Sunday, October 31st, 2021 Proper 26

The Collect 

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament Ruth 1:1-18

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had considered his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has turned against me." Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. 

Psalm 146 

1 Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, 

O my soul! * 

I will praise the LORD 

as long as I live; 

I will sing praises to my God 

while I have my being. 

2 Put not your trust in rulers, 

nor in any child of earth, * 

for there is no help in them. 

3 When they breathe their last, 

they return to earth, * 

and in that day their thoughts perish.

 4 Happy are they who have 

the God of Jacob for their help! * 

whose hope is in the LORD their God; 

5 Who made heaven and earth, 

the seas, and all that is in them; * 

who keeps his promise for ever; 

6 Who gives justice to 

those who are oppressed, * 

and food to those who hunger. 

7 The LORD sets the prisoners free; 

the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; * 

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 

8 The LORD loves the righteous; 

the LORD cares for the stranger; * 

he sustains the orphan and widow, 

but frustrates the way of the wicked. 

9 The LORD shall reign for ever, * 

your God, O Zion, 

throughout all generations. Hallelujah! 

The Epistle Hebrews 9:11-14

When Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

 The Gospel Mark 12:28-34 

One of the scribes came near and

 heard the Saducees 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.

O Wondrous Creator who renews our earth

you made us and loved us before our birth

you know us and love us each by name

and call us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors.

Your rule of life is sacrifice and humility

you call us to love when it is so very hard

we ache for an easy and comfortable life

even though we know we will all have crosses.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors.

Religious leaders doubted your authenticity

some mocked your absolute simplicity

your commandments are easy to understand

and are the hardest ways to truly live out.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors.

Renew us, Lord, so that we can love again.

Make us the vessels of new hope and joy.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors.

We ache to be loved and fully included

yet we are swift so send the stranger away.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors.

Gentle Jesus, be our guide now and forever

so that your love might be our gift to all.

Precious Lord, help us to love the stranger and our neighbors. Amen.

Weeds

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30 

Loving Creator, who plants us in our places

who tends and feeds us, watering us with love

you have made the world a place of growth

where weeds and grain grow side by side.

We often are afraid of the weeds in our lives

angry that they thrive and make us look bad

they crowd us and supplant us at times

and we want to kill and destroy their lives.

Yet you reminded us that we can grow together

that the final chapters have not been written

that your loving care will always be with us

and that we are called to tend the folks we have.

Help us, Lord, to grow where we are planted

let us not worry about the weeds around us

let us prayerfully put our worry in your hands

trusting that you will help us grow in love. Amen

Yielding Fruit

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ Matthew 13:18-23

Wondrous Creator, who gives life to all

you turn our mother earth in each season

encouraging us in abundance and in want

teaching us patience with our challenges.

We are often discouraged very easily

giving up when you call us to lay fallow

thinking we are abandoned in deep dirt

crying out when we are being broken open.

You taught your disciples by stories

to help them remember for all their days

and we have stories too that teach others

that your love and presence are eternal.

Help us to be scattered for your love

make us thrive amidst the weeds of life

keep us encouraged when overwhelmed

so we might bear good fruit for your love. Amen.

Parables

Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. Matthew 13:10-17

Great Creator, author all our stories

we listen in the wind to your song

look into the waters for your spirit

and seek your direction from the stars.

You have blessed us with all our needs

healed our broken places and people

repeated the stories to our children

and rejoiced when we followed you.

We are a stubborn lot and don't listen

wanting instead to change all the rules

hoping to create something better

than the perfect love you have given us.

Give us new ears to listen in new ways

new eyes to see your face in the crowd

new hearts to love where we are called

and hands to serve where we are sent. Amen.

Good Soil

 

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ Matthew 13:1-9

Gracious Creator, you feed the earth

with autumn rains and winter snow

seeds asleep deep in the resting soil

waiting to burst forth again in light.

We are distracted and in much pain

the losses have mounted up high

and the tears and the rage flows

we feel choked by weeds and thorns.

You taught with powerful stories

that still resonate to this very day

yet we are often shallow and rigid

making no space for new life.

Lord make us good soil today

help us to receive the new seed

let hope nurture and grow in us

so that your love can sprout again. Amen.

Family of God

Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.” While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:43-50 

Great Creator, you made us in your image

and call us each by our own names

promising that we are yours always

and binding us together as one family.

Our inheritance is your great love

our work is sharing your endless love

we are blessed daily by your presence

and we see you in every place and time.

We often forget that love freely given

and rely on our wits and talents alone

greed and selfishness rise up and choke

like weeds the love that surrounds us.

Jesus make us one family again today

heal us from our pride and our hubris

humble us so we can see your face

in everyone we encounter on our way. Amen.

Sunday, October 24th Proper 25

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Job 42:1-6, 10-17 

Job answered the LORD: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived for one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children’s children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.

