Sent On Ahead

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. Luke 10:1-12

Today is our diocesan clergy day. It will  be great to gather together after so much time apart. Folks often think that being a clergy person is an easy life. The misperceptions abound, and are only made worse by beloved books, tv series and movies. To truly serve God is to risk it all, to go to places where folks don't want you, and to be open to regular criticism about your sermons, your services, your fashion style or lack thereof, and your family. Very few jobs are this personal. Very few jobs are this rewarding. Jesus sent his disciples out, and clergy are sent out, all to people and places which are unpredictable. May we give thanks for all who are willing to step out in faith!

Loving Creator, you send us out

to places and people we do not know

and you call us to bring them peace

bringing blessing and healing to them.

We often feel inadequate and unprepared

yet yo knew then and understood our fears

help us to be patient with those we serve

and to pray for those who refuse your peace.

Let this day be full of healing and peace

for your people far and wide are broken

welcome and kindness are hard to find

renew your peace in us this very day. Amen.

New Wineskins

After this Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered, “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 to repentance.” Then they said to him, “John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.” Jesus said to them, “You cannot make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, ‘The old is good.'” Luke 5:27-39

Most of us find it hard to transition form one job to a new one or even one season to a new one. The routines we have developed help us get through the day without having to think too hard. When we face new challenges and new identities, we are often nostalgic for the way it used to be, even if used to be wasn't great. We fight against the new. The religious leaders didn't fancy John, but then they held John's ways up to Jesus as the standard. In this new season, may we have the faith to move into our new places and ways with joy.

Gracious God, you see us struggle with changes

you old up the world and her changing seasons

teaching us to roll and move with the changes

yet we fight and rally against your new blessings.

The world needs your disciples to live into the new

our now demands a new wine and new wineskins

we cling to the old, deteriorating fabric of our ways

even when those ways no longer hold us safe.

Help us to stand up and face the breaking dawn

make us ready to sing new songs and embrace the new

let us be remade as new wineskins for this time

so you love might feed the people in our care. Amen.

I Do Choose

Once, when Jesus was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” Luke 5:12-26

Our lives have been filled with doctors and medical appointments lately. I am so grateful for the wonderful care and skill we are blessed to have here, which is nothing short of extraordinary. There are Christians who tell others that of they were faithful enough, God would heal them and they wouldn't need doctors. Some even told others that faith would keep Covid away. That behavior breaks my heart. We have encountered doctors and nurses who say "I do choose" every day. They choose to offer their gifts and skills for the healing of others. God blesses all who offer their gifts. May we see God working through science and medicine, since our Creator is constantly and consistently for us, loving us and making us whole.

Loving Creator, you brought forth this world

with balance and harmony in everything

yet we often fall and cannot get ourselves up

so you respond to us and say "I do choose!"

We are frightened and often in extreme pain

we turn from your love in our anger and hurt

we fail to see your loving hands in our midst

and fail to seek you in our darkest days.

Help us to find you in every challenge

help us to hear your loving affirmation

let us be those who trust in your care

and daily walk with love and gratitude. Amen.

Let Down Your Nets

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11

I have found myself exhausted in the past months, physically as well as emotionally. Covid wore down many folks, many courageous and strong leaders felt undone by the challenges of the pandemic. Some have retired, some have changed positions and others have suffered in silence. Manty have stopped trying. Jesus found Peter exhausted and distraught, worn down after hours of strenuous work came up empty. We have all been there. Jesus told him to go out deeper and let down his nets. Abundance happened when at the end of an exhausting season. When we feel like giving up, God often provides the miracles and the abundance we need.

Gracious Creator, we are tired and humbled

our work often seems fruitless and empty

folks have stayed away even after Covid

and we wonder whether we have failed you.

The disciples were weary and frustrated

the nets were empty, the families without food

yet in their worst moments you encouraged them

they let down their nets and you filled them.

Help us now. Lord, in this season of challenges

our spirits are lagging, our hearts are weary

fills us with your love so we might go deeper

help us let down the nets and be filled again. Amen.

Sunday, September 25th, 2022 Proper 21

The Collect

 O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah, where King Zedekiah of Judah had confined him. Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came to me: Hanamel son of your uncle Shallum is going to come to you and say, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours." Then my cousin Hanamel came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the LORD, and said to me, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. And I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver. I signed the deed, sealed it, got witnesses, and weighed the money on scales. Then I took the sealed deed of purchase, containing the terms and conditions, and the open copy; and I gave the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel, in the presence of the witnesses who signed the deed of purchase, and in the presence of all the Judeans who were sitting in the court of the guard. In their presence I charged Baruch, saying, Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, in order that they may last for a long time. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land. 

