay.

Renew us for love and service now

Lord Jesus, draw near to us and stay. Amen

Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

O Mighty Creator of wind and water

we find ourselves swirling in storms

we think ourselves far off from you

yet here you are in the midst of us.

Ice and snow have gripped our land

cold heart and cruelties abound

we are locked in the cold, cold winter

much a disaster of our own making.

Yet you would have us hear and see

that in the times of great distress

there are many prophetic voices

calling us to seek you every day.

Help us, dear Lord, to be still

here in the center of the storms

let us take the time to be humble

so we might hear your cries of love. Amen.

In the Beginning

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

Gracious Creator, light of the world

you formed us in deep darkness

giving us power to become yours

sending glory into the world for all.

Throughout time light has come

when the darkness covered us

when sickness and disease destroyed

you sent the Word to redeem us.

The Word you send is eternal love

yet we think we can do better

scheming to dominate and judge

we have forgotten grace and love.

Redeem us today by your word

let love and mercy be our langauge

may our every action be a grace

a blessing in time of great need. Amen.

Last Sunday After the Epiphany

Last Sunday After the Epiphany 2/14/21

The Collect 

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 Old Testament 2 Kings 2:1-12

 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 

Psalm 50:1-6

1 The LORD, the God of gods, has spoken; * 

he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 

2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, * 

God reveals himself in glory. 

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; * 

before him there is a consuming flame, 

and round about him a raging storm. 

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *

to witness the judgment of his people. 

5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, * 

those who have made a covenant with me

and sealed it with sacrifice." 

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; * 

for God himself is judge. 

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 

Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

The Gospel Mark 9:2-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 

A Sunday Litany

Loving God, Creator of high mountains

you lead us to places of great insight

we tremble with fear and cannot respond

yet you lead us and walk with us still.

Help us, Lord, to understand these strange times.

Wondrous Source of life and living water

we are surrounded by death and disease

yet you call us apart to climb up higher

revealing to us the fullness of the heavens.

Make us, Lord, strong so we might see clearly.

Gracious Creator, you live beyond time

yet you lean down to be with all of creation

touching our hearts with compassion and love

freeing us from the fear of strange new days.

Remake us, dear Lord, for the work of your love.

Tender Savior, you continue to show us visions

yet we tremble and respond  with awkward acts

lead us and guide us in these uncharted waters

lift us up so we might follow you in loving others.

Lord, let our every action reveal your love.

Lead us into the deep valleys ahead, Lord

help us to know your presence in the darkness.

Let our steps be ordered by your spirit, Lord

so that we might reach for others in love.

Mold us, rekindle us, Lord, and place us firmly here

so that we might shine with the light of your love. Amen

Receiving Sight

They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

Marvelous Creator you call us here

to receive new vision and sight

draw us into this time of waiting

calling us to seek you right now.

You called Bartimaeus to you

after hearing his forlorn cries

you blessed him with new vision

and he followed you on the way.

We have wandered far away from you

thinking we have been abandoned

yet all along you have been calling us

asking what you can do for us all.

Give us new sight today and new hearts

let our faith flourish like desert flowers

make us strong in this time of great loss

help us to spring up and follow the way of love. Amen.

Absalom Jones

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.” James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:32-45

Creator of all justice, ruler of all hearts

your zeal took root in Absalom Jones

who once emancipated and free

set about freeing and lifting up others.

You set your face towards Jerusalem

knowing violence and persecutions ahead

you faced the mobs and the rulers

so we might all be freed by your love.

You serve along side all who do justice

you stand with those who fight for freedom

you wait in long lines with the cold and hungry

you call us to give our lives for the sake of all.

Help us to be courageous like blessed Absalom

empower us to lift up the lowly and bereft

help us face our fears and remove our prejudice

so that your love and justice flow like waterfalls. Amen.

Last Will Be First

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Mark 10:17-31

Loving Creator of time and space

you ordered the planet in their orbit

you blessed our earth with plenty

yet so many are without the basics.

You asked us to consider our place

to turn and see the end of the line

to understand that those who we reject

have an honored place in your heart.

We all have hoarded instead of sharing

rejected others instead of welcoming

caused suffering where healing was needed

and pushed our way to the front of the line.

Help us to stop and look around now

mold our arrogance into kind servanthood

let us find joy in giving ourselves way

so that we might be a blessing today. Amen.

Legal Questions

Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark10:1-16

O Creator of our sacred directions

you walked the corners of our earth

you sat with the lowly and the lost

lean in to this broken world now.

