Mary Letter Day Four

                                                                                    1 At all times I will bless the LORD; *

 whose praise shall ever be in my mouth. 

2 I will glory in the LORD; * 

let the humble hear and rejoice. 

3 Proclaim with me 

the greatness of the LORD; * 

let us exalt the Name 

of the LORD together. 

4 I sought the LORD, 

who answered me * 

and delivered me out of all my terror. 

5 Look upon the LORD and be radiant, * 

and let not your faces be ashamed. 

6 I called in my affliction 

and the LORD heard me * 

and saved me from all my troubles. 

7 The angel of the LORD 

encompasses the God-fearing, * 

and the LORD will deliver them. 

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good: * 

happy are they who trust in the LORD!

 Psalm 34:1-8

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

I have so much to tell you! I am amazed at how things have changed in the past few days! When I wrote you last, things were a mess and I felt so alone. I do trust God, and believe what the angel said, but everyone around me was so mean and not listening to me. Well, listen to this! Joseph came over yesterday and shocked us all. I thought he was there to severe our engagement. Instead, he called us all together and told us that he too had a dream. Can you believe it! He wants to marry me and wants to raise the child I have. An angel told him that this was all from God, and no man's doing. And, even better, he told my parents that God really prizes me and I am to be a blessing to the whole world. They were dumbfounded! It took a while for Mama and Papa to say anything, but we were all in tears - tears of great joy!

At this point have not made any plans for getting married, but we want to have a ceremony well before the baby arrives. Mama came into my room after Joseph left and apologized for not believing me. We hugged and cried and laughed. She is going to see if she can find a wise woman and midwife from some other village to attend to me. She also wants to make baby clothes and teach me everything I need to know about being a mother. I cannot believe how things have changed! God has been faithful, even when everything seemed so very dark and painful. 

Auntie, Papa and Mama also think it's a good idea for me to come and visit with you for a while. They know we have grown very close, Mama said, "since you're both carrying miracles, you should have a visit and compare notes!" I think they want me out of their hair for a while, so they can figure out how to keep me safe. Other folks are not so understanding, according to Papa. Can't wait to see you!

Love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Three

1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger; * 

do not punish me in your wrath. 

2 Have pity on me, LORD, for I am weak; * 

heal me, LORD, for my bones are racked. 

3 My spirit shakes with terror; * 

how long, O LORD, how long? 

4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; * 

save me for your mercy’s sake. 

5 For in death no one remembers you; * 

and who will give you thanks in the grave? 

6 I grow weary because of my groaning; * 

every night I drench my bed 

and flood my couch with tears. 

7 My eyes are wasted with grief * 

and worn away because of all my enemies. 

8 Depart from me, all evildoers, * 

for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 

9 The LORD has heard my supplication; * 

the LORD accepts my prayer. 

10 All my enemies shall be confounded 

and quake with fear; * 

they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame. 

Psalm 6

Dear Auntie,

Things are a bit of a mess here. Mama and Papa confronted Joseph about my being with child. He denied every being intimate with me. Then they all started accusing me of having a secret love. No matter what I said about the angel's visitation, they shook their heads and laughed at me. I couldn't help it, I cried and cried and ran outside into the night garden. The air was cool, and I stayed outside as long as I could. I cried myself out and they all left me alone. Joseph left quietly while I was outside. I came in after the noise of cleaning up was done, creeping in quietly to my room.

I didn't expect such a huge blow up and I know I didn't handle it well at all. This child is both and honor and a burden and I do not know how to handle it. I read the Psalms of David at night to calm my spirit. I keep asking God to make me less sensitive and stronger in my faith, but so far, I seem to be all tears and anxiety. Mama has told me that Joseph is planning to stop by later this week. I am sure he will rescind his offer of marriage. I understand, and yet I feel so all alone.

Please pray for me, Mama, Papa and Joseph too. I know God will find a way for me, but right now, it seems so confusing and so messy.

love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Two

1 Happy are they who 

have not walked

 in the counsel of the wicked, * 

nor lingered in the way of sinners, 

nor sat in the seats of the scornful! 

2 Their delight is in the 

law of the LORD, *

 and on this law they meditate 

day and night. 