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

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." 

3 He shall deliver you

 from the snare of the hunter * 

and from the deadly pestilence. 

4 He shall cover you 

with his pinions, and you shall 

find refuge under his wings; *

 his faithfulness shall be 

a shield and buckler. 

5 You shall not be afraid 

of any terror by night, * 

nor of the arrow that flies by day; 

6 Of the plague that stalks 

in the darkness, * 

nor of the sickness that 

lays waste at mid-day. 

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 1 Timothy 6:6-19 

There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time-- he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. 

The Gospel Luke 16:19-31 

Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

The story Jesus tells about Lazarus and the rich man, is one for the ages, and for our time. It is so easy to overlook the needs of the poor, the homeless, the immigrant and the displaced. We can live our lavish lives and not even see them. Even worse, we can object to their presence with us, and use them as less than human fodder for a political debate. Yet, Jesus tells us, so clearly, that God's heart is with those in need, and when we reject them, we reject the love of our Creator. As I sat in a hospital waiting area, several days ago, I took crocheting with me, which I always do, and it always spawns conversation. I make simple hats which I give to groups caring for those on the street. The crocheting keeps me out of trouble and I get a chance to pray over each hat I make. We can all do simple things to make God's love real in our lives and in others. 

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, you plant us in abundance

fields ripe with the bounty of blessings

homes warm and secure with support

yet we would keep your blessings for ourselves.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us.

You taught with simple stories and word pictures

bringing your love and truth throughout time

you sat and ate with the poor and the outcasts

making your home with the humble and needy.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us.

The world is all about gain and control

we want our side to win and be righteous

yet you called us to a righteousness

that is freely giving and freely serving.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us.

Take our pride and our arrogance

and turn us away from greed and selfishness.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us.

We are weak and caught up in human battles

your strength is in love alone given to all.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us.

Remake our hearts and take our hands

may they be forever joyful in the service of your love.

Dear Lord, help us to serve the Lazarus among us. Amen.

Healing

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! 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!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, “What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. Luke 4:31-37

Yesterday was a long day spent in the hospital, waiting and waiting and waiting some more. I knew I was never alone though, surrounded with the prayers of so many. We are home now and the patient is resting, and I am hoping for the strength to do what needs to be done. And, I am bolstered, moment by moment, by the prayers and love from faithful friends. I am comforted by a God, who took away the demons harming a child. returning whole to a loving parent.

Gracious Creator, as the day ends

we seek your healing for all suffering

you are the source of all healing

and you seek to bring us back whole.

The seasons are turning and we change

yet you, Creator, are always constant

abounding in great love and healing

which is for everyone in every time.

Help us to lean on you in all our trials

give us the strength to admit our weakness

help us to offer all our needs to you

so that we might know your love today. Amen.

Good News to the Poor

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. Luke 4:14-30

Today is going to be a challenge. My husband is facing surgery this afternoon, and despite all the training and skill I have, when I sitting in the hospital awaiting a family member's procedure, I am an anxious mess. All professional gifts fall away, and I am just one woman waiting and trying to pray through it all. I cannot always see Go's light and peace in the midst of my own fears. None of us can. Jesus came home, filled with the spirit and the people were angry with his seemingly new found voice. His humanity and familiarity was all they could see. They could not see God's light within him, because they could not see it in themselves. May God give us the good news our hearts need to hear and the eyes with which to see it.

Loving Creator, you want us all to thrive

and give us the means to live in peace

yet we fight for power and over scraps

and we miss your blessings every day.

Help us to turn away from our bitter ways

help us to trust in you and you alone

for you are the source of  our freedom

you love us, remake and you heal us.

Let this be the day we turn our hearts to you

let it be a moment of setting down the pain

help us to lay all our fears at your feet

knowing your presence in our every moment. Amen.

