Dangerous Dancing

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.  Mark 6:14-29

People often get hurt or worse for telling truth to power. John was in prison because he dared to tell Herod the truth, and Herod knew he was right so he did no more than imprison him. Herodias wanted revenge and got it through her daughter. She manipulated the moment and the timing so she could destroy John. It wasn't enough for her that he was not free. We see this in our world today. Humans find ways to destroy prophets, truthtellers and anyone who stand in their way. Yet we are reminded that God is bigger than petty potentates. Our Creator knows our inmost secrets and provides shelter and direction when we are lost.

Wondrous Creator, author and source of all power

you have entrusted us with the care of the world

we are given free will and the wisdom to use it

yet some take cruel advantage of their power.

We know that some think they are above the law

and others have been crushed by the abuse of it

some think that power and money give them rights

to take away the freedom and the rights of others.

Let us walk humbly and not seek the powerful places

give us the strength to lead with grace and kindness

let our days be dedicated to the care of our neighbors

and let us be those who show the world the power of love. Amen.

Sunday, July 30th, 2023 Proper 12

The Collect

 O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Gospel

 Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

This Sunday we hear about the true measure of God's reign. The one who created us, has planted within us such great love and capacity.  Jesus shared several stories, drawing pictures with words that we can all see. We often feel small and inadequate. The world is too often cruel, and we feel so powerless. Yet, we are told, that despite all that seems against us, God's reign is love, and God's love is always acting for us, with us and within us. 

Wondrous Creator, source of endless love

you well is deep and endless, always providing

new possibilities even in the midst of storms

and showering love like rain upon everyone.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed.

We often stumble and we see only our deficiencies

yet you have given us your heart and your faith

your reign is not as master but as loving servant

and you constantly come to our aide when we fall.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed.

Our hearts are on the ground with sorrow and loss

yet even when we are down you embrace us all

you send new mornings and new possibilities

and you treasure us more than gold or fine pearls.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed.

Help us to trust that we are your beloved children

you the perfect parent, the endless stream of love.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed.

Give us new eyes to look beyond our scars

help us to see your love in our darkest hours.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed.

For you are the source of all that is good

and you will cover us daily with your love.

Precious Savior, give us your faith like a mustard seed. Amen.

Do Not Fear, Only Believe

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

We live in times where there are more cures for our diseases than ever before. We also have been through a pandemic that took millions and millions of lives, We became people who feared other people. We are somewhat back from all of that, yet the real fear and isolation still have a profound impact on us. The woman that touched Jesus' hem was considered unclean because of her disease. And they had already pronounced the child dead. And yet God's love is always bigger than our fears, and ready always to bring new possibilities where there are none.

Loving Creator, whose heart is a parent's heart

you love us like family and care for us every day

we may not see or know the work of your love

yet we can see it in the beauty of life around us.

We are often torn by fears and great worries

we ache for our children and friends who suffer

we are angry when there is too much loss and pain

yet you are always there beside us and with us .

Help us to seek you in all our tormented moments

let our cry come to you in the night and in the day

help us not to fear and give us the strength to believe

for your love is constant, eternal and a healing balm. Amen.

My Name is Legion

They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.’ For he had said to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’ He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, ‘Send us into the swine; let us enter them.’ So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned in the lake. The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.’ And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. Mark 5:1-20

There are those among us who have suffered so much from inner and outer torment. that they are filled with rage and cannot contain their hurt. Others have imbalances that manifest in frightening ways. When folks hurt, they tend to hurt themselves and others. Jesus had just calmed the wind and sea when he came ashore to encounter a violent and sick man who everyone had given up on. And Jesus looked on him with compassion and healed the hosts of angry demons within. But his healing upset the life that people were used to, as if they wanted the poor man to stay sick and tormented.  They begged Jesus to leave them alone. The hard truth of this story is that we can pray for healing, but we often don't want to live with the responsibility to be whole and live to serve others. Hurting, anger, rage and abuse are easier to deal out than kindness, compassion and support. We are invited rejoice in the healing we have and use it for the benefit of others.