3 They are like trees 

planted by streams of water, 

bearing fruit in due season, 

with leaves that do not wither; * 

everything they do shall prosper. 

4 It is not so with the wicked; * 

they are like chaff which 

the wind blows away. 

5 Therefore the wicked 

shall not stand 

upright when judgment comes, * 

nor the sinner in the council of the righteous. 

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, * 

but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 1

Dear Auntie Eliabeth,

Thank you for your letter and your kind words! I am also so excited that you are with child! I can hardly believe it! You have waited so long and thought your time had passed. Since you are months ahead of me, there is so much you can teach me! I hope I can come and stay with you soon, since you offered.

Things are getting very tense here. Mama notice that my cycle hadn't returned. She questioned me until I told her about my dream. Mama and Papa are so angry and worried, I can tell. They have invited Joseph over tonight for dinner. He will probably take away his offer for marriage, and I don't blame him. I would rather not be here this evening, but Papa insists that we "get to the truth!" He doesn't believe me. Joseph has been kind and appropriate and has never sone anything to me! He doesn't deserve this scrutiny either. I feel very alone, but it helps knowing I can write to you, and you will understand.

When I get very upset and frightened, I recite the psalms I know. They feel like promises from God. They remind me that the challenges of being faithful are the same throughout history. King David's struggles are my struggles too. Please pray that we survive tonight and find a way forward. I am being faithful to God, but this is a terrible burden to bear.

Love,

Mary

Advent 1 - First Mary Letter

Advent One 2022

The Collect

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Isaiah 2:1-5 

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! 

Psalm 122

1 I was glad when they said to me, *

 "Let us go to the house of the LORD." 

2 Now our feet are standing * 

within your gates, O Jerusalem. 

3 Jerusalem is built as a city * 

that is at unity with itself; 

4 To which the tribes go up, 

the tribes of the LORD, *

 the assembly of Israel, 

to praise the Name of the LORD. 

5 For there are the thrones of judgment, * 

the thrones of the house of David. 

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: * 

"May they prosper who love you. 

7 Peace be within your walls * 

and quietness within your towers. 

8 For my brethren and companions' sake, * 

I pray for your prosperity. 

9 Because of the house of the LORD our God, * 

I will seek to do you good." 

The Epistle Romans 13:11-14 

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

The Gospel Matthew 24:36-44 

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

A new chapter begins with Advent. Every year, from Advent through Epiphany, this blog contains letters from Mary as she makes her way through this incredible time. I hope you will take as they are offered - a reflection and a prayer in this time of hope and waiting.

Dear Auntie,

I am not sure if you are the person to talk to, but I know you would understand. Mama and Papa are so practical and don't want to listen to what they call my "childish worries." They don't take much of what I say seriously, but I know you will. They have so many burdens, I know, and the climate here has become unbearable for so many. The Roman occupation has gone on for too long. It has worn everyone out, including my parents.

Last night I had an amazing dream. I was late at night, and I woke with a start. I knew I was still dreaming since there was a man, robed in gold and white, standing in my room. I tried to scream but I could not. At first, I thought maybe an occupying soldier had broken in. We have heard stories about how they abuse young women and get away with it. I was terrified! 

He told me not to be afraid, and his face was kind and gentle. He said he was sent by God to bring me some amazing news. He went on to tell me that I was to bear the Messiah, the child of the living God. I was shaking and so overwhelmed that I fell to my knees.  He helped me to the window seat and told me how much God loves me and was calling me for this purpose. After I finally stopped shaking and caught my breath, I told him I would do as God has asked. I don't remember him leaving, just waking up this morning in my own bed. When Mama came into my room this morning, she said I looked so beautiful and so grown up. How could I tell her what I had experienced!

Oh, Elizabeth, please tell me what to do. I'm so scared and not ready to deal with all of this.

Love,

Mary

The Stones Would Shout

After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.'” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Luke 19:28-40 

Today is Black Friday in the commercial world. And many will be dashing about trying to find bargains. Yesterday, we had the joy of family, laughter and good food. We thought and talked about the things we are grateful for. I truly don't want to move on to the hustle and bustle. I have so much to be grateful for, so many people, family and friends to give thanks for, I want to remain in the afterglow of Thanksgiving Day. Yet, the seasons change, and our lives keep turning. The Gospel for today has us on the street of Jerusalem. Jesus arrives on a small donkey and the city erupts with joy. In a few days, the whole city would be against him. Yet the stones would cry out when we humans refuse to see God's love and majesty on our city streets and in our daily lives.

