Well Fed

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

My mother often told stories about growing up in Oklahoma among her people. She talked a lot about the meals that were made for the holidays and how no one would go hungry. They may have had very little, but they shared with everyone. She remembered being a small child, sitting outside with the Cherokee men, They had already eaten but were waiting to go in again, if there were any leftovers. She remembered their laughing and their story telling, joking they might go back in multiples times once the guests had left. I always wondered about this story and where or to whom the leftovers went. God is always generous and provides, even when we are so fearful, like the disciples. I have to assume that some of the food was sent home with those who came from a distance and to those in need nearby. God invites us to consider how we might too be generous with such abundance.

Creator, you are the source of abundance

sending sun and rain in due seasons

breaking open seeds and sending them forth

so all the world might be generously blessed.

We humans are anxious and we stock pile

the bounty which we should be sharing

we worry about enough in these hard times

when you have promised abundance always.

Let us be faithful with all we have been given

let us share the abundance we have received

make us providers for those who are waiting

help us serve you by feeding the hungry in your name. Amen.

Even the Dogs

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

Up until recently we had a dog named Petey. She was a pound dog and was 15 when she left us. I miss her for many reasons, least of which is the fact that if food dropped from the table, she would clean it up willingly, even if we did not want her to. Mark and I have always had dogs (and cats), and my family always had a dog. I used to call our family dog (whichever one it was at the time) by nicknames including, Hoover and Electrolux, since they were so good at cleaning up. The woman who aches for healing for her child, is willing to push back at him and talk about dogs. Jesus, new to his ministry, was still figuring out his own limitations. The Syrophoenician woman spoke for all of us, and declared for us all, that God's love and healing have no limitations.

Loving Creator, limitless and boundless

we humans divide and define one another

yet you see us all as your beloved children

and welcome us all at your expansive table.

There is heartache and sorrow in our world

too much violence, not enough inclusion

humanity and kindness have been lost

to divisions of creed, culture and politics.

Your love is not controlled by any of us

you give freely and heal each freely

let us live today as your beloved offspring

and see our neighbors as your also. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany January 29th, 2023

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament Micah 6:1-8 

Hear what the LORD says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the LORD.” “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 

Psalm 15

1 LORD, who may dwell 

in your tabernacle? * 

who may abide upon your holy hill? 

2 Whoever leads a blameless 

life and does what is right, * 

who speaks the truth from his heart. 

3 There is no guile upon his tongue; 

he does no evil to his friend; * 

he does not heap contempt 

upon his neighbor. 

4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, * 

but he honors those who fear the LORD. 

5 He has sworn to do no wrong *

 and does not take back his word. 

6 He does not give 

his money in hope of gain, * 

nor does he take a bribe 

against the innocent. 

7 Whoever does these things * 

shall never be overthrown. 

The Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 

The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 

The Gospel Matthew 5:1-12 

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

There are times in our lives when we can feel and know the blessings, and other times when we are at a loss to find a kernel of hope for our lives. Times of loss and mourning, times of betrayal and hurt, as well as moments of loneliness and illness can obliterate the blessings in our lives. To all of us struggling in these times, Jesus tells us directly that we are blessed, blessed, despite the internal and external forces that would like us to believe we are blighted, worthless or cast out. Our times of deep brokenness are times when Jesus draws close and give us an extra measure of blessing. We are embraced and wrapped up in his loving arms, bringing new life where we can only see destruction now. Let us live into the blessings promised to us today.

A Sunday Litany

Wondrous Creator, source of new life

we find ourselves in deep caverns

surrounded by loss and despair

yet you are present here with us.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today.

We live in times of cruelty and violence

the darkness seems to overcome all

the cold winds of winter frighten us

yet you, find us in our fearful place.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today.

Help us to honor those who suffer now

by walking with them in their fears

you bless us as we bless the outcast

you renew us as we walk with them.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today.

The horrors of inhumanity worry us

you are light in our deepest darkness.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today.

The winners crush their enemies now

but you promise blessings to the meek.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today.

Help us see the many blessings upon us

so that we might share with those in need.

Loving Savior, make us your blessings today. Amen.

