Denying

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:66-72

Great Creator, steadfast and true

you are found in every breeze

dwell in with us in humble places

and surround us with your love.

We move to anger and fear quickly

like animals cornered we loudly rage

fighting for our food and our safety

we forget that you are always with us.

You were tortured and teased for us

your close disciple acted as a stranger

his human frailty on complete display

like us he denied you over and over.

Help us today to be faithful friends

let us be loyal to you by loving others

make us ready and able to face our fears

so that your love can be our strength. Amen.

On Trial

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him. Mark 14:53-65

Loving Creator who breathes life into all

you calm the winds and direct the storms

you delight in the laughter of children

and implant wisdom in all our elders.

You stood before the court being tested

standing in place of all of humanity

accused yet innocent, on trial for us all

loving us even when we turned angry.

We live in a world of violent storms

among people who ache and need

some have much and others nothing

and we live often for ourselves alone.

Help us to call upon you in the storm

make us those who stand with others

amidst the storms and the trials ahead

may we bring your love to all we meet. Amen.

Sunday, August 29th Proper 17

The Collect 

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

 Old Testament Song of Solomon 2:8-13 

The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." 

 Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10 

 1 My heart is stirring with a noble song;

 let me recite what I 

have fashioned for the king; * 

 my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer. 

2 You are the fairest of men; * 

 grace flows from your lips, because God

 has blessed you for ever. 

7 Your throne, O God, endures

 for ever and ever, * 

 a scepter of righteousness is the scepter 

of your kingdom; you love righteousness 

and hate iniquity. 

8 Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *

 with the oil of gladness above your fellows. 

9 All your garments are fragrant

 with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, * 

 and the music of strings from 

ivory palaces makes you glad. 

10 Kings' daughters stand among

 the ladies of the court; *

 on your right hand is the queen,

 adorned with the gold of Ophir. 

 The Epistle James 1:17-27 

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act-they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. 

The Gospel Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 

When the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

A Sunday Litany

Wondrous Creator who hung the stars

and made the mountains soar above us

you have taught us how to care for all

and we have turned from your direction.

Lord, remake us with hearts for love alone.

We often make rules and judge others harshly

while you put us in tribes to teach us well

the ways of your generosity and compassion

the connection we have with every being.

Lord, remake us with hearts for love alone.

In every season you show us abundant beauty

we are blessed and full yet we want even more

our greed and selfish ways have brought us low

and we are weak because we are disconnected.

Lord, remake us with heart for love alone.

Take the fear and anger from our hearts

Lord, remake us with hearts for love alone.

Give us the strength to confess our faults

Lord, remake us with hearts for love alone.

The need is great and the suffering is all around

Lord, remake us with hearts for love alone. Amen.

Flesh is Weak

And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’ Mark 14:27-42

Creator you are complete and whole 

you spun the world with golden light

made the waters sparkle blue and green

and love weak humanity completely.

Your friends could not stay awake

their bellies full and the wine flowed

you prayed in the garden alone then

your last night of human freedom.

We often think we are great and mighty

yet every day our foolishness shows

we believe ourselves to be god like

and we stumble and cry out for help.

Make us wise enough to see our need

make us humble enough to ask for help

make us always ready to quickly forgive

and let your compassion be revealed in us. Amen.

At Table

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’ So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.’ They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, ‘Surely, not I?’ He said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:12-26

Tender Creator you are present at every table

the good fruits of your creation adorn our lives

the kind winds and living oceans supply us all

and you are in every morsel that we consume.

You were betrayed for a few silver coins

as we often betray others for money and fame

yet even at the last meal you offered yourself

your whole body for the life of the whole world.

We ache for answers in our dark times

and cry out with anger when we don't win

yet you taught us the way to live our lives

by offering ourselves so others may thrive.

Help us today to care for those around us

in small ways daily let us reveal your love

make us agent of change in this hurting world

so all may know they are blessed and loved. Amen.

In Remembrance of Her

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’ While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.’ And they scolded her. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’ Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. Mark 14:1-11

Loving Creator, your love is endless

we know it in the cycle of the seasons

the waxing and waning of the moon

and the rising and setting of the sun.

You sat at table with religious leaders 

who wanted all the power and control

and when you were grateful for a gift

they despised your compassion and love.

The world is tilting off it's axis again

too many voices raised for center stage

yet your still small voice whispers

come and open your hearts to others.

