Seeking the Lost - Sunday, October 30th, 2022

                                        

                                            Sunday October 30th. 2022

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost." Luke 19:1-10

Today, I will offer an abbreviated Sunday prayer and reflection. I am in Virginia, after an incredible event, the Matoaka Covenant kickoff. We listened, we learned, we feasted, and we prayed together. At the end of the day, we shared communion at the shores of the James River. The same river which the first settlers sailed into coming to Jamestown. An artery which is still a main trade route and sacred ground to the Indigenous people of Virginia. Most of us gathered there were not there about power, position or status, but to open our hearts to the Creator and welcome God's love and truth into our hearts and our communities. As we shared communion, eagles soared overhead, leaning into the wind and blessing the gathering. We were all changed.

Loving Creator, you sent your spirit

to the lost, the outcast and the hurting

to remind us that we are your beloved

and always blessed by your embrace.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth.

We often separate and continue in ignorance

rather than hearing the strange and hard truths

rather than coming down from our safety

to welcome the strangers to our homes.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth.

You gave us good, fertile lands 

abundant seas and flowing rivers

yet we would hoard and control

rather than set a bigger table for all.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth.

Help us to hear the cries of the ancestors

let us mend the broken hoops of relations.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth.

Make us grateful and willing to learn

from the people we have intentionally silenced.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth.

For you love is found in our humble hearts

and where justice and truth have deep roots.

Help us Lord, to honor all people and our sacred earth. Amen.

Consider the Lilies

Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’ He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:13-31

The calendar is moving towards the colder months and the flowers of summer are gone. They will return again at the right time. I vividly remember the lilies in my parent's yard. My Nanny WalkingStick had planted them simply because she loved them. They were so vibrant and plentiful. When you walked out in the morning, it was impossible to not brush against them and be sprinkled with the morning dew. They were resplendent long after she was gone. We are invited to enjoy the blessings we have been given, setting aside our worries, knowing God will provide in abundance.

Loving Creator, you adorn the world with beauty

flowers, trees, gorgeous sunsets and rainbows

reminders all of your endless love for everyone

help us to trust you in every moment today.

We worry about elections and too much violence

we worry for our children and our grandchildren

we worry for our parents and for the future

yet you have the present and future in your hands.

Help us today to revel in the gifts you give us

help us to share the abundance you provide

let us set worry aside and work for love alone

so the world might see your love for everyone. Amen.

Sparrows

When Jesus went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops. “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 11:53—12:12

During the cooler months we have bird feeders we continually fill. We are not avid birders but love watching the birds in our back yard. We love watching them hope around, jostling for a place on the feeder. We also have a good deal of squirrels, who infuriate my husband, as they try to hop onto the feeders and knock down all the seeds. He often runs out and yells at them. He has also been given several squirrel proof feeders. He is very protective of our birds. And, if we humans can feel that way about small house sparrows and the occasional wren, how much more does God care for us, each and every one?

Eternal Creator you love us completely

you watch as we scrabble for our food

you provide us with every good thing

yet we are rarely grateful for your blessings.

You invite us to be humble and forgive

to live with the trust of the birds and fish

making our everyday a dance of joy

singing even as the sun is setting.

Help us to live knowing we are loved

let us act like treasured children

sharing all that we have with others

and giving you the glory every day. Amen.

Washing

While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.” One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11:37-52 

It seems like ages ago, but when Covid first began there were all sorts of videos teaching us how to wash our hands. The remnant of that anxiety is splashed all over every public restroom still. Hand sanitizers are everywhere still, though often empty. Our worries about washing hands and masking have mostly been put aside. Yet, in the peak of the pandemic, we were all judging those who didn't mask and those who would not wash their hands. Ritual washing at the altar has become much more important. In all times, pandemic or not, we rush to judgement for other peoples' outside mistakes and fail to recognize our own failures and brokenness.

Wondrous Creator, you have called us all good

and made waters of rivers and great streams

to wash our bodies and our dwellings

and welcome all to your table of love.

We rush to judge those who cannot wash

we reject those who have no dwellings

we turn away from those who you call

and wonder why you aren't among us.

