Handed Over

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. Luke 23:13-25

Creator, you have taught us how to live

giving us food enough for our journeys

a canopy of trees and stars for our sleep

and hearts that can love and forgive.

Many have forgotten your teachings

traveling far to take what is not given

gathering up sacred land and children

bending these to their broken ways.

You never defended yourself or fought

you were handed over for our greed

you laid down your life for the weak ones

so that all could be made strong in you.

Shower us with your humility and love

we need to be drenched with new life

give us new hearts to rejoice in all gifts

in all the beauty you have blessed us with. Amen.

Accusations

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’ When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies. Luke 23:1-12

Holy God, Creator of all good

you do not accuse us when we fail

you have not broken us for sins

you forgive us and forgive again.

Yet we humans love to accuse

to find some one to blame and shame

to tease, to bully and to torment

when we are uncomfortable and afraid.

You did not draw back from the lies

you offered yourself once for all

you rattled their comfort and control

threatened the cultural norms and ways.

Help us to serve others without fear

knowing that if we follow you

we will be challenged and accused

and showered with your daily blessings. Amen.

Mocking

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, ‘Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?’ They kept heaping many other insults on him. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, ‘If you are the Messiah, tell us.’ He replied, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ All of them asked, ‘Are you, then, the Son of God?’ He said to them, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!’ Luke 22:63-71

Gracious Creator you delight in all 

not one snowflake is the same

each of us has separate fingerprint

your design rejoices in uniqueness.

We torture and tease one another

cry alone when we have been teased

while you weep for our cruelty

hoping for compassion to rise up.

You took on the pain our humanity

the mocking and the constant abuse

so that we might see you with us

you are by our side in all humiliations.

Guard our hearts today for love alone

help us to forgive the tormenting one

for you see and know their deep pain

and you have promised to heal and love all. Amen.

Denial

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!” Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:52-62

Loving Creator who knows us 

the gifts and the utter failings

our victories and stumbling

our betrayals and our faith.

We are often given to fear

denying our truth and your ways

in order to be safe and secure

we can even turn on our siblings.

Yet you willingly built your church

on the most flawed and failing ones

you who loves our warts and all

call the broken to be disciples.

Strengthen us today in our fears

help us face the truth of our sins

knowing that you rush to healing

and shower all with your forgiveness. Amen.

Sunday, June 27th Proper 8

The Collect 

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; 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 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, 

O LORD; LORD, hear my voice; * 

let your ears consider well 

the voice of my supplication. 

2 If you, LORD, were to 

note what is done amiss, * 

O Lord, who could stand? 

3 For there is forgiveness with you; * 

therefore you shall be feared. 

4 I wait for the LORD; 

my soul waits for him; * 

in his word is my hope. 

5 My soul waits for the LORD, 

more than watchmen for the morning, * 

more than watchmen for the morning. 

6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, * 

for with the LORD there is mercy; 

7 With him there is plenteous redemption, * 

and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins. 

2 Corinthians 8:7-15 

As you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you-- so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something-- now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has-- not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, “The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.” 

The Gospel Mark 5:21-43 

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he

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

A Sunday Litany

Great Creator, you love all creation

all the relatives, two and four legged

winged, crawling and swimming

you care for us all as one family.

Help us to love and care for all creation, Dear God.

We are never alone on this island

yet we try to be superior and isolate

abusing the holiest and most vulnerable

thinking that we have the right to shun.

Help us to love and care for all creation, Dear God.

We tried to change people by taking their children

we try to tame wilderness by destroying it all

yet you are most present in children and the wilds

and hear the painful cries of every single one.

Help us to love and care for all creation, Dear God.

The little children pulled away from parents

Are an essential part of your loving heart.

The elders and the young, the alien and immigrant

Are loved by you just are we are loved.

The tender stalks and giant trees are yours

and they sing of your love throughout the world.

Help us, Lord, today, to mend the broken hoop

Help us, Lord, to mend this broken world always. Amen.

Sifted Like Wheat

Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.” Luke 22:31-38

Creator of our planting and harvest

of the four directions and seasons

you promise to be with us in all times

when we are strong and when we are weak.

There are troubles all around us

the hidden has been revealed to all

and the truth must be faced together

yet some run from the reality and pain.

You told your disciples to prepare

for these times of great testing

and you would be with them still

even when they felt all alone.

Help us to be strong in faith

trusting in your love alone

even as we tremble and cry

let us sing your praises again. Amen.