Gracious Creator, you healed even monsters

the legions of torturing spirits you released

into a herd of swine and sent the evil far away

and changed the raging one into a loving friend.

We too often are entertained by others' pain

we want our healing with no responsibility

we think ourselves victims and the suffering

when your love have enfolded us every day.

Help us to see the healing and blessing given

make us humble enough to be deeply grateful

make us ready always to serve the hurting ones

and release your loving kindness to the world. Amen.

Wind and Sea Obey

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

We spent the afternoon on the beach yesterday with our daughter and three of our grandchildren. The tide was coming in and the waves were a bit rough for the littlest one. Yet we swam and jumped in the water, delighting in every moment. As the afternoon wore on, we could see a thunderhead forming and the skies turning dark. The lifeguards were preparing to empty the beach. We left before they did so but didn't quite get back to house before the deluge began. We were soaked in the few seconds it took to get inside. The thunder and lightning came on strong. And we were safe. Those out on the water were not so safe. And we are reminded that we are safe in the arms of the Creator who has command over even the winds and the waves.

Gracious Creator, you share your bounty

you give us times of rest and leisure

we soak in the beauty that surrounds us

and fill ourselves with your good food.

The storms of life come and we panic

we forget who is truly in charge of all

we forget to trust that you will get us back

to the safe harbors and gentle shores.

Help us to trust you now and always

knowing that we are secure in your hands

living as children who are guided and guarded

sharing your love and peace with all. Amen.

On A Lampstand

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

It is hard to watch gifted folks hide their light under a bushel. We humans, too often, think ourselves inadequate, less than, and fail to see the incredible light shining within each of us. And sometimes, other people try to snuff out that light because of their inferiority and anxiety. Yet our Creator, who loves us and abides with ech of us, invites us all to flourish wherever we are planted and to use what we have for the beauty, blessing and benefit of others. God's love and light is planted in all of us. May we trust our Creator, and shine, shine, shine.

Loving Creator, source of beauty and blessing

you place your light within each and everyone

imbuing us with unique gifts and amazing skills

yet in our fear and worry, we hide away our light.

Some have been beaten down by the care of the world

others have lost their voice and have lost direction

some have been pummeled by the waves of life

and others have been torn down by selfish dictators.

Yet, you, Lord have abundance and light in plenty

you will restore us, remake us and help us bear fruit

you will teach us anew how to share our flickering lights

and share your love in a very hurting and scared world. Amen. 

Bearing Fruit

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

We have been enjoying a few days of vacation in the part of the world that is truly home for me. As a child, the tip of South Jersey was covered with farms and grazing land, as well as the fishing boats heading out for a catch. Our family friends were farmers and fishermen. We ate fresh from the fields. Now it is mostly covered with expensive vacation homes. Corn, tomatoes, lima beans, watermelon and other summer delights were in abundance. As were grazing fields of cattle and sheep, right next to the ocean. I understand we all need vacations, yet as so few people farm and produce anything, I wonder if we will be able to imagine what Jesus is talking about, let alone taking the lessons to heart. 

Abundant Creator, source of life

we see your creation with great joy

yet we too often try to build on it

and take advantage of other in it.

You promised times of rest and ease

you taught us how to be grateful always

yet we are too greedy and selfish

and we want the good things all to ourselves.

Help us Lord to be willing to plant and sow

let us be those who are willing to feed others

may our lives be dedicated to bearing fruit

the good fruit of love, worthy of your reign. Amen.

Sunday, Jul 23rd, 2023 Proper 11

Jesus put before the crowd another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!” Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Weeds are everywhere in our lives. Some are obviously dangerous and painful. Others are beautiful, eye-catching and fun. Dandelions get everywhere. I loved to pick them as a child, especially in the fall when they were puffballs, and blow so that the little puffs went everywhere. I was helping spread seeds of those tenacious weeds, setting the lawn up for invasion in the spring. There are other weeds, the pain, the losses, the major frustrations in our lives that are harder to see and harder to rid ourselves of. Yet this work, ridding ourselves of the vicious weeds in our lives, is the work of angels. We do not have to grieve the weeds, we need only trust the Creator in Christ is always and forever in charge.

