Prodigals

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

We have all been prodigals at some (or many) point in our lives. And, we have all been the elder child too. The good news of the Gospel today is that the father, the loving parent who represents God in this parable, loves every child, every one of us, more than we can deserve, expect or even imagine. God seeks us out before we arrive, runs to us on the homecoming road, and give us all in great abundance. For those of us who feel like a prodigal, with the shame and guilt for our mistakes, make we make our way home. For those of us who are like the older brother, feeling overworked and neglected, may we to take our anger and frustration to God, trusting that we will be showered with love, forgiveness and hope.

Loving Creator, who is the source of all love

you come running when we are lost and far off

you give us your love and care in great abundance

and never stop loving is no matter our behavior.

We feel anger, betrayal and dangerously hopeless

the world is a despairing place full of great terror

we want to run to foreign places and squander love

yet you call us to come home no matter when or how.

Lord, give us an extra measure of your love today

help us prodigals to return home over and over again

help us elder children to move from anger to celebration

sharing your love in joy in our challenging places. Amen.

Lost

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

We are all lost at times. When things change on us, when our bodies fail, when we move from the familiar, we can feel alone, isolated and forgotten. We can also assume that our God has forgotten us when we feel this way. After all that has happened in the past few weeks, our hurt and isolation can only deepen. Today, we all need to be reminded that in the midst all of this, we are actively being sought by our Creator, God's love is fully engaged even when we have given up.

Loving Creator, our hope in darkness

you seek the lost and the frightened

you respond to our tears and our sighs

and seek us out when we have run away.

We assume wrongly that we are abandoned

we cry and ache about what we have lost

we think no one sees our pain and suffering

yet you never fail to take our needs to heart.

Lord, help us to turn and see your approach

let our hearts calm with your loving words

help us to look up and see your coming today

so we might share your love in our broken world. Amen.

Counting the Cost

Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. ‘Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Luke 14:25-35

Many tribes throughout this continent have traditions of winter storytelling and drawing on hides to remember the stories. Tribes of the plains, like Lakota, Dakota and others drew a pictograph from each year, in an ongoing circle on the hide, to remember the events and important moments in the past year. These written records, the winter counts, were invaluable to telling the people. Stories of the past years were told in the winter when people were gathered indoors for the long, cold days. We are invited by Jesus to remember our stories and recount them, and to be willing to give up all to follow him and find new stories and people. We are in an uncharted time in history. We will all be invited to leave our judgements and old stories behind to discover new ones.

Gracious Creator, you blessed our ancestors

whether they were adventurous or fearful

whether they were free people or enslaved

you love them then and you love us still.

We cling to the comforts, familiar and known

we resist giving up what we know to follow

we think we our safe behind our status and money

yet in every age you call us all to follow you.

Help us to be ready to give all we have

strong enough to trust in your road ahead

confident in your love retelling our stories

and remaking us all for the holy work ahead. Amen.

Veteran's Day

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, ‘Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner, he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, “Come; for everything is ready now.” But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.” So, the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, “Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” And the slave said, “Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.” Then the master said to the slave, “Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.” ’ Luke 14:12-24

Today is Veteran's Day in the US. We remember all those who have served and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Serving one's country and one's people is an honor among Native peoples here and when we are at Powwow our veterans lead the grand entry. We give special place to our warriors, the ones who kept us safe and fought so that we could all thrive. Our traditions honor our warriors, we honor those who serve, and we honor those who stay and care for the ones at home as well. We celebrate with food and song and never leave anyone outside. May we all hear Jesus's words today and be always ready to honor and celebrate those who served us and serve us now.

Wondrous Creator, you call us to serve

our communities and our tribal family

to be willing to show up when called

and ready to care for those who hurt.

We put ourselves and schedules first

forgetting that you always serve us

we put our politics and attitudes first

when you call us to be humble and serve.

Help us to get up when we are called

ready to serve with joy and strength

in good times and bad you need us

so that the world might have light and love. Amen.

Gathering Her Brood

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’ Luke 13:31-35

I am a mother of three wonderful daughters, all grown and wonderful humans. I wasn't always the best mom when they were growing up, but I do believe they know I would do anything for them. And, I still will. The intense and unending kind of love that a parent has does not stop when they grow, when they leave the nest nor when they are troubled or in trouble. Love, like that that our Creator has for us, is not limited by time and space. We want those we love to thrive, to be well, and to be safe. We live in a time when many are unsafe, unwell and not thriving at all. Jesus understood al too well. May we run to the cover of the One who loves us and be the one that others can run to here.

