Walking the Cornfields

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

Years ago, we visited my mom's aunt Lilian and Uncle Eb. He grew corn for Green Giant. It was August in Wisconsin, and the fields were ripe, and the stalks were so high above my head.  We went out and picked the corn, laughing and running in the field while Aunt Lillian got the water boiling. Nothing was ever more delicious than that corn that late August evening. I can't help but wonder if the disciples didn't revel in the taste of the corn they picked, right out in the field. More than their hunger was satisfied. That's God's kingdom, a place that is sweet and delicious, simple and satisfying for our souls and bodies.

Loving Creator, maker of every good thing

you provide for us when we are hungry

giving us sweetness and fullness beyond need

and you are with us wherever we may go.

Our lives often seem weary and without joy

we worry about the many tasks we have

we are anxious for our daily needs and bread

yet you have promised to provide in abundance.

Help us to walk with you in the ripe fields

help us to see the many sweet blessings here

give us your heart so that we might feed

those who need the sweetness of your blessing. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Collect

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The First Lesson Acts 2:42-47 

 

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. 

 Psalm 23  

1 The LORD is my shepherd; * 

I shall not be in want. 

 2 He makes me lie down 

in green pastures *

and leads me beside still waters. 

3 He revives my soul *

and guides me along right 

pathways for his Name's sake. 

4 Though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, 

I shall fear no evil; * 

 for you are with me; your rod 

and your staff, they comfort me. 

 5 You spread a table before me 

in the presence of those who trouble me; * 

you have anointed my head with oil, 

and my cup is running over. 

6 Surely your goodness and mercy 

shall follow me all the days of my life, * 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

 
The Epistle 1 Peter 2:19-25 

 

It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 

 The Gospel John 10:1-10 

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Sheep are not the smartest animal in God's kingdom. They get lost, wander easily and are easily distracted. They need tender, attentive care. They do not thrive on their own. We humans are often like sheep and Jesus even refers to us as his flock, and he as the good shepherd. Years ago, in Ireland, we watched as a shepherd worked with his border collie. The dog would dip and dive, according to the commands and whistles of his master, rounding up the sheep, despite their trying to go another way. They eventually were brought into the fold, where their supper was waiting. They could have missed a meal and security without the help of the shepherd and his trusty dog. We too, often need help finding our way to the table and to our security in the fold.

Creator God, you name us and call us

we are your flock and you tenderly care

bringing us safely into each new day

and feeding us with your loving arms.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again.

We love to run from your presence

even when you try to bring us home

even when the wolves are close at hand

we think ourselves capable and independent.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again.

When the shadows deepen and fear arises

then we cry to you like little children

we pray that you will find us in the dark

we fear that we will never see home again.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again.

Yet you are the good shepherd who loves us

even when we deserve to be left on our own.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again.

You call us again and again, never failing

your love brings us to all our new beginnings.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again.

Let us rejoice that we are you ornery flock

and that you love us without ceasing, dear Lord.

Good Sheperd, lead us and guide us again. Amen.

We have Seen Strange Things Today

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

I have needed help with many things in my day-to-day life, and often feel frustration with what I cannot yet do. And I am always touched by the love and generosity of my husband, my family, my friends and colleagues. I am so blessed and humbled by their care and really know God's presence and love through them. The folks who let their friend down to see Jesus and be healed. Strange and wonderful love.

Creator, you put love in every heart

Your compassion lies in each of us

You promise your healing is at hand

And speak hope into every heart.

Help us to put our hand to helping 

Help us to find your love here now

Let us be those who bring forth 

All your strange and wonderful blessings. Amen
 

Do Not Be Afraid

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

One of the most common phrases uttered by Jesus is "do not be afraid." Over and over again, he tells us to not be fearful, and yet the human condition is regularly one of fear. We are afraid of failure, unknown enemies and the real lived threat of disease. Coming out of the pandemic, people are afraid of other people. And in my own life, after months and months of limited capacity, I fear my very own capacity. Yet it is God, speaking to me and you today, because the Creator is with us, even when we fear. We are not handling our fears alone. God is with us, Emmanuel.

Holy Creator who love all creation

you hovered over us in the beginning

you stay with us in the darkest nights

and you will be with us in all our fears.

When we are afraid we feel very alone

we think we have been abandoned by you

we shake, believing we are on our own 

yet you whisper, "do not be afraid, I am here."

Help us to see our fear as your invitation

let us lean into our prayers and our service

trusting that you are with us as we cast our nets

and you are with us on all our rough seas. Amen.