St. Matthew

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Matthew 9:9-13

God calls the strangest people to roles of leadership. Any honest deacon, priest or bishop has said on some regular basis, "I am not worthy or capable of this call.' We might act as if we are great leaders and right for the job, but in truth, we often know we are not. Matthew was the farthest thing from righteous. Yet when Jesus called him he said yes. The ridicule of the religious leaders and others must have hurt. His own doubt often overwhelmed him, I am sure. Go calls the most unlikely people. All of us are unlikely people, some being outcasts, some broken and handicapped, others who are of the wrong color or class. Today's message to us all, is, that we are wanted and loved by God, not matter our condition or station.

Wondrous Creator, you draw near to your people

and do not reject those the world deems unworthy.

You call your disciples and saints from the crowd

of those who are cast out, cast off and rejected.

We know ourselves to be full of faults and sin

you know all our broken places and seek us out

your love seeks to always mend and welcome

you embrace the least among us with great joy.

May we turn from the glitter and the gloss

and seek you in every face and every clan

knowing you have made a home with us all

serving others as you would have us do today. Amen.

Beloved

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-22

It is so wonderful when I have the opportunity to baptize a person. Young or old, joyful or tearful, it is a wondrous moment for the whole community. And I always think of the words Jesus (and the crowd) heard from heaven, " you are my beloved." I can't help but hear those words for everyone. Beloved. Wanted, adored by our Creator. When we treat anyone less than as beloved, we are not walking with the heart of God.

Loving God, you broke through the clouds

to tell your child you are my beloved

and you whisper to each and everyone

that we are loved and adored by You.

We often treat others without respect

we often look down on those with less

we abuse and defile the gifts you have given

help us to love and see as you always do.

Give us humble eyes to see beauty in others

give un tender hearts to welcome the stranger

let us be your beloved by loving our neighbors

and let us forgive those who cannot love right now. Amen.

Share with Anyone

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'” John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” Luke 3:1-14

Years ago, when my daughters were young, sharing among them was often difficult. The biggest thing that was fought over was the favorite hairbrush. It would disappear regularly and found in one bedroom or another. I finally lost patience with the hairbrush wars, and drilled a hole in the brush handle, put a bungy cord through the hole and attached to the wall next to the bathroom mirror. We could, then, always find the hairbrush. Of course, it didn't mean there weren't squabbles over other things. We are all human. When asked what to do, John gave some very simple tasks. Share, feed, be fair and be satisfied, love your neighbor, whoever they might be. 

Gracious Creator, your love is so broad

yet we often try to hoard your blessings

what you ask from each of us who follow

is that we share and feed the needs here.

You sent John to declare your healing

your promise to make the way level

that Your love was for every human being

and offer repentance and healing for all.

Let us hear the the promise and the direction

from John's repeating ancient words of promise

make us humble so we might serve the world

carrying your love to our places of challenge. Amen.

Sunday, September 20th, 2022 Proper 20

The Collect

 Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

 Old Testament Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 

 

My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: "Is the LORD not in Zion? Is her King not in her?" ("Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?") "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? O that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people! 

 Psalm 79:1-9  

1 O God, the heathen have 

come into your inheritance; 

they have profaned 

your holy temple; * 

they have made Jerusalem 

a heap of rubble. 

 2 They have given the bodies 

of your servants as food 

for the birds of the air, * 

and the flesh of your faithful

 ones to the beasts of the field. 

 3 They have shed their blood like 

water on every side of Jerusalem, * 

and there was no one to bury them. 

 4 We have become 

a reproach to our neighbors, * 

an object of scorn and 

derision to those around us. 

 5 How long will you 

be angry, O LORD? * 

will your fury blaze 

like fire for ever? 

 6 Pour out your wrath 

upon the heathen who 

have not known you *

and upon the kingdoms 

that have not called upon your Name. 

 7 For they have devoured Jacob * 

and made his dwelling a ruin. 

 8 Remember not our past sins; 

let your compassion be swift to meet us; * 

for we have been brought very low. 

 9 Help us, O God our Savior, 

for the glory of your Name; * 

deliver us and forgive us our sins, 

for your Name's sake. 

The Epistle 1 Timothy 2:1-7 

First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all -- this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 

The Gospel Luke 16:1-13 

Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?' He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

When I lived and served as Interim at St. Peter's in Sitka, Alaska, I have the opportunity to learn to bead with an expert. Sarah met with a handful of us and taught us some of the basics. She showed us what to buy at the local Benjamin Franklins and ordered other pieces online. Beading requires a focus on the little things, the small details, the stitching, the evenness of the stitching and keeping the beads flat. I remember more than anything how we laughed and laughed. Such intricate work, with many mistakes by the learners, and yet we have such fellowship and joy. I am reminded of these moments, when Jesus says "whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much." Learning to bead with Sarah taught me that when we focus on the small tasks given us, God blesses us with joy and fullness. 