Help us to set all judgment aside

and examine our hearts and our lives

help us make room for your love

and live for all who you love and serve. Amen.

This Little Light

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.” Luke 11:27-36

Years ago, I had knee surgery in an orthopedic hospital in Baltimore, which specialized in children's needs. I was a grown woman of 21 and wondered why I was there. My doc explained they had the best rehab facilities. After surgery, I had a good deal of pain and was feeling sorry for myself. The nurse, noticing my not smiling face, asked if I wanted to see the special guests visiting that day. It happened a theater troupe, and I was curious and agreed. She wheeled me in and sat me in a room which was mostly empty. In a few moments, I was joined by dozens of small children, some in multiple casts in wheelchairs and others in striker frames. They were all smiling and waving at grumpy me. Their situations were much worse, yet they could shine their little lights despite it all. May we all shine our lights, no matter how dark it seems today.

Loving Creator, you send the brilliant sun

and you water the earth with rain and snow

we delight in the bright and cheerful days

and complain when the rain and snow fall.

You turn the earth so we can see diversity

in seasons, in light, and in one another

yet we only want the simple moments

and don't want to see the more complicated.

Help us to let our light shine today

despite the pain and sorrow we feel

even when we are wracked with pain

for the world needs our little lights today. Amen.

Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, Proper 25

The Collect 

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

Old Testament Joel 2:23-32 

O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the LORD your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame. Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. 

Psalm 65 

1 You are to be praised, 

O God, in Zion; * 

to you shall vows be 

performed in Jerusalem. 

2 To you that hear prayer 

shall all flesh come, * 

because of their transgressions. 

3 Our sins are stronger than we are, * 

but you will blot them out. 

4 Happy are they whom you choose 

and draw to your courts to dwell there! * 

they will be satisfied 

by the beauty of your house, 

by the holiness of your temple. 

5 Awesome things will you show us 

in your righteousness, 

O God of our salvation, * 

O Hope of all the ends of the earth 

and of the seas that are far away. 

6 You make fast 

the mountains by your power; * 

they are girded about with might. 

7 You still the roaring of the seas, * 

the roaring of their waves, and 

the clamor of the peoples. 

8 Those who dwell at the ends 

of the earth will tremble 

at your marvelous signs; * 

you make the dawn and 

the dusk to sing for joy. 

9 You visit the earth 

and water it abundantly; 

you make it very plenteous; * 

the river of God is full of water. 

10 You prepare the grain, * 

for so you provide for the earth. 

11 You drench the furrows and 

smooth out the ridges; * 

with heavy rain you soften 

the ground and bless its increase. 

12 You crown the year with your goodness, * 

and your paths overflow with plenty. 

13 May the fields of the wilderness 

be rich for grazing, * 

and the hills be clothed with joy. 

14 May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, 

and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; * 

let them shout for joy and sing. 

The Epistle 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 

I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 

The Gospel Luke 18:9-14 

Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

A Sunday Litany

Wonderful Creator, heart of all life

you shower us great blessings 

shelter us, feed us and guide us

yet we are arrogant and unaware.

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path.

All of us fall and all of us stumble

we are frail humans with great need

you call us to trust in you always

and we try to trust in ourselves instead.

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path.

We are blind to our own shortcomings

pointing out the foolishness of others

we are deaf to the cries around us

we fail to see the good in all creation. 

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path.

Like children we fight for first place

your prize is found in our love for others.

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path.

You call us to be servants of our neighbors

we continue to wage war and violence.

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path.

In all things, your love is evident and true

give us the strength to humbly seek your face.

Lord, guide our feet on the humble path. Amen.

Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

I had three sisters, now just two, and between us there are Marthas and Marys. I dare not say which ones, but let's just say, although Jesus said Mary had chosen the best part, she left Martha with all of the work. Jesus wanted Martha to sit down and enjoy his presence, the chores could wait. And yet, sometimes chore avoided can be a heavy burden on just one or two. The challenge is to know which moments are sacred, setting aside the chores, and which are times when we all need to lean in and help.

Gracious God, you set us in families

with various personalities and gifts

help us to know when to work together

and when to sit and listen to your word.

Help us to labor and be useful in your fields

and help us to always take time to be renewed

let us be both Martha and Mary, serving and sitting

knowing your love in our daily lives.

