Take Up Your Cross

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ 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 8:27-9:1

Creator, God of all of our days

we journey through the seasons

coming from winter into spring

and we listen to your voice calling.

We have much to tend and to plant

our hearts are hardened by the cold

we fear the challenges ahead of us

and we try to run from the troubles.

Yet you faced the cruelest life can offer

and asked your followers to do the same

choosing humility over great honor

service over places of great pride.

Help us to live and walk humbly 

giving our selves to the service of others

so you love might permeate the broken

so your love might transform the mighty. Amen.

Like Trees Walking

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’ Mark 8:11-26

Gracious Creator, who restores our sight

we often stumble around with no direction

yet you lead us and you feed us daily

helping us through our darkest challenges.

You are in our midst and hold us closely

whether we recognize your presence with us

you whisper your love and support to us

in our safety and in our dangerous places.

You fed the people and healed the crowd

the judgment of the leaders was loud

and yet you led the blind man by the hand

and touched him until his sight was clear.

Help us to see clearly the needs around us

give us hearts to embrace the aching ones

make us compassionate, kind and loving

so the world might see your presence in us all. Amen.

Fish and Bread

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.” His disciples replied, “How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:1-10

Loving God, Creator of all life

you provide us with great abundance

you want to see all the living fed

and soften our earth with spring rains.

We do not see the needs around us

instead we hoard and stockpile goods

we lock ourselves behind fences

fearful of those who are without.

Yet you knew the people were hungry

you did not chastise them but fed them

you turned a small offering into plenty

by your blessing and your compassion.

Help us to live by your blessing and love

give us the strength to leave our safety

you promise to walk with us in all times

let us be your blessings for others today. Amen.

 

The Children's Crumbs

From there Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syro-phoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Mark 7:24-37

Wondrous Creator you heal the world in due season

sending rain and snow to water our brittle planet

wild wind to dry the places that are bogged down

and green grasses to bring food for the grazing ones.

We walk on the sacred earth without much regard

we miss the footprints of our ancestors daily

we do not see you healing hand reaching out

as we are too busy filling our own bellies.

Yet too many go hungry and without care

you call us to be those who share what we have

you healed a mother's child and the silent one

even when you were far from your own people.

Let us follow you into the places of great need

into hostile and strange territories for your sake

let us keep mothing back following you lead

let us carry your love and good news with us today. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent March 27th, 2022

The Collect 

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

Old Testament Joshua 5:9-12 

 

The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the Passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. 

 Psalm 32  

1 Happy are they whose 

transgressions are forgiven, * 

and whose sin is put away! 

 2 Happy are they to whom 

the LORD imputes no guilt, * 

and in whose spirit there is no guile! 

 3 While I held my tongue, 

my bones withered away, * 

because of my groaning all day long. 

4 For your hand was heavy 

upon me day and night; * 

my moisture was dried up 

as in the heat of summer. 

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, * 

and did not conceal my guilt. 

6 I said," I will confess 

my transgressions to the LORD." * 

Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. 

 7 Therefore all the faithful will make 

their prayers to you in time of trouble; * 

when the great waters overflow, 

they shall not reach them. 

 8 You are my hiding-place; 

you preserve me from trouble; * 

you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 

 9 "I will instruct you and teach you 

in the way that you should go; * 

I will guide you with my eye. 

10 Do not be like horse or mule, 

which have no understanding; * 

who must be fitted with bit and bridle, 

or else they will not stay near you." 

11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; * 

but mercy embraces those 

who trust in the LORD. 

12 Be glad, you righteous, 

and rejoice in the LORD; * 

shout for joy, all who are true of heart. 

 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 

From now on, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

The Gospel Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So Jesus told them this parable: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

A Litany for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Creator, who tends and cares for the lost

you place us in families and loving communities

so we might understand your true and living nature

you are God who desires healing for everyone of us.

Loving Savior, help us to embrace all our sisters and brothers.

The powerful criticized and judged your friends

yet you did not chastise but shared a wonderful story

a tale of mending relationship and true forgiveness

which is so much easier to hear than to make happen.

Loving Savior, help us embrace all our sisters and brothers.

We often judge, criticize and ostracize those different

yet if we listen we will find you with the outcasts

we are fearful, cautious and want to always fit in

yet you call us to run down the road to welcome the lost.

Loving Savior, help us to embrace all our sisters and brothers.

We claim power and control as most important here

but you call us to humility and compassion always

Loving Savior, help us to embrace all our sisters and brothers.

The world shames, critiques and harms the broken ones

yet you surround them with your love and celebrate them.

Loving Savior, help us to embrace all our sisters and brothers.

Help us to seek our siblings in the places we fear to go

knowing that you are there ahead of us and with us always.

Loving Savior, help us to embrace all our sisters and brothers. Amen.

