Good Soil

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 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!’ Matthew 13:1-9

We often think that spring is the time to think about planting and soil. In fact, it is important for those of us who try to garden, to prepare the soil for next season. Using compost, ashes and other organic ingredients, we can make the soil better for next year's growth. In the parable of the sower, Jesus reminds us that we need to nurture good soil, good communities which provide the nutrients to build strong, faithful followers. It takes be willing to get messy, to tend to the small things and always be ready for the next season.

Wondrous Creator, you planted us here

giving us light and water for growth

safe communities where we can flourish

and elders and companions to teach us.

We often wander away from your garden

thinking we can grow strong on our own

we flounder and fail in our foolish vanity

and struggle to get through our simple days.

Help us, Lord, to be good, rich earth

so that your love can grow in our communities

so that we can be those who see your abundance

and nurture the robust gardens of your love. Amen

Family

‘When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but it finds none. Then it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.’ While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’ Matthew 12:43-50

I've often found myself bristling at this passage from Matthew. Jesus seemingly rejects his mother and siblings, choosing his friends instead. For Indigenous people, we put a great importance on family, clan and all our relations. Digging a little deeper though, Jesus in not really rejecting, but rather inviting. Inviting all those who love God and love and serve their neighbor to see themselves as the family of God. Sometimes our blood families can hurt us deeply, and we can still find family in God's love.

Loving Creator, we are planted in family

we are rooted in our people and traditions

all people you claim as part of your clan

we are all your family held in God's loving arms.

Often we forget that love binds us together

we hide behind our histories and lineages

thinking our famous ancestors will save us

while you call us to find family as we serve.

Help us to know ourselves as part of you

branches and limbs of a loving Creator

empowered by your love and compassion

we can be among family as we love others. Amen.

Divided Kiingdom

Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Can this be the Son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.’ He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:22-32

We live in a nation divided. We take side on political issues, we separate by economics, by gender and by many other things. We can often view our neighbors as our enemies, for no reason other than their race or language. The ones we don't understand we find very suspicious. And yet we hear clearly today, what we might see as an enemy or as evil, is most often a gift from God, an invitation to open ourselves up to new vision and new voices. 

Wondrous God, you give us sight and voices

to sing your praises and to speak of your love

you find and heal those who have gotten lost

and set them on the road which brings them home.

We human too often use our voice for scolding

we reprimand those who do not speak as we do

we see the stranger as a threat to our existence

despite the truth that you are the source of our lives.

Help us today to see with your loving eyes

help us to sing again in harmony with others

let us use our wills and our minds for justice

and let your love flow down like healing rain. Amen.

Proclaim Justice

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.’ Matthew 12:15-21

In these days, we need to hear the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah, now more than ever. God has chosen his Beloved to teach us all about Justice and Peace. We need hope these days! Last night, before bed, I was horrified about the news out of Maine. Mass shootings are a pandemic, destroying innocent lives across our land. And now, all too nearby, was a shooting that took more innocent lives, for no apparent reason. On days like this, I don't know what t do but pray, knowing that God has more blessing for us, despite the gloom that pervades our land.

Blessed Creator, you made all creation good

you gave us hearts to love, minds to reason

you made peace and justice your desire

and taught all nations to see all as relatives.

We have taken defensive posture all too long

not trusting you but counting on ourselves 

we have failed to see the family in our enemy

and the innocents suffer when we act out.

Help us Lord to be agents of your hope

make us ready to work for justice for all

setting aside prejudice and selfish greed

make us the instruments of your love today. Amen.

Lord of the Sabbath

At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?’ so that they might accuse him. He said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Matthew 12:1-14

I have listened lately to pundits chastising one group or another after the war broke out in the Holy Lands. They condemn one group against the other, depending on their politics, and praise the other. They have no real, lived knowledge of the horrors all the people of the region face. The place where Jesus lived and died is torn asunder, aided by greed, power and misunderstanding. And yet Jesus whispers in response to us all, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." We too often rush to judge before we have asked ourselves if we are doing good and showing mercy. God's love never binds or divides us but knots us together as we serve one another and show mercy.

Gracious Creator, Lord of the Sabbath

everyday you shine you morning light

we count on the blessings of the season

and you are the source of all abundance.

We watch in horror as your children fight

we see innocents caught up in the war

we wonder where you are in all of the struggles

forgetting that you are with all human kind

Help us to be those who live to do good

help us be those who always show mercy

let you love so flow through us this day

that you face might shine upon all today. Amen.

