Third Sunday of Easter May 1, 2022

Third Sunday of Easter
May1. 2022

The Collect 

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

The First Lesson Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) 

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." [The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."] 

Psalm 30

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,

 because you have lifted me up * 

and have not let my enemies

 triumph over me. 

2 O LORD my God, 

I cried out to you, * 

and you restored me to health. 

3 You brought me up, 

O LORD, from the dead; * 

you restored my life as I was

 going down to the grave. 

4 Sing to the LORD, 

you servants of his; * 

give thanks for the 

remembrance of his holiness. 

5 For his wrath endures 

but the twinkling of an eye, * 

his favor for a lifetime. 

6 Weeping may spend the night, * 

but joy comes in the morning. 

7 While I felt secure, I said, 

"I shall never be disturbed. * 

You, LORD, with your favor, 

made me as strong as the mountains." 

8 Then you hid your face, * 

and I was filled with fear. 

9 I cried to you, O LORD; * 

I pleaded with the Lord, saying, 

10 "What profit is there in my blood, 

if I go down to the Pit? * 

will the dust praise you 

or declare your faithfulness? 

11 Hear, O LORD, 

and have mercy upon me; * 

O LORD, be my helper." 

12 You have turned 

my wailing into dancing; * 

you have put off my sack-cloth 

and clothed me with joy. 

13 Therefore my heart sings 

to you without ceasing; * 

O LORD my God, 

I will give you thanks for ever. 

The Epistle Revelation 5:11-14 

I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped. 

The Gospel John 21:1-19 

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."

Loving Creator, you are present with us

you set a table for us in hungry mornings

and are with us in our darkest nights

laboring with us although we won't see you.

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve.

We are caught up with grief and with fear

the world around us is a dangerous place

like your disciples we ache for the old ways

simpler times, when we knew our place.

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve.

You came among your disciples and fed them

calling us to love you by feeding others

calling us to follow you by fishing on strange shores

and knowing your presence in our very loss.

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve.

Creator, you are among us, living still

enliven us with your courage and compassion

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve.

We are weary from the endless hours of labor

we re spent from all the losses we've incurred

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve.

Help us to run to you with joy as Peter did

make us your disciples in this time and this place.

Risen Savior, give us eyes to see, and hands to serve. Amen.

Going Away

Jesus said, “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:1-15

Loving Creator, we are here for a season

the round earth turns again and again

and the season of leaving is upon us

we must learn to thrive in new ways.

We are people caught between worlds

the face paced pushing of our cities

and the gentle breathing of our people

our homelands are within us even away.

You remind us that where ever we dwell

your spirit is always present with every one

and in our turning and our changing times

your spirit can not be sent away from us.

Precious Savior, be fiercely among us today

we are weary from the rapid changes here

strengthen our hearts, our spirits and our beings

that we might show you love in our day. Amen.

Love One Another

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. ‘If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, “Servants are not greater than their master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It was to fulfil the word that is written in their law, “They hated me without a cause.” ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:12-27

Gracious Creator, you commanded the sun

to shine in the day and the moon by night

and the stars to always guide our way

and you command us to love one another.

We think ourselves righteous at services

yet we go outside and criticize everyone

we spew words that hurt and do damage

and we are everything but loving disciples.

The world rejoices when we don't follow

when our cruelty is played out in public

evil gets the upper hand when our hearts

are hard and our minds are judgment.

Lord, help us to be loving this very day

plant compassion and forgiveness in us

take our cruel hearts and break them open

so that we might be your friends again. Amen

Vine and Branches

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. John 15:1-11

Wondrous Creator you bind us together

like branches on a most sturdy vines

we are held in you loving reaching arms

bound to one another through your heart.

You are our roots and our life force

yet we often try to grow on our own

yet you call us to abide and connect

so that our faith and lives are strong.

Bound together in the wind and rain

in the brilliant sunshine and dark night

in every season we abide in your heart

and we are fed again by your abundance.

Keep us from being separated from you

help us to keep your commandments

so that love might be perfected in us

and your joy might fill the whole earth. Amen.

Make Our Home with Them

‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:18-31

Wondrous Creator, this earth is our home

and she has supplied us with resources

with food, shelter and great beauty

yet we continue to worry and strive.

You teach us to live with compassion

to walk with tenderness and care

to restore and breathe with gentleness

and to live with faith and strength.