She Got Up to Serve

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44

It is easy to think that Peter's mother-in-law, when she was healed, got up and did what was expected of her. We can be blinded by traditional roles sometimes and miss why this was included. "Immediately she got up and began to serve them." Yet the writer wanted us to hear this, to see that she was not only noticed but there was a recording of her service. True love and gratitude are demonstrated in service. There were others there who could serve them. She was probably weak, and her daughters and children wanted her to rest. Yet love bubbled us, gratitude overwhelmed her, and she got up and served them. When God shakes us loose from our burdens, when love overpowers us, we can't help but jump up to serve.

Wondrous Creator, source of all joy

you provide new mornings and new hope

you teach the birds to sing and us as well

we are your creatures and you love us well.

When we are overcome by pain and illness

we might think you have abandoned us

yet you are always standing over us

bringing new healing and life to each one.

Give us a new sense of love and joy today

so we might leap up in order to serve others

may we know you as we tend and feed your flock

help us to know you as we offer what we can. Amen.

Feast of St. Mark

And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:15-20

The gospel of Mark, the first to be written among the gospels, in both simple and profound, St. Mark, the evangelist, is depicted with a book, pen and a lion. The story telling in Mark is not poetic but direct, telling the story of Jesus so folks could understand. He presented Jesus' divinity and humanity in a way people could accept. May we today offer God's love, with simplicity, honesty and profoundly in the tradition of St. Mark.

Loving Creator, you Word is truth

you offer us new life and freedom 

you lift us from the messy confusion

and remind us we are beloved of God.

We complicate and control your Word

yet your love cannot be held or caged

it flourishes even in the darkest places

and renews the most broken heart.

Give us your words to speak today

let all our speech reveal your love

may we be strong enough to be simple

full of courage your love alone provides. Amen.

The Year of the Lord's Favor

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

Sometimes the people who know us best can be hardest on us. And sometimes our communities can be upset when we change and grow. And then sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. When God calls us to move beyond the familiar and comfortable, it can feel like we have upset the balance and are the problem. Jesus, first and foremost was human, as we are, vulnerable to the pain of rejection and misunderstandings. May we walk today through the world, aware that so many are trying to grow and change, so many have suffered rejection, and everyone needs to hear that this is the year of the Lord's favor.

Blessed Creator, who suffers with us

you send your child to live as we do

to feel our joys and our great sorrows

to be embraced and rejected as we are.

We struggle to believe in your presence

our humanity often turns to rejection

yet you are always tender and blessing us

with the abundance of your love and favor.

Help us today to accept and live your blessing

help us to be the blessing other people need

make us sensitive to the hurt and isolation

so that your love my permeate through all. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter April 23, 2023

The Collect 

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

The First Lesson Acts 2:14a,36-41 

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 

Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17 

1 I love the LORD, 

because he has heard the voice 

of my supplication, * 

because he has inclined his ear 

to me whenever I called upon him. 

2 The cords of death entangled me; 

the grip of the grave took hold of me; * 

I came to grief and sorrow. 

3 Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *

"O LORD, I pray you, save my life." 

10 How shall I repay the LORD * 

for all the good things he has done for me? 

11 I will lift up the cup of salvation * 

and call upon the Name of the LORD. 

12 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *

 in the presence of all his people. 

13 Precious in the sight of the LORD * 

is the death of his servants. 

14 O LORD, I am your servant; *

 I am your servant and 

the child of your handmaid; 

you have freed me from my bonds. 

15 I will offer you the 

sacrifice of thanksgiving * 

and call upon the Name of the LORD. 

16 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * 

in the presence of all his people, 

17 In the courts of the LORD'S house, * 

in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah! 

The Epistle 1 Peter 1:17-23 

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 

The Gospel Luke 24:13-35 

Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The disciples on the road were leaving Jerusalem. I can only imagine how desperately they wanted to get out of town. They were followers of a man who was named as a traitor to the rulers and crucified for sedition. The religious leaders wanted Jesus dead and were probably coming after his disciples. The story that the women told seemed like wishful thinking. They probably thought the body was stolen for some nefarious purpose. And yet, Jesus walked with them and enlighten them. It was not in the words he said, but in the breaking of the bread, that they knew him. God finds us in the intimacy of our humble tables, wherever they are.

Loving God, you companion us

when we are running for great fear

when we are on the dry and dusty roads

and while we mourn our deepest losses.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread.

We often don't recognize your presence

we are deaf to your words of comfort

we turn away because of our own fears

yet you never leave us comfortless.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread.

The world is broken and so fragile

the people act our in their great pain

we fail to see you in over very midst

and yet you love all of creation still.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread.