My Burden is Light

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 11:25-30

Yesterday was my Sabbath day, my day off which I often fill with appointments with doctors and the like. Sometimes, I can feel like my schedule is too much and my burdens are too great. We all can relate to that. And on days like this, I am grateful of Jesus' words. "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." We never carry our burdens alone.We have Jesus to walk with us at all times.

Wondrous God, who gave us days for work

and nigh times for rest, sleep and dreaming

you are with us in all our work and resting

renewing us for the challenges of the days ahead.

We often fail to see you by our sides

we too often this we are on our own

we forget to look for you in the hard times

and forget to thank you in the blessed moments.

Help us, dear Savior to know you in everything

may we bring our sorrows and burdens to you

knowing that you are carrying them with us

and finding resolution and healing for every problem. Amen.

Sunday, October 22, 2023 Proper 24

The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

In Jesus' time, Jerusalem and surrounding areas were occupied territories. There was much arguing about paying taxes to an government so far away. The taxes taken were not used for the good of the people, but rather for the good of the Roman empire. Caesar and his leadership lived lavishly, while in the occupied territories, the people suffered.  And yet when tested, Jesus told them to give to the emperor the things that were the emperor's.  Despite the corrupt state of affairs, Jesus reminded them to be faithful in "things", while encouraging them to know what is from God. Our hearts, all of us and all of creation belongs to God. No occupier can take that away. My former chief, Wilma Mankiller knew it. Despite all of the challenges she faced, she knew she belonged to her Creator and was made in that image.

A litany for Sunday, August 22, 2023

O Loving Creator, you made the whole world

putting humankind in place as your stewards

we are made in your image in blessed diversity

and every voice and song is a gift from you.

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.

We have taken land that does not belong to us

we have imprisoned people who are different

we have enslaved and terrorized our human family

and we have let violence solve our problems.

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.

Today we face a crisis in you Holy Lands

your home has been torn apart and we mourn

although we have not taken care of others

we demand that you repair the damage done.

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.

Make us humble enough to own our transgressions

make us honest enough to see the violence we cause.

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.

Help us to not hold on to the things of this world

but give you all of us, heart, mind and soul.

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you.

May we honor you by honoring our neighbors

humbly rejoicing in seeing your face in our enemies. 

O Lord, help us to give ourselves wholly to you. Amen.

Welcome

‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. ‘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 10:34-42

In these days when the whole world watches as the Holy Lands erupt in war and violence, and the death toll mounts to the unimaginable, we hear Jesus say that he does not come to bring peace but a sword. I ache for peace right now and am trouble by these words. Trouble until I read further and understand his audience and the moment. His people and their lands were controlled by cruel occupiers, fierce tyrants who lived by the sword. He sent his disciples out during terribly troubled times and want them to know that their work will make even more discontent and division. Yet, we also hear of God's radical welcome, where even a cup of water are blessed and safe in our Creator. So may our work be welcome in this time of great violence and division, knowing God's peace, our reward, is ever near. Matthew 10:34-42

Great Creator, you welcome all the peoples

you love and cherish all of your creation

aching for us to live with each other as family

seeking a deeper peace that only love brings.

We quickly take sides and build barricades

we forget your radical welcome, shunning others

we think that by might we will win the reward

and yet you tell us again it is only by welcome.

Help us to open our hearts and minds today

give us deep compassion for all the suffering

let us open our arms wide to all strangers

and make welcome our beginning and ending always. Amen.

Feast of St. Luke

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ Luke 4:14-21

Luke was a physician and also a storyteller. He was not an eyewitness of much of Jesus' ministry, but he carefully examined all the accounts and wrote out what he knew to be true. Luke was someone who could write a story that would captivate others, imbuing everything he wrote with power and beauty. The account of Jesus' birth that we love the best is from Luke's Gospel. The Magnificat, the song of Mary, which is profound and beloved, comes from Luke's Gospel. He wrote so that others could understand and feel. He wrote so that outsiders, which he was one, could embrace Jesus in his fullness. 

Wondrous Creator, source of beauty and power

you sent us people who can tells us great stories

they paint pictures with words that captivate

and help us know your love in our time and place.

We often close our ears to the peoples' stories

yet that is where you are, among the outcasts

you dwell in the pain and passion of our lives

and give voice to the voiceless and the shunned.

Help us today to share the story of your love

give us words that paint your love in dark places

help us to be those who live and translate love

so our broken world might see your loving face. Amen.