Abundant Creator, you bless us every day

with food, shelter, companions and families

we are always wrapped in your loving arms

yet we fail to notice and rejoice in you.

We are busy now with all sorts of worries

yet you have already supplied our every need

the beauty of the earth and all the birds sing

they praise you for your loving presence daily.

Help us to be more than silent stones today

let our lives be committed to serving others

let us never forget your sacrifice for all

and help us to live as your blessed children. Amen.

Thanksgiving 2022

When the crowd found Jesus on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:25-35

It's a complicated thing, this Thanksgiving. What we were taught in school was not true. Many friends will gather in Plymouth for the National Indigenous Day of Mourning, which highlights the genocide and land grabs which are central to our American history. Rightly so, and I would like to be there with them. And yet, from my feeble, mending place, when a week ago I almost died, I can do nothing but be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. I am home and mending, more mobile than I could have hoped. Despite our human greed and cruelty throughout history, God is doing good things and setting a table for us all. "I am the bread of life!"

Wondrous Creator, source of life

you are flowing rivers of healing

you are bounty is a scarcity world

and you have promised to feed us.

This Thanksgiving, humble us all

so that we might know our true history

so that we might turn away from greed

and live lives of service and love.

You said, "I am the bread of life"

let us come to you and learn from you

the ways of your bounteous love

found in true service and true gratitude. Amen.

Today Salvation Has Come

He 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

The challenge of mending and healing is the patience it requires. This is true for me especially. I fight against the present limitations. Like many humans I know, none of us like to be dependent or in need of help. We can be our own worst enemies. Zacchaeus was frustrated with his own limitations despite being wealthy and secure. He thought he had everything until he came face to face with Jesus. Then he understood his own frailty and God loving and generous heart for all. May we all let go of our need for control, so we might see God's love working all around us, despite ourselves.

Creator God, who seeks out the lost

who looks for the stubborn wanderers

you embrace us even as we wriggle and fight

drawing us ever homeward with your love.

We have many blessings and challenges

and you stand with us in the midst of them

reaching out to us in our very messiness

calling us down from our hiding places.

Help us to open our heart anew to you

let us voice our need and let go of shame

make us ready to welcome your salvation

with softened hearts ready always to serve. Amen.

Let Me See Again

Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.” But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Luke 18:31-43

Healing may seem like a guaranteed outcome in our present day. But even in the here and now, healing comes at a great cost and is never a guarantee. I can attest to that. I spent a great deal of time, while in the hospital, praying the Jesus prayer, "Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." My trust in God never wavered. Our overloaded and understaffed health care system did make me wonder whether I would survive and return home. I was reminded, again and again, of the blind man in this story, who would not be silenced, and others throughout the Gospels who persisted and sought out Jesus. May we persist in seeking God's healing on our lives.

Gracious Creator, who find us in the crowd

who brings sight to those who are blind

light to those who suffer in great darkness

and hope to those who are feeling lost.

Draw near to us in this time of turning

as we prepare for a time of waiting

let us be filled with joyful anticipation

trusting that you hear our cries in the dark.

Take our hands and make them yours

let our hearts be softened by your love

let our spirits be renewed as we serve

make us persist and persevere for your love's sake. Amen.

Let the Little Children Come to me

People were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'” He replied, “I have kept all these since my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:15-30

I heard from my daughter Ariel, who lives in Pennsylvania, that her son Silas was angry with me. When she asked why, he told her I hadn't come to see him. We arranged for a facetime call while I was still in ICU, so I could tell him how much I missed him and would come to see him as soon as I am able. He carried the phone around the house so that all of his siblings could talk to me. Love always seeks out love, and we ache when love is missing, no matter what form it might be in. Jesus understood the needs of the parents and the little ones, they were seeking out love and blessing. May we all admit to our need for love and embody love for those who need it.