Adverse Winds

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

We have all been caught up in the storms of life. No matter how faithfully and humbly we might live, an illness, a death or a betrayal can churn up all negativity and we can feel defeated and broken. I know this all too well, as the past months have undone me and I felt caught in a storm, out of control. The good news today, is our storms are the place where Jesus walks. Not only is he walking by, he gets in the boat with us. In our worst moment of adversity, he is with us already calming the storms.

Gracious Creator, source of wind and water

you send us breezes sou we might sail across

and calm seas so we might row across and

you send Jesus to be with us on the storms.

We are often discouraged and always afraid

we cry out in the darkness fearing more trouble

yet you bring your beloved to the safe harbors

and dwell with us when we are most afraid.

Help us to call upon you in every terror

let us rely on your love in our desperate times

let love run down on us all like cooling rain

so that we might serve others in your name. Amen.

An Unexpected Feast

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. Mark 6:30-46 

In many of our Indigenous traditions, feeding people is very important. If a stranger or a friend shows up unexpectedly, they were fed, no matter how little the family might have. Noone was excluded and every belly was filled. often times it took prayers and small miracles to make enough for everyone. In Mark's gospel story, we find desperate people running to Jesus from all over. They wanted to listen and be close to him, but that caused a problem for the disciples. There was not enough. Yet, despite their panic and fears, Jesus blessed and prayed over the little and it became more than enough. May we not fear the little we have, for God will use it and make it more than enough.

Loving God, you provide all we need

you send rain and snow to water the earth

you send the sunlight to bring crops forth

and you fill our bellies with all goo things.

We humans worry and fret about much

we know we are lacking and inadequate

yet you fed the thousands who came to you

and you will provide for us all the same.

Take away our fears so we may serve

help us to offer the little we have now

so that you might bless it and increase it

so that the world may rejoice in your abundance. Amen.

Grudges

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

John the Baptist lost his life and was beheaded because of a grudge. Herodias wanted him dead and used her daughter, manipulated her husband, all because of her fury at John for telling the truth. We all can and do hold grudges but most of us don't wield the kind of power Herodias had. We have seen that many of the mass shootings in this country are motivated by anger, hurt and a long-held grudge. Forgiveness, and letting go of anger are disciplines many of us weren't taught and don't practice. Love and life can flourish only when there is forgiveness. May we all work together for an overflowing of forgiveness in our time.

Loving God, you know our broken hearts

you see the hurts, the slights, and our rage

and you call us to move away from anger

forgiving all those who cause us great pain.

We are so human and so very vulnerable

yet we are also your beloved and loved

help us to put our focus on the healing

leaving revenge and anger alone.

Make us those who seek and live peace

let our lives show forth your loving ways

help us to set down cruelty and weapons

building instead the ways of healing and love. Amen.

Hometowns

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

Whenever I think of the town I grew up in, I think of the train station. Although my Dad was the Presbyterian Minister in town, most of the fathers (in the 50s and 60s) boarded the train for New York City every day. It was a commuter town, the train station being a huge part of the downtown landscape. It felt like we were all destined to go somewhere else. Jesus too was destined to move from his hometown so his power could be seen and understood.  He might have been powerless in his hometown, but he was able to empower others and sent them from that place to do great things. We are invited to remember the places we feel powerless and know that we are being sent on and empowered for greater things.

Loving Creator, we are made in your image

yet often fail to see your mark within us

our families and communities can hide

the true gifts you have implanted within us.

To know your true power, you had to move

your followers had to be sent to strange places

your love was abundant and ever increasing

to all those who would make love welcome.

Let us be those who are willing to go

to distant and unfamiliar shores

so that your love might flourish again

so the world might receive your blessings. Amen

Daughter, Your Faith Has Made You Well

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

I have been on a healing journey for many months now.  My first night at Lambeth Conference, at the end of July, I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I had surgery to repair it in early November. Since then, multiple surgeries, setbacks, and near-death experiences have slowed down my recovery. What "should" have been a few weeks to a month, now seems endless. These stories from Mark's Gospel always encourage me and help me to continue to reach out in prayer for healing. We can do all we know how to do, and trust the doctors and professionals, and still, God's love brings us healing in hope in our darkest days.

Gracious Creator, source of all healing

your son came to bring welcome and healing

to those who were out on the margins

and those who were lost in the crowds.

A small dying girl and a suffering woman

were the ones you healed and encouraged

and you heal and encourage all those

who seek you even in our darkest days.