 

Sheep Amidst Wolves

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:16-23

There are times when we all feel vulnerable. Some live theirs whole lives in constant vulnerability due to poverty, culture, race, immigration status and more. We watch helplessly as vulnerable and frightened folks attempt to flee Gaza, being thwarted at every turn. Wolves do live among us whether they are world leaders, terrorists, or right closer to home. We are reminded today that the Creator's spirit will speak through us, even when the solves are at the door, and blessings will come. It is hard to imagine what blessings might arise at a dangerous border crossing. And, we are invited at all times and places to put the precious vulnerable ones into God's hands when have done our best.

Loving Creator, God of miracle and mystery

your love surrounds all the peoples of the earth

you ache to guide and protect every one of us

and you weep when we attempt to destroy one another.

We take our safety and security as a given

while others suffer because of our neglect

we too often turn away when the wolves appear

and hide behind wealth and distance s others die.

Help us Lord to hear the cries of your people

let us not see anyone as enemy but as family

make us ever ready to give aid and comfort

and make us shepherds who protect all the sheep. Amen.

Sent Out

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborer deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. Matthew 10:5-15

The newly called disciples were sent out on a mission. Jesus specifically told them to not expect payment, to eat and sleep among the people, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and cast out demons. I cannot imagine giving those instructions to someone in the ordination process today. They were limited to the house of Israel, in this Gospel. I assume it was because Mathew was writing to the Jewish people of his time. The other Gospels do not include these inhibitions. No matter, these were newly called, freshly minted disciples, and Jesus was helping them find their way in ministry. Too often we want regard and an excellent salary when we step out in faith to carry the Good News. Our call is not to those things. Our call is to trust God in everything, sharing the good news of Christ, and living as those who know God's love is enough for every occasion. So easy to say, so very hard to do. I imagine the first disciples might have said something like, "yeah, right" to one another as they set out. To change our minds and way of being though, we have to step out in faith, without a safety net, and live wholly trusting God.

Gracious Creator, source of all life

you entrust us with carrying your love

despite our feeble and limited attempts

you continue to believe in our capacity.

We too often don't trust your faithfulness

we disregard your ways and go our own

we think are cleaver and can solve problems 

when in truth we are useless on our own.

Help us to drop our comfortable baggage

and turn completely to you in every moment

let our lives and our actions be your sign

of your love and healing for our present age. Amen.

Sunday, October 15, 2022 - Proper 23

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:1-9

Normally, for most days anyway, I stick to the Gospel reading for my writing here. Today, looking over all of the propers, Philippians jumped out to me. "Let your gentleness be known to everyone!" I have watched the news in horror, over the past few days, watching innocents be taken hostage, their homes bombed, and the Middle East plunged back into war. Loving one another with gentleness and kindness is the way of the God of peace. Violence is relegated to human ways, our selfish and destructive ways. There is little we can do from a distance today, but we can pray for the peace of Jerusalem, love our neighbors, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and all the others, and we can draw near to the God of Peace. Our Creator aches for us to be woven together, not torn asunder.

Loving God, you blessed every tribe and family

our kinship teaches us responsibility and care

you made us in your image, brave, loving and strong

and taught us the tools to live lives of gratitude.

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always.

We watch helpless as war breaks out in your home

the streets you walked, the waters you sailed

are bombarded and destroyed, hate has broken out

taking everyone hostage, everyone lives in fear.

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always.

You weep for the people who have known peace

you cry for the bereaved, those paralyzed with fear

you long for all your children to live as a family

and you stir our hearts again with new compassion.

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always.

Help us to get on our knees and pray for your peace

not a ceasing of hostilities but new life breaking forth.

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always.

Make us your instruments of forgiveness here

help us to spread your love to everyone we meet.

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always.

For you are the God and Creator of our ancestors

and you have promised to be at home with us all. 

Dear Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now and always. Amen.

Yes, Lord

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Matthew 9:27-34

I remember the first time I got glasses when I was in college. I thought I was seeing clearly until I put my new glasses on and realized how much clearer I could see. I have never suffered blindness but imagine the world is a very different place for folks who cannot see. I am also aware, despite the fact that I can see, like most humans, I see what I want to see and overlook so much. It takes faith to sat, "yes, Lord" and to accept the truth we see around us. We often want to be blind to the needs of others. It takes real courage to have our eyes opened to the needs around us.

Precious Creator, you touched blind eyes

you healed bleeding women and sick children

you gave new strength to those paralyzed

and sat at table with the outcasts and rejected.