 

Psalm 34:1-8 

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; * 

 his praise shall ever be in my mouth. 

2 I will glory in the LORD; * 

 let the humble hear and rejoice. 

3 Proclaim with me the 

greatness of the LORD; * 

 let us exalt his Name together. 

4 I sought the LORD, 

and he answered me * 

 and delivered me out of all my terror. 

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *

 and let not your faces be ashamed. 

6 I called in my affliction 

and the LORD heard me * 

 and saved me from all my troubles. 

7 The angel of the LORD encompasses 

those who fear him, * 

 and he will deliver them. 

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; * 

 happy are they who trust in him! 

The Epistle Hebrews 7:23-28 

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. 

The Gospel Mark 10:46-52 

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he 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.

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, source of all healing

you teach us what we need for survival

and shower us with stars to light our way

surrounding us with the love of community.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

The lame and the blind cried out to you

the mad ones and the fearful friends

mothers and fathers agonized over children

and you responded to each one by name.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

We live in a world of arrogance and greed

a few have access while many more do not

we look away when we see others in pain

yet you still hear their cries for mercy.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

We pray for the little ones and the lost ones

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

We call out from our deepest darkness and fear

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

We need your healing now more than ever

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all.

Heal us so we may tenderly care for others

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us all. Amen

House Divided

Then they brought to Jesus a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.” He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Matthew 12:22-32 

Gracious Creator you plant us in families

bound us together by culture and tribe

you made us all your beloved children

and offer to bring healing in every age.

We live in an age of great seismic divisions

where greed is greater than human need

and we ache to find healing and respite

yet we fail to see how we partition ourselves.

You healed the one who cried out to you

forgave whatever sins had been committed

and you promise to heal and forgive us

if we would reach out in love to one another.

Lord help us to be undivided in our loving

make us those who bring people together

draw near and heal and forgive us all

so we might joyfully spread your love today. Amen.

Gentleness

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope. Matthew 12:15-21 (NRSV)

Gracious Creator, heart of gentleness

you hung the full moon for our safety

and turn the seasons for our plenty

and gently walk with us to this very day.

We find ourselves in times of struggle

fierce anger and unkindness surround

short tempers and short fuses abound

and we find ourselves needing healing.

You are still among you people today 

as you lovingly healed the crowds then

we need your presence and spirit here

for we are broken and in need of you.

Help us today to see the needs within

give us eyes to see the needs without

put your spirit upon us all today

so we might share your gentle healing. Amen.

Heads of Grains

At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?’ so that they might accuse him. He said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Matthew 12:1-14

Great Creator you scatter seeds for our food

and send rain and brother sun to help it grow

we depend on you for share and shelter

and you care for each of us as a loving parent.

We live in a world where people hoard goods

and others judge what their neighbors eat

yet many are hungry and waiting in long lines

while you have spread abundance everywhere.

When your disciples were hungry you fed them

despite the cruel outcry from religious leaders

and when a man was suffering you healed him

although the leaders decided to kill you then.

Let us be those who feed those around us

help us to be those who lighten the suffering

make us fearless in the face of threat and ridicule

so that all the people may be well and safe. Amen.

Revealed to Infants

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:25-30 (NRSV)

O Great Creator, lover of innocence ones

you held us before being in the cradle board

you sustained us as we learned how to walk

and caress us in our very last hours here.

We busy our selves with gaining skill

and lord our accomplishments over others

yet you know us as the same small fragile ones

and ache for us to be tender and kind again.

The world is overrun with hurt and anger

our carelessness and selfishness is showing

yet you remind us today to be as little ones

with hearts open to your beautiful blessings.

Help us to come to you with our burdens

to lean in to your love and you respite

give us the power to accept your teaching

and help us to rest in your abiding love. Amen.

Telling the Story

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. Luke 1:1-4 (NRSV)

Loving Creator you whisper our stories

so that we can retell them to our children

so they can understand how blessed we are

and how we are small part of a larger story.

The winter is on the horizon and in the wind

the leaves fall to make the woodlands carpet

we dry our food and store all the summer seeds

so we can renew life in your appointed time.

The world harbors so many confusing stories

and many make money on telling their lies

you have promised to bring light in darkness

and to set the prisoners and suffering free.

Give us voices to share the story of your love

give us strong arms to help those who are in need

strengthen our weak hearts so we can share 

in helping set the captive and suffering go free. Amen.

Sunday, October 17th Proper 24

Sunday, October 17th, 2021

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession 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 Job 38:1-7 

The LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? 

 Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b 

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; * 

O LORD my God, how excellent

 is your greatness! you are clothed 

with majesty and splendor. 

2 You wrap yourself with light

 as with a cloak * 

and spread out the heavens 

like a curtain. 