We often fear and turn away from you

yet you never leave us and always call us

to come home and to see your presence

in all corners of our humble homes.

Lord, help us to believe in the darkness

help us to pray when words have failed

give us your strength every morning

so that you love might reign in our world. Amen.

Feast of St. Mark

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 for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 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.’ Mark 1:1-15

Wondrous Creator, the heartbeat of all creation

you send your beloved among us with good news

you gave him all authority and power to heal

and he walked humbly with the hurting people.

He had compassion when they were hungry

turning a little offering into a great feast

giving sight and hearing to those who came

he refused none and welcomed everyone.

We often put up barriers and high expectations

we limit our love to those we find comfortable

yet we are called by the Savior to love the unlovely

and to walk with the hurting, homeless and hungry.

Gracious Savior, turn our hearts to the people

let us know you in our midst as we serve

let our joy be full as we bring welcome

so that you love showers the earth again. Amen

The Second Sunday of Easter

The Second Sunday of Easter 2022

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The First Lesson Acts 5:27-32 

When the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." 

 

Psalm 150

1 Hallelujah! Praise God 

in his holy temple; * 

praise him in the 

firmament of his power. 

2 Praise him for his mighty acts; * 

praise him for his excellent greatness. 

3 Praise him with the blast 

of the ram's-horn; * 

praise him with lyre and harp. 

4 Praise him with 

timbrel and dance; * 

praise him with strings and pipe. 

5 Praise him with 

resounding cymbals; * 

praise him with 

loud-clanging cymbals. 

6 Let everything that has breath * 

praise the LORD. Hallelujah! 

The New Testament Revelation 1:4-8 

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. 

The Gospel John 20:19-31 

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Creator God, you walked among us

and you abide with us even still

we are often moved to disbelief

and we stumbled in the darkness.

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us.

We are careless with the most vulnerable

we are thoughtless with our relations

we walk where we do not belong

and cause havoc with our selfishness.

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us.

You loved your disciples and came to them

you let Thomas touch you wounded sides

your showed the your nail pierced hands

and understood their weak humanity.

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us.

You have called us and made us your own

renew and restore us for your mission

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us.

We are blinded by greed and great power

yet you heal us in all our broken states

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us.

Make us your disciples in this season

so we might carry your love to the world.

Loving Christ, help us to believe in your presence with us. Amen.

Sent

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

Loving Creator, you are within us

and you surround us with great beauty

we refuse to see you in the day's light

yet we cry to you in the night's darkness.

You sent the disciples forth into the world

a place they thought you couldn't be

yet the people they went to knew you too

and walked the earth with your spirit.

We can be blind to the holy in difference

we can shut out blessings from the other

we often turn away from one that frighten

yet you are all around and with all people,

Let us be those who celebrate your love

may we rejoice in the sacred around us

n\make our life and actions be always praise

and difference be gift and abundance in you. Amen

Do Not Be Afraid

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Matthew 28:1-16

Wondrous Creator, you shake loose shackles

unbind those who are held in bondage

shale the earth and moved the tomb's stone

raising up the Savior after terrible violence.

Your love is always steady and always mysterious

we are too busy to listen, too busy to look

yet you are all around us moment by moment

surrounding us with your love and faithfulness.

We are often frightened and often lose our way

we go about our days, going through the motions

never leaning in to hear your voice or see your light

yet you are with us in the dark and in the daytime.

Help us to go to the dark places and seek your face

help us see your love in our broken and stuck lives

help us turn and rejoice in your loving constancy

trusting you will shake loose the chains that bind us. Amen.

Telling the Story

Now after Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from

whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:9-20

Gracious Creator you are patient with us

letting us refuse to believe your works

unwilling to accept the resurrection

yet you love us through our disbelief.

Early in the morning the women went out

and found an empty tomb and angels

you appeared again and again to disciples

their grief to deep to take the miracle in.

You persisted and came to the twelve

bent in grief they were slow to accept it

you promised them power and protection

like them we are slow to take it all in.

Help us, dear Jesus, to believe your gift

you sacrificed all for us so we might live

let us live now with faith and compassion

believing in the power and gifts you give us. Amen.

Terror and Amazement

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 

Mark 16:1-8

Wondrous Creator, source of miraculous life

you make and restore all living beings

you breathe new life into the weary ones

the cold ground springs to life at your call.