Loving Creator, you made us in your image

vessels of love and compassion despite our frailties

you blessed the little ones that came to you

and call us all to draw near in your love.

The world is too full of violence and hate

we are often angry when we are wounded

we lash out at the people who are wounded too

yet you bring love enough for everyone.

Help us to never hold back on loving

let us be kindness in this cruel world

may our lives be dedicated to turning hate

into more capacity for loving compassion. Amen.

Christ the King Sunday

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Jeremiah 23:1-6 

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness." 

 Canticle 16 The Song of Zechariah Luke 1: 68-79 

Blessed be the Lord, 

the God of Israel; * 

he has come to his people 

and set them free. 

He has raised up for us 

a mighty savior, * 

born of the house 

of his servant David. 

Through his holy prophets he promised of old, 

that he would save us 

from our enemies, * 

from the hands of all who hate us. 

He promised to show mercy 

to our fathers * 

and to remember his holy covenant. 

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * 

to set us free from the hands of our enemies, 

Free to worship him without fear, * 

holy and righteous in his sight 

 all the days of our life. 

You, my child, shall be called 

the prophet of the Most High, * 

for you will go before the Lord 

to prepare his way, 

To give his people knowledge of salvation * 

by the forgiveness of their sins. 

In the tender compassion of our God * 

the dawn from on high shall break upon us, 

To shine on those who dwell 

in darkness and the shadow of death, * 

and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, 

and to the Holy Spirit: * 

as it was in the beginning, is now, 

and will be for ever. Amen. 

The Epistle Colossians 1:11-20 

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-- all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. 

The Gospel Luke 23:33-43 

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

I cannot imagine the cruelty and pain of the cross. I have had some major physical pain in my life, but nothing like what Jesus suffered. And in the midst of sheer agony and on the verge of dying, he forgave and redeemed the criminal hanging next to him. What a servant king to show such love in such horror. Love which is willing to be in our darkest and most painful places. I have spent the last week plus in the hospital. I went in for surgery to my Achilles tendon. They kept me for several days, awaiting transport to rehab. When working with the hospital PT, I fainted, and it turned out I had a pulmonary embolism. I came very close to dying. And there was never a moment I worried that I was far from God's love. The suffering King Jesus was with me there, in my darkest hours. How can I not be grateful for that love which is willing to draw near to us all in our most painful times and places!

A Litany for Christ the King Sunday

Loving Creator, source of all life

you are with us in our lives' terrors

you are acting always for justice

and for setting all people free.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. 

Loving God, source of all love

you call us to be your servants here

caring for the hurting and outcasts

helping to set all people free.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. 

Gentle Savior, you embrace us all

repairing and renewing our hearts

fill us with your loving compassion

so we can serve others as you do.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. 

You saved the criminal beside you

help us to love all of our neighbors.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. 

You abide in three persons as one

help us to live in your unifying love.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. 

King of our hearts. Precious Lord of life

we give thanks for your abiding love.

Lord, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.

Prodigals

Now 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.” Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”‘ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

One of the things I love about the familiar story of the prodigal son, is that it deals with both the returning son and the dutiful one who stayed at home. There is enough hurt and anger to go around for all of us to relate to the situation. Even in the healthiest of families, there is often tension between the children and hidden battles over who is the favorite. Yet, this is also a story of God's love for us, not one about human failings and frailties. God is running to the lost prodigal returning home. The Creator is also embracing the faithful and dutiful who is feeling neglected. We are more loved by God than we can glean from our human experience.

Loving Creator, source of all blessings

you love us more than we can understand

yet we squabble and fight like children

and fail to see you coming to us all.

You seek out the lost and the hurting

the poor, the neglected, the unhoused

as well as the comfortable and safe

are all encompassed in your embrace.

Let us live today like your beloved

trusting that your love is so much bigger

than anything we face, everything we fear

so the world might witness your embrace. Amen.

One Lost Sheep

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 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 people 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.’ Luke 15:1-10

In the age when everyone relies on GPS, we all believe we cannot get lost. When I was a child, my Dad, strong Navy man, taught us to read maps and charts. He taught us some of the stars in the skies. It was an honor when called on to navigate for him. My Grandpa WalkingStick taught me about walking without getting lost by observing the trees, the mosses and the way the sun moves. We all get lost more often than we like to admit. And getting lost, we can get tangled in the brambles and fall into the rough crevices of life. What a blessing to know we are sought when we are lost and loved in every season.