Open our eyes to see you here now

for we need your presence every hour.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread.

Open our hearts so that we may see

those around us suffering alone.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread.

Help us to offer a place at the table

so all may see and know your love. 

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of bread. Amen.

The Beloved

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

We think of baptism as a ritual for infants, a sweet and tender moment in the life of the family and the church. When folks went out to be baptized by John, it was very dangerous and controversial. John was a thorn in the side of the rulers. He told the truth and offered God's love. The early church was always under threat and in danger for their lives. Baptism, if we take it seriously, is still dangerous and controversial.  Living for others, serving God and loving our neighbor always make one suspect.

Wondrous God, you spoke from heaven

calling Jesus your Son, the Beloved

knowing that his life would be a sacrifice

for the violence and sin in the whole world.

We want to be baptized but comfortable

we want to be accepted among friends

yet we called to live in truth and love

not living as selfish and violent people.

Help us to renew our vows of baptism 

turning to Jesus and away from selfishness

following him in the way of love

and honoring all people and all creation. Amen.

What Shall We Do?

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'” John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation and be satisfied with your wages.” Luke 13:1-14

Today we hear from John answering the people he baptized. They wanted to know how to live. We too want to know how to live. Yet the answer is always simple. Share with others, treat people with kindness, have compassion, and do not steal others money. It is how we would all want to be treated, and how we are instructed to live from an early age. May kindness, compassion and love be the way we live today.

Loving Creator, teacher of our hearts

we are made with the gifts needed

the world will thrive if we share 

we will thrive if we live compassion.

Competition and greed overtake us

and we forget what we learned as children

we forget to share our food and clean up

so others might have joy and abundance.

Help us today to be agents of your love

let us take only what we need, give the rest away

let our hands and hearts always be open

so we might touch the hearts of others today. Amen.

Completely One

Jesus prayed, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26 

It is hard to be one with our closest and dearest friends, let alone with our partners and families, who we love dearly. Jesus' prayer for his disciples is that we be one as he and the Creator are one. We humans, embrace and celebrate one minute, and pull away and have tug-of-war battles with each other in the next. Yet this is the most loving and tender prayer, an aching desire poetically put in the form of a prayer. It is the prayer of a troubled parent, a chaplain during war, a mother's desire for her dearly loved children, and a priest looking at the congregation. We cannot make ourselves one. We need God's love and the will to reach out over gaps and differences to be one.

Gracious Creator, parent of us all

you look upon us and sorrow

as we weaponize our tender world

and demonize our friends and neighbors.

You desire that we become one each day

that we begin with love for our neighbor

that we always have love for ourselves

and we love you who authors all love.

Help us in our weakness to love

help us in our strength to be humble

help us in our fearful times to pray

so that we might, for the love of Jesus, be one. Amen.

Praying

Jesus prayed to the Father, “While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.” John 17:12-19

We don't talk about the devil or the evil one in this age unless we're making horror movies. And we try to find solutions and are frustrated, yet we rarely remember to pray util we're at the end of our rope. We do know there is great evil in the world and that some folks possess so much anger, hurt or greed in all its forms, they can't help but unleash pain and sorrow on others. May we seek God's word and God's truth, and God's solutions in these troubled times.

Creator God you have the Word of Life

you speak love and healing always

you restore us even as we are perishing

and find us places of rest and renewal.

Our world can be a place of great pain

where one group is the target of violence

where we feel trapped by all bigotry

and feel as if there is no way out of it.

Help us to turn to you as Jesus did

help us to lean on your loving arms

wrap us in your truth and your love

so we might rise us and serve you here. Amen.

So That They May Be One

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” John 17:1-11

Today is the feast day of Kateri Takakwitha, a Mohawk and saint. Today is also Patriot's Day here in Boston and last night we celebrated the 300th anniversary of Old North Church with our Presiding Bishop giving the keynote address. Long before the founding of Old North, Kateri lived in turbulent times (1656-1680), where the conflicts between the French and Dutch over the fur trade, among other things, upended the lives of her people. The settlers introduced smallpox which took away many of her people and all of her family, and Christianity. We too live in turbulent times with great strides forward, and violence and cruelty all around. People of faith need to hear Jesus' prayer today - that we all may be one. We are invited today to simply live God's love in these turbulent times. loving and caring for our neighbors wherever we find ourselves.

Loving God, your embrace is worldwide

your love is eternal and daily renewed

you know the aching hearts of all people

and call us to be one as you are one.

Our diversity and greed bring turbulence

but we do not need to fight each other

for you have given enough for all

and love every creature you have made.