Straining at the Oars

When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

Creator God, source of all compassion

you see us straining at the oars of life

pushing hard and getting ourselves nowhere

and you are willing to walk on water to save us.

There is violence and cruelty all around us

there is too few who share and so many who hoard

there are so many suffering and so many refugees 

and you are still willing to walk out in the storm.

We have relied on our skills and understanding

yet we rarely turn to you until we are panicked

our pride, our arrogance and our attitudes

bring on fear and daily undo us all.

Help us Lord to recognize you in our storms

let our straining encourage us to seek your face

let the crisis be the invitation to look for you

so that peace and healing might come to our world. Amen.

Dancing

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:13-29

Creator God of all beauty and expression

we find you in creation and in the dance

yet we often mistake your beauty for power

and lust after revenge instead of compassion.

You gave us voices to sing our joys and sorrows

and bodies to express our sincere thanksgiving

though we use these gifts often destructively

yet you love us all despite our broken humanity.

John was imprisoned because of his honest words

and Herodias hated him because he spoke the truth

she used her beautiful and gifted young daughter

to get the revenge she wanted to satiated her anger.

Lord, help us today to use our gifts with wisdom

let all we do be born out of your love and compassion

take our hands, our voice and our very beings

to be used for the building up of others in love. Amen.

Two by Two

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

Loving Creator you place us in families

you teach us how to care for the community

you placed the stars so we might have direction

and hung the moon so we might have light.

You were rejected by the people who formed you

they didn't understand your mission and call

yet you still taught and healed as you were able

and found ways to care for the community.

You sent your disciples out two by two

to make friends with strangers and offer love

you sent them off with peace on their lips

and hearts ready to enfold all who welcomed.

Let us be like those disciples today

let us with joy and hope make friends as we go

let us shout your love and whisper peace

so all might encounter your saving grace. Amen.

Little Girl, Get Up!

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:21-43

Creator God, you gave us children

to remind us of the sacredness of life

their cries of laughter and singing

place your heart here among us.

We are reduced to tearful children

when the world around us is dark

in the times when horrors surround

let us remember your presence here.

When a suffering woman reached out

you blessed her with your healing touch

and when a little girl laid down dying

you gave her life and lifted her up.

Let us trust you with all our worries

let us be like children of loving parents

may we be so embedded in your love

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

Third Sunday in Lent

    

                                        Third Sunday in Lent March 20, 2022

The Collect

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

 Old Testament Exodus 3:1-15 

 Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up." When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." He said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the LORD said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain." But Moses said to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." He said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you': This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.” 

 Psalm 63:1-8 

1 O God, you are my God; 

eagerly I seek you; * 

my soul thirsts for you, 

my flesh faints for you, 

as in a barren and dry land 

where there is no water. 

 2 Therefore I have gazed 

upon you in your holy place, * 

that I might behold

 your power and your glory. 

 3 For your loving-kindness 

is better than life itself; * 

my lips shall give you praise. 

 4 So will I bless you as long as I live * 

and lift up my hands in your Name.  

5 My soul is content, 

as with marrow and fatness, * 

and my mouth praises you with joyful lips, 

 6 When I remember you upon my bed, * 

and meditate on you in the night watches. 

 7 For you have been my helper, * 

and under the shadow 

of your wings I will rejoice. 

 8 My soul clings to you; * 

your right hand holds me fast. 

 The Epistle 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play." We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

 The Gospel Luke 13:1-9 

 

At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'" 

Wondrous Creator, master gardener of all

you plant us in rich soil and tend to us

you provide all that we need to thrive

and you watch us in every season of life.

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

We often neglect the care of your creation

we don't tend to the least among us

you give us enough so all might share

yet we hoard and hide what is meant for all.

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

You told us a story about an unwilling fig tree

yet you as gardener fought for the stubborn ones

we find ourselves on the edges of destruction

yet you want to give us all one more chance.

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

When we have forgotten to tend to those in our care,

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

When we are warn down, fearful and weary,

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

For you are our God, source of all love and life eternal.

Loving Savior, help us produce the fruits of love.

Swamped

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Loving Creator, source of winds and seas

our planet is washed and renew by you

you clean our air with the mighty winds

and give us abundance from the blue seas.

Our world is stormy and we are swamped

gales of violence blowing on all sides

we tremble for death seems so near by

and we cry in the night for your rescue.

The disciples clung to the ropes and gunwales

hoping and praying to live through the storm

you slept until they woke you up with crying

and you calmed brother wind and sister ocean.

Help us to have faith even when we are swamped

let us trust that you are master of seas and skies

let us live as those who have been rescued again

grateful, joyful and full of your wondrous love. Amen.

Nothing Hidden

Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:21-34

Loving Creator, source of light and truth

your love shines on all of your creation

bringing abundance and fruitfulness

making the smallest seeds become trees.