Increase and Decrease

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.” John 3:22-30

Gracious Creator of land and sea

you made the seasons for our needs

the sun and moon to be weak and strong

and our lives also in due seasons.

We are reluctant to step aside

to make room for others younger

to have other increase in our place

to move on with our lives in shadows.

Yet you gave up your life for us

and John stepped aside for you

teach us to understand your ways

help us to be servants of others.

Make us happy to step aside

sharing our wisdom with others

becoming teachers and servant

so that all might know your love. Amen.

Bread Broken

When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. Luke 22:14-23

O Creator of all that is good

you shared your life with us all

sat at table with your friends

and offered yourself for the world.

We see you in the gentle sunrise

the deep colors of the sun setting

your beauty surrounds our days

we fail to notice your sacrifice.

We ache for the thousands lost

the innocents at boarding schools

the murdered and the missing

you love them and hold them still.

Help us be grateful for your broken body

for your willingness to be like us

for your love which permeates all life

let us honor that gift in every day. Amen.

Conspiring

Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple. Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. Luke 21:37—22:13

Loving Creator you sent a child

to be the healer of all peoples

and it made the rulers uneasy

and they conspired against him.

We humans like to scheme

to win power and influence

angered by those who are loving

fearful of those who tell the truth.

The teacher came among people

aching to be healed and renewed

set free from from abuse and control

and even his friend turned on him.

Help us today to be faithful

let us not be swayed by power

instead let love be the influence

and service our daily prayer. Amen.

Lesson of the Fig Tree

Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:29-36

Creator you turn our Mother, the earth

so that we can know all the seasons

green and warmth, cold and snow white

planting and harvest and times to shelter.

We have come through a hard season

a year around the sun shut within

aching to see family and friends again

worrying and weary from the stress.

You reminded the disciples to be alert

in every season and in every age of life

for worry will only distract us from you

keeping us from prayer and kindness.

Help us to be your disciples today

keeping strong in prayer and mission

serving the least among us here

serving you by loving them well. Amen.

Sunday, June 20th - Proper 7

    

                                                Sunday, June 20th, 2021    Proper 7

The Collect 

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 Old Testament 1 Samuel 17: 32-49 

 David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” David said, “The LORD, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the LORD be with you!” Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.” When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. 

Psalm 9:9-20 

9 The LORD will be a refuge 

for the oppressed, *

a refuge in time of trouble. 

10 Those who know your Name 

will put their trust in you, * 

for you never forsake those 

who seek you, O LORD. 

11 Sing praise to the LORD 

who dwells in Zion; * 

proclaim to the peoples 

the things he has done. 

12 The Avenger of blood 

will remember them; * 

he will not forget 

the cry of the afflicted. 

13 Have pity on me, O LORD; *

see the misery I suffer from those

 who hate me, O you who lift me up 

from the gate of death; 

14 So that I may tell of all your praises 

and rejoice in your salvation * 

in the gates of the city of Zion. 

15 The ungodly have fallen 

into the pit they dug, * 

and in the snare they set 

is their own foot caught. 

16 The LORD is known 

by his acts of justice; * 

the wicked are trapped 

in the works of their own hands. 

17 The wicked shall be given

 over to the grave, * 

and also all the peoples 

that forget God. 

18 For the needy shall not

 always be forgotten, * 

and the hope of the poor 

shall not perish for ever. 

19 Rise up, O LORD, let not

 the ungodly have the upper hand; * 

let them be judged before you. 

20 Put fear upon them, O LORD; * 

let the ungodly know they are but mortal.

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 

As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return-- I speak as to children-- open wide your hearts also. 

The Gospel Mark 4:35-41 

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

A Litany for Sunday

Gracious and loving Creator

you fill the world with beauty

to help us to thrive where planted

yet we are often lost and fearful.

Be present with us in the storms of life.

The world is a paradise for some

and a dangerous place for others

yet you love us all and protect us

You draw near to those who call out to you.

Be present with us in the storms of life.

We are overwhelmed with changes

returning to a normal we don't know

trying to reconnect and recreate 

feeling lost on very rough seas.

Be present with us in the storms of life.

You calmed the seas for the disciples

Come, dear Savior and be with us today.

We lose direction and lose our faith

Yet you are present in every storm.

Help us to seek you in every moment

For you are our God and love us still.

Gracious Creator, restore our faith

Be present always in the storms of our lives.

Do Not Be Terrified

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” Luke 21:5-19 

Creator God, source of all strength

you alone know time and our lives

the length of our days and our world

is in your hands and understanding.