A Litany for Sunday

Loving Creator, in every season

you teach us and help us to grow

we do not always listen to you

but you are always speaking to us.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life.

The days grow shorter and cooler

we move to gather the last harvest

we can and freeze and make plans

for the long winter that will come.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life.

You have given us elders as lessons

you have given us children to teach us

your still small voice echoes in the night

and we see your handiwork in the stars.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life.

We think ourselves powerful and wise

yet we are completely dependent on you.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life.

The world needs to know of your faithfulness

your love which is the source of great joy.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life.

Turn us again, as you turn the seasons

so we might delight in your loving abundance.

Lord, teach us to be faithful in the little tasks of life. Amen.

Children of Light

Jesus said, “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. John 12:27-36

We all would like the hard and painful situations removed from our lives. There are many things I wish I did not have to go through. Many things I wish my children, my husband and my family did not have to bear. I also know, that there are moments of great blessings, learnings and love in the midst of the hardest times. Jesus wanted to save his friends from the coming hard times. Yet, he knew, protecting them, coddling them, wouldn't give them strength or faith. We find our strength in the hard places, in the challenges when we feel overwhelmed. Jesus was with them during the worst, and he is with us now.

Gracious Creator, you spin the seasons round

you give us times of plantings and harvests

times we must celebrate and times to mourn

and you are with us in every hour and moment

Let us walk as children of your love light

help us to find strength and faith in these times

help us to know you are with us in our struggles

and that your light and love are always with us. Amen.

God So Loved

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:11-17

John 3;16 is one of the most well known passages from the bible. We rarely talk about the true nature of the Creator, God, who loved and loves so much. We want to regulate and control God's love and decide who is in and who is out. We like walls and fences, none of which can be seen from space. We believe our language and customs to be superior, yet "God so loved the world", the whole huge round place, and loves all the creatures, flora, fauna...the whole of it. May we be reminded and humbled today by God's enormous love.

Loving Creator, who loved us first

and loves us in our brokenness

who sends love into the deep darkness

and offers a child for the world's healing.

Let us be those who see the whole of the earth

as your beloved community in diversity

may we humbly love in your sacred name

and bring down all the walls that divide us. Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!” John 12:9-19

While I was in college, I worked in a daycare for two year old kids. One favorite book had a refrain,  " don't be scared!" They loved the book and loved shouting it along with me when I read it to them. When Mark and I got married, they gave us me a huge card that said, "don't be scared!" Easier said then done. Most of the time, we have every reason to be afraid. Jesus was under threat of death, and yet he was saying to them (and to us) "do not be afraid!" May we be bold enough today to set fear aside and rejoice in God's love for us.

Wondrous Creator, the skies have darkened

and the storms of life threaten to overwhelm

yet you called us to not be afraid in the storm

for you have promised to be here with us.

Help us to let go of fear and worry today

and get about the business of loving care

for you are the source of strength and courage

and you are with us in all the challenges we face. Amen.

Leave Her Alone

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 11:55—12:8

In our world, we often honor those who give large amounts to charitable organizations, often from their plenty. It makes everyone feel wonderful when an charity receives a million dollar donation. Yet the gifts that keep the charities alive are often the day in day out service and giving of those who have the least, putting part of their small salaries and hug amounts of time so others can thrive. Jesus encounters such an selfless person. Yet Judas sees only the money. Jesus sees her heart, her gift. her humility. May we live so that Jesus can know our hearts, our gifts and our humility.

Gracious Creator, you supply all our needs

you send rains during the drought times

and people who serve those in great need

and give us enough to share with others.

Help us today to not count the costs

rather let us offer whatever we have

for the good and blessing of others

so your love might be known in our service. Amen.

Sunday, September 11th, 2022

The Collect 

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 

At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people, not to winnow or cleanse-- a wind too strong for that. Now it is I who speak in judgment against them. "For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good." I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and lo, there was no one at all, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger. For thus says the LORD: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end. Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black; for I have spoken, I have purposed; I have not relented nor will I turn back. 

Psalm 14 

1 The fool has said in his heart, 

"There is no God." * 

All are corrupt and commit 

abominable acts; there is none 

who does any good. 

