Arms Around the Prodigal

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

Recently we heard Jesus in the midst of the sisters. And here now, we have the story of the prodigal, whose brother is angry about the father's treatment and joy. As a parent, I know the open arms joy in returning children. And I know the sting of being the dutiful child who does not run away. We are often both runaways from God and returning children. Over and over again, we are willful and dangerous. And when we finally wake up to our foolishness, our Creator is running towards us, arms wide open, waiting to embrace us.

Wondrous Creator, heart of all hearts

you seek us when we are far off from you

you embrace us with tears of joy in returning

and you make a space at the table for all.

We are willful, stubborn and headstrong

and we are then terrified when we are alone

desperate and anxious, we cry out loud to you

and you invite us to come back home again.

Help us to lean in to the love you give us

help us to always run to your open arms

let us have open arms for the wanderers

and let us be beacons of the way back home. Amen.

Lost Sheep

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ Luke 15:1-10

Caring for sheep is a demanding job. They like to wander and not follow directions. Most shepherds have loyal, well-trained dogs who help keep the sheep in line and safe. Border Collies and other working dogs respond to the whistles and calls of the shepherd, getting the wandering safely home again. Jesus tells this series of stories to the religious leaders who were grumbling about the people he chose to hang with. Jesus ate with and welcomed sinners, and they were horrified. And yet, he uses images of lost sheep and a lost coin to illustrate the love of God for those who have gone astray and returned home safely. God is always seeking out the lost and gathering us in and bringing us home.

Gracious Creator, seeker of the lost

you desire not to punish the wanderer

you do not want to scold our mistakes

but gather us up and bring us all home.

We often think we can do as we please

until we find ourselves in strange places

until we find ourselves without direction

and then we cry and bleat like lost sheep.

Help us today to hear your call to return

help us to see those who are lost as family

give us all your strength and compassion

so we might reach out to the lost today. Amen.

The Ultimate Cost - Memorial Day 2023

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’ Mark 10:17-27

My Uncle Sy WalkingStick died in the Philippines at the very end of World War Two. He was my mother's oldest brother and they had been very close. It was devastating for the whole family and especially for my Nanny. I wasn't born when he died, but she would tell me stories. He liked to believe he could take care of everyone, she once told me. Today, we honor all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We remember those who, faithful followers of Jesus, put their fellow men and women first. They gave their lives for all of us. And God, who loves us all completely, makes possible what we cannot conceive.

Loving Creator, we pause this day

to remember those who paid the price

who put themselves in harms' way

so we might all live in beloved freedom.

We sometimes think freedom is self-care

yet these martyrs and soldiers knew better

they lived and died knowing your possibilities

and offering their lives so other might live.

Help us to live humbly and sacrificially

let us dedicate our time to the service of others

let us be your followers who demonstrate love

and help shine your light on everyone today. Amen.

Being Marthas

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

Sisters! I had three of them. We lost my sister Pegi in 1990 to cancer. I love my sisters and have three daughters who love their sisters as well. And sisters can truly drive each other absolutely crazy. Some are hard workers and others are able, on some regular basis, to wiggle out of the chores. I'm truly not sure that Jesus should have gotten in the middle of this debate. Mary may have chosen the "better" part, and the consequences, once the guests were gone, could have been quite awful. So whether we are Marthas or Marys, or somewhere in between, we need to live with the consequences of our choices.

Loving Creator, heart of all families

you set us in families and comunities

to share the challenges and the work

to share the bounty and the love.

We know there is no perfect family here

living together caused friction and strife

we often bicker and complain, feeling used

yet we fail to see how blessed we truly are.

Renew our hearts and hands today, Lord

let us be those who appreciate both the work

and the times of listening and learning

make us your family, Lord, here on earth. Amen.

Go And Do Likewise

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

We can think ourselves so busy and important that we do not see the needs around us. We can also be distracted, by phones, screens and all sorts of images, that we don't separate the real from the pixeled images. All around us, and every day, there are needs that are present and real, which we walk past. We are invited today to stop and do our part, which is simply to show mercy, to care for the stranger and to respond as we are able to the needs around us.

Precious Creator, source of all mercy

you give us light and beauty on earth

surrounding us with friends on the journey

yet we are loath to reach out the stranger.

We are distracted and fearful mostly

not wanted to get involved for the cost

yet you remind us that the blessings come

when we show mercy to all our neighbors.

