Wednesday in Holy Week

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

Loving Creator you taught us to dance

in the light when the grass is high

and in the chill around the fire

we want to walk as children of light.

You have guided our feet in the past

we seek you guidance in these times

where darkness and loss hover near

when the light of love grows dim.

You came among us to bring light

to offer yourself for the sake of all

in this Holy Week we remember

the sacrificial path you laid for us all.

Help us to walk with you this week

in the dark chill of late night tears

in the startling joy of morning sun

let us be the children of your light. Amen.

Tuesday in Holy Week

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

Creator, you breathe over this earth

bringing new life in each season

warming the soil, breaking the seed

so that life might once again flourish.

We would see an end to this virus

we ache to rejoin the outside world

we want so much and do so little

you call us to be broken open now.

You walked this earth with the people

you took our faults as your very own

you were willing to die for our lives

your love has born abundant fruits.

Help us walk this Holy week with you

willing ourselves to be broken open

serving and following with joyful hearts

grateful for your great sacrifice of love. Amen.

Monday in Holy Week

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

Gracious Creator, fulfillment of all

you draw close to your creation

daily you seek to bring us healing

inviting us on the a journey of freedom.

We balk at the challenges we face

whining from the safety of good shelter

you were entered the hostile places

for our sake and for the whole world.

One moment they honored you

and then called for your death

we are as fickle and conflicted

too often swayed by the crowd.

Help us to stand firm in faith

as we walk this Holy Week road

let our feet be set on the good path

and our hearts filled with your love. Amen.

Palm Sunday 2021

Palm Sunday 2021

The Liturgy of the Palms

The Gospel Mark 11:1-11 

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *

 his mercy endures for ever.

 2 Let Israel now proclaim, * 

"His mercy endures for ever." 

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * 

I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD. 

20 "This is the gate of the LORD; * 

he who is righteous may enter." 

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * 

and have become my salvation. 

22 The same stone which the builders rejected * 

has become the chief cornerstone. 

23 This is the LORD's doing, *

and it is marvelous in our eyes. 

24 On this day the LORD has acted; *

 we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

25 Hosanna, LORD, hosanna! * 

LORD, send us now success. 

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; * 

we bless you from the house of the LORD. 

27 God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; * 

form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. 

28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; * 

you are my God, and I will exalt you." 

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * 

his mercy endures for ever. 

The Collect

 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Service of the Word

 

Old Testament Isaiah 50:4-9a 

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens-- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? 

Psalm 31:9-16

9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; * 

my eye is consumed with sorrow, 

and also my throat and my belly. 

10 For my life is wasted with grief, 

and my years with sighing; *

 my strength fails me because of affliction, 

and my bones are consumed. 

11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies 

and even to my neighbors, 

a dismay to those of my acquaintance; * 

when they see me in the street they avoid me. 

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; * 

I am as useless as a broken pot. 

13 For I have heard the whispering 

of the crowd; fear is all around; * 

they put their heads together against me; 

they plot to take my life. 

14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. * 

I have said, "You are my God. 

15 My times are in your hand; *

 rescue me from the hand of my enemies, 

and from those who persecute me. 

16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, * 

and in your loving-kindness save me." 

The Epistle Philippians 2:5-11 

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

The Gospel Mark 15:1-39, [40-47] 

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

[There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.] 

A Litany for Palm Sunday

Creator God who came among us

you chose the healing of creation

the mending of the hoop of life

bearing the suffering, shame and ridicule.

Lead us, Lord, through these holy days.

We are too often unworthy of sacrifice

selfish and greedy, we use polite words

yet we act cruelly and without compassion

destroying the many gifts you have given.

Lead us, Lord, through these holy days.

Yet you love your creation beyond measure

you do not give up when we fall down

you come into the world again and again

so that we might know love unbounded.

Lead us, Lord, through these holy days.

As we wave our palms this day

shouting hosannas loud and clear

may we dwell on the cross to come

and remember your love for all peoples.

Lead us, Lord, through these holy days.

Help us to be humble enough to see the cross

make us your servant people once again.

We are weak, distracted and afraid

Focus our hearts and minds on you alone.

Help us to see you in every part of this week

so that we might know your living presence now.

Hosanna, hosanna, blessed are you who comes today

give us hearts to be your people every where we live. Amen.

Leave Her Alone

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well. John 12:1-10

Wondrous Creator we give you thanks

for accepting our small gifts and actions

as honoring you and the many ways

you have brought us through these times.