3 You lay the beams of your 

chambers in the waters above; * 

you make the clouds your chariot;

 you ride on the wings of the wind. 

4 You make the winds your messengers * 

and flames of fire your servants. 

5 You have set the earth 

upon its foundations, * 

so that it never shall move at any time. 

6 You covered it with the Deep

 as with a mantle; *

 the waters stood higher than the mountains. 

7 At your rebuke they fled; * 

at the voice of your thunder

 they hastened away. 

8 They went up into the hills and 

down to the valleys beneath, * 

to the places you had appointed for them. 

9 You set the limits that they should not pass; * 

they shall not again cover the earth. 

25 O LORD, how manifold are your works! * 

in wisdom you have made them all; 

the earth is full of your creatures. 

37b Hallelujah! 

The Epistle Hebrews 5:1-10 

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Gospel Mark 10:35-45 

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus 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 a ransom for many.”

O Creator God, who shelters our homes

who daily tends to the small and the weak

you light the sky with stars for our delight

and so that we can navigate when lost.

Help us, dear Lord, to live to humbly serve.

We fight and tussle to take the top spot

you call us to wait our turn and be humble

your disciples thought they were first in line

and learned that following you mean serving.

Help us, dear Lord, to live to humbly serve.

The world is a war with disease and our pride

each nation and party believing they are just

yet you know our fearful and trembling hearts

calling us to be strong in our very weakness.

Help us, dear Lord, to live to humbly serve.

We stumble and complain about our challenges

Yet you shower us with blessings day and night.

Help us, dear Lord, to live humbly to serve.

The seasons turn with great beauty and truth

yet we would stop the changing in our lives.

Help us, dear Lord, to live humbly to serve.

You are the source of all life and abundance

and you know us each by name as beloved.

Help us, dear Lord, to live humbly to serve. Amen.

One Cup

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” Matthew 10:34-42

Gracious Creator who covers the earth with streams

you gave us clear, living waters for everyone

yet so many have polluted and control the source

taking freely from you, they keep back you blessing.

You called us to love and care for our neighbors

blessing the small gestures of water and food given

some in our world put a price tag on your free gifts

limiting access and believing it is theirs alone.

You taught your disciples have to be sacrificial

teach us so we can teach our children as well

for the small acts of kindness and respect

can change our whole small island for your good.

Help us today to share one small cup of blessing

give us the strength to protect our natural resources

let us use the gifts you have given us as blessings

for a broken, thirsty and frightened world today. Amen.

Proclaim from the Housetops

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:24-33

Creator God, you give us voices to share

the joy of love of everyday experiences

the sorrows of loss, deep and breaking

the hope on the gentle winter winds.

You knew the how we worry each day

yet you promised we are counted precious

sparrows and lilies in tender beauty

remind us how you care for us all.

We sigh and wring our hands these days

there seems no end to illness and rage

hearts are breaking and often broken

and you have promised to be with us all.

Lord, draw close to your people today

remind us of your love and care for us

help us to draw near to the most fragile

so that your love can sound from housetops. Amen.

Sheep Among Wolves

Jesus said, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 10:16-23

Loving Creator our world is full of beauty and danger

you made balance and wisdom in every living one

you put the land and the grazing ones in our care 

trusting us with your love, wisdom and compassion.

We too often don't listen to your clarion call

to be humble, loving, generous and kind

instead we are too often out for ourselves alone

becoming the wolves we should fear the most.

You sent you beloved friend out with nothing

promising to supply their need in the communities

giving them your power to heal and bring peace

and you are calling us to be those who do likewise.

Help us, O Lord, to be humble as newborn sheep

aware of our neediness and powerlessness today

so that we might rely on your in every moment

and share your gifts we all those we meet here. Amen.

Indigenous Peoples' Day 2021

"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.” Matthew 10:7-14

Wondrous Creator you placed us all here

calling us to be your people in this land

we neglect the call you have given to us

forget the sacred trust of carrying your love.

Help us, Lord, to learn how to love our neighbors.

Blessed Creator, you are the source of welcome

with nothing in our hands you supplied all

blessing us with resting places and worthy homes

companions who made room for pilgrims.

Help us, Lord, to humbly listen to their wisdom.

In our selfish greed we took land and children

we tried to remake others in our own image

we did not share our peace but our brutality

our  ignorance became our righteousness.

Forgive us, Lord, for all the way we conquer others.

You sent the disciples forth with no extra supplies

knowing there would be love to receive them

when strangers landed on these shores, love was here

welcoming them and giving them what they needed.

Lord, remove the arrogance and make our hearts grateful.

The land and people of the Americas are ancient and wise

You put your heart and compassion within them.

Help us to listen and know we have much to learn

From those who took us in and granted us your peace.