We often look away from pain and crisis

we do not want to see the agony around us

we like to only see what gives us comfort

and refuse to share comfort with those in need.

Touch our eyes so that we might truly see

touch our hearts so compassion might rule

touch our lives with your generous spirit

so we might truly see and truly respond now. Amen.

Take Heart, Daughter

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:18-26

I have been scolded more than once when I have called other women girls. Yet, I think us girls are amazing, the capacity to face the complexities of our world and not give up on life. I also like being called a daughter, and miss my parents profoundly, who loved their daughters and their son completely.  We are all the small children we once were, whether we had wonderful or terrible childhood. The scars and the blessings are in us all. And Jesus called them both daughter, the older woman and the little girl, seeing the beloved children that they truly were. And we are named God's beloved children, precious and deserving of all blessings and healings.

Loving Creator, we are your beloved offspring

the children of the hope springs of your heart

we are tethered to you throughout our lives

and we are imprinted with your love and grace.

Too often the world hurts and scars us all

and we think that you are to blame for it

yet your eyes see us only as the beloved

and your heart aches for all our suffering.

May we remember your love for all of us

and remember the hopeful child within

so we might share the love you have given

and know that we are loved and called by name. Amen.

New Wineskins

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew 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 the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.’ Matthew 9:9-17

"Those who are well have no need of a physician." Those of us who are not well, wish there was a physician who would tell us when we would be well again. Jesus came and sat with the outcasts, the rejected, the sick and the marginalized. And with them, he made everything new, despite the mess, failure and pain of their lives. He did not try to fit them into the present system but made them and us, into new wine poured into new wineskins.

Wondrous Creator, you have no limits

your creativity is based in love and hope

when we believe we are at a dead end

you renew us and find us new dwellings.

The structure we humans built are exclusive

rules and walls that shut unwanted people out

we strive and struggle to be the winning best

while you inhabit the exiled, lonely spaces.

Help us to live as the people you have come for

help us to see out wounds and scars as invitation

to be vulnerable and ready for your renewal

to be refshioned by your hope and love. Amen.

Take Heart

And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

Several days into this Covid diagnosis, I ache to have a miraculous healing. I believe in healing prayer and have seen how much good has been done. I have also witnessed people shamed for their lack of healing indicates a lack of faith. Jesus did not heal people because of their powerful faith or lack thereof, but rather because of his overwhelming love and compassion, and a desire to teach the love of God made visible. The thing I have learned this year, is that healing, whether instantaneous or over time, is a gift of God's, with insights and wisdom along the way. God's love in with us and in us throughout, acting for our good always.

Precious Creator, you healed the paralytic

you bend towards our broken world

binding us up and renewing us all

in every time and in every season.

We whine and cry with our pains 

you hear us and have compassion

our lack of faith seems to limit healing

yet you have promised love to us all.

Help us to know you healing touch

and to be patient and kind as we heal

knowing that your love is enough

and your compassion is all encompassing. Amen.

Perishing

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. Matthew 8:28-34

I have always struggled with the story of the demons being sent into the swine and them jumping to their destruction. Innocent animals, minding their own business, sent to die for the evil of another. We do know that the region where Jesus was not a Jewish community. Pigs were not kept by devour Jews. I could not possibly unravel all the cultural mysteries and nuances in this story. What I do know, is that pigs are excellent swimmers, even better than dogs. Throughout our walk in faith, we are constantly invited to remember that even when there is destruction and dead ends, there is still more to the story, more to the promises of God.

Faithful Creator, source of all wisdom

we are promised that you are with us

in the darkest and dead-end places

you suffered the cross so we might live.

We witness much evil on a daily basis

there are forces working to destroy others

war has broken out in your Holy Land

and we sit on the sidelines in great fear.

Help us to trust in you ever more deeply

knowing that there is more life coming

there is more blessing and hope to come

as we follow you in your way of love. Amen.

Sunday, October 8 - Proper 22

Jesus said, “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet. Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus was critical of the religious leaders, since they were often selfish, keeping for themselves what was meant for all. They knew they were called out and it made them angry, as it makes any leader angry when they are caught in corruption. We who follow Jesus are reminded today that God's love is for all, and we are mere tenants in this time. We own nothing. Yet, we are generously blessed with the love of God, in Jesus. Love that endures, that shares, that seeks out the weak and the outcast. We are called to press on, seeking Christ in our neighbor and in all things.