2 The LORD looks down 

from heaven upon us all, * 

to see if there is any who is wise, 

if there is one who seeks after God. 

3 Every one has proved faithless; 

all alike have turned bad; * 

there is none who does good; 

no, not one. 

4 Have they no knowledge, 

all those evildoers *

 who eat up my people like bread 

and do not call upon the LORD? 

5 See how they tremble with fear, *

 because God is in 

the company of the righteous. 

6 Their aim is to confound 

the plans of the afflicted, * 

but the LORD is their refuge. 

7 Oh, that Israel's deliverance 

would come out of Zion! * 

when the LORD restores

 the fortunes of his people, 

Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad. 

 The Epistle 1 Timothy 1:12-17

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 

The Gospel Luke 15:1-10 

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 he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

I am perpetual loser. I can misplace things with such great ease that I often feel it is one of my great talents. I usually can find things pretty well. And I can often find myself going in the wrong direction when on the road. I learned about capture errors, years ago, from a wise friend. A capture error is when you have one goal or place in mind but you find yourself taking a different, more familiar route, often ending in the wrong place. We all get lost. And to all of us who get lost, are lost and who lose our way, Jesus tells us that we are sought after, every moment, by our loving Creator. And there is much rejoicing when we turn around, when we come home, when we are found again.

Loving Creator, we often wander and get lost

in our stubborn independence we believe

we know what is best and shut our ears to elders

and find ourselves wandering in the darkness.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again.

You ate with the sinners and the tax collectors

made your home with outcasts and the stranger

you sat at table with the sick and the prisoners

and you angered the leaders of the faith.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again.

We know we are broken, our world is broken

we condemn those who lash out in great anger

yet we hide our selfish anger and indignation

in our belief we are superior and more worthy.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again.

Mold us into those who reach out in love

shape us into humble people ready to serve.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again.

We wander, we get lost and rebel on purpose

yet you are always seeking out the lost ones.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again.

We are grateful for your abundant love

undeserved love which you shower on all.

Lord, help us repent and know your joy again. Amen.

Unbind, and Let Go

Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’ John 11:30-44

Yesterday, the longest reigning monarch passed on. She lived through incredible events, served with distinction and kept family, country and church together. She was a faithful lay woman who headed the church. She was bound by rules and custom, and took seriously the weight of her crown. The burdens of her life are now lifted, and she has loosed her bindings and is set free. We Americans, and all those in the former colonies, have a range of emotions about English royalty. But no-one can deny her faithfulness and sense of duty. She had tea with many but we all relished when she had tea with Paddington Bear. She also was very human, as we all are, yet she loved and lost in the public eye. May her life well-lived teach us all how to live.

Gracious Creator, source of all authority

you gave life and liberty to all people

and gave some power to rule over others

we thank you for the life of Elizabeth

who served you, her church, and her people well.

May we let go of the need to bind others

may we let go the prisoners and the captive

give us your heart to love fully and well

and to be those who love with your heart. Amen.

The Resurrection and the Life

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29 

We have been traveling the last few days to see our daughter and our grandchildren. I am reminded how much we miss when we don't see them every day. Our youngest granddaughter started kindergarten and wanted to tell me all about it. Our grandson, who just started first, is much more reluctant to share. And our granddaughter in sixth grade, well, her school is all about changing classes and figuring our the where and when of her new schedule. There are many, "if you had been here" moments in our lives. I wish I could be with them every moment. Yet, they have great parents and I entrust them to God's protection every day. Martha ran to Jesus when he arrived. She truly believed that if Jesus had been present her brother would not have died. She would have been spared from life's pain. Yet none of us are spared from life's challenges. And we are also immeasurably blessed by life's daily wonders and miracles.

Loving Creator, you placed us in community

embedding us in family and with loved ones

although we cannot be with them at all times

you show us miracles and wonders through them.

We ache when we are separated and often worry

yet you hold us all in your tender loving hands

you are always moving to the toughest places

when our hearts are on the ground, you are there. Amen.

Walk in the Light

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this Jesus said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:1-16

It is often easier to avoid conflict and challenging situations than to walk into them. I find myself veering away from places and people who feel threatening and dangerous. It is a natural reaction, yet Jesus called himself back to a place where danger was ever present, faced the worst, all out of love. And we too are called, from time to time, to face the hard places and people, the situations we desire most to avoid. In the healing of those places and people, we learn how to walk in the light of God. 