Make our work holy and our rest as well

make each season a time for reflection

let us show others how to live together

as one family serving in your name. Amen.

Go and Do Likewise

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37

I have found that the story of the kind Samaritan, the despised alien of the people he was talking to, is so important and real for us today. We live in a time when political leaders, who call themselves Christian, ship unsuspecting new arrivals to an unprepared island. The people of the island were kind, good and generous, despite the cruel politics. And we are called, all of us, to put politics and divisions aside, and care for those along our journey. The question that brought on this story was about salvation. The answer to all of us is "go and do likewise",

Wonderful Creator, you made a diverse people

scattering us in various places across the globe

like stars in the skies that guide us home

and call us to love all of our neighbors.

We separate our children by age and race

yet you send them to us with prejudice

we mold them to fear and reject difference

while you made us all to love others like family.

Lord, strip away the prejudice we hold onto

and supplant your eyes of love into our beings

let us witness to the whole beautiful creation

that God is love as we love our all neighbors. Amen.

Revealed to Infants

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” Jesus said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Luke 10:17-24

My youngest, when she was not quite three, watching her older sisters roller skate, wanted to join in. She told me that God had taught her to roller skate in heaven. She repeated this claim over and over, until we relented and found a small, used pair that would fit her. She strapped them on and began to "skate" around the house, joyfully crashing into furniture. Even when she fell, she would tell me that she had forgotten some of the lessons God taught her. I truly believe that children are often the best theologians, and we adults struggle to understand God's love while they do completely.

Gracious Creator, you placed us each here

touched by your grace and your love

to radiate your spirit of kindness and joy

to a world that is full of hazards and demons.

You put love in our hearts from first breath

you gave us the eyes to see your beauty

we get too busy to behold your creation

yet within each is the power of a small child.

Let us be childlike is our joy and wonder

help us to embrace each new day with hope

let us know we have all we need for now

and may we bless this world with your love. Amen.

Eyewitnesses - St. Luke

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

Today we celebrate the Gospel writer Luke, who told the story of Jesus through the Gospel and the Acts. He listened closely to the elders who were "there" and shared their insights and their stories of faith. He connected the first witnesses to the life of the church as it was being formed. Luke created poetry and word pictures to help us all understand Christ's love for the world. As we serve where we are planted, Luke invites us to paint word pictures and lived experiences that help our neighbors know the love of Jesus.

Gracious Creator, you sent us scribes

to tell the stories of the witnesses

who were showered with your presence

who walk the dusty roads with you.

The world is in need of story tellers

those who can share their rich blessings

the gifts of love you have given us

the stories of healing and redemption.

Help us to be brave with our story telling

sharing from our hearts your love for all

strengthen us for service in these times

so folks may see you present with them. Amen.

Facing Jerusalem

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:51-62

There are things we have to face, even when we are reluctant and afraid. We all have our own small Jerusalems. They are often places of great sorrow and loss, of remember joys now destroyed. Or simpler things like the boss's office or the principal's office. And it can be scary, like facing surgery and the unknown consequences that follow. The followers of Jesus tried to convince him not to go, and others refused to go with him. Love demands two things; we go with the people we love and we face the hard days with them, as they will for us.

Precious Savior, you set your face to Jerusalem

knowing pain, sorrow and death awaited you

yet for love of the world, you went there anyway

you took our shame and made it our redemption.

We are sometimes fearful and reluctant to follow you

yet you promise blessing upon blessing if we do

you understand our fears, our worries and our humanity

and respond with love beyond all understanding.

Help us today to follow you to the hardest places

where we find nothing familiar and no comfort

so we might carry you love to the neglected ones

and know your living presence despite our fears. Amen.

 

Sunday, October 16th, 2022

October 16, 2022 Proper 24

The Collect

 Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament Jeremiah 31:27-34 

 

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the LORD. In those days they shall no longer say: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt-- a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 

 Psalm 119:97-104 

97 Oh, how I love your law! * 

all the day long it is in my mind. 

98 Your commandment has made me

 wiser than my enemies, * 

and it is always with me. 