Loving Creator, you plant us in community

with elders and teacher who show us your ways

you give us your blessings and your bounty

and we are rooted in you as branches to the vine.

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always.

We often think we are more than our teachers

we think our elders out of touch and unaware

and in our shallowness we squander your gifts

and live as the owners rather than the tenants.

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always.

Our days are short on this earth by your design

you give us wisdom as we fail and start again

you give us wise ones who are willing to show scars

and your love is never-ending despite our ways.

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always.

Others have tried to steer us away from your love

telling us that money and fame are the goal.

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always.

We are often caught up in the world's glitter

yet you are there to rescue us again and again.

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always.

Help us to be grateful for love that never ends

we are the branches of your loving eternal vine,

Help us Lord, to be daily rooted in your love always. Amen.

House on the Sand

On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:22-29

I love sand. It is really a part of my DNA. I grew up by the ocean and loved sitting in the sand as a child, having the waves wash over me and fill my suit with wet sand. Sand is also very unstable. It can blow away, wash away, and be carried to strange other places. In the winter it can be cold in the winter, and in the summer, sand can burn tender feet. We often try to build permanence on places that are unstable and unpredictable. The beauty captivates us and we think we need to build there. Even before the climate crisis, Jesus reminded us not to build on the sand.

Loving God, you fashioned the world for us

giving us seaside and great towering mountains

placing us in safe places protected from the storms

promising to be our strength and our loving guide.

Yet we think we know what's best for us here

we constantly build on unstable, changing places

our arrogance refuses to see the storms coming

we find ourselves crying out to you in trouble.

Help us to always take our time when we build

trusting in you and not in our own perceptions

make us patience and prayerful every day

so we might build on the rock of your love. Amen.

St. Francis

‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:13-21

Today is the feast of St. Francis. We had the honor of visiting Assisi several years ago, in February, in the midst of a snowstorm. Our fearless driver took us up the steep hills at breakneck speed, as we held on for dear life. We were definitely in constant prayer. Because of the weather, we had his little hideaway to ourselves and could look out over the beauty of the velley below and wonder at God's creation. Despite all of the changes of modernity, we could see God's beauty in the land and the creatures.

Wondrous Creator, you sent us Francis

and other faithful leaders to open our eyes

to see your wondrous gifts in all of creation

and to seek the healing and peace of all.

We often build without concern and care

we often tear down was is sacred and holy

we live careless lives of hurry and worry

failing to see your touch in every moment.

Open our eyes again to your presence here

help us to be warriors like Saint Francis

give us your voice to connect with all creation

so we might restore the beauty of your love. Amen.

Ask

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 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, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is 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. ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul 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 bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, you who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Generosity is a scarce commodity these days. A premium is placed on winning, and on being the best by all means. Being generous seems to be a sign of weakness. And yet, Jesus tells us that our Creator is profoundly generous, profoundly compassionate and love incarnate. And if we ask, what we need will be provided. If we knock, we will be admitted and if we seek, we will know love profound and incarnate. It is hard to live in this world, yet, we are promised that if we ask, seek and knock, we will be blessed beyond measure.

Generous Creator, you are the one that answers

you open closed doors and help us find our way

your love is ever present, you love us like children

there is nothing that limits your unconditional love for us.

We are too often drawn to the way of the world

we are misguided, selfish and hoard our blessings

competing for the attention of the shallow world

thinking fame and fortune will solve the aches.

Make us your follower who live generously

give us compassion, tenderness and care

let us always be ready to seek you, ask and knock

trusting that you will love us all abundantly. Amen.

Consider the Lilies

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

We have three grown amazing daughters, and yet, if I am honest, I still worry about them. They are not causing me worry, my heart just wants the best for them at all times, and I ache for them to be treated well, and for them to treat themselves well. I am their mother, and they are my heart. I can't help it! And, I imagine that God cannot help but has our needs at heart. We are made in the Creator's image, imperfectly so maybe, but still the power of love in all of us is implanted in us from the beginning. Today, I am reminded that when the ache of worry sets in, I am invited to seek God more deeply. 

Loving Creator, you mold us out of dust

you are the foremost potter creating us

forming us in your image and likeness

embedding us all will hearts of your love.

We are caught up in striving and worrying

yet no change comes about by our fears

we have forgotten have to trust you

and do not seek you in all times and all things.

Help us today to see the beauty around us

help it to teach us to put our trust in you

give us love beyond measure to share freely

and help us to rest in your care for us all. Amen.