Help us to be like the anointing woman

who gave all that she had for love of you

make us generous, humble and loving

so that world might resound with joy again. Amen.

Bartholomew

A dispute arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. “You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:24-30

Loving Creator you show us the way

through dark and stormy long nights

through the blazing sun of summer days

and shelter us in the deep winter cold.

Bartholomew the disciple was humble

he suffered much and cared for many

he did not shy away from the challenge

nor fight for recognition and honor.

We ache for honors and accolades

wanting to be first, wanting to win

and we often overlook others' needs

selfishly taking more than enough.

Help us today to be like Bartholomew

living lives of service and of prayer

rejoicing in kindness and peace

loving the world in your name. Amen.

From the Four Winds

Jesus said, “But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. And if anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’ – do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything. “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see " the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.” Mark 13:14-27

Great Creator you sent the four winds

to breathe life into every being

the two and four legged and winged

and those who crawl and the swimmers.

You have seen us through hard times

through storms from the vast oceans

and violence between countries

and have been our strength and stay.

Too often we run from your grace

trying to go our way alone and foolish

yet you wait and hope for us still

sending love in the center of storms.

Draw near to all who are breaking

surround us with love for our neighbors

teach us again a reverence for creation

and let us love others without reservations. Amen.

Sunday, August 22nd - Proper 16

The Collect 

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament 1 Kings 8: 22-30, 41-43 

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O LORD my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive. “Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name —for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built. 

Psalm 84 

How dear to me is your dwelling, 

O LORD of hosts! * 

My soul has a desire and longing 

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and my flesh rejoice

in the living God. 

2 The sparrow has found her a house

 and the swallow a nest where 

she may lay her young; * 

by the side of your altars, 

O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 

3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! * 

they will always be praising you. 

4 Happy are the people whose 

strength is in you! * 

whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way. 

5 Those who go through the desolate

 valley will find it a place of springs, * 

for the early rains have covered

 it with pools of water. 

6 They will climb from 

height to height, * 

and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

7 LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; * 

hearken, O God of Jacob. 

8 Behold our defender, O God; * 

and look upon the face of your Anointed. 

9 For one day in your courts is better 

than a thousand in my own room, * 

and to stand at the threshold 

of the house of my God than to dwell 

in the tents of the wicked. 

10 For the LORD God is both 

sun and shield; * 

he will give grace and glory; 

11 No good thing will the LORD withhold * 

from those who walk with integrity. 

12 O LORD of hosts, * 

happy are they who put their trust in you! 

The Epistle Ephesians 6:10-20 

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. 

The Gospel John 6:56-69

Jesus said, “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 forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

A Sunday Litany

O great Creator, author of all life

you call us to walk the sacred path

you guide us through dark valleys

and keep us in the midst of storms.

Guide our feet in the way of your love.

We are often distracted and disobedient

wanting to create our own shortcuts

thinking we can find an easier way

we fall prey to get rich quick schemes.

Guide our feet in the way of your love.

You told us that some days would be hard

yet your disciples knew you to be true

they walked the sacred roads with you

and struggled as we do with our faith.

Guide our feet in the way of your love.

Help us Lord, to stay of the right path

for we are weak and daily lose our way.

Guide our feet in the way of your love.

Strengthen us for the rough days ahead

Lord, you know we are prone to stumble.

Guide our feet in the way of your love.

You are our heart, our Lord, our shepherd

you lead us to paths and plenty and life.

Guide our feet in the way of your love. Amen.

Everything She Had

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘ “David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight. As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and 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 sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:35-44

Creator of all abundance and love

you shower us with all that we need

and teach us how to live generously

so that all of your creation can thrive.

We humans are selfish and fearful

hoarding and hiding your gifts

unwilling to share the way you taught

seeing our neighbors as a threat.

You sat but they treasury and saw

the widow who gave her last dime

knowing that you would provide

trusting that others needed her help.

Let us be the selfless one today

help us to give ourselves completely

teach us again your generous love

learning love as we your love away. Amen.

Greatest Commandment

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34

Loving Creator, source of life

you teach us in the birdsong

and in the roar of the ocean

that love is our life in you.

You taught the way to thrive

you said drawing close to you

is drawing close to others

and you are known as we love.

We are too often selfish and afraid

finding safety in people like us

who agree with us, act like us

you are near as we love outcasts.

Help us to draw near to you now

by loving the stranger, the neighbor

and those we struggle to love

so that your love might shine in us today Amen.

Testing

Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. 