Wondrous Creator, designer and author of all

you are a potter and we care clay in your hands

you are the music sung by all of your creation

and we are yours loved by you from the beginning.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun.

We worry and are so frustrated by the weeds

those who conspire against us and those who hate

we think we can fix all the weeds in our world

yet you have already taken control of the problem.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun.

Make us patient when the we feel choked out

make us prayerful when our world grows dark

make us always faithful when friends abandon us

and turn us into those who produce your love.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun.

We are weak and afraid, too often disappointed

yet you promise to help us through all dangers.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun.

We think we are being punished and abused

yet you remind us that all of life is a challenge.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun.

You are Creator, who turns sorrow to blessings

and we are always blessed to be your children.

Lord, Jesus, help us to trust we will shine like the sun. Amen.

Made for the Sabbath

One sabbath he was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’ Again, he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 2:23-3:6

It's so hard when pain, suffering and hunger keep a person from living a full life. Too often, the poor, the sick, the homeless and the hungry are shoved to the margins of our society. Jesus's whole ministry on this earth was one of gathering the hurting from the margins, feeding them and making them whole. Yet we set up rules and judge the less capable with great disregard. It was the same in Jesus' time. He offered and still offers "rest unto your soul." May we be brave enough to embrace it, to fall back into the loving arms of our Creator.

Creator God, you give us abundant life

you set aside times for rest and renewal

you turn the world to all the seasons

and you invite us to rest and heal on the sabbath.

We rush and tear around in agitation

judging those who can't keep up with us

snarling at the one who rests on the bench

criticizing the poor and the infirmed.

Help us to realize our poverty and weakness

make us strong enough to be compassionate

give us your peace so that we might rest

in the secure and loving arms of our Creator. Amen.

Beside the Water

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

The oceans, lakes and rivers are more than nice places to vacation. This time of year they are often overrun by people desperate to get away from city crowds only to find themselves crowded in again. The waters are a part of us, a close and ancient relative, and one necessary for our existence. Waters have stories to tell and Jesus did much of his story telling by the water. And he called disciples from beside the sea. Many miracles were witnessed there. The water helps still our racing hearts, helps us to go deep into the Spirit and invites us to open our hearts in new ways. May we seek the healing and renewing waters today.

Gracious Creator, you moved over the water

you send healing streams flowing towards us

you invite us to a close relationship with you

and you've called your disciples by the waters.

We often abuse the life giving streams and oceans

neglecting the ancient wisdom and living peace

we take and destroy in our frustration and pain

taking for granted the gifts you have given to all.

May we walk humbly beside the waters today

hearing the cries of the gull as a new invitation

to follow you more deeply and more lovingly

seeking your healing and renewal for us all. Amen.

Let Down the Mat

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

The faith and love that friends and community have can change our lives. When I have been discouraged, it is my community and family that have helped me rally and not give up. They are my strength in weakness, my support when I am down. The man in this story had some really faithful friends, who would not give up despite the crowds and the roof. They broke through the roof at Jesus' home, and Jesus welcomed them, rejoicing in their love and faithfulness.

Loving Creator, source of all faith and hope

you place us in community and family

to know your loving embrace in our need

and to know that healing is always at hand.

We give up too easily and loose hope

yet we are surrounded by witnesses

the ancient ones sing for us every hour

and we are never abandoned by you.

Help us to be those who are always faithful

friends who carry our friend to the healer

suffering ones who trust in your healing love

and those who never waver from the care of others. Amen.

Got Up to Serve

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

Serving is considered a menial task, often underpaid and underappreciated in our present society. For generations women were expected to prepare and serve meals as well as clean up after them, Norms have changed and most women would balk at being expected to serve. Yet, we are hearing a story from a different time which somehow breaks through to our present lives. Jesus came and served. And Simon's mother-in-law was deathly ill. When she was healed by Jesus, she wanted to serve. Not because it was expected of her. Rather, it was her offer of love and gratitude. May we find ways to serve, showing our love and gratitude for our Creator who heals us all.