Help us today to respond to the call

help us be your people as we become one

let love alone be our guiding north star

trusting that you have room for us all. Amen.

Stumbling

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

Stumbling. It is something I do all the time as I try to walk again after months of being in a wheelchair. I still use the wheelchair most of the time, since I am very weak and cannot stand or walk but a few steps without falling. When we are young, we stumble and easily get back up. When we are old, we stumble and struggle to get up. The stumbling Jesus is talking about is not really physical, thank goodness. He's talking about us losing hope, losing faith and letting hurt and anger swallow us up. His promise for all of us is a steady shower of love, an unending strength and the holy spirit to give us peace in troubled times. We all get discouraged, yet we do not let it rule our hearts, for the love of Jesus in within and without, surrounding us in our very waking and sleeping.

Precious Creator, you know our weakness

we stumble in the dark of our failings

yet you blanket us with love unending

and breathe new life into our old bones.

We are like lost sheep wandering around

crying out for help and getting stuck

yet you intervene despite our foolishness

and always lift us from the pit of despair.

Come, Holy Spirit and take residence today

help us to never get weary in loving others

help us to get up when we fall into fearfulness

and let us be joyful vessels of your presence today. Amen.

Love One Another

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

We have a simple commandment to follow and it turs out to be one of the hardest things to do for human beings. We always have self-interests and egos in the way, along with real needs of family and community. Yet we are called to love one another despite ourselves, our differences and our confusion. It is easy to take up sides against a stranger or new ways of being. It is harder for us to see the other as an invitation from God to expand our capacity to love. And love, indeed, is a gift from God, love begins in the heart of the Creator, and the more we plant the more our capacity to love grows.

Creator, God, source of all love

you made us in your image

alike and very different in culture

speaking languages, you only understand.

We live in fear all too much

thinking the stranger is dangerous

yet they too are made in your likeness

and have gifts we cannot even imagine.

Help us today to love one another

make our every task about loving

may we forgive and turn again

so we might deepen your love here and now. Amen.

The True Vine

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

We think ourselves to be independent agents with control over every aspect of our lives. We Americans are particularly taken with this understanding of agency. We often disregard the people we come from, the wealth we might have been blessed with, and the communities of support we benefited from. We think ourselves self-made and directed by our unique passions and skill. We are reminded today that the strength we have, the faith we have, the love we know is rooted in Christ, the source. We are not independent agents but rather fruit and branches. We are interdependent. What a blessing it is to be connected, bound and flourishing in the midst of a larger, ancient community and family. When I am at my weakest, I find strength in knowing I am not alone but completely connected.

O Creator God, source of love

you bind us to yourself daily

we might tug away and run

yet we cannot thrive without you.

O Christ, who suffered for us all

you are our strength in our weakness

our hope in our deep darkness

and our connection when we are lost.

Help us today to rejoice in the vine

help us to see the branches growing

love sprouting where we do not expect

and to give thanks for being part of the whole. Amen.

The Command is Love

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.” John 14:15-31 

Recently, the days have gotten scrambled, routines are upended, and the reliable have become unreliable. I am a go with the flow person, most of the time. Lately though, too much scramble has made me very uncomfortable, almost fearful. Jesus speaks directly into this confusion and uncertainty of mine. "Do not let your hearts be troubled," He invites me with each new day to simply focus on loving God and loving my neighbor. Love and peace are the gifts we can count on from God and which are plentiful enough to share with others.

Loving Creator, source of peace

the world is changing before us

the snow has melted, flower bloom

and life is renewed by your spirit.

We often fear what we cannot control

and worry when our lives are changing

yet you breath peace in every new day

and shower us with love every hour.

Help us to grasp your peace and love

let us follow your commands to share

the love from above with those here now

and live your peace in a chaotic world. Amen.

A Place For Us

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” John 14:1-14

It's Easter Monday and a beautiful warm day. Some are still rejoicing in the wonderful gift of Christ's resurrection while many clergy are thinking about napping and trying desperately to recover from Holy Week. In any moment in time, when some might be rejoicing, others are weary and broken hearted. We never know who around us might be suffering. And on this Easter Monday, we can trust Jesus' words that there is a place for us in God's kingdom. Whether we are joyful or weeping, whether firm in faith or despairing, we have a place and are welcomed always.

Gracious Creator, your arms spread wide

across our island and across our globe

there is a place for each and every one

and your welcome is eternal and true.

We wake up to sun and to storms

we are full of life and so fearful

we have been broken and restored

all by your loving and generous heart.