 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that ‘if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.’ There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married her and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.” Mark 12:13-27

Gracious Creator, ever patient with us

you look with compassion on creation

smiling at our stumbling and testing

holding us all close in your loving heart.

Like a loving parent you ache for us

letting us find our way with direction

and when we fail to listen and defy

you still welcome us with open arms.

We want to think ourselves in control

shutting our ears and hearts to you

shunning your teaching and guidance

we wander far and cry out for your help.

Help us to see the depths of your love

let us live with gratitude for your love

help us to replace testing with trust

and anger with gratitude all our days. Amen.

The Cornerstone

Again Jesus and the disciples came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.

 Have you not read this scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away. Mark 11:27—12:12

Wondrous Creator, the cornerstone of all life

you water the world so our food can grow

you surround us with beauty, love demonstrated

and dazzle us with sunsets and soft sunrises.

Yet we often doubt your loving care for us

or think we know what is better and our due

we paved over your gifts and slay the innocent

so that we can control what was never ours.

You sent your child to teach us love's way

and the religious leaders conspired to kill him

we humans grow angry when we are confronted

with our selfishness and with our conceit.

Help us, Lord, to rely on your love alone

teach us to trust you for every breath

make us those who are grateful and loving

as we reach out to strengthen others Amen.

A Mother's Heart - Feast of St. Mary

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

Loving Creator, you placed your heart

in each and every mother and auntie

those who carried us and carry our burdens

praying for us now as they fall asleep.

You sent the Savior to a young woman

unprepared, yet willing to give life

she sacrificed all as every mother does

and kept watch in the wee hours, praying.

Mary, in your grown child you saw potential

he was reluctant, you insisted despite protest

like every mother's heart you wanted

the world to see the blessings of your child.

Help us today to be more like Mary

terrified and yet always saying yes

always encouraging and seeing the best

loving despite the very present heart breaks. Amen.

Sunday, August 15th, 2021 - Proper 15

The Collect 

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

 David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established. Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.” 

 Psalm 111  

1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks 

to the LORD with my whole heart, * 

in the assembly of the upright, 

in the congregation. 

2 Great are the deeds of the LORD! * 

they are studied by all who delight in them. 

3 His work is full of majesty

 and splendor, * 

and his righteousness

 endures for ever. 

4 He makes his marvelous works 

to be remembered; * 

the LORD is gracious 

and full of compassion. 

5 He gives food to those

 who fear him; 

 he is ever mindful of his covenant. 

6 He has shown his people

 the power of his works * 

in giving them the lands of the nations. 

7 The works of his hands 

are faithfulness and justice; * 

all his commandments are sure. 

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * 

because they are done in truth and equity. 

9 He sent redemption to his people; 

he commanded his covenant for ever; * 

holy and awesome is his Name. 

10 The fear of the LORD 

is the beginning of wisdom; * 

those who act accordingly 

have a good understanding; 

his praise endures for ever. 

 The Epistle Ephesians 5:15-20

 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Gospel John 6:51-58

 Jesus said, “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.” 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 forever.”

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, source of life

you came among us as living bread

you show you love in your creation

showering us with plenty is every season.

Bread of life, feed us with your Holy Spirit.

We are often worried and afraid

toiling so we might feed our young

you provided food in the wilderness

and thousands were fully satisfied.

Bread of life, feed us with your Holy Spirit.

You called us to compassion and love

yet we often cry out to be fed some more

we want all the ease and the blessings

and fail to be in relationship with you.

Bread of life, feed us with your Holy Spirit.

Draw us together at your table, Lord.

Make us your family and your people today.

Help us to live for others as you would do.

Give us hearts of service like yours, dear Lord.

Renew us and remake us with your compassion

Bread of life, feed us with your Holy Spirit. Amen

Have Mercy

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

Loving Creator source of all healing

you hear the cries of the suffering

you have mercy on all in distress

and you ache to heal all of creation.

You walked along dusty ancient roads

and heard the cry of the blind man

Bartimaeus cried out to you as you passed

and you touched him so he might see again.

We are embroiled in a great pandemic

sickness again is breaking out everywhere

we have learned how to live and take care

yet daily we put only ourselves first.

Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us

restore our faith and our compassion

help us to hear the cries of the suffering

and reach out to all who need your love. Amen.

The Greatest Serve

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

Great Creator who is gentle and kind

you never force your ways upon us

you shower us with food and beauty

and all your creation reflects your grace.