Help us to reach out and seek you daily

despite the challenges and hurdles we face

help us to believe we are your beloved

sharing you love in our broken world. Amen.

Third Sunday After the Epiphany January 22, 2023

 

                                       

                                    Third Sunday After the Epiphany

The Collect 

 Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 Old Testament Isaiah 9:1-4 

There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 

 

Psalm 27:1, 5-13

1 The LORD is my light 

and my salvation; 

whom then shall I fear? * 

the LORD is the strength of my life; 

of whom then shall I be afraid? 

 5 One thing have I asked 

of the LORD; one thing I seek; * 

that I may dwell in the house 

of the LORD all the days of my life; 

 6 To behold the fair 

beauty of the LORD * 

and to seek him in his temple. 

7 For in the day of trouble he shall 

keep me safe in his shelter; * 

he shall hide me in the secrecy 

of his dwelling and set me 

high upon a rock. 

 8 Even now he lifts up my head * 

above my enemies round about me. 

9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling 

an oblation with sounds of great gladness; * 

I will sing and make music to the LORD. 

 10 Hearken to my voice, 

O LORD, when I call; * 

have mercy on me and answer me. 

 11 You speak in my heart and say, 

"Seek my face." * 

Your face, LORD, will I seek. 

 12 Hide not your face from me, *

 nor turn away your servant in displeasure. 

 13 You have been my helper; 

cast me not away; * 

do not forsake me, 

O God of my salvation. 

 The Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 

 

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 

 The Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

There was a point this past week when we had four or five days in a row without any bright sunshine. The clouds hung thick and low and around.  The dullness of winter can obscure hope. There were several days of rain and then snow. When the sun shines on the snow, it is dazzling and bright, hiding the dull browns of midwinter and igniting new hopes. There is something wondrous about new fallen snow, particularly as it enhances the weak winter sun. We find ourselves called today, to see the new light and to follow Jesus as the first disciples did. There are certainly dark days ahead, yet the light rekindled within us, promises to be more than enough to see us through.

Loving Creator, source of true light

you turn the world creating seasons

turn us through the times of life

and renew your call to us always

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us.

We sometimes find ourselves in darkness

we wander lost and without direction

you went Jesus to call us and lead us

to be your love's light in a dark world.

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us.

From fishing boats and counting tables

you called an odd assortment to be disciples

let us be follow you with all our faults

and trust that you will redeem us all.

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us.

Into our dark and dreary days you come

promising a new road and a new way.

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us.

You lead us to the edge and bring us back

carrying the light of your love with us.

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us.

Renew us now and always for your service

help us to be bearers of your light to the world. 

Dear Savior, rekindle the light of your love within us. Amen.

Peace! BeStill!

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

Today, the snow is lightly falling, so it really isn't a storm.  I have been caught in storms, both snowstorms driving on a mountain pass, and on bord a small ship in the ocean. Both were times of great concern with moments of terror. I have often thought, in these times of distress of Jesus sleeping in the stern. Jesus is always with us, and often the only good thing we can do is call on him. Jesus is our peace in the midst of our storms. We are never alone.

Wondrous Creator, author of all creation

you bring us all the earthly delights

hang the stars and moon in the heaven

and water the earth with good rain and snow.

We often step out into unexpected storms

and think you are trying to bring us down

when truly you are with us in the darkness

and hold us closely when we are most afraid.

Help us to call upon you in evert challenge

let our first and last thoughts be prayer

may we trust in your power of the storms

and live as those who know we are held close. Amen.

Mustard Seed

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

I have learned, over these past months, that a small amount of faith goes a long way. I have also learned that knowing others are standing with you, and people are praying for you, can ignite new hope and deepen faith. Discouragement happens to us all, and it is easy to fall into pits of despair. Yet we have abundant love from our Creator and there is more than enough for all our dark days. There are blessings upon blessings when we light our lamps and rejoice, despite challenging circumstances.

Loving Creator, you teach us by stories

and show us in the beauty of nature

the truth of your eternal love for us

and the hope you restore in us daily.

We fall into despair and are afraid

yet your words linger in our hearts

taking root and replacing our sorrow

bringing light where there was darkness.

Help us to step out in faith today

help us to share the light we've been given

give us the strength to plant deep faith

so your love resounds the world around. Amen.