Precious Savior, mother and father of all

you hide us under you wings and love us

not as we imperfect, troubled humans love

but as the author and provider of all love.

We have let our egos, and our doubts take over

fear runs down like winter rain on our heads

we are angry and abuse the most vulnerable ones

and cry out to you when we feel a slight pain.

Help us to seek you in every place and time

let us have the strength to seek sanctuary with you

help us to turn away from temporary fixes

and instead seek to share your love in our world. Amen

The Mustard Seed

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ Luke 13:18-30

Today, it is hard to imagine the nearness of God's reign for some of us. Oh, friends, sometimes it feels hard to continue on. Yet the world still needs the Good News, now more than ever. And the Good News we share, is that the smallest faith, as small as a mustard seed can and will become a sanctuary and shade, a robust gift to the world. The love we invest in others, the care and humility by which we live our lives blossom into tremendous gifts, no matter the time or circumstances we live in. Those who are willing to invest in love, no matter the season, will know abundance, sanctuary and shade in hard times.

Gracious Creator, you made the small mighty

you empower the least to take the place of honor

you give your heart to anyone who would ask

and bless us with abundance in every season.

We live in anxious, confusing times here

when inevitable change makes us fearful

we are weary from broken trust and hurts

and we want to run and hide from the world.

Strengthen us Lord, so we might plant seeds

seeds of love and seeds of abundant faith

make us strong to serve and to always welcome

so we might be sanctuary and abundance here. Amen.

Set Free

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.’ But the Lord answered him and said, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?’ When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing. Luke 13:10-17

Healing comes at different times and in different ways for each of us.  The results of the US presidential election are in and although not final, many people are grieving and in pain while others are jubilant. We all need healing and especially today. Healing that sets us free. Free to be kind and generous, free to see the other as beloved, set free to love freely and be freely loved. Pray for each other today, no matter how divided and hurting we all might be.

Loving Creator, our God in all seasons

you are with us when we deeply despair

you hold us when the pain is all too great

and you heal us from long endured pain.

We are a country broken open today

we are suffering across our land

seeking people to blame and shame

for the pain we are enduring this season.

Hold us dear Lord while we weep

and help us to stand up once again

set us free to live with endless generosity

and make us your heart and hands here now. Amen.

Election Day 2024

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’ Luke 13:1-9

Today is election day and a critical time in our history as a nation. Many things are worrying us, many things distracting us and too often we look for someone to blame. The truth is some situations, most people, and days like today need TLC and patient care for ourselves, and the world around us. Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree, which was failing miserably. The owner had no patience for failure, yet the gardener, the one who cared for the tree day in and day out, fought for the tree's survival. We are often quick to judgment and ready to cut the failing one's out of our way. Yet, today especially, Jesus calls us to be like the gardener who knew that all life will flourish when fed, watered and cared for lovingly.

Loving Creator, you tend this wild garden

with the hands of love in desperate times

you feed the aching world and give us life

and you restore the withered and the dying.

We rush to judgement and exact punishment

when we have failed to care for the suffering

we have failed to see the potential in others

and think our judgement is good and righteous.

Give us your humility and perfect love today

help us be willing to be like the gardener

who fought for the one demonized and failing

and be willing to dig deep and bring new life. Amen.

In the Light of the Living

1 Have mercy on me, O God, for my enemies are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me. 

2 They hound me all the day long; truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High.

3 Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me? 

5 All day long they damage my cause; their only thought is to do me evil.

6 They band together; they lie in wait; they spy upon my footsteps, because they seek my life. 

7 Shall they escape despite their wickedness? O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples. 

8 You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle; are they not recorded in your book? 

9 Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; this I know, for God is on my side. 

10 In God the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me? 

11 I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings. 

12 For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living. Psalm 56

There is much fear these days about the outcome of our national election and the expectations for violence. Many churches are offering prayer vigils and keeping their doors open so that people can pray and find comfort. Anxiety and fear are contagious, and when we give into them, we can affect the people round us. The psalmist knew all too well that fear and anxiety, as the possible attacks against him were all too real. Most of us will not be victims of the violence David was daily faced with. Our first world problems are real though. We must carry the light which we are given by God, carrying the joy and the hope in the face of great fear and anxiety. The Savior of the world has suffered and died for us, so we are free to rejoice and shine, even in the midst of pending doom and tangible fear. All of nature offers us wonders and delights, no matter how terribly people might behave. 

Gracious Creator, source of all wonders

you fill our world with light and song

you give us hope in the deep darkness

and warm us in the depths of winter.