Loving Creator, heart of all life

you shape us all as soft clay

you build us up with gentle hands

and strengthen us in the fires of life.

We often balk at the simple chores

yet you washed disciples' feet

you heal the most broken among us

and restore the wicked and the righteous.

May we have the strength to love as you do

ready to serve with gratitude and love

being the first to get up and care for those

who need to see your love living in us today. Amen.

Proper 10 - Sunday, July16th, 2023

Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

There is something memorable and awesome when sitting on the beach hearing stories. Whether by the ocean, inland sea of lake, we seem to listen more closely and are transformed by the words said. We are drawn in by the deep darkness and the stars and can find ourselves completely inside of the story. Jesus shared parables or stories, and we tell them this time of year in the church. They are story-pictures, a way to remember the simple truth about the Creator's love for us and the challenges of living faithfully in the world. We are invited to be good soil today, to hear the words, take them in and out them into action in our lives.

Wondrous Creator, you set the stars above

and the good tender earth beneath our feet

filling us with stories of your love for us

and promising blessing after blessing.

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people.

We are all distracted and head strong

thinking we know better than our elders

we dash around and crash about our world

and cry out when our earth is in deep trouble.

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people.

When we cannot sing the birds sing for us

when we cannot shine the stars do their part

when we are broken and so very afraid

you lift up the sun to lighten our faces.

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people.

Help us to seek you in the day and night

knowing you have always more to teach us.

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people.

Strengthen us to be good solid soil

so that we might bring forth good fruit.

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people.

Make us your people again dear Lord

so the earth might know your love again. 

Lord, make us good soil so we might be your people. Amen.

Wilderness

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:1-13

We know well the story of the glorious baptism of Jesus, with clouds parting and God speaking. We love knowing that we are baptized with Jesus. We don't want to think about what often follows for us as well as for Jesus - wilderness, the vast lonely and dangerous places that surround one as a believer. There are times of deep doubt and great temptation for us all. We really don't know much about Jesus' 40 day wilderness experience, but we  know our own. And, if truthful, we know we give into temptation and curse the darkness. I know I have. Those times of wilderness prepare us to minister and serve. May we understand in a new way, that our wilderness experiences are not to toughen us up but to soften our hearts and send us to our knees.

Loving Creator, you made the wild places

teeming with vegetation and roaming animals

you provide us with deep shade and good food

and bring us to safe dwellings among friends.

We often fear what you have made for us

taming the wilderness and cutting it down

when the wilderness is your gift to us all

a place of deep discernment and faith.

Help us today to know our dark places

as times of your angelic presence with us

help us see those who minister in our weakness

and be those who lift the suffering up as well. Amen.

Peace Be With You

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:36-53

There are places we can each find peace and people who help us find peace. In this day and age peace is often hard to find. And places of peace are often overrun by people desperate to have a vacation experience, so they go big and go loud. Peace for me is often found in the out of the way, hard to get places. Desolate places where I can hear the bird song and listen to the lapping of the water. And peace can also be found for me in laughter, of my friends, my family, my colleagues. We live in an agitated and agitating world, and yet Jesus in present in all our chaos and confusion.

Peaceful Creator, you breathe on us life

you sing us into being and help us grow

your hand rests on each and every shoulder

and your love is a large embrace for us all.

We struggle with one another every day

trying to find peace but not making peace

we do not seek peace but dominance

and we ache for peace when we are alone.

Gracious Savoir, breathe your peace on us

fill us with the capacity to always reach out

empowering us to repair the broken hearts

and give us your loving peace today. Amen.

Made Known in the Breaking of Bread

But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Now on that same day two of them 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. Luke 24:12-35

I often find that true love and beauty are found in commonplace moments and simple experiences. We often try to outdo the other with extraordinary creativity, lavish elegance, and over the top drama. And love is found more often at a simple makeshift table, away from fame and attention, in authentic moments of vulnerability. The disciples knew Jesus when the bread was broken and not in his scholarship or his grasp of scripture. These terrified people, who had been through great trauma and confusion, found their Savior, in the simplest of moments. May we rejoice in our simple moments and humble places, trusting that God is there with us all.