We are caught up in a legal fight

while people die of a terrible virus

arguments and lawyers surround us

there is so much need being ignored.

There is no healing in being right

no moving forward without confession

you gathered up the little children

blessed them while the arguments went on.

So help us to see the vulnerable and needy

let our hearts be moved to compassion

always help us ache for you as children

so that we might spread your love today. Amen.

Salted with Fire

Jesus said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. “For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:42-50

Loving Creator, Author of peace

you gave us free will and intellect

you made us strong and capable

and gave us companions and friends.

Yet we would takes sides and start wars

one family and nation against others

aching to destroy and fully obliterate

those we fear and so not understand.

Yet you showered us with peace and beauty

a verdant earth full of all of our daily needs

we do not often count the blessings before us

choosing rather to details all the slights.

Help us to be at peace with one another now

salt us with fire that we may be refined

mold us in to vessels of love and support

so the world might be repaired each new day. Amen.

Welcome One Such Child

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” Mark 9:30-41

Loving God you placed us in family

surrounding us with siblings and elders

those who can teach us how to live

those who can walk with us on the way.

Too often occupiers have tried to fix us

instead of loving welcome we were sheared

like lost sheep without heard or shepherd

yet you made us in your image for love.

We have used religion to imprison others

we have tried to fix the already prefect

the creations of your loving hands scorned

thinking our image was your true self.

Humble us this day so that we might welcome

the foreign, the alien, the child in need

remove our fears, break us open for love alone

strengthen us so that your circle is whole again. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany February 7th, 2021

The Collect 

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Isaiah 40:21-31

 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. 

Psalm 147:1-12, 21c

1 Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! * 

how pleasant it is to honor him with praise! 

2 The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; * 

he gathers the exiles of Israel. 

3 He heals the brokenhearted * 

and binds up their wounds. 

4 He counts the number of the stars * 

and calls them all by their names. 

5 Great is our LORD and mighty in power; * 

there is no limit to his wisdom. 

6 The LORD lifts up the lowly, * 

but casts the wicked to the ground. 

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; * 

make music to our God upon the harp. 

8 He covers the heavens with clouds * 

and prepares rain for the earth; 

9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains * 

and green plants to serve mankind. 

10 He provides food for flocks and herds * 

and for the young ravens when they cry. 

11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *

 he has no pleasure in the strength of a man; 

12 But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him, * 

in those who await his gracious favor. 

21 Hallelujah! 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 

The Gospel Mark 1:29-39 

After Jesus and his disciples 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 Sunday Litany

Loving Creator here among us

bringing healing and hope

in dark and dangerous times

draw near to  all who suffer.

Lord, renew us so we might rise and serve.

Incarnate God who dwells with the suffering

you lifted fevers and cast out all demons

our losses and illnesses are profound today

and we need your touch more than ever.

Lord, renew us so we might rise and serve.

Holy Spirit you hovered over Creation

you move among the weak and the strong

stirring up the outcast, the least among us

to share your love in our broken world.

Lord, renew us so we might rise up and serve.

Wondrous Savior, you are always near us

so many are weary and overwhelmed

many are on the brink of giving up

yet you have promised to revive us again.

Lord, renew us so we might rise up and serve.

Holy God, transform us for your service

turn us and remake, O God of all.

Gracious Creator source of all healing

turn us and remake us, O God of all.

Help My Unbelief

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet Jesus. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.” Mark 9:14-29

Wondrous Creator you give us everything

you are more ready to give than we know

you stand at the ready to supply our needs

and we continue to rely on our failed selves.

When we are successful we take pride

then when we are helpless we cry to you

our gratitude is  rare and fleeting

you never fail to be present in trouble.

You healed a child destroyed by convulsing

you heard the cry of the anxious parent

your chosen could not find the cure

the cure was your gift of loving faithfulness.

Help us to be grateful with every new morning

let us be your hands of faith in the world

teach us how to faithfully ask for healing

and live with love and gratitude every day. Amen.

Changed

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” Mark 9:2-13

Creator of all hidden and revealed

you chose to show yourself in visions

to people who are often overlooked

you dwell with outcasts and outsiders.

You took the disciples to the mountain

and they were afraid and did not understand

we often see you revealed in earth's beauty

yet we too fail to comprehend your work.

We have witnessed our world forever changed

the losses and the violence have consumed us

we fail to see your revelation in our time

yet you would have us see beyond our fears.

Turn us so that we too can witness truth

let light shine in our darkened places

help us to rejoice in the love you give us

and carry it from mountain to valley and back again. Amen.