Help us Lord to step out of our comfort zones

help us to live as neighbors one and all

let our hands and hearts always be merciful

so that your love flows through all our beings. Amen.

Returning With Joy

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

All of our tribal dances are a thanksgiving to the Creator. We dance in gratitude for the safe return of our soldiers, for surviving harsh seasons, for bounteous crops and for new life among us. With each contact of moccasins with the sacred earth, our mother, we are giving thanks and offering our love and prayers for our people. We give thanks each morning, in simple ways, but always with the joy of family, present and those always with us. Those who returned to Jesus bubbled over with joy. Their fears and worries were put aside as God's love brought about great miracles despite their human limitations.

Loving Creator, we wake with joy

the daylight welcomes us again

the birdsong reminds us to give thanks

for the new life this day will surely bring.

Too often we are fearful and worried

too often we forget to be ever grateful

despite our frailty and our broken ways

you promise to restore the circle bringing us home.

Let us always face the challenges before us

with the hope and wonder of small children

let our feet touch the earth so we are grounded

in your love and support on all our journeys. Amen.

Sent Out Like Lambs

 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ Luke 10:1-17

We can be made vulnerable at any age. Thrust into a new environment with strange practices and people. we can quickly find ourselves feeling awkward or even "unsafe." Too often we confuse awkwardness with danger, and quickly move to the fight, freeze or flight reactions when in these circumstances. We can remind ourselves, in these situations, that the Lord of Life.is with us as we are sent out into new and strange situations. 

Gracious Creator, who abides with us

you are with us at the center and the edge

you find us when we are lost and alone

and you bring us home abounding with joy.

We grow fearful as the world changes

we think our lives are under threat

we can forget that we are never alone

and your power surrounds our weaknesses.

Help us to see your loving presence daily

help us to love our the ever changing world

let us bravely go forth sharing the blessings

of never being alone when you send us out. Amen.

Hand to the Plow

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

Let's admit it, some days we just want to turn back over and go back to bed, or wherever we find comfort and support. We ache to resolve our lives and following Jesus is often a challenge in this world. Over and over, Jesus uses familiar and agrarian images, to remind us of the deep soil work and planting that is ongoing. There can be no crops, no food for the people, if we are reluctant and refuse to understand. Not every season is for plowing and planting. There are other times and seasons we are called to other labors. And the good news is, that despite the hard challenges of following Jesus, there is always an abundance of joy and fellowship. 

Holy Creator, you call us by name

you know us in the depths of our being

your love surrounds us and feeds us

strengthening us for the journey ahead.

We are too often reluctant and content

comfortable is our familiar surroundings

yet you continually call us from comfort

to the hard work of planting your love.

Help us to respond to your call every day

let us rejoice in the work that is before us

let our lives demonstrate your presence 

and let our work show forth your love. Amen.

Feast of the Ascension

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:16-20

There's a starkness to leave-taking, no matter how lovingly or gently it is done. In this season of graduations, students are so thrilled to be done, and, terrified by what is to come. The unknown, the time without the comfort and ease of friends, and new ways to be and new paths to follow. I imagine the disciples only heard Jesus' words later, when they sat around trying to figure out what to do next. They gave them him blessing and his power, and yet, they were at a loss to really live into that power and blessing. We too are often at a loss, and like them, we will be given the spirit in due time.

Wondrous Creator, you called us your image

you imbue us with bright minds and hearts

you give us the desire to transform the world

yet we are often fearful and reluctant here.

The times turn again and a new era begins

we are loath to let go and loath to go on

we are aching for the comfort already lost

not believing that you already provided more.

Help us this day to stop looking up, waiting

make us able to put one foot in front of the other

give us the strength to trust in your promises

and live as those empowered by your spirit. Amen.

Ask, Search and Knock

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’ And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11:1-13

In my youth, this passage from Luke, "Ask and it shall be given unto you", was the song of my heart. It reminded me to pray always, and I loved singing harmonies and descants to this song. Once, I thought everything was possible. I imagined myself, like Dorothy, with ruby slippers, reciting "there's no place like home." In my wider years, I have realized that God indeed does hear our prayers, give us answers, and the answers are not always what we expect. It isn't the magic of childlike thinking. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit, which showers us with new life and love when we are at our lowest points in life.

Wondrous Creator, you call us to pray

to always ask, to seek and to knock

you are listening with a heart of love

and you send your Spirit to revive us.