We fear what we cannot know

we ache for signs and insights

while you ache for us to live in faith

trusting that we are safely in your hands.

The disciples wanted clear promises

like us they wanted control of destiny

you call us to let go of fear and anxiety

and to rest in your eternal love.

Help us today to be strong in faith

may we wake everyday with prayers

thanking you for new light and love

living without fear, trusting in your love. Amen

A Widow's Offering

Then Jesus said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”‘ David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” Luke 20:41—21:4

Loving God, Creator of all peoples

you look upon us with eyes of love

caring for the rich and poor alike

calling us to see siblings everywhere.

We humans want to put ourselves above

the four-legged and the flying ones

trying to control the land and nature

not seeing our failings and our flaws.

Yet you watched at the treasury

the generosity of one poor widow

and called us to live like she did

entrusting all that we have to you.

Help us to be generous and loving

not worrying about station and wealth

but about kindness and forgiveness

so that we might show your love today. Amen.

God of the Living

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” For they no longer dared to ask him another question. Luke 20:27-40

Creator God, source of all life

you love all of your creation

breathing your spirit into all people

tender and kind to all nations.

We are sorely tested and confused

the world would have us divide

finding enemies on every corner

passing judgement on every difference.

You met the testing with stories

you told how the ancestors are alive

and silenced those who would trap you

helping us to know you even now.

Help us to be your faithful followers

seeing your beauty in every face

rejoicing in the blessings of all people

living your love in this world. Amen.

Render Unto God

When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.” He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent. Luke 20:19-26

Loving Creator, you have given us all

abundant good gifts of life and families

rain to bring growth and shelter in season

never ceasing to give us blessing upon blessing.

We often cry and struggle in hard times

thinking you have abandoned us

then when our lives are plentiful and rich

we pat ourselves on the back with pride.

Yet you are the same in every season

teaching us to never hold back giving

calling us to participate in community

by paying our dues and sharing with all.

Help us this day to see your generosity

let us be your followers as we are generous

let our lives and actions be a blessing today

so that your love is visible in our world. Amen.

Proper 6 - Sunday, June 13th, 2021

Sunday, June 13th, 2021

The Collect 

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 

Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. 

 Psalm 20

1 May the LORD answer you

 in the day of trouble, * 

the Name of the God of Jacob defend you; 

2 Send you help from his holy place * 

and strengthen you out of Zion; 

3 Remember all your offerings * 

and accept your burnt sacrifice; 

4 Grant you your heart's desire * 

and prosper all your plans. 

5 We will shout for joy at your victory 

and triumph in the Name of our God; *

 may the LORD grant all your requests.

 6 Now I know that the LORD 

gives victory to his anointed; * 

he will answer him out of his holy heaven, 

with the victorious strength 

of his right hand. 

7 Some put their trust in chariots

 and some in horses, * 

but we will call upon the Name 

of the LORD our God. 

8 They collapse and fall down, * 

but we will arise and stand upright. 

9 O LORD, give victory to the king *

 and answer us when we call.

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17 

We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. [Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.] For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 

The Gospel Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Creator, source of all life and abundance

we, your human children seek you

in the still of the night and at dawn

aching to understand your dreams for us.

Lord, we ask you for faith like a mustard seed.

We often stumble and feel inadequate

yet you have promised us increase

we will know abundance in our lives

if we will but plant seeds and nurture them.

Lord, we ask for faith like a mustard seed.

Your disciples walked with you daily

often they didn't understand your ways

you told them stories so they could

tell us your stories so that we have faith.

Lord, we ask for faith like a mustard seed.

Our world aches for healing and light

Help us to carry your love with us

The pain and suffering is all too real

Lord, we ask for faith like a mustard seed.

Help us to nurture and be caretakers

For you have given us enough for today.

Strengthen each one for the tasks ahead

Lord, we ask for faith like a mustard seed. Amen.

Feast of St. Barnabas

Jesus said to the twelve, “As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:7-16

Loving God, Creator of all life

you called many different disciples

with a variety of gifts and experience

to share your good news across our world.

St. Barnabas was companion to St. Paul

the support and strength of their ministry

he knew how to bring peace and welcome

to strangers in every time and place.

You called us all to carry no supplies

to give freely and bless everyone

and Barnabas has taught us all the way

the rule of life you would have us follow.

Help us to be humble and strong in faith

give us the strength to serve our enemies

teach us to be like Barnabas a blessing

drawing all people to your loving embrace. Amen.