Bearing Fruit

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

I truly enjoy gardening and raising flowers and vegetables. About this time in January, the first seed and gardening catalogs arrive. I pour over the many vegetable varieties and wonder if we shouldn't try something new this year. Our garden spaces have limited sun and some of the soil is not the richest.  We compost and every year try to help the soil get better. I have to be reasonable with my expectations, and also not get discouraged. Living in faith and bearing fruit requires tenacity and the strength to bear fruit where we have been planted.

Abundant Creator, source of life

in the midwinter darkness we wonder

whether life will return to us again

and whether we will bear fruit this year.

We are often overwhelmed by thorns

trying to grow in dangerous places

yet you promise to be our daily guide

and to help us be fruitful where planted.

Strengthen us for your service today

let all fear and greed fall away from us

let our lives be dedicated to your word

and let your love be the fruit that we bring. Amen.

A House Divided

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

It is easy to say. "we are all family here", but to truly live it out, is another thing completely. Families are complicated, messy and imperfect human groups in the best of times. To truly be family, is to love the troublemakers, the goof balls, the fragile and the arrogant, and to make room for others at the table. Being family calls for sitting with the pain and mess of real life. Jesus called his disciples, his biological family and the religious leaders to be one group together. He called them all family. He loved them all the same and loves us all the same. May we see all creation as our family, living and serving despite the messiness and divisions of the world around us.

Gracious Creator, you call us your family

in our brokenness and our many hurts

you call us to be kin and interdependent,

so the world might mend through your love.

We humans like to divide and conquer

yet you call us to heal and to serve

to make our tables big enough for all

and to see our enemies as our relations.

Give us your strength today to follow

in your way of love and humble service

let us be siblings to all the suffering ones

and family to the isolated and alone. Amen.

MLK Day

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

Today we celebrate the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He answered the call of Christ and brought the message of love and inclusion during troubled times. He put his life on the line, day after day, and lost it at a young age. None of us, who follow Christ, are promised an easy, comfortable life. We are promised the love and strength of God, in times of terror and weakness, and in times when the world seems against us.

Creator, you gave us saints like Dr. King

to show us the true way of your love

the way of sacrifice, and solidarity

with a heart of love for the poor and outcast.

We want to be safe and warmly coddled

but you went bout with the people

you saw their pain and their suffering

and healed every one who came to you.

Help us to be your disciples today

following the example of Dr. King

let love be our beginning and end

and let the world see your love here and now. Amen.

Second Sunday After Epiphany

The Collect 

 Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

 Old Testament Isaiah 49:1-7 

 

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God.” And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength-- he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” 

  Psalm 40:1-12 

 1 I waited patiently upon the LORD; * 

he stooped to me and heard my cry. 

 2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, 

out of the mire and clay; *

 he set my feet upon a high cliff

 and made my footing sure. 

 3 He put a new song in my mouth, 

a song of praise to our God; * 

many shall see, and stand in awe, 

and put their trust in the LORD. 

 4 Happy are they who 

trust in the LORD! * 

they do not resort to evil spirits 

or turn to false gods. 

 5 Great things are they that 

you have done, O LORD my God! 

how great your wonders 

and your plans for us! * 

there is none who can be 

compared with you. 

 6 Oh, that I could make 

them known and tell them! * 

but they are more than I can count. 

 7 In sacrifice and offering 

you take no pleasure * 

(you have given me ears to hear you); 

 8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering 

you have not required, * 

and so I said, "Behold, I come. 

 9 In the roll of the book 

it is written concerning me: * 

'I love to do your will, O my God; 

your law is deep in my heart."' 

 10 I proclaimed righteousness 

in the great congregation; * 

behold, I did not restrain my lips; 

and that, O LORD, you know. 

11 Your righteousness have I not 

hidden in my heart; I have spoken of 

your faithfulness and your deliverance; * 

I have not concealed your love and faithfulness

 from the great congregation. 

 12 You are the LORD; do not withhold 

your compassion from me; * 

let your love and your faithfulness 

keep me safe for ever. 

 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 

 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 The Gospel John 1:29-42 

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Here we are in Epiphany, and like many other people, our Christmas tree is still up. We missed having Christmas together because I was hospitalized, so we celebrated just last week. I am not ready to shut down the beauty of the Christmas lights, so they will stay up for a time. I still need to linger in the season of promise and hope. Our lectionary readings move quickly from Christ/s birth to his adult, active ministry. We are pulled from celebration to work in the world. The disciples called by Jesus in our Gospel today, were pulled from their comfort as disciples of John, to a new place of service in the world. Jesus took them in when they were reluctant and anxious. And he always takes us in, when we are unprepared, reluctant and afraid.