We have opened our hearts to great fear

letting darkness and anxiety move in

we do not trust our nearby neighbors

and we fear that everyone is an enemy.

Let us bask in the endless light of love

which you have given in every season

in every age you send us heralds of hope

help us to shine your love here and now. Amen.

Sunday, November 3, 2024 Proper 26

                        Sunday November 3, 2024 - Proper 26

One of the scribes came near and heard the Sadducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34

We are just two days away from the election and many folks are anxious and worried about the outcome. Many municipalities have ordered police protection at polling places and have plans if violence breaks out. In this time of fragile democracy and deep divides in our land, we are invited today to return to the golden rule and to the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. No matter what our politics or our religious affiliations, we are called to live a life of deeply caring for our neighbors. 

God's love breaks out and deepens within in us when we treat others with love, as we want to be treated. No one wants to live in fear of criticism, bullying and violence. May we have the courage and determination to follow the love commandment which calls us to love everyone we come in contact with every day.

A Sunday Litany before Election Day

Gracious Creator, your love existed before we did

you shaped this world and all the people by your hands

making us relatives who are diverse and beautiful 

and who sing and pray in many beautiful tongues.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

We live in fear today in the divides we have created

demonizing the others who are different from us

turning away from those who we do not recognize

and forgetting that you have made us all good.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Help us in this moment to lean into your love

may we put away all judgement and violence

turning away from criticism and attack

and replacing all we do with radical welcome.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

The world has turned dark with hate and fear

let us sow love in every city and small town.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Let your love hold us and satisfy us today

for your prefect love casts out all of our fears.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Make us instruments of your peace and love

and let us harmonize again with all of creation.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us. Amen.

All Saints Day 2024

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So, they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’ John 11:32-44

All Saints' Day celebrations are often transferred to the following Sunday. It is one of the feasts days when baptisms are appropriate. And for all of us who have suffered great loss, who ache for those no longer here, we take time to celebrate them and remember how Jesus loved Lazarus, weeping at the tomb before raising Lazarus. And we remind ourselves that our loved ones who have passed over are loved equally as much as Lazarus. We trust in that love, claiming it for our loved ones and for ourselves.

Holy and Wondrous Creator, our Alpha and Omega

you know us from our beginnings and love us always

you breathe on us and animate our lives and spirit

and draw us close when our lives came to an end.

Our hearts are on the ground in this troubling time

we feel abandoned, angry and full of anxiety

we thrash and cry in our loss and our misery

forgetting you are shedding tears with us now.

Surround us with your healing and eternal love

help us to know those we have lost are with you

give us your spirit so we might walk with joy

and lead us beyond this tumult to holy ground. Amen.

The Justice and Love of God

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. ‘But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the market-places. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.’ One of the lawyers answered him, ‘Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.’ And he said, ‘Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute”, so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.’ Luke 11:37-52

Today is Halloween, a day when kids and adults dress up and pretend to be something other than themselves. An ancient tradition, which has lost its meaning and purpose now, which represented the tables being turned, when the veil between living and dead is permeable, and the poor and demeaned demand food and treats from the wealthy. Jesus turned the tables and was the eternal drawing near, seeing our petty foolishness and the cruelty of the wealthy and powerful. We often worry about optics, and perception, branding and good impressions. No costume, no ad campaign nor any good makeup can cover up the true nature and behavior of us humans. Jesus named the abuse and the abusers around him. And we are invited today, as we face into the anxiety of the coming days, to be agents of humility, truth and God's love in the face of hype, lies and abuse.

Wondrous Creator, source of all life and love

you shine your sun, moon and stars on us

to show us the way to follow your holy road

and to shine light on the good and bad alike.

We are often sucked in by great ad campaigns

and will not admit when we have been fooled

we often use our money and power to control

those who we deem as less and unworthy.

Help us to turn the tables on the unjust and cruel

let us be agents of your mercy, love and justice

make our lives model your compassion and care

so your love might shine on all the world today. Amen.

Light and Darkness

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’ When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! ‘No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore, consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.’ Luke 11:27-36

A few weeks ago, many people on the East Coast were able to witness the Arora Borealis, the northern lights. This is a rare phenomenon here. Folks were recommending taking photos with one's phone, in order to capture the image better. I have always found that a wondrous phenomenon like that does not need to be captured but rather fully delighted in. Every time we try to capture something to show off to others, we lose the experience of total wonder. To make our bodies and our lives full of light we might stop proving our worth through captured images and rather revel in the light and wonder given. It is time for us to shine in this season of impending darkness. There is so much darkness and hatred that we need to illuminate the love of God to this hurting world.