You teach us to be humble and to serve

to walk tenderly with other each day

as you walked with your friends then

putting others before our own glory.

We are often clamoring to be first

stepping on our siblings as we struggle

yet time and again you remind us

that the greatest will be those who serve.

Help us to be your loving servants

putting others before our selfish needs

let you love be our road map and guide

so the world see true leadership in us. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’ Mark 8:34-9:1

Gracious Creator, you sacrifice all for creation

you shower us with all goodness and life

breathing hope into the weary and sad

and renewing creation through the seasons.

We have often sought to blame others

we have too often complained and cried

when we are responsible for all the damage

and have not been willing to do our part.

You gave up your life for the many

the outcast and the stranger are your beloved

you moved through the world with compassion

and still we whine and cry for our lack.

Make us each strong enough to carry our cross

empower us to be burden carriers for others

make the least and the lonely our responsibility

so the world might see your love here and now. Amen.

As A Little Child

Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:1-16

Loving Creator, you have made us your children

tenderly caring for us and teaching us your ways

calling us to compassion and to selfless service

strengthening us for each new day that breaks.

We often live by our own rules, not yours

making laws that excuse our daily excesses

while acting as if we are blameless and true

yet you see all that we do and weep for us.

You have given us hearts of tenderness

yet we harden them and close our ears to pain

we only want for our comfort and satisfaction

neglecting the most vulnerable in our midst.

Creator, give us new hearts of compassion

let us embrace the stranger as our children

help us to hear and see the needs before us

and welcome the outcasts for your sake. Amen.

Salted

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

Loving Creator, source of all breath and life

you taught us to care for all living beings

to shape our lives in care of community

and you have given the necessary sustenance.

We often stray and stumble every day

we are selfish, greedy and blind to others

we complain when we are occasionally tested 

yet we forget to be grateful for your abundance.

You walked with people calling them to care

for the most vulnerable, the young and elderly

for those without shelter, food and tenderness

and call us to care for the least among us now.

Help us to be people who admit our stumbling

open our eyes to the needs of those around us

give us strength to care for neighbors and strangers

so the world might know your eternal love. Amen.

Sunday, August 8th Proper 14

The Collect 

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; 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 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

 

The king, David, ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country; and the forest claimed more victims that day than the sword. Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. His head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him. Then the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, “Good tidings for my lord the king! For the Lord has vindicated you this day, delivering you from the power of all who rose up against you.” The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be like that young man.” The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 

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.

The Epistle Ephesians 4:25-5:2

 Putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

The Gospel John 6:35, 41-51 

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Then the Jews began to complain about him 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.”

A Litany for Sunday, August 8th, 2021

O Wondrous Creator, source of all life

you provide us with bread from the fields

sweet fruit and tender vegetables for health

and send us rain and snow in due season.

Bread of life, help us to believe in you completely.

You offered your life for the whole world

you made us in your image and feed us

in our diversity was are your children all

and you sustain us daily with your love.

Bread of life, help us to believe in you completely.

You reconciled the world through suffering

yet we would worry and suffer needlessly

as we seek our own ways and selfish pursuits

you still call us, you still reach out your hands.

Bread of life, help us to believe in you completely.

The world is broken and afraid

Savior of the world draw near to us.

We are faltering and feeling isolated

Holy One, strengthen us for your service.

Make us your children and your hands here now

Bread of life, help us to believe in you completely. Amen.

Through Prayer

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

Great Creator you have taught us to pray

as the sun rises in the early mornings

and at it setting in the purple evenings

so that your breath can bring us healing.

We scurry around and worry ourselves

we let our arrogance take control of us

we fret and toil and ache with failure

because we forget to offer it to you.

A child was tormented you set free

a parent came asking and you answered

the blind and deaf sought you out

all the time you breathe healing still.

Let us quiet down as the day turns

seeking you only with our prayers 

as we release the cares to your heart

you take them and make us live again. Amen.

A Mountain Apart

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

 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” Mark 9:2-13

Creator, you live throughout history

yet are willing to be among us now

knowing all yet including us each

as you empower all your creation.

We think we know but so not listen

we believe in ourselves but do not see

our capacity is limited, your endless

yet we often rely on our own capacity.

You took your friends up the mountain

so they might have a glimpse of eternity

they responded with fear and terror

struggling to embrace your great love.

Help us to listen and to watch for you

in the high places and small moments

help us to trust in your never failing love

so the world might be made new with hope. Amen.