Gracious Savior, you walked with friends

when they were confused and broken

you did not hide or shame their ignorance

but joined with them and shared bread.

Loving Creator, source of every flowing love

we seek you in the vaulted cathedral ceiling

and in majestic, splendid and unreachable places

failing to see your love present at our tables.

Help us rejoice in the simplest joys of life

for you are there in the hidden humble times

give us new eyes to see the beauty in the day

and give thanks for the blessings we all enjoy. Amen.

Proper 9 Sunday, July 9th, 2023

Jesus said to the crowd, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” At that time Jesus 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 the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Some days we cry out and complain about all burdens and challenges in our lives. For us, it can also be an invitation. An invitation by God to see the one who is carrying our burdens and indeed carrying us. As a mother of three, all now beautiful and brilliant adults, I know what it means to carry another. It was a joy, a hopeful worry and a surprise to carry each of them, and I have been honored to do my part to help them grow and thrive.   If we consider that Jesus' invitation to all of us who are weary and heavy laden - all of us that is - then we are being asked to accept rest, refreshment and renewal as gifts from the heart of God.

Wondrous Creator, source of our strength

you breathed on us and brought us to life

you set us on the path of our unique lives

and lift us up when we are falling down.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls.

We fail to see you when we are overburdened

we try to carry the weight on our shoulders

we bend low with all that has overwhelmed us

and yet we fail to listen to your invitation.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls.

Come to me all you are weary and burdened

you told the disciples and the motley crowd

we think that invitation is for other than ourselves

yet we need your healing from your heart.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls.

Let us respond with a loud resounding yes

to your welcome and your renewal.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls.

Let us admit to our need and our weakness

so we can know you as a loving companion.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls.

Help us all to stand with others who are weary

and bring them to your heart of loving rest.

Lord, help us know you will find rest for our souls. Amen.

Carrying the Cross

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’ Luke 23:26-31

Simon the Cyrene had no choice in the matter. He was grabbed and forced to carry the cross. Jesus in his weakened state needed help just so that he could get to his place of death. He was surrounded by keening women and dear friends. Noone knew how to help and everyone was terrified. The ache and terror are almost unimaginable. Yet, we will always remember the name of the one who carried the cross as we doubtless remember the names of those who have helped us in our weakened states. We don't remember those who stood by wringing their hands. We always remember those who shouldered the load.

Precious Savior, who knows our suffering

you lived fully as we frail humans do

in our strength and in our weakness

you have been here with us on the road.

We think our suffering and pain is unique

we shake off the support that is offered

our pride keeps us from seeking help

yet still you stand by loving every one.

O Christ, as we remember your frailty

may we live to serve others in our lives

may we see your face in our neighbors

and shoulder the crosses that they bear. Amen.

Crucify Him

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. Luke 23:13-25

Popularity is a strange thing. Popular people can do and say horrible things and get away with it. Particularly if they are rich and famous. They can spout violence and incite people to riot. Yet, a humble person, brought up on false charges can wither away or die in prison. We see this in our lives today. Crowds can get riled up to do terrible acts of violence and treason. We need to be humble enough to be with those who are unnoticed and neglected. 

Mysterious Creator, your world is spinning round

containing forces of good and forces of evil

and you put us on this fertile round island

with instructions to love and bear good fruit.

We see that popularity gives rise to cruelty

that money talks louder than all compassion

that life is very cheap among the poorest

and too many blessed ones are being lost.

Help us to move from the crowd to the edges

to the places of great suffering and neglect

so that your love might flourish and grow

and the world see your presence here among us now. Amen.

Mocking

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’ When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies. Luke 23:1-12

We have seen too much name calling and mocking done by those who would be public servants and political leaders. That kind of cruelty is juvenile and denotes a discomfort or fear in the one who does the mocking. Adults, comfortable in themselves, do not mock, call names and treat others with contempt. Dignity is what every human being, every living creature deserves. I cannot follow those who find fame by destroying others.  Teh greatest gift we can share with others is to restore dignity when it has been taken and treat one another with respect and honor.