Loving Creator, source of all light

you challenge the world's darkness

by showering us with great love

and feeding us with your spirit.

The world has turned to darkness

and we are all anxious and afraid

we worry that we have been abandoned

and don't trust you or our neighbors.

Turn our hearts and softened them

so we might embrace the light given

give us your strength to always share

your wonder, love and your saving light. Amen.

Sunday, September 27, 2024 Proper 25

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

Many of us, especially if we are living in a city, pass folks who are begging on the street. Some are passive and some are quite aggressive. We often turn away and ignore them because they make us uncomfortable. They call us away from our sense of security and that we have everything under control. Bartimaeus was one of the loud, aggressive beggars. Everyone tried to ignore him and to silence him. But Jesus, knew his deep need, and when the blind man asked for his sight again, Jesus restored it. Despite disciples and others trying to keep him away, Jesus stopped and listened to his need. Bartimaeus' joy and gratitude may him follow Jesus immediately.

Loving Creator, you are healing and restoring

your love aches to bring us true wholeness

no matter how broken and lost we might be

you stop and call us to receive your healing.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

We ignore the cries of those who are hurting

and we fail to see the critical needs around us

we try to act as if we are way above the fray

yet we ache to call out to you when we suffer.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

Our teacher, help us all to see with love again

make our eyes wide open, our hearts as well

so we might hear the cries of those you love

and stop and reach out to the ones in need.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

We are afraid when we encounter others' pain

and we are reluctant to cry out loud to you.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

Help us to remember you way of healing

help us live your way of love and compassion.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

For you are our Creator, source of love

and you are here on our streets today.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love. Amen.

Martha and Mary

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

I am one of five, four girls and one boy. Chores of all sorts were essential to the survival of this large crew, and we did dishes, trash collecting, vacuuming and ironing at an early age. I have climbed up on the roof with my dad to repair it, mown lawns, put up wallpaper, painted and was all around DYI sidekick. We all were to some extent. My Dad's favorite phrase when we whined about seeing friends was, "just stick with me." Some of my siblings were better than I was at weaseling out of chores. I resented it, as all siblings do. We hear the story of Martha's complaint, and I have to say, I get her. Jesus sides with Mary which must have made Martha's blood boil. Yet, if we listen more deeply, we can hear Jesus inviting Martha, and all of us, to sit with him, in order to be refreshed and renewed by word and love. Too often our busyness keeps us from prayer, from study, and from drawing daily close to God. Jesus always aches for us to take the refreshment and time we need, despite the dishes, the laundry, and all the other chores crying out for attention.

Gracious Creator, you invite us to your table

you set a place for each of us and welcome all

you offer rest, reflection and time to pray

which is so needed in our chaotic lives.

We get so wrapped up in the pile of chores

that we forget to draw near to you in prayer

we put off the quiet time you call us to

and complain about those who rest in you.

Help us to listen to your heart of love

which calls us to put all the busyness down

and to lean into scripture and prayer

so your love my rekindle the joy in our hearts. Amen.

Neighbors

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

We can probably all remember Mr. Rogers singing, "won't you be my neighbor?" Many folks called him the singing psychiatrist for children and have often thought his relevance only to children. Yet, his program broke color barriers when no one else would, and he always found room for every child and adult that came his way. His faith taught him how to be a neighbor, how to welcome and how to include. He "went and did likewise" as Jesus directed. He used the gifts he had for storytelling and music, to make children of all ages feel safe and comfortable. He used the platform he had to teach and model radical welcome. May we too, "go and do likewise."

Loving Creator, you place us in communities

where our neighbors are alike and different

where we learn as we live the story and song

of places of welcome and neighbors who care.

Families and neighborhoods are often broken

by poverty, illness and the challenges of life

and we shut ourselves off from our neighbors

because we are terribly afraid of difference.

Help us Lord to reach out to everyone we see

trusting that you have given us your strength

to bring healing, safety, comfort and welcome

doing all this as you commanded, "go and do likewise!" Amen.

Return With Joy

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

There are meetings and services I have returned from, even more exhausted than when I left. And there are other times, when the spirit has been so powerful, the people so joyful, and the days so full that I am restored and refreshed. Years ago, attending a deanery meeting in Point Lay, Alaska, in the depths of winter, I came away so joyful and revived. The travel was long and delayed, yet there was nothing that could dampen the spirit. Despite the challenges of extreme isolation, weather, and tremendously hard lives, the folks gathered there sang, danced and prayed with great spirit and deep joy. Too often we forget how much love God has for us, and how we can be filled with powerful joy and renewed for the days ahead.