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, bearer of the light

you turn our world in every season

you provide us with our daily bread

and invite us to sit at table with you.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here.

Loving Savior, you invited all to follow

the eager, the reluctant and the curious

you showed them hospitality and warmth

and you invite us today to follow you.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here.

Our world is in need of healing and hope

you offered yourself so we might receive

the bounty of your love and your peace

in the midst of dark and challenging times.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here.

We are reluctant, weary and isolated

yet you invite us to be renewed in your love.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here.

We have grown comfortable in ourselves

yet you would have us move beyond all comfort.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here.

You are more than enough for all our troubles

help us to embrace your way of love today.

Precious Jesus, make us your disciples here. Amen.

By the Sea

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

There is something about sitting by the water which calms the spirit and helps us listen. Jesus often chose a spot by the water, sometimes teaching from a small, moored boat. I find when my heart is troubled and life overwhelms, a trip to the seaside brings me peace and healing. Just breathing in the salt air and listening to the crashing waves changes my whole perspective. Jesus wanted his words to be heard in their hearts and sitting by the sea brought them all together. Most of the crowd was aching for healing, although some resisted. Let us be those who come to the waters, knowing our brokenness and seeking the healing love of Christ.

Loving Creator, your heart is love,

you weave us into communities,

set us in places of healing and hope

and call us to draw close together.

We often isolate and hide ourselves,

yet you see through all of our masks,

you see the hurting and the great need,

and offer your loving, healing touch.

Help us today to be always child like

asking out loud for the need we have,

admitting to our very broken places

and trusting you to heal every one of us. Amen.

Through the Roof

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

The man who came through the roof, carried by friends who would not give up, has much to teach all of us, especially me. For these past months I have had to rely on others for the basics of life. I cannot walk on my own right now, so need a wheelchair and someone to drive me everywhere. The love and faithfulness of my husband, family and friends have helped me through and lifted my spirits. The love, mercy and healing of God is in their actions and their kindnesses. May we all share the love of God daily in what we day and do.

Gracious Savior, you open your arms

to those who come to you for healing

those who knock at the front door

and those who were lowered through the roof.

You refuse no one and open your arms

to the stranger, the fearful and the broken

welcoming and freeing all of us

from the burdens of our trouble hearts.

Help us to be ready to break through

all the roofs and barriers that inhibit love

and let our words and our actions always

be your love and healing made present here. Amen.

I Do Choose

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

There have been times in the past months when healing and restoration seemed impossible. It is human to be overwhelmed when our bodies are hurting. Some days are darker than others and strength and faith are truly tested. Everyone Jesus encountered in this first chapter of Mark was weary from their illness, suffering for months and years without relief. And to them all, Jesus told them his desire was to bring them healing, to restore their broken bodies and their sagging spirits. And to each of us, Jesus says, "I do choose!" God's love is healing, and restoration, and we are sought out, often in our darkest hours.

Loving Creator, source of all life

you renew us all day by day

you bring rain and snow in season

and you hear our cries when we suffer.

You brought new life in darkness

you declared your choice to heal

you stomped out fear and evil

and chose always to make us whole.

Help us to proclaim the healing

we know in our present lives

and let us share your love widely

and your healing to all we encounter. Amen.
 

Healing

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

I am finally able to write my blog again, after a long siege in the hospital. I went in for a surgical repair, one overnight, which resulted in a several weeks stay, missing Christmas and New Years with my family. They held off celebrating until I arrived home. Despite it all, their love and the presence of God's love in my life saw me through so far. Although I am home, I have a long recovery period and much healing to happen. Surrounded by family, prayers, and God's steadfast love, healing is always promised. May we all trust in that love and healing in our darkest times.

Blessed Creator, source of all life

you bring us Epiphany light

insight and renewal in dark times

and remove the darkness from us.

The days are short and cold

the nights are long and dangerous

we huddle together in our homes

knowing you are with us always.

Take the fear away which has settled

into our hearts and into our homes

and bless us with your healing light

letting us be beacons of your love. Amen.