99 I have more understanding 

than all my teachers, * 

for your decrees are my study. 

100 I am wiser than the elders, * 

because I observe your commandments. 

101 I restrain my feet 

from every evil way, * 

that I may keep your word. 

102 I do not shrink from your judgments, * 

because you yourself have taught me. 

103 How sweet are your words 

to my taste! * 

they are sweeter than honey 

to my mouth. 

 104 Through your commandments 

I gain understanding; * 

therefore I hate every lying way. 

 The Epistle 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 

 As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. 

 The Gospel Luke 18:1-8 

 Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you; he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Some of us try to bargain with God. Some of us try to bargain our way out of the trouble they have caused. We often treat our faith as if we are small children trying to get out of doing the dishes one moment, then screaming bloody murder the next. We want the parent to come running when we need them, but most of the time we things our way and set our faith aside. Yet God is always faith, day and night, all our lives from beginning to end. Our human world is broken, and many people are weak and corrupt, but God is always listening and loving us all.

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, we struggle and compete

thinking we are independent and powerful

but when weaknesses overwhelms us

we cry out like small and hurting children.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love.

You would have us walk in faith every day

you called us to take care of the most hurting

the vulnerable and the homeless among us

you love them as much as you love us all.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love.

You spoke in stories to your followers

we are your followers now who need to hear

your call to make our world a place of faith

always praying for your guidance and support.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love.

Wars and violence are too common

O Lord deliver us from anger and rage.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love.

We are often heedless and arrogant

help us to listen closely and live humbly.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love.

Your love is larger than any challenge we face

let our faith flourish as we put our trust in you.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to trust your never-failing love. Amen.

Changed

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36 

We all want to be noticed and highly regarded. Many are happy for a bit of attention, their 15 minutes of fame. We have so many "reality" shows because folks just ache for the attention, even if they get noticed for their foolishness and embarrassing or violent behavior. Affirmation and love are important to our emotional health, and we often falter when we feel neglected. The disciples accompany Jesus up a mountain to pray and encounter the affirmation of the living God. They were humbled, afraid and without a clue. Yet they had a glimpse of the intimate relationship f their teacher to the Creator. They were all transformed and changed. When we witness love so deep, we are all changed.

Loving Creator, parent of us all

we your children often ache for love

we fear we are inadequate or disregarded

and we often stray looking for attention.

Yet you have made us your beloved

you have not reserved love for royalty

rather you shower love in aching hearts

and invite the fearful to the mountain top.

Help us to have faith in your great love

which encompasses all of your creation

and help us be brave and strong enough

to give love away to this broken world. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27 

We have very aggressive drivers here in Massachusetts who hate to follow or be slowed down by anyone, even when the traffic is at a near standstill. Some will draw up close, flash their lights, beep their horns, just so they can get a few feet further and not have to follow the car in front of them. Americans often think of ourselves as leaders, not followers, inpatient with other people's slowness. Yet to our frenetic world, Jesus calls us to follow, with patience, shouldering the burdens of ourselves and others.

Loving Creator, our guide and our home

we struggle and grapple to be the first

yet you were willing to be among the least

and counted your cross as gift and sign.

Help us to stay away from impatience

may we let the need for victory go

since you who is the savior of the world

was willing to give it up for us all.

May today we live with a follower's joy

trusting you for every step on our journey

letting others go first and walk with us

so your redeeming love might flourish here. Amen.

Nothing For Your Journey

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces Luke 9:1-17

I sometimes have watched as suitcases tumble off the belts at an airport and wonder what all folks take for their journey. Sometimes it's obvious and somethings are a mystery. I often take too much when I am anxious about dressing for a particular occasion. I take very little when I am going to a place I know and people I trust. Yet Jesus tells us the abundance is given even when we have next to nothing for our journey. A little faith, five loaves and two fish can feed thousands. 

Creator God, who guides each journey

sending brother sun for the daytime

sister moon for our night's light

and who bring abundance to the desert.

We are fearful so we over pack and worry

we often miss the blessings on our way

help us to put down the baggage of worry

and pick up your promise of plenty.

Let our faith flourish as we journey on

make us ever grateful for daily blessings

help us to use the few loaves and fish we have

knowing you will bless the whole world. Amen.