Loving Creator, you have given us the power

the strength to love and to embrace the stranger

you restore our bodies and renew our spirits

and you send us out with loving companions.

We complain about the heavy burden of service

saying ministry is so thankless and challenging

we forget you have surrounded us with partners

with those who restore our faith and our love.

Make us joyful in the good days and the bad

deepen our trust in you and our companions

let us never forget the power of your love

and bring your joy to our hurting world. Amen.

Two by Two

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ Luke 10:1-16

After a very full and glorious weekend celebrating our new diocesan bishop, we had to take the day to tackle long ignored chores. I was so grateful for a life partner and friend as we worked as a team to conquer some necessary tasks. I couldn't do it alone. And truly there is very little that any of us can do by ourselves. In fact, it becomes our ruin when we think we are where we are because of our personal skill, work and talent. Native people know how critical our whole communities, tribes and elders are to our lives. We never forget that we never do anything alone but rather our work is for the seventh generation yet unborn. Jesus sent his disciples out with no money or plans. He sent them out with a companion, a fellow laborer, trusting that the wisdom and support of a companion would strengthen each.

Wondrous Creator, you make us all in your image

diverse in language, custom and traditions

you settle us with companions and communities

so we may rely on the wisdom of the people.

Too often we think we are complete alone

and stumble because we cannot see the path 

we do not listen to the directions of our elders

and assume we got here by our own merit.

Take away our foolish pride and arrogance

and remake us humble and open of heart

so that we may continue to learn from others

and share your gracious love with all of creation. Amen.

Sunday, October 20, 2024 Proper 24

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45

Yesterday was the consecration of our new diocesan bishop, Julia Whitworth. Today she will be seated at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The service yesterday was glorious, and I am sure this evening will be as well. I have found over my 23 years as a bishop, that, even though our ceremonies can be amazing and spectacular, and can make us feel like rock stars, they can be our undoing unless we are humble and servant to all. When the pageantry is all over, then the hard work of loving and serving people can truly begin. Our roles, whether bishop or priest, elected official or average citizen, call us to serve the people and love one another every single day, especially when no one is watching. The cost of following Jesus is and will always be the call to humility and service.

A Sunday Litany for October 20th, 2024

Wondrous Creator, author all of our blessings

you fill us with your joy and your loving presence

you give us days of great and wondrous celebration

and you call us to humility and service always.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

We humans crave worldly power and attention

aching and fighting to always be the star of the show

yet Jesus knew our human fragilities and needs

and taught us to be first by being a servant of all.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

Lift us from our petty battles for prowess 

let us let go of the need to control everything

instead help us to turn all our needs to you

and be on our knees in prayer and service always.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

We struggle to be seen, heard and acknowledge

yet you have loved us deeply and always will.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

Your love and mercy are more than we deserve

so let us be grateful by sharing that saving love.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

For you are the Holy One who stands with us today

and you will be present in all of our storms.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us. Amen.

Changed

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and, in those days, told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

A brief glimpse of the glory, power and true nature of Jesus was all that the three disciples had. A moment of wonder and terror, this moment of transfiguration, gave the disciples a taste of the true divine nature of their friend. His relatives showed up in this moment and they were no other than Moses and Elijah, as well as the voice of God. Most of us rarely have mountaintop experiences, nor do we get glimpses of the Holy in our midst. Too often we see the gritty meanness of humanity. And yet, today, we are invited to see beyond the mess and cruelty of our times, knowing that we are all relatives of the living Creator, the God who blesses us all, even in the midst of the terrors of our lives.

Wondrous Creator, you speak words of love to all

even when we cannot hear you speaking and sighing

we can trust you are with us in the middle of our lives

and we can know we are your beloved children.

The pain of daily living can often overwhelm us

the hurt and losses drag us down to the depths

sorrow and cruelty surround us in these times

and we forget that you are still speaking today.

Open our ears and our heart to hear your voice

change our vision so we might see your beauty

help us to know the strangers as our siblings

and live trusting in your loving and holy presence. Amen.