The Stones Would Shout

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out." Luke 19:28-40

Creator you love speaks through all

all our relatives with legs and wings

and those of growing earth and solid stone

all sing your praises in every generation.

You created us all into a stream of motion

always turning, growing and changing

we fight the transitions you designed

trying to make permanent what is not.

Your love is permanent and secure

and in that love we can welcome new

we can let go of the old into your hands

and turn our face upward to each new dawn.

Help us to walk with you every day

disciples living in the mystery of your love

growing and changing and saying farewell

trusting that you will bring us safely home.

Investing

As they were listening to this, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’” Luke 19:11-27

loving Creator you give us gifts

each one different and perfect

you call us to use what we are given

to strengthen and restore the world.

We fear our own inadequacies

finding excuses for our lacking

you have promised abundance

yet we hoard and hide the gifts.

You told your disciples parables

so that they might have courage

and we too must have that courage

in these times of great challenge.

Help us to use what we have

investing our little with faith

trusting that you will multiply

knowing your love is boundless. Amen.

Up A Tree

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10

Loving Creator, you see us all

when we are barely able to walk

when we are hiding from ourselves

and when we are seeking a way home.

You have told us that your salvation

is found in our willingness to share

to reconcile and repay the wounded

and to love with  sacred generosity.

Your disciples did not want to eat

with the outcasts and great sinners

yet you sought out Zacchaeus

teaching us all how to truly love.

Help us to welcome everyone

those we have trouble loving

for you promise us all blessings

as we love those who have been set aside. Amen,

 

Gift of Sight

Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.’ But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Luke 18:31-43

Gracious Creator, giver of all beauty

we awake each day to dawn's beauty

and close every day with golden light

teaching us to revel in each new day.

Some of us take for granted these gifts

while others suffer in darkness and pain

we are too often overlooking their cries

while we complain about simple challenges.

You taught your disciples to always respond

to those we encounter on the road each day

and call us even now to see beyond difference

embracing those crying out for healing.

Let us walk each day as your disciples

willing to stop during our busy days

making room for healing and light

so your love might flow through us all. Amen. 

Second Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 5

June 6, 2021 Proper 5

The Collect

 O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) 

All the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” So Samuel reported all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; [and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers.] He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.” [Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they sacrificed offerings of well-being before the LORD, and there Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.]

 Psalm 138  

1 I will give thanks to you,

 O LORD, with my whole heart; * 

before the gods I will sing your praise.

 2 I will bow down toward your 

holy temple and praise your Name, * 

because of your love and faithfulness; 

3 For you have glorified your Name * 

and your word above all things. 

4 When I called, you answered me; * 

you increased my strength within me. 

5 All the kings of the earth 

will praise you, O LORD, * 

when they have heard 

the words of your mouth. 

6 They will sing of the

 ways of the LORD, * 

that great is the glory of the LORD. 

7 Though the LORD be high, 

he cares for the lowly; * 

he perceives the haughty from afar.

 8 Though I walk in the midst 

of trouble, you keep me safe; * 

you stretch forth your hand 

against the fury of my enemies; 

your right hand shall save me.

 9 The LORD will make good

his purpose for me; * 

O LORD, your love endures for ever; 

do not abandon the works of your hands. 

 The Epistle 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 

Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

The Gospel Mark 3:20-35 

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

A Litany for Sunday, June 6th, 2021

Gracious Creator, author of all life

you have created us in your image

in complete beauty and total diversity

so that we might understand your ways.

Lord, make us one family as we do your will.

We have hidden behind walls of division

using our differences to judge and isolate

yet you, one in three, express completeness

and ache for us to see us as one family.

Send us, Lord, into the world as your family.

We have destroyed peoples and cultures

using our religion to justify our actions

yet you would have us see that you give faith

to all peoples, in all places and in all languages.

Lord, make us one family as we do your will.

We separate but your call us together

Send us, Lord, into the world as your family.

We can hate but you call us to love

Lord, make us one family as we do your will.

Our world cries for justice and you hear

Send us, Lord, into the world as your family. Amen.

Humble

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

Loving Creator, you abide with us

knowing our needs and our wants

surrounding us with the gift of beauty 

in  the turning of every time and  season.

We often think ourselves better than others

we overlook the needs of our neighbors

we are caught up in our own concerns

we fail to see you walking with the poor.

Yet you taught by telling the stories

of the pompous and the outcasts

showing us that humble and honest

are the best ways to walk life's path.

Help us, dear lord, to face every day

with humble and honest hearts

rising up so that we might serve

rejoicing in the gifts of your love.