Gracious Creator, you hung the stars to guide us

set the seas around us to hold us together

watching us with the loving eyes of a parent

who seeks us when we wander far away.

These are times of confusion and distraction

we fail to see the signs and the directions

we lose our way, we fall and get caught

yet in every moment you seek us out.

Help us to use the love you shower on us

renew our strength so we can serve others

let us reach out and help those who are lost

since you rejoice when we are safely all together. Amen.

Salt is Good

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. “Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Luke 14:25-35

There are times when life is full of joy and hope and other times when we feel as if the flavor and joy has been drained out. Often times, when we are on the verge of great forward progress, all sorts of things happen which knock the stuffings out of us and we lose our "saltiness", our strength and flavor. My wise mother used to say, "you know you're getting close to God when the devil starts working overtime!" All of us have those times, and yet we are needed in this world. We might want to toss ourselves on the manure pile, but God needs all of us to do our part, however small or feeble we might feel.

Loving Creator, you bless us richly

and give us communities of strength

to walk with us when we are stumbling

and to hold us when we are despairing.

There is always more work to be done

yet you promise to be with all of us 

as we shoulder the burdens we carry

as we bring light and flavor here.

Renew us today with your spirit

inspire us today with your love

heal our hurts, assuage our fears

so the world might know your love. Amen.

The Great Feast

Jesus said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.” Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” Luke 14:12-24

These days most papers have done away with society pages. I was fascinated by them as a kid. Here were important and self-important wealthy people getting their photo taken, so it can go in the paper. So that their story can be told, as if it hadn't been broadcast far and wide. Even at charity events, these folks smiled for the camera as if they had won an award.  We are invited to God's table, set for all of us, not for recognition or worldly acclaim, but for our healing and the healing of the world. Oh, that today we would hear God's invitation. 

Tender Creator, you set a table for all

those who need to be seen and honored

those who crave attention and award

and especially those who need to be fed.

Often, we get too busy to attend

or think we have enough already

but in our darkest days and our sorrows

the table is still set for us all.

When the seas roll over us you say come

when the anguish of hurt and loss appear

when the cruel hearts tear us all down

you have a place for each of us ready.

Help us today to hear your invitation

give us swift feet to run to the banquet

open our hearts so we bring others with us

make us all beloved at your great feast. Amen.

 

Sunday, November 6th, 2022

Proper 27 - November 6th, 2022

The Collect 

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Job 19:23-27a 

Job said, "O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another." 

Psalm 17:1-9 

1 Hear my plea of innocence, 

O LORD; give heed to my cry; * 

listen to my prayer, which does not 

come from lying lips. 

2 Let my vindication come 

forth from your presence; * 

let your eyes be fixed on justice. 

3 Weigh my heart, 

summon me by night, * 

melt me down; 

you will find no impurity in me.

 4 I give no offense with

 my mouth as others do; * 

I have heeded the 

words of your lips.

5 My footsteps hold fast 

to the ways of your law; * 

in your paths my feet 

shall not stumble. 

6 I call upon you, O God, 

for you will answer me; * 

incline your ear to me 

and hear my words. 

7 Show me your 

marvelous loving-kindness, * 

O Savior of those who take refuge 

at your right hand from those 

who rise up against them. 

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; * 

hide me under the shadow of your wings, 

9 From the wicked who assault me, * 

from my deadly enemies who surround me. 

The Epistle 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. 

The Gospel Luke 20:27-38 

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally, the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed, they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."

I am late in writing this reflection, as I usually prepare Sunday's lessons on Saturday. We arrived late yesterday afternoon from a time with the good folks in the Diocese of Albany. Good folks who are doing the challenging work of thriving amidst difference. I came back feeling very hopeful and encouraged. I am also very exhausted. And today, even though I am exhausted and aching, I take great joy in Jesus' words that to God we are all alive - robustly alive - despite our frail, very human nature.

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, you are ruler of the living

we are yours in our lifetime and in our death

you hold us in your loving arms of love

when we are dancing for joy and bent in sorrow.