Creator God, you put beauty in all creation

you bestowed honor even the smallest creatures

you know us each by our very own names

and your love for each is truly everlasting.

We have lived as if we are at war always

making friends with  dangerous enemies

our choices are based on power and gain

and not on building up your love here.

Help us to turn from the childish cruelties

and help us restore dignity and honor

let us serve by honoring the whole person

and making room at the table for everyone. Amen.

July 4th, 2023

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

Since the late sixties, my parents hosted the Borough of Cape May Point's bicycle parade. The fire department trucks led the parade of bicycles, all decorated for the 4th in red, white and blue, around our town. They all ended up on our front lawn. My mother decorated the front of the house, made gallons and gallons of Kool-Aid and put out hundreds and hundreds of cookies. When my father passed in 1994 she kept up the tradition. We all helped when we were there. Our hosting ended in 2015 when my mother had passed and the house was sold. My parents gave me a reverence for our country, and sense of hospitality for the whole community and the simple joys of simple celebrations with neighbors. What a rich and beautiful legacy they have left us. May we all have gratitude for the freedoms we have and commit to serving our communities, always working toward real freedom and inclusion for all.

Wondrous Creator, you gave this sacred land

for the original people to care for and delight in

and you made a place for pilgrims and refugees

despite the greed and cruelty that is our past and present.

Throngs of loving families were separated

Throngs of people captured and enslaved

Thousands upon thousands taken from parents

and made to know no freedom in this land.

May we understand liberty to be truly for all

Help us to undo the abuses and torments of racism

let us ring the true bells of freedom which herald love

love diverse, complex and all-inclusive as you are. Amen.

Denial

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!’ Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, ‘This man also was with him.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, ‘You also are one of them.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not!’ Then about an hour later yet another kept insisting, ‘Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about!’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:52-62

We all have participated in intentional denial, from denying our real behaviors to denying a friend to save our own skin or simply to fit in. Fear is a wonderful and terrible motivator, particularly when we find ourselves in dangerous, life-threatening positions. Peter was in one of those positions and in denying Jesus, he broke his own heart. His love for his friend was overshadowed by real fear. The good news of our story is that Peter goes on to be forgiven and become the head of the church. The bumbling fisherman, who often out both feet in his mouth, was set free to love by divine forgiveness, as are all of us.

Loving Creator, when dawns again

you are there as we wake to life

and you are there in our dark sleeps

and with us in our deepest fears.

You know thar we often deny you

by the way we are selfish and cruel

by not turning to help our neighbor

and when we live for attention alone.

Help us to know see your love for us

which forgives our weakness and shame

may we live humbly and grateful today

knowing you are there in all our trials. Amen.
 

July 2, 2023, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’ Matthew 10:40-42

There are welcome signs everywhere, yet people are often unwelcoming and inhospitable. We often wear our grief and frustration on our faces, scowling at people who have done nothing to engender our anger. Often, we are frightened of strangers, worried that they will harm us in some way. My ancestors lived radical hospitality, long before they were brought the teaching of Jesus. And many of our tribes were treated as strangers and unwanted in their traditional homelands. May we take to heart the invitation of Christ to truly welcome the stranger, to offer a cup of cold water and to make a place at the table today.

Gracious Creator, we are your children

in diversity and complexity you love us

there is not one who is not close to your heart

and you seek those who stray from home.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger.

We often fear those who are different 

keeping to our familiar and comfortable places

we get angry when folks obviously don't belong

and think that our world is falling apart.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger.

Each of us came into this world totally dependent

someone had to feed us and clothe us daily

how quickly we forget that constant care

and how quickly we forget our need for you.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger.

You have made our world abundant and full

yet we believe that you will not provide for us.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger.

We store up more than we can ever possibly use

and do not share our abundance with others.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger.

Make are hearts open to every other person

so that you love and welcome might be known.

Lord, help us welcome you by welcoming the stranger. Amen.