The women witnessed an empty tomb

and your angels reassured them of resurrection

yet in their grief they did not know how to act

and in our grief we are like the women now.

Easter has come into out lives, Alleluia

yet we often remain in Maundy Thursday

we linger and slumber in the dark garden

always expecting the worst for us all.

Help us to rise up from our tearful slumber

to see the abundant miracles before us

your resurrection is completed, Alleluia

let us, like the women, be heralds of your love. Amen.

Easter Day 2022

Easter Day 2022

The Collect 

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

The First Lesson Isaiah 65:17-25 

I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord-- and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent-- its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. 

 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 

 1 Give thanks to the Lord, 

for he is good; *

 his mercy endures for ever. 

2 Let Israel now proclaim, * 

"His mercy endures for ever." 

14 The LORD is my strength 

and my song, * 

and he has become my salvation. 

15 There is a sound of 

exultation and victory * 

in the tents of the righteous: 

16 "The right hand of 

the LORD has triumphed! * 

the right hand of the LORD is exalted! 

the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!" 

17 I shall not die, but live, * 

and declare the works of the LORD. 

18 The LORD has punished me sorely, * 

but he did not hand me over to death. 

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * 

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

20 "This is the gate of the LORD; * 

he who is righteous may enter." 

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

and have become my salvation. 

22 The same stone which the builders rejected * 

has become the chief cornerstone. 

23 This is the LORD's doing, * 

and it is marvelous in our eyes. 

24 On this day the LORD has acted; * 

we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

The New Testament 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 

 

The Gospel Luke 24:1-12 

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Wondrous Creator, you look on creation

with a loving heart so great we cannot fathom

with forgiveness and understanding unknown

to your children here on this round planet.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia!

We here caught in Good Friday pains

yet you abide with us even in our struggles

you bring us back from the brink of death

and wipe our tears with your pierced hands.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia!

In our darkest hours you seek us out

before we were born you knew our name

you whisper your love to us in the nighttime

and walk with us on nail pierced feet.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia!

Let us be your children once again

full of your joy, new every morning.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia!

You have never left us even when we hide

help us to embrace you presence among us now.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia!

Be our guide and light now and forever

for we count on your for our every breath.

Alleluia, Christ has set us free through his sacrifice. Alleluia! Amen.

Good Friday 2022

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.” John 13:36-38

Loving Creator, what can we say

for we have betrayed your love

we have sold off our Mother Earth

and turned the sacred into commodity.

Yet you would sacrifice your life for us

you would bear a beating and lashes

and hang in agony on a wooden cross

for love of us, your sinful and cruel children.

Though we do not deserve your love

you pour love over us like water falls

you drench us in wondrous compassion

and forgive us time and time again.

Help us to look upon your cross today

and see the love in its' barrenness

in the pain and the sorrow restore us

so that we might love all as you do. Amen.

Maundy Thursday 2022

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’s disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:12-25

Creator, you suffer with your creation

you sorrow and weep at our brokenness

you invite us to your abundant table

yet we turn against you and betray you.

You set a feast for your disciples

and taught them to serve one another

yet they slept instead of keeping watch

they ran and gave you up to death.

That night, dear Savior, you began

the offering of your body and blood for all

and as we partake in you this night

help us see how we have corrupted your love.

Make us present at the feast with you this night

feeling deeply the compassion and the sorrow

knowing fully the sting of our collective betrayal

so that we might be truly grateful for your abiding love. Amen.

Wednesday in Holy Week

Then Jesus began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” Mark 12:1-11

Loving Creator, you call us all your children

you are the source of all that is good

your goodness and love know no bounds

you are our rock, our hiding place, our foundation.

We are surrounded by those who constantly take

those who disregard brothers and sisters

those who forget the great compassion they received

and take more than their share of your abundance.

You told parables to thick of mind and heart

we often need stories to lift us from our fog

your did not lord you authority over anyone

loving them despite the cruelty and betrayal.

Help us to move from commodity to relationship

move our hearts from transaction to compassion

remake us and remold us into your family again

let the world be healed by your love in our hearts. Amen.

Tuesday in Holy Week

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.’ They argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “Of human origin”?’—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’ Mark 11:27-33

Patient Creator, you wait as we struggle

offering your wisdom in our breath

you weep when we are lost and afraid

you stand with us when we are tested.