Living God, help us draw near to you today.

You walked this earth with all people

and you died and rose again for us all

may we know your presence in the darkness

and see your face in all our neighbors.

Living God, help us draw near to you today.

We are often in pain, afraid and alone

yet you seek us out in every moment

help us to seek you with every breath

and to call upon you in every moment.

Living God, help us draw near to you today.

We rely on ourselves to our own destruction

and despite it all you love us and seek us out.

Living God, help us draw near to you today.

We fight and are greedy all too often

yet your healing is always at hand.

Living God, help us draw near to you today.

We praise you, dear Lord of the living

since we can do nothing without you.

Living God, help us draw near to you today. Amen.

Humility

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, ‘Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?’ But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him and sent him away. Then he said to them, ‘If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?’ And they could not reply to this. When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Luke 14:1-11

We humans are often worried about getting the best seat in the house, being first in line, and being respected and honored at all times. We worry about how many likes we get and how many followers we might have. None of us has been able to heal the man with dropsy as Jesus did. Yet, in their arrogance and pious attitudes, they grilled him and questioned him, trying to catch him up. Jesus then taught them how to live faithfully - by simply being humble at all times.

Loving Creator, you gave us choices

and often we choose to go first

to fight for the best position out front

when you call us to simply follow you.

We want the limelight and attention

yet love is not revealed in those things

your love is found in the small places

among the least and in the very last place.

Help us to follow you and live humbly

seeking you in the places of shame

in the hidden alleys that other fear

for you promise to go before us always. Amen.

The Smallest Seed

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ Luke 13:18-30

Last weekend at the Matoaka Covenant Event, we ate three sisters stew with corn, beans and squash. We then sat around after dinner talking about how hard it is to successfully grow a three sisters garden. We can have all the right components, but without good sun, good soil and good timing, it can be a terrible challenge. Many of us just give up when things don't work out. And yet, God's abundance is always with us, and wisdom comes with patience and not giving up. Living in the Creator's love, means living with small, impossible seeds, and tenderly caring for them. The Creator provides the blessing and the bounty.

Bountiful Creator, you teach us with this earth

each plant and seed holds great wisdom for us

you hold us in your loving hands and bless us

with all we need to grow our gardens well.

We are impatient and easily give up trying

though you will never give up on us

your sadness comes when we turn away

our childish frustrations break relationship.

Help us to be brave enough to continue to try

using the seeds you give us and tenderly care

make us strong to continue to learn and grow

so your kingdom might flourish among us. Amen.

All Souls 2022

At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:1-9 

We are all given another year to produce fruit, another year to repent and return to the Lord. Today we remember all those who have finished their race and are at rest. We remain on earth, working our gardens and laboring to produce the fruits of love and compassion. Too often, I walk away from something when it doesn't work, or doesn't work for me. Yet those who came before me, didn't let obstacles, displacement and trauma, keep them from finding solutions and loving others. Our ancestors gave it their all. I ask God to help me give love and service my all.

Blessed Creator, who knows our hearts

our fear of failure and our great worries

you remind us today to keep faithful

tending our gardens and praying for fruit.

The world would have us dispose

of anything that was not useful

yet you call us to be ever faithful

as there are many who need love.

Help us not to be fearful and anxious

instead fill us with your hope

shower us with your love to share

so that the whole world might be renewed. Amen.

All Saints 2022

Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets." "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:20-31

Most of the people who have modeled true sainthood to me were not perfect. They were flawed human beings like me. There were not famous, and they did not live their lives on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram. They lived every day, with all the challenges, and tried to make someone's life better, their safety assured, and they told them, and showed them, they were loved. They let their little lights shine despite the darkness around them. Despite pain, loss, limitations and hurts, they let their light shine so others might have a moment of peace and joy. I try daily, and regularly fail, to be like them.

Loving Creator, you send us your saints

who stumble and fall like everyone

and they get up and share your love

with everyone they meet each day.

We try to avoid seeing those who beg

we fail to feed those who are starving

yet every bit of food or clothing shared

becomes the seeds of love in this world.

Help us to live like the saints who taught us

like the ones who picked us up when we fell

let us be those who lift up those falling

and honor you by loving all your creation. Amen.