We want immediate results to our prayers

when we are given patience instead

we think you are not listening nor responding

when you are moving heaven and earth for us.

Help us to pray moment by moment to you

trusting that there are answers prepared 

knowing that the heart of our Creator

has plentious blessing for us today. Amen.

Take Up Their Cross Daily

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

We all have burdens and challenges. It is the cost of being human. None of us is perfect and yet we pretend to be. We don't want anyone to see our flaws, so we hide them, we silently judge others, and we do not bring our authentic selves to our work or our God. We cannot follow Jesus unless we bring our real, unvarnished selves. And we know that those we love, we love them fully with all their quirks and faults. And they love us completely in our truly authentic selves. May we follow Jesus today, fully and completely with no pretense, just sincere love.

Precious Creator, tender One and Source of love

we are treasured by you in our whole incompleteness

we are you heart and hands here on this globe

and you call us to follow you with open hearts.

Too often we think our brokenness is shameful

too often we blame others for our failings

regularly we say we cannot go with you

we are afraid folks will see our terrible mistakes.

You, O Lord, carried the cross for all of us

you promise to make us fully yours today

help us to take up our crosses and follow

knowing you are leading us to life abundant. Amen.

Daughter

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

Today marks 33 years as a priest. First, I was a daughter, then a wife. and then a mother with daughters. And, I do know what it is to have a long illness and to get close to death. We find ourselves today amidst two stories of two women, one long suffering and the other, a child pronounced dead. And to both, Jesus brings new life. He calls the older woman daughter, a tender, kind name. And as a mother with daughters, just thinking of them, my heart is full of overflowing love. I am reminded, on this tender anniversary, that we are considered by Jesus with overflowing love. No matter our circumstances or challenges, we are seen as beloved children of God.

Loving Creator, loving heart of our world

you look on all your creation with deep love

you see us as beloved, wanted and called

and you see us with the eyes of a loving parent.

We expect that you look on our scars as failure

while you see our wounds as a place of healing

we do not want to show our failures to you

despite your promise to love and heal us all.

Help us today to live as your beloved children

let our humanity and needs be an invitation

for us to be deeper in relationship with you

so that you love might be known by all. Amen.

When Pigs Fly

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me’— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘Legion’; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:26-39

When pigs fly is a familiar saying that refers to a time when the impossible happens, which is, never.  We often give up on situations and people, knowing that there is nothing we can do and that nothing will ever change. Yet, sometimes, miraculously, things and people change. The possessed man has been given up on by his family and his community. They have isolated him and chained him. He was impossible and the world had given up on him. But not Jesus. In Jesus, nothing is impossible. We can offer the impossible situations, in our exasperation, to Jesus who can even make pigs fly.

O Great Creator, our heart and home

nothing is impossible in your reign

you are merciful and always heal us

your heart is committed to restoring all.

We give up and quit the difficult ones

we forsake those who frustrate us

and we often feel forsaken and lost

you never forsake us and always love us.

Help us Lord, to trust your power

let us pray always for the impossible

help us to offer you those who frustrate us

and know that for you nothing is impossible. Amen.

We Are Perishing

‘No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.’ Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?’ Luke 8:16-25

Life is full of storms and horrifying moments. We often feel as if God was asleep when we were suffering, when we were drowning or when our loved ones are in trouble. We are reminded today that Jesus, when fully human, commanded the winds and the waves. How much more then, is the Divine power, the Divine love, the Divine care. When the disciples cried out to Jesus, he tamped down the storm.  May we like wise cry out to him in prayer when the storms arise.

Wondrous Creator, you brought forth life

from the raging waters and the fragile planet

you walked the duty roads and fed the people

you alone set them free and you set us free as well.

When the storms surround us we feel abandoned

yet you are with us in every treacherous journey

you feel the wind and the rocking of our boats

and hold back the storm so we might live again

Help us to turn to you in storms and fair weather

let our breathing in and out be prayers to you

we need your presence every minute and hour

help our human weakness with your strong love. Amen.

Good Soil

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

It is that time of year when we plant our gardens and work the soil to help make it good and productive. Our ground is full of rocks and so we have raised beds and planters all over the place, Still some things thrive better than others, and the soil needs to be tended and fed. My Grandfather WalkingStick would use fish parts, especially the heads, in order to enrich the soil. We compost and nurture the soil as best we can. Good soil demands time and attention, a steady and constant relationship of tending and watering. Our lives of faith also need tending and watering, time to enrich the ground and time to grow. 