There are so many who serve us now

who we rarely see and never acknowledge

yet our lives are dependent on their love

their selflessness and their faithfulness.

In every season there are those like Judas

who worry about money and power

yet you protect and defended the giver

you honored her above all others.

May we see your love in every gift

in every courtesy and every kindness

and may we show your love abroad

by serving others in your name. Amen.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?’ Others were saying, ‘These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’ At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’ The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Jews answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. John 10:19-42

Creator, Great Shepherd of all

you gather us from wandering

leading us back safely home

feeding us in all times and seasons.

We are scattered and very afraid

violence has shattered our land

innocent people in daily life

are prey to the wolves' hearts.

You shepherded your disciples

they knew your voice and followed

we often ignore you call to return

and often find ourselves in danger.

Help us to listen and respond to you

make our bodies and souls ready

for daily service and compassion

so your love may reign here and now. Amen.

Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” John 10:1-18

Great Creator you are our shepherd

you lead us onto the good safe roads

you feed us in all seasons and times

you never neglect the peoples' needs.

We find ourselves in dangerous times

the field is full of violence and hate

simple acts of grazing and shopping

have become times of terror and death.

You walked among and do so still

rejected and scorned you sought us out

you laid down your life for the sheep

and you promise to continue to lead us.

Good Shepherd, we are wandering afraid

plant our feet on the paths of faith

feed us so we might feed others now

guide us so that love conquers hate today. Amen.

Lord, I Believe

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” John 9:18-41

Loving Creator who made every one

the wheat that waves in the wind

the people who challenge and who help

all creation is held in your loving hands.

We too often act in anger and rage

in these times of violence and fear

too often we seek another to blame

while we rarely admit to our own part.

You came to heal and bring us sight

those who should rejoice condemned you

yet to those who you touched by hand

they believed and knew your presence.

Help us all to continue to believe

even as violence and hatred rage around

let us be instruments of peace and love

so the world can see you here and now. Amen.

Working in the Light

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” John 9:1-17 

Wondrous Creator you separate day from night

you give us the times to sleep and to work

the earth wakes and rests by your hand

and we rejoice as the world turns to spring.

We have been trapped in winter's weariness

not seeing light or hope in our future

we have tried to use technology to soothe

we have tried to make light of these times.

Yet you know the times of light and darkness

you made mud and cured a man born blind

you did what you could when you could

and leaders doubted your faith and love.

Help us to know your constant faith and love

as we move back into the lengthening light

help us to glean the wisdom from darkness

as we serve others for you in this light. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent March 21, 2021

The Fifth Sunday in Lent March 21, 2021

The Collect

 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Old Testament Jeremiah 31:31-34 

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 

Psalm 119:9-16 

9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *

 By keeping to your words. 

10 With my whole heart I seek you; * 

let me not stray from your commandments. 

11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *

that I may not sin against you. 

12 Blessed are you, O LORD; * 

instruct me in your statutes. 

13 With my lips will I recite * 

all the judgments of your mouth. 

14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees * 

than in all manner of riches. 

15 I will meditate on your commandments *

and give attention to your ways. 

16 My delight is in your statutes; * 

I will not forget your word. 

The Epistle Hebrews 5:5-10 

Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. 

The Gospel John 12:20-33 

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 

A Litany for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Creator of the stars of heaven

your wonders are all around us

we see you in every flower

we know your voice in the wind.

Draw us always, Lord, closer to you.

Trial and hardships are all around

even in the darkness you are there

we ache for all those lost to us

we pray for an end to isolation.

Draw us always, Lord, closer to you.

You did not run from the abuse

you loved them despite themselves

as you love us even in our brokenness

you still offered your life for us all.

Draw us always, Lord, closer to you.

In the spinning out of control moments

Come near and abide with us.

When we cannot even pray to you

speak the prayers we cannot say.

When we feel as if we cannot continue

Lift us up and draw us to you.

Father and Mother of us all

restore us as children of the living God.

Jesus, Savior of the whole world

remake us into your people today.

Gentle Holy Spirit, who revives us

Breathe new life into our weary souls. Amen

I Will Raise Them Up

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. John 6:52-59

Loving Creator of all life

we are made in your image

you give all creatures your heart

and lift us up on eagle's wings.

We are slow with feet of clay

we are thick with hearts of stone

we are weary from all the loss

draw near and lift us up we pray.

You shared love with everyone

yet some doubted and ridiculed

some were terrified by your flesh

and others believed and soared again.