Do Not Fear, Only Believe

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” When Jesus heard this, he replied, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.” When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56 

Yesterday we had an extraordinary gathering for Indigenous Peoples' Day. Both Massachusetts dioceses were represented, and people came from across the state to be there. We heard from three amazing Indigenous leaders, people of great spiritual strength, both humble and honest. Their honesty and faith, their willingness to stories from the heart, changed lives. The way of healing was begun. We took some small steps in faith yesterday and incredible gifts were received.

Gracious Creator, in you we find our healing

in sharing our stories and our suffering

you move in to dwell with everyone who cries

and you visit the houses of frightened parents.

We cannot heal on our own but with your spirit

help us to put fear aside and believe in your love

let us take our small steps in faith always trusting

that you will meet us on our journey of healing.

Lord Jesus, we ask you to put renew faith within

cover our weary spirits with a gentle breeze

lift our hearts so that we might walk again

in the light of your healing and your grace. Amen.

Bearing Fruit

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Luke 8:1-15

We have a small orchard near us, where we can go to pick apples and peaches. They also have a tiny stand, run by several of the friendliest women in the world. There are no fancy entertainment rides, petting zoos or hayrides, just apple picking in a quiet orchard. Everyone comes away smiling, joyful and encouraged. Bearing good fruit, seems to me, to be like our local orchard. They don't advertise, they don't show off, they just provide good fruit and happy moments. 

Gracious Creator, source of abundance

our world is aching for compassion

and the sweet fruit of human kindness

and you have called us all to bear fruit.

We are fearful and reluctant in these times

yet in every generation you send us heralds

those who proclaim love and forgiveness

by word and example where they are planted.

Help us be deeply rooted in your love

let you love flow through us to all people

let us be honored to bear the good fruit

of your compassion and your love. Amen.
 

What Kind of Woman

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50

For generations, after first contact on this continent, Indigenous women were often captured and used as personal slaves for men. And even today, our young girls and women are taken, in record numbers for the sex trade. The proportion of missing and murdered women in our populations is staggering. There are women with bright futures and many gifts, women who love their families and want to honor their people. The woman who encountered and anointed Jesus had probably been sold into prostitution by a brother an uncle or a father. Yet today, we hear of his appreciation for "this kind of woman" and calls her a woman of great faith.

Loving God, you balanced the world at its birth

yet we humans have struggled for control

we put some people down so we can feel righteous

yet you came among the people and loved them all.

You love us all to this very place and time

despite our waring and our selfish ways

you promise healing to every suffering human

and promise healing to this sacred earth.

Let us live like the redeemed sinner that we are

grateful and joyful in every interaction

knowing that yours is the judgement alone

and you breath peace and forgiveness in every breath. Amen.

Go and Tell

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?'” Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.) “To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Luke 7:18-35

I remember when we had show and tell in school. Often times someone brought a new, shiny toy and didn't have to say much, just watch us as we looked with envious eyes. I liked the times when a classmate would tell of an adventure or a scary moment. I often had sand in my pockets and pulled out some sand and told stories of the ocean. These days we rarely sit and listen to stories, letting TV and Hollywood be our storytellers. Jesus, when confronted with the disciples of John, told them to tell him what they have seen. May we go and tell the love we have seen, the healing and restoration that has been ours in Jesus.

Wondrous Creator, you hung the stars in the sky

and made winter times for telling stories

yet we hide from the change in our seasons

and don't  share the wonders you have done for us.

You give us all the wisdom and patience we need

for these times are challenging and fearful

you have so many stories to share with us all

if we would just sit down and listen with our hearts.

Lord, help us to seek your healing and redemption

help us to share your love in the darkest times

let our mouths be filled with your praise

and let us all be busy serving others in your name.Amen.

Only Speak the Word

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:1-17

Some people love to hear themselves speak, so much so that they leave no room for others. We often talk too much and babble on when we are nervous or afraid. Yet, the transformations and healing often come when we quiet down and listen, noticing what God is doing in our midst, and trusting our Creator to see us and help us. When my children were small they would repeat Momma and Dadda to get our attention. Yet they always had our attention and when they were in any distress, we were there. If imperfect parents can do this for their young, how much more so is God willing to hear us.