Loving Creator, you know our troubles

and you walk with us in the hard places

bringing your light to the very darkness

surrounding us with life, even in death.

We shy from the places you have called us

we hide behind our fear and our failures

yet you have promised to deliver us always

leading us through the storms to your light. Amen.
 

Throwing Stones

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled—can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there. John 10:31-42

It is a common human response when our world is upended, to blame, to strike out and to throw stones. From bad drivers in traffic, to overt cruelty and violence, we can be brought to rage and violence ourselves. When loved ones are put in danger, we want to strike out. The words of Jesus unsettled the religious leaders of his day, so much so, they rose up with violence. Some people and behaviors upset us today and we ache to demonize them. But today, we are invited to slip way, to move to the places of healing. 

Gracious Creator, you gave us abundance

and we pick quarrels and fight over the bounty

thinking we are in charge, believing we control

yet you know the frailty of our real existence.

Help us to quiet our hearts and minds today

let us seek out and become places of healing

make us those who drop the stones on the ground

and use our strength foe love and service alone. Amen.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?” Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:19-30

Today we celebrate Labor Day in the US. Very few of us work s hard as ranchers, farmers and sheepherders. They can rarely rest, yet we all depend on them, as folks did in ancient times. We will barbecue, party and enjoy the day off, though many will be working so we can. May we be grateful that we have a great shepherd, who never takes a day off, and who keeps us safe, despite our headstrong wanderings.

Good Shepherd, guide us and lead us today

we wander far from your pastures and gates

we try to lead ourselves and get lost regularly

yet you seek us out, calling us by name.

Bring us Good Lord to safe pastures again

help us to follow your road of love alone

let our lives be dedicated to following you

and humbled so we might serve your flock. Amen.

Carrying the Cross - Sunday, September 4th, 2022

The Collect 

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament Jeremiah 18:1-11 

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the LORD: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.

 Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17

 1 LORD, you have searched me

 out and known me; * 

you know my sitting down 

and my rising up; 

you discern my thoughts from afar. 

2 You trace my journeys 

and my resting-places * 

and are acquainted

 with all my ways. 

3 Indeed, there is not 

a word on my lips, * 

but you, O LORD, 

know it altogether. 

4 You press upon me

 behind and before * 

and lay your hand upon me. 

5 Such knowledge is 

too wonderful for me; * 

it is so high that I cannot attain to it. 

12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; * 

you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

13 I will thank you because 

I am marvelously made; * 

your works are wonderful, 

and I know it well. 

14 My body was not hidden from you, * 

while I was being made in secret 

and woven in the depths of the earth. 

15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, 

yet unfinished in the womb; 

all of them were written in your book; * 

they were fashioned day by day, 

when as yet there was none of them. 

16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! * 

how great is the sum of them! 

17 If I were to count them, 

they would be more in number than the sand; * 

to count them all, my life span 

would need to be like yours. 

The Epistle Philemon 1-21 

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love-- and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother-- especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 

The Gospel Luke 14:25-33 

Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."

All of want our lives to be easier and more fulfilling than they really are. We are jealous of what others have and frustrated by what we lack. I often wish I could be stronger and more capable than I am. I often fail to see the abundance in my own life - a loving family, a roof over our heads, good employment and loving friends. My willing service to God in following Jesus has never been too hard. Yet Jesus tells us that giving up all that we have is required to follow Him. These are hard words, and, never more true. For truly loving God and serving Christ moves us to uncomfortable places, hard times and never knowing what is next. And, we are blessed, always blessed, when we put our needs, wants and control needs aside to see with the sacred vision of Christ.

Litany for Sunday

Loving Savior, center of our sacred circle

you gave your all so that we might live

you offered yourself for the healing of the world

help us to give it all up and follow you.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you.

Creator, everything we have is from you

every breath we take is your daily gift

every smiling loved one bears your touch

every stranger in need bears your heart.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you.

Holy Spirit, you pour out your power on all

in our weakness you make us all strong

in times of danger you deliver us again

and in our darkest moments you revive us.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you.

We are misguided, anxious and afraid

you promise to be the light in our darkness.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you.

We are controlled by clutter and confusion

make are hearts steadfast in faith.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you.

You are our beginning and our end

you make our lives whole embedded in your love.

Precious Jesus, help us to let go and follow you. Amen.