Raise us up, O Savior of the world

lift our flagging earthbound faith

renew our hearts for compassion

so that we might share your joy today. Amen

Living Bread

Then the Jews began to complain about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:41-51 

O wondrous Creator of earthly delights

who provide us all with taste treats

at every culture, clan and home table

with give you thanks for your blessings.

In these times when food is scarce for many

when basic shelter and community are gone

when we are isolated and feeling alone

still, you bless and feed us with living bread.

When the religious leaders tested you

still you blessed the people in your care

when you were rejected and dismissed

still you healed and fed those who came.

Let us follow in your way of blessing

make us your hands and heart this day

give us the courage to step out in love

knowing you will be living bread for all. Amen.

Bread of Life

Jesus said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.” John 6:27-40 

Creator of every culture and language

you give us good food for our bodies

you breath your spirit on every one

we are blessed to rise up every morning.

Our times have been seen a rise in hunger

folks standing in long lines for food

yet there is so much wealth and greed

and you weep at our lack of sharing.

You came among the people and fed them

you touched the broken and healed them

we are aching for healing and redemption

draw near today to your aching creation.

Lean in and make us servant of God

empower us to believe and act for love

enrich us with your heavenly bread

so we might serve the people today. Amen.

Rough Seas

When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:16-27 

Great Creator of vast oceans and seas

you have guided us through rough waters

provided stars and planets to lead us

brought us to safe harbor on the other side.

We live in the rough seas of this season

so much turmoil, change and fear

we dream of the end to our isolation

and shake with anger at rejection's storms.

You came to your friends in their darkness

you calmed the untamable wild seas

they often looked for signs and wonders

while you look at our hearts still today.

Make our hearts open to your love today

guide our feet in the paths of service

let kindness and forgiveness be our ways

and let you love flow through us this day. Amen.

The Fragments Leftover

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:1-15 (NRSV)

Great Creator, heart of the people

you provide for rich and poor alike

your bounty knows no limits or bounds

you are present in our beautiful diversity.

So many people have been lost this year

so much hunger, homelessness and fear

we ache for the freedom to travel out

and your love constrains us, caring for all.

You ached for the crowd who gathered

feeding them to their fullest and more

your reluctant disciples gathered leftover

so that nothing or no one might be lost.

You are the God of the hungry and the fragments

help us to see you in every stranger and friend

make us people who notices all the fragments

and who serve the hungry and lost in your name. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 14, 2021

Fourth Sunday In Lent 2021

The Collect

 Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament Numbers 21:4-9 

From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. 

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, * 

and his mercy endures for ever

2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim * 

that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe. 

3 He gathered them out of the lands; * 

from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 

17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; * 

they were afflicted because of their sins. 

18 They abhorred all manner of food * 

and drew near to death's door. 

19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, * 

and he delivered them from their distress. 

20 He sent forth his word and healed them *

and saved them from the grave. 

21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy * 

and the wonders he does for his children. 

22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving * 

and tell of his acts with shouts of joy. 

The Epistle Ephesians 2:1-10 

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

The Gospel John 3:14-21 

Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 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.”

A Litany for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Creator of the gentle morning light

the warm sun of our spring afternoons

the blazing heat in summer's height

Help us live reflecting your love, O God.

You have found us in our dark places

you have sought us out in our misery

you, O light of the world, call to us

Help us live reflecting your love, O God.

Day after day we wrestle with demons

temptations and judgments blind us

yet you still claim us as your children

Help us live reflecting your love, O God.

Free us from the chains that bind us

set us on the good road once more

we are yours and we want to follow you.

Help us to live reflecting your love, O God.

In the shadows of the long nights

Bring us safely into new morning, dear Savior.

Through the storms and distractions of life

Guide our steps and light our way, tender Shepherd.

we are yours, and yours alone

Shower us with your divine light, Precious Lord. Amen.

Child of God

The Pharisees answered Jesus, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. “Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.” John 8:33-47 

Wondrous Creator you made us all

calling us all your beloved children

creating us in the beauty of diversity

you are mother and father to everyone.

Some have tried to separate us from you

calling our ways and traditions wrong

not seeing your touch on our faces

they worked to banish us from our lands.

Yet you know us each by our names

we are all part of your magnificent design

all who love and serve their neighbor

we are all children of a loving creator.

Draw near to us now, gracious Lord

plant your love and spirit deep within us

help us to live as your family on earth

sharing all and blessing all in your name. Amen.