There is so much loss we haven't mourned

there is so much violence we can't stop

there is so much selfishness we engage in

yet you love us with every heart beat.

The religious elders often tested you

your disciples scattered when afraid

you did not give up on them then

and you do not give up on us now.

Help us to walk this sacred week

with humility and with eyes open

let us see our faults and cruelty

so that your love permeates our time. Amen.

House of Prayer

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’ And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ‘Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.’ Mark 11:12-25

Wonderful Creator, you give us mothers to nurture

aunties and grammas to teach us and strengthen us

a whole village of women and men to raise us up

and you place lights in the sky for our journey.

We cry and curse when our lives hit rough roads

we cry for your help and ignore your teaching

we hold onto revenge and indulge is selfishness

and never forgive the ones who have hurt us.

Yet you enter this week of passion with promise

teaching your disciples about the power of faith

showing them how to be forgiven and renewed

but we refused to bend our hearts at all.

We stand in the need of your love and prayer

we are lost and have turned from prayer to greed

mend us and mold us again into your people

so the world might be renewed again by your love. Amen

Palm Sunday 2022

                                                                   

                                                   Palm Sunday 2022

The Collect

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

 Old Testament Isaiah 50:4-9a 

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

 Psalm 31:9-16  

9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, 

for I am in trouble; * 

my eye is consumed with sorrow, 

and also my throat and my belly. 

 10 For my life is wasted with grief, 

and my years with sighing; * 

 my strength fails me 

because of affliction, 

and my bones are consumed. 

 11 I have become a reproach to all 

my enemies and even to my neighbors,

 a dismay to those of my acquaintance; * 

when they see me in the street they avoid me. 

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, 

out of mind; * 

I am as useless as a broken pot. 

13 For I have heard the 

whispering of the crowd; 

fear is all around; * 

they put their heads together against me; 

they plot to take my life. 

 14 But as for me, I have trusted 

in you, O LORD. * 

I have said, "You are my God. 

 15 My times are in your hand; * 

rescue me from the hand of my enemies, 

and from those who persecute me. 

 16 Make your face to shine 

upon your servant, * 

and in your loving-kindness save me." 

 The Epistle Philippians 2:5-11 

 

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

 

The Gospel Luke 22:14-23:56 

 When the hour for the Passover meal came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. "You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, `And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough." He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial." While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?" When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!" Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. 

A Litany for Palm Sunday

Loving Creator, you give us great gifts

planting us in family and community

teaching us how to care for all creation

you are present in every breath we take.

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week humbly with you..

They heralded and honored you in the street

cheering and waving palm branches everywhere

yet within a matter of days they forgot you

and screamed even louder for your death.

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week humbly with you.

We talk about fasting and our religious acts

yet we turn on those in need and one another

we fight for position, control and power

while we spout false promises in holy prayers.

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week humbly with you.

You walked among as friend and sacrificed all

yet we are unwilling to change and amend our ways.

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week .humbly with you.

In all times and in all places you forgive us

yet we fail daily to forgive others' small infraction

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week humbly with you.

May we embrace your sacrifice with great gratitude

unworthy as we are, you love us to the very end.

Precious Savior, may we walk this Holy Week humbly with you. Amen.

To Serve

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

Loving Creator, you adore all of creation

put us together with those who help us thrive

you set up a perfect balance for all beings

and call us to serve all of life around us.

We fight and strive for power and control

we push and shove for place and station

yet our striving makes us overrun others

and lose our sense of honor and respect.

Your disciples wanted to be first among them

yet you told them to be servants of all

and in our times we ache to take the lead

yet you still call us to take the last place.

Let us be remade for your service

help us see the joy in caring for others

make us ready to give up our place

so that other may thrive and know you. Amen.

Treasure in Heaven

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.” Mark 10:17-31

Wondrous Creator, you guide our feet

you teach us to walk with your beauty

to tenderly care for all of your creation

and to live honoring all that is sacred.

Many in our world see wealth as coin

yet you see it as service and sacrifice

sometimes others see some as poor

yet our wealth has always been in love.

Many a follower questioned your ways

many wanted to be safe and comfortable 

yet you called them to a life of giving

and you call us today to share all we have.

Help us to let go of the things that bind us

let us be free to be your followers now

let our lives of service be your presence

may the world see your face in our generosity. Amen.