Gracious Creator, our hearts and our home

help us to live simply in your embrace

by walking the good road you have set for us

and by being faithful and truthful in everything.

A soldier and a mother cried out to you

you restored to them their beloved family

and you hear our cries and our worried babble

responding with your powerful, transforming love.

Help us to have a simple and honest faith

let our words and actions always be truthful

may our lives reflect your care and compassion

as we serve the world filled with your joy. Amen.

Could Not Shake It

Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.” Luke 6:39-49

Life provides us with all kinds of storms. We have watched as hurricane Ian slammed into the Florida coast, destroying everything in it's path. Folks are now rushing to help those who were in Ian's path. And there are others storms that hit us, and we collapse under the weight of it. I sometimes find myself reciting psalms that I learned as a child in times like these, or the Lord's prayer. They were embedded in my being from childhood. I know some of the storms of my life were my own making. Some storms, caught me unawares, in a moment when all I could do was protect my family and keep my head down. The faith given to me from childhood has seen me through.

Great Creator, mysterious and always present

we have been pounded by the storms of life

we have whipped up troubles and storms

yet you are always faithful and lead us home.

Help us to be those who bear good fruit

make us humble and faithful in all things

let your heart planted within each of us

be our rock, our strength in troubled times.

Help us too, to be a rock for the perishing

help us be those who reach out in the storms

make us always ready to respond to others needs

and shelter them in  your loving embrace. Amen.

Sunday, October 2nd, 2022

                                    Sunday October 2nd, 2022 Proper 22

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament   Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 

The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous-- therefore judgment comes forth perverted. I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith. 

Psalm 37:1-10  

1 Do not fret yourself 

because of evildoers; * 

 do not be jealous 

of those who do wrong. 

2 For they shall soon 

wither like the grass, *

 and like the green 

grass fade away. 

3 Put your trust in 

the LORD and do good; * 

 dwell in the land 

and feed on its riches. 

4 Take delight in the LORD, * 

and he shall give you 

your heart's desire. 

5 Commit your way 

to the LORD and put 

your trust in him, * 

 and he will bring it to pass. 

6 He will make your

 righteousness as clear 

as the light * 

 and your just dealing 

as the noonday. 

7 Be still before the LORD * 

 and wait patiently for him. 

8 Do not fret yourself 

over the one who prospers, * 

 the one who succeeds 

in evil schemes. 

9 Refrain from anger, 

leave rage alone; * 

 do not fret yourself; 

it leads only to evil. 

10 For evildoers shall be cut off, * 

 but those who wait upon the LORD 

shall possess the land. 

The Epistle 2 Timothy 1:1-14 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God-- whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did-- when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. 

The Gospel Luke 17:5-10 

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, `Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, `We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"

It is the season of harvest, when the air cools and the light dims. We bring our crops in, we prepare for the winter, and we see how well we have done. It is the time of turning and putting up crops for the coming cold. Our garden was pretty feeble this summer. We were away too much, the heat was too intense, and we didn't weed and protect as much as we could have. Still, looking it all over, we have much to be thankful for, so much abundance and so much plenty. Despite our feeble attempts, things still grew. God is good, even when we have so little to offer. The disciples wanted to be super faith heroes before they set out. We too wait until we feel ready, which is often never. Yet we are all called to serve and God promises to provide in miraculous abundance, even when we feel we have so little to offer.

A Litany for Sunday

Loving Creator, source of all life

you shower us with great abundance

you are always seeking to lift us up

and we re reluctant and always fearful.

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love.

We are weary from our fruitless labors

we cry out in this time of pain and loss

the world is torn by war and great storms

yet you are here ready to restore us all.

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love.

Take our lives and use us for justice

take our voices and lift them for the outcast

take our hand and use them in service

for we are reluctant and you are our strength.

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love.

Let us share our abundance with all

knowing are enemies are beloved of you

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love.

Let us bend our will so it may finally be yours

our hearts in service to an aching world

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love.

Make our hearts ready to be joyful in all times

trusting that your love is sufficient for all.

Savior, help us step out in faith, planting seeds of your love. Amen.