Creator God, source of all life

you plant us in loving communities

enriched places which help us grow

and where we are fed and lifted up.

We often want to go it on our own

wandering off into the weedy places

thinking we are better off among the rocks

forgetting we need to be nurtured always.

Help us today to invest in our communities

strengthen us to teach and to tend others

let your love grow so strong within us

that we bear the abundant fruits of your love.

Shown Great Love

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

How we care for one another really matters. These days, my view is often from a wheelchair, entering a building with my husband's kind help. Many folks don't even notice that we are there or they think we're not their problem. Others rush to help, to hold doors open. to make life a little easier. Thier kindness makes all the difference. Those who show great love to a stranger, change the world. The woman who anointed Jesus with her tears is remembered throughout the ages. She is an example for all of us since none of us is perfect, and all of us need great kindness and love.

Loving Creator, source of love eternal

you give us hearts that can love so greatly

and hands that can tenderly help others

and eyes that can see you in each stranger.

We often busy ourselves with distractions

so we don't have to see the need around us

we protect ourselves and hide ourselves

so we don't have to be servant to strangers.

Let us use the hearts and hands you gave us

help us to see the needs around us daily

let us be ready to show great love always

so your love shines forth in this needy world. Amen.

Only Speak the Word

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

We easily believe things that are put in writing while things told to us often seem to be stories. Yet, the Indigenous people of the Americas were those who had oral traditions so deep and old that the stories told help all the knowledge and power for the people. When Sequoyah set to write the Cherokee syllabary, he did so in a time when the spoken word was ignored and written was king. He wanted our people to have authority by writing things down to prove our worth to the settlers and the government. Jesus encounters a Centurion whose word was power, and the Centurion knew Jesus word was powerful healing. So much so that the dead young man came to life and all were amazed by the power of Jesus' words.

Wondrous Creator who brings our world to life

you delight in the many shades on our earth

you rejoice when we are connected hear to heart

and your word brings new life to dead places.

We often limit ourselves to the written word

and fail to listen to the stories of the people
we think knowledge only comes from books

when knowledge and understanding are yours alone.

Help us to trust in your words of life given to all

let us be bearers of the stories of your love

help us to listen to the hearts of the people

and make us all one Lord, in our time. Amen

Foundation on Rock

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

I vividly remember, as a small child, seeing the aftermath of a nor'easter in our little town by the ocean. Some cottages were completely gone, and there were toilets, appliances and wood floating in the streets. Bricks were everywhere as the Chelsea Hotel near the beach had fallen into the ocean and scattered. Our home, from 1820, now bulldozed, was built back from the sea, with a deep and solid foundation. This once humble little town has become very posh, and people continue to build huge houses without foundations on the sand. Jesus invites us to see this image as a sign of our fragile humanity. We can love and build strong foundations of understanding, or, we can be selfish and foolhardy and go it alone.

Loving Creator, you teach us the way

your heart is the foundation of goodness

your way is the path of life renewed

and we look to you morning by morning.

Too often, our pride and greed take over

we forget the fragile balance of this life

we assume we have full control of our lives

and forget you in our desire to be in charge.

Day by day you remind us to build carefully

with humble hearts and relying on one another

help us to see your blessings in our labor

and help us to love the labor given us here. Amen.

A Good Measure, Pressed Down

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ Luke 6:27-38

There are times in our lives when we feel our buckets are completely empty. We can sometimes feel our work is in vain and we have failed. And sometimes, the cruelty of others, and the evil in the world can overwhelm us. Yet, in these times, when we feel spent, misunderstood, and beaten down, we are invited by God to give generously, love our enemies, and live mercifully. When we want to stomp around and give into our anger and hurt, we are invited to be ever more compassionate. It seemed like a bad prescription, adding fuel to the fire. Instead, when we see the hurt and need in others, we just might see God's abundance in our own lives as well.

Loving Creator source of abundance

you send snow and rai to water the earth

you send sun and moon to light our way

and fill us when we are hungry and afraid.

Our lives are full of slights and pain

loss and grief are always surrounding us

we can be swallowed by our own worries

and not see your love shining like a beacon.

Help us today to open our arms in love

let us open our hearts to your renweing grace

so we might be generous and grateful today

and so others might know your loving abundance. Amen.