Help us to rejoice in your love today

help us to trust there is room for us

help us to make room for those despairing

so your love might permeate all today. Amen.

Easter Sunday 2023

The Collect

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

The First Lesson Jeremiah 31:1-6 

 

At that time, says the LORD, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the LORD: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.” 

 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Give thanks to the LORD

, for he is good; * 

his mercy endures for ever. 

 2 Let Israel now proclaim, * 

"His mercy endures for ever." 

14 The LORD is my strength 

and my song, *

and he has become my salvation. 

15 There is a sound 

of exultation and victory * 

in the tents of the righteous: 

16 "The right hand of the 

LORD has triumphed! * 

the right hand of the LORD 

is exalted! the right hand 

of the LORD has triumphed!" 

17 I shall not die, but live, * 

and declare the works 

of the LORD. 

 18 The LORD has 

punished me sorely, * 

but he did not 

hand me over to death. 

 19 Open for me the 

gates of righteousness; * 

I will enter them; I will offer 

thanks to the LORD. 

20 "This is the gate of the LORD; * 

he who is righteous may enter." 

21 I will give thanks to you, 

for you answered me * 

and have become my salvation. 

22 The same stone 

which the builders rejected * 

has become the chief cornerstone. 

 23 This is the LORD's doing, * 

and it is marvelous in our eyes. 

 24 On this day the LORD has acted; * 

we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

 The Epistle Colossians 3:1-4 

If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 

The Gospel John 20:1-18 

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her. 

The women who went out to the tomb, early in the morning, hoping that they could talk the guards into rolling the stone away, so they could anoint the body of their dear friend. The disciples didn't go out and we do not know why/ Maybe they feared for their lives/ Maybe the thought they would be arrested immediately. Maybe they were so traumatized and sorrowful that they could not even draw near to the tomb. Whatever the reason, Mary Magdelene, a woman despised, and the other women, were the first to see the risen Christ. And on this Easter Day, may we remember that it those considered outsiders. the despised and rejected, who will see the risen Jesus. May we all rejoice today and carry the Good news to sorrowful and traumatized disciples.

An Easter Litany

Wondrous Creator, God of love

you brought life back to your child

you turned horrible death into new life

and changed hearts broken to hearts rejoicing.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown.

It was weeping women who met you

fearfully walking, early on that morning

yet you changed tears to great hosannas

and will change our sadness to joy.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown.

May we rise us singing this Easter day

despite the pain and challenges we face

for you suffered death for every one

and broke the curse of death itself.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown.

We may be weak and often weeping

but you have promised joy in the morning.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown.

We may be afraid and sorrowing now

but your time of love is close at hand.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown.

Let us never stop singing your praise

for we are newly made in your love.

Lord, let your cross be our joy and our crown. Amen.

Good Friday

Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:16-30

Compassionate Creator, look upon us

with the eyes of a truly loving parent

we have gone astray and wandered far

hurting one another and your people.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world.

We have used our power so inappropriately

we abuse the poor, scorn the immigrants

tease and torture those who have no voice

and shamed those who are not one of us.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world.

We have used violence and not compassion

we have been a church full of bigotry

we have denied those who really need you

and denied our need for your salvation.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world.

We take on the customs of the wealthy

and destroy the cultures of the poor

the beauty of your created diversity

we pave over what we cannot understand.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world.

Your way is always sacrifice and love

you came so we might all be made free

you lived and life of justice and healing

and we shouted "crucify him" with the crowd.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world.

Help us to fall on our knees weeping today

make love and forgiveness our only weapons

help us bring your healing and love with us

to a ravaged, war torn and suffering world.

O Christ, we bless you for by your cross you redeemed the world. Amen

That They May Be One

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’ John 17:1-26

We buried my mom on Maundy Thursday in 2015. It was poignant, and somehow appropriate for our final goodbyes to happen on that day. And every year since, no matter when on the calendar it falls, I am moved to remember that day and my mother's fierce love for God, for her children and so many others. Her prayer has always matched Jesus' final prayer, "that they all may be one." She wanted us to love and care for each other and hated the disputes among her children. Most of the disagreements were on no importance and are forgotten. It is so important, in these days of division and violence, that we as families and as the church bind ourselves t one another, renew in love.

Gracious Creator, you bend down 

sitting among us as we argue and fight

spreading your arms of love

among a broken and hurting world.

You washed the disciples feet

instead of washing your hands of them

you taught them to be one family

even as they fell asleep to your prayer.

Help us to mend the broken relationships

make us weavers and repairer of our family

let us witness to your abundant love

by loving across all barriers and differences. Amen.