The Truth Will Make You Free

Again Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” Then the Jews said, “Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” They said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:21-32 

Great Creator of truth and love

there is nothing good apart from you

we are bound together by your love

our great sin is the binding of others.

You have formed us all in freedom

you love the mantle thrown over all

yet we would exclude and refuse

those who don't look and speak like us.

Some came to you for their healing

some followed you out of curiosity

some tested you because of fear

yet love brought them their freedom.

God, renew your truth within each of us

for people are bound and enslaved today

let love break every cruel chained heart

let your heart and truth be in each of us. Amen.

Light of the World

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. John 8:12-20 

Loving Creator you made fire

to light up our small spaces

placing stars to illumine the heavens

and placing the spark in our hearts.

The people have been sorely tested

the light of joy nearly faded out

isolation and death marked our doors

yet you promise the return of light.

You were tested in the holy places

in the market and even at home

and your promise of life restored

love and reconciliation were condemned.

Help us be bearers of your light today

set us on fire for love and service

make us bring hope to the hopeless

spreading your love light far and wide. Amen.

Rivers of Living Water

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.'” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.” John 7:37-52 (NRSV)

Creator and source of living waters

you cause the ice and snow to melt

refilling our streams and rivers

sending out the hope of new life.

You renew us and remake us daily

waking us to the sun and new vision

turning us from our worries and fears

into people with soft, loving hearts.

When you spoke on the temple steps

some would not believe you at all

yet others heard and knew the truth

and gratitude flowed like spring rains.

Let us have hearts full of faith

overflowing with your living water

may all our actions be based in love

and all our words gratitude and hope. Amen.

A Little While Longer

About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. The Jews were astonished at it, saying, “How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?” Then Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him. “Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?” Jesus answered them, “I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, “When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?” The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.” The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, ‘You will search for me and you will not find me’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?” John 7:14-36 

Wondrous Creator of time and space

you turn the earth to and from the sun

giving us the abundance of work and quiet

the time to stay in and go out to explore.

So many of us are waiting for life to change

for the snow piles to melt away in the sun

for the isolation to end and community begin

for a time when we are free of these fears.

You came among the people and taught

like us they were prone to confusion

tossed by compassion and self protection

the failed to rejoice in your presence.

Help us to see you in our midst today

let you love and healing flow like rain

make us the channels of flowing life

bring us new vison and new hope today. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

Third Sunday in Lent 3/7/21

The Collect 

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Exodus 20:1-17 

Then God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Psalm 19 

 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, * 

and the firmament shows his handiwork. 

2 One day tells its tale to another, * 

and one night imparts knowledge to another. 

3 Although they have no words or language, * 

and their voices are not heard, 

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, * 

and their message to the ends of the world. 

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; * 

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; 

it rejoices like a champion to run its course. 

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

 and runs about to the end of it again; * 

nothing is hidden from its burning heat. 

7 The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; * 

the testimony of the LORD is sure 

and gives wisdom to the innocent. 

8 The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * 

the commandment of the LORD 

is clear and gives light to the eyes. 

9 The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; * 

the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 

10 More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, * 

sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. 

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is great reward. 

12 Who can tell how often he offends? * 

cleanse me from my secret faults. 

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

 let them not get dominion over me; * 

then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. 

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation 

of my heart be acceptable in your sight, * 

O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 

The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 

The Gospel John 2:13-22 

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.

A Litany for the Third Sunday in Lent

O Wondrous Creator, source of all that is sacred

your spirit dwells in every blade of grass

your voice is heard in every gust and gale

your heart beats with every drum of our hearts.

Help us, O Lord, to honor all that is holy.

We judge some as worthy and others not

yet you have called all people blessed

you love every part of your creation

two-legged, four-legged and those with wings.

Help us, O Lord, to honor all that is holy.

You bring new life after long, cold winters

transform the dry earth into living waters

bringing growth and strength to all creatures

turning again the barren to fruitfulness.

Help us, O Lord, to honor all that is holy.

We worry and fear for our health and survival

yet you have planted us in rich, warm earth

our mother who tends us and feeds us

calls us to honor you by honoring all.

Help us, O Lord, to honor all that is holy.

We have put our faith in wealth and power

cleanse us, O God, with the waters of baptism.

We are too easily given to our selfish ways

help us, dear Savior, to heal all that is holy.

We tread too hard and destroy so much

empower us, Loving Creator, to restore this land.

Remake us with compassion

Drive us to our knees in prayer

Let us be your beloved now

so that your love might restore us all. Amen.