In a world drawn low by war and oppression

we ache to move from fear to being faithful

yet we cannot thrive without your light

we can not blossom away from your love.

You taught the people with simple stories

that they could remember and could share

teach us to share your love with stories

give us simple wisdom and light for our way.

Make us simple and honest and truthful

implant your tender wisdom in our hearts

let us shine your love's light here and now

so darkness is dispelled and love shines through. Amen.

Good Soil

Again Jesus began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” And he said, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.'” And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:1-20

Gracious Creator, you have planted us here

with the good things we need to grow strong

and you teach us how to be strong in faith

and give us all we need to produce good fruit.

Many are weary and depleted these days

war and violence is near at hand for all

we are shook and rattled by life's worries

yet you promise to nourish us day by day.

Your followers came to learn from you

carefully explaining when they were confused

you told stories full of familiar images

so that we too can remember your teaching.

Help us to be good and fruitful soil

ready to give life again to those we serve

let us be renewed and revitalized now

so we can serve the world in your name. Amen.

Going Home

Then he went home; and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. ‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’ Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ Mark 3:19-35

Great Creator who planted us in families

you give us villages to help raise us up

and clear waters and food for our living

yet we are bound to be drawn far from home.

Once our little ones, our babies were taken

never to return to us again although they tried

you weep with all of those who are separated

by time, and space and rash government actions.

You went home and people followed you

those seeking healing as well as critics

you taught and loved them all as you love us

and called them all your family and your home.

Help us to seek you in our isolation and fear

help us be family for those displaced and longing

make us your family, sisters and brothers all,

that your love might be made real in our time. Amen.

Upon the Mountain

Jesus departed with his disciples to the lake, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:7-19

Creator God, your carved the heights and depth

you are found in all places and in all seasons

we often fail to see you in our daily walks

yet you find us even in the depths of night.

You bring us healing and new life and vision

amidst broken families and frail human groups

even among your disciples you had a betrayer

and you loved every one of them and gave them power.

We often curse the situations we find ourselves in

expecting perfection in all except our selves

we  are frail, selfish and so very human

and yet you call us all to be your disciples.

Help us heed you call today and always

let us set judgement aside so your love can reign

help us be the one who asks a gives forgiveness

so that healing and new vision might flow again. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday in Lent

The Collect

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

Old Testament Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the word of the LORD came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir." He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess." But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates."

Psalm 27 

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; 

whom then shall I fear? * 

the LORD is the strength of my life; 

of whom then shall I be afraid? 

2 When evildoers came 

upon me to eat up my flesh, * 

it was they, my foes and my adversaries,

 who stumbled and fell. 

3 Though an army should encamp against me, * 

yet my heart shall not be afraid; 

4 And though war should rise up against me, *

 yet will I put my trust in him. 

5 One thing have I asked of the LORD; 

one thing I seek; * 

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life; 

6 To behold the fair beauty of the LORD * 

and to seek him in his temple. 

7 For in the day of trouble he shall 

keep me safe in his shelter; * 

he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling 

and set me high upon a rock. 

8 Even now he lifts up my head * 

above my enemies round about me. 

9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling 

an oblation with sounds of great gladness; * 

I will sing and make music to the LORD. 

10 Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; * 

have mercy on me and answer me. 

11 You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." * 

Your face, LORD, will I seek. 

12 Hide not your face from me, * 

nor turn away your servant in displeasure. 

13 You have been my helper; cast me not away; * 

do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. 

14 Though my father and my mother forsake me, * 

the LORD will sustain me. 

15 Show me your way, O LORD; * 

lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. 

16 Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, * 

 for false witnesses have risen up against me, 

 and also those who speak malice. 

17 What if I had not believed that I should see 

the goodness of the LORD * 

in the land of the living! 

18 O tarry and await the LORD's pleasure; 

be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; * 

wait patiently for the LORD. 

The Epistle Philippians 3:17-4:1 

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 

The Gospel Luke 13:31-35 

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

A Litany for the Second Sunday in Lent

Loving Creator, your arms encircle us all

you see everyone as your beloved

you set the seasons and the days

so that we might learn and grow together.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger.

We are prone to wander and get lost

we think we are more capable than we are

pride and greed overwhelm us all

and we are in need of your teaching now.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger.

War has overtaken our small planet

we are fearful, defensive and ill at ease

yet you enfold us and protect us still

you are our God and source of all goodness.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger.

The strong take control of the weak

yet you are a friend to the lost and broken.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger.

The shadows and death and fear are with us

yet you faced the worst and embrace us all.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger.

Abide with us, Loving Savior, as we pray

as we gather in your name to serve your world.

Gather us under your wings, Lord, and keep us from all danger. Amen.

New Wineskins

Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus 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 Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:13-22

Gracious Creator you call us to your table

you provide a feast of greatest measure

your abundance is to be shared by all

yet we often hoard and hide your rich gifts.