Lord, move us from trying to fix to working for love alone

For you are the Creator of all, and love of us all. Amen.

Sunday, October 10th - Proper 23

The Collect 

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Job 23:1-9, 16-17 

Job said: "Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me. There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge. "If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me; If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face!" 

Psalm 22:1-15 

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? * 

and are so far from my cry and 

from the words of my distress?

2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, 

but you do not answer; * 

by night as well, but I find no rest. 

3 Yet you are the Holy One, * 

enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 

4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; * 

they trusted, and you delivered them. 

5 They cried out to you and were delivered; * 

they trusted in you and were not put to shame. 

6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, * 

scorned by all and despised by the people. 

7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; * 

they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying, 

8 "He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; * 

let him rescue him, if he delights in him." 

9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, * 

and kept me safe upon my mother's breast. 

10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; * 

you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb. 

11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, * 

and there is none to help. 

12 Many young bulls encircle me; * 

strong bulls of Bashan surround me. 

13 They open wide their jaws at me, * 

like a ravening and a roaring lion. 

14 I am poured out like water;

 all my bones are out of joint; * 

my heart within my breast is melting wax. 

15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; 

my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; * 

and you have laid me in the dust of the grave. 

The Epistle Hebrews 4:12-16 

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

The Gospel Mark 10:17-31 

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

A Litany for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

 

Creator, you made us all in your beautiful diversity

Planting us in all four corners of your sacred earth

And you call us together now on the four winds

Inviting us to be renewed and healed by your spirit.

Creator, author of all goodness, water us with your tears and bind us all as one.

 

Your people have been scattered, abused and broken

Yet always you sang to us by the light of sister moon

You spoke to us through the radiance of brother sun

Through the very ground you remind us we are loved.

Creator, source of compassion, you bear our pain and hear our silent screams.

 

They took our land and then they took our little ones

You heard our moaning and our cries in the night

Sending comfort and vision for a new generation of hope

To the seventh generation you have promised healing.

Creator, you know our hearts, help us to pray as our ancestors did.

 

You placed us on lush, green and fertile lands

Draped with golden mountains and deep rivers

You taught us how to care for every living thing

But strangers came and did not see your beauty.

Creator, you bring sight to the blind, help our people to see again.

 

Loving Creator, use our wounds for the healing of our circle

Use our voices so the songs of the silenced are heard again

Use the threads of our anger and shame for the mending of this hoop

Use our homes and our ancient lands as places of sacred promise.

Creator, make us whole again, so our mother is renewed for all. Amen.

 

 

 

Yes, Lord

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.” Matthew 9:27-34

Creator, you put your spirit in all

you hear the cries of the suffering

bringing sight to the blind ones

offering respite to the weary ones.

We are tired and worn these days

moved to distrust and frustration

striking at those who unsettle us

not willing to ask for our healing.

Yet along the road strangers cried out

and you turned and healed them all

the religious leaders condemned you

yet you loved then and love us still.

Draw near to us in our sorrows

bring healing so that we may go on

we are your heart and hands today

and we would be a balm for our world. Amen.

Take Heart, Daughter

While Jesus was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:18-26

Gracious Creator you gather all the children

you tenderly care for them and heal them

they teach us your love through their faith

they renew our hopes and dry our tears.

Daily we fear for the safety of our children

and we strive and struggle to care for them

you loved them first and love them always

and each one is nestle in your loving heart.

You went to the home of a broken father

the local people laughed at both of you

for expecting the dead girl to rise up

and yet you silenced them by her living.

Help us to silence the fears within us

and give us courage to silence the crowd

so that your healing and love may flow

in the people and places where fear abides now. Amen

New Wineskins

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Matthew 9:9-17

Creator God, author of new beginnings

we find ourselves in new times and places

with extraordinary new challenges ahead

and feel we were not trained for this now.

You taught your disciples in sacred stories

to help them see the changes needed

often they marveled and then forgot

as we do today, forgetting your lessons.

You call us to recognize the times we are in

to pray and trust you boldly in all things

we want the comfort of the old familiar

yet you promise there is new wine ahead.

Help us to be made new again for you

let our hearts and souls be rebuilt

make us ready servants in these new days

let your love be our guide for the road ahead. Amen.

Stand Up

And after getting into a boat Jesus crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he then said to the paralytic – “Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

O Great Creator who carries us daily

you healed all those who came to you

you breathe hope in our broken places

and lead us in new directions and places.

We are too comfortable with our pain

and like to keep others low and hurting

we judge and condemn before we know

and think ourselves superior to others.

Yet you walked among us and saw us

whole and broken you loved them all

and you love us in our struggles and pain

calling us to pick up our beds and walk.

Help us Lord to speak our needs out loud

and honor the wants and needs of others

we want to stand up, walk and be healed

so that we might live with compassion today. Amen.