In this Lenten season we think ourselves holy

when we give up and act pious and righteous

yet you call us to be generous and grateful

embracing all the people you send our way.

You walked this earth with all the people

even those who criticized all that you did

when you were healing and feeding others

they thought you were bringing shame.

Help us to walk and share will all

let the gifts we are given be for all

let our hands and heart be your blessings

and let us live feasting on your promises. Amen.

Making Room

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12

Wondrous Creator, you made a wide circle

a round circumference ever expanding

for all creation to stretch and grow

so that we might know you and be healed.

We humans like to exclude and shun

to cut out those who we fear and limit space

yet you make room for every single creature

and love us all with an equally full heart.

When the house was so full there was no way in

some friends opened the roof to help a friend

and you forgave them all and healed him

to show the wideness of your mercy and love.

Help us to be those who expand the circle

let us always be welcoming and inviting

let your love be so present with us all

that we might be your forgiving and healing here. Amen.

She Began to Serve

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:29-45

Loving Creator, healer of all creation

you lift up those who are suffering

you hear the cries of the people

and you are moved to care for all.

We decide which people are deserving

and ignore the ones we don't understand

you shower us all with your love

yet we would restrict it and hold it back.

You came to Simon's house and healed

she got up and fed them in gratitude

we are blessed by you over and over

and keep these sacred gifts as our alone.

Help us Lord, to give when we are healed

to serve those who need our tender care

help us follow you by living compassion

may we be loving and grateful in all things. Amen.

Follow Me

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:14-28

Gracious Creator, source of all our lives,

you give us the gift of living rivers and seas,

sun and water to bring our gardens to life

and communities of love to help us grow.

You walked along by the sea of Galilee

sharing the love of God to all you met

calling Simon and Andrew from their nets

and James and John all to follow you.

In uncertain times we often stay at home

but you call us in these times to follow you

away from the familiar and the comfort

to places where miracles can happen.

Help us to follow you with joy today

heading into the unknown places with you

let us be the witnesses of your presence

to all people in these uncertain times. Amen,

Beloved

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:1-13

Gracious Creator, you call us all your children

cherishing us from before we were even born

giving us your heart and your loving spirit

so that we might become your  sacred vessels.

John was given the ministry of prophecy

he carried the good news of a Savior's coming

he was clothed humbly and lived wild

yet people came to the river for baptism.

They ache as we do to be made whole again

to draw near to the heart of our Creator

to walk in the holy and sacred way with you

carrying good news to the suffering and alone.

Baptize us anew with you sacred spirit

enliven us to embrace the people around us

remove all the walls and barriers from our hearts

so we might be your beloved in this time. Amen.

First Sunday in Lent 2022

First Sunday in Lent March 6, 2022

The Collect 

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

 Old Testament Deuteronomy 26:1-11 

When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us." When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the LORD your God, you shall make this response before the LORD your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our ancestors; the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O LORD, have given me." You shall set it down before the LORD your God and bow down before the LORD your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house. 

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 

1 He who dwells in the shelter 

of the Most High, * 

abides under the shadow of the Almighty. 

2 He shall say to the LORD,

 "You are my refuge and my stronghold, * 

my God in whom I put my trust." 

9 Because you have made 

the LORD your refuge, * 

and the Most High your habitation, 

10 There shall no evil 

happen to you, * 

neither shall any plague 

come near your dwelling. 

11 For he shall give his angels 

charge over you, * 

to keep you in all your ways. 

12 They shall bear you in their hands, * 

lest you dash your foot against a stone. 

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; * 

you shall trample the young lion 

and the serpent under your feet. 

14 Because he is bound to me in love, 

therefore will I deliver him; * 

I will protect him, because he knows my Name. 

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; * 

I am with him in trouble; I will rescue him

 and bring him to honor. 

16 With long life will I satisfy him, *

 and show him my salvation. 

The Epistle Romans 10:8b-13 

"The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 

The Gospel Luke 4:1-13 

After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Loving Creator, your word brought forth life,

your breath caused the winds and seas to move,

your hands formed the deep valleys and mountains,

and we are the offspring of your loving heart.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service.

Too often,  we have focused on our own needs

not seeing the ache and the sorrow around us,

too often, we choose to ignore their cries

thinking their need is someone else's problem.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service.

Throughout the generations you have saved us

on the brink of destruction you conquered evil

you are faithful with love for every generation 

and we are prone to temptation and forgetfulness.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service.

War rages and poverty of body and spirit continue,

you call us to humble ourselves in service to others.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service.

We wrap ourselves in arrogance and our pride

yet you lead them by going to the wilderness to pray.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service.

Help us, as we begin this season of Lenten sacrifice,

to offer all we do for the sake of your love.

Lord, renew us in this season, for sacrifice and service. Amen.