Follow Me

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

At our Indigenous Peoples' Day service on Monday, the preacher, Janine Tinsley-Rowe reminded us how she was taught by her elders the importance of our feet, shoes and our paths in life, and how it can tell us so much about other folks. We often don't think about peoples' feet unless we are fashionistas and judging their footwear. But to follow Jesus, we must be ready to travel stony ground, challenging conditions and people. Jesus knew the call to follow him was tough and it take humility to walk that sacred road. We all need good strong moccasins built for the long haul. We cannot give into fashion, culture or others' standards. We need to walk by the standard of love, which is always service and always willing to share, always ready to make room on the road for strangers and other companions.

Gracious Creator, you call us your people

the whole world is held in your hands

you call us to follow you and walk with you

promising strength and faith for the journey.

We want to walk our own path and refuse to follow

we are like foolish children refusing to learn

we become lost and disoriented in the dark

and cry out to you in our pain and foolishness.

Help us Lord to be willing to follow you

trusting that you have carved a way forward

trusting we have all that we need in you

and help us make room for all who would follow too. Amen.

Feed Them

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.’ But he said to them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.’ For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:1-17

Jesus never failed to feed the hungry who gathered around him. He never failed to heal those who asked for healing. We often fail to admit to our hunger and our real need. Church folks are reluctant to ask for the prayer they ache for, as it makes them feel more vulnerable than they want to be. Yet, the hungry flocked to Jesus and were never disappointed, the hurting found their way to him, and never were refused. May we who carry the love of Jesus in our hearts, always be ready to ask for what we need and always be praying and actively serving those who ache to be healed, fed and surrounded with love.

Wondrous Creator, there is need the wide world round

and there is so much abundance and so much suffering

Jesus came and fed the throngs and healed everyone

there are no limits to the abundance of your sacred love.

We pride ourselves as independent, self-starting folks

forgetting the ancestors, the family and neighbors

that have held us, fed us, took us to holy healing

and we forget to bring every need every day to Jesus.

Lord, give us humility so we might see the needs

those within us, those on the margins and those silenced

and help us to offer all that we have asking your blessing

so that all our days might be filled with loving service. Amen.

Daughter, Your Faith Has Made You Well

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

I am always touched by Jesus' word to the woman who touched him in the crowd and to Jairus' family. I am so moved because in Jesus' time, and often even in our time, women's illnesses and physical challenges were discounted and not as important as their male relatives. Yet Jesus is always healing women, men, children and strangers alike. The rules of society did not come into his way of being. Love was and is always the driving force. Love given equally, love at all times, love more powerful than class, clan, culture and station.

Gracious Creator, you are the source of healing

you shower all your creation with your love

you do not go by human conventions and rules

instead, you offer renewal and peace to everyone.

Jesus, you came to walk with us and heal us

yet we question you and laughed at your ways

we still bristle at the suggestions of love's power

and refuse your spirit of love and forgiveness.

Heal us dear Lord, we pray this day and always

so that we might embody your generous love

so we might share with family and strangers alike

the healing and peace you have brought to the world. Amen.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

A Litany for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Creator, you made us all in your beautiful diversity 

us in all four corners of your sacred earth 

And you call us together now on the four winds 

Inviting us to be renewed and healed by your spirit. 

Creator, author of all goodness, water us with your tears and bind us all as one. 

Your people have been scattered, abused and broken 

Yet always you sang to us by the light of sister moon 

You spoke to us through the radiance of brother sun 

Through the very ground you remind us we are loved. 

Creator, source of compassion, you bear our pain and hear our silent screams. 

They took our land and then they took our little ones 

You heard our moaning and our cries in the night

 Sending comfort and vision for a new generation of hope 

To the seventh generation you have promised healing. 

Creator, you know our hearts, help us to pray as our ancestors did. 

You placed us on lush, green and fertile lands 

Draped with golden mountains and deep rivers 

You taught us how to care for every living thing 

But strangers came and did not see your beauty. 

Creator, you bring sight to the blind, help our people to see again. 

Loving Creator, use our wounds for the healing of our circle

 Use our voices so the songs of the silenced are heard again 

Use the threads of our anger and shame for the mending of this hoop 

Use our homes and our ancient lands as places of sacred promise. 

Creator, make us whole again, so our mother is renewed for all. Amen.

Sunday, October 13, 2024 Proper 23

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Mark 10:17-31

Jesus was always straight forward with folks, and especially this rich young man. Yes, the man was faithful in his practices, yet his level of comfort and privilege kept him for heart of compassion and a life of sacrifice. The young man wanted an easy life of faith. We too, want an easy faith life. We don't want to be challenged about our privilege and our selfish ways. We don't like it when we have to share our abundance. And we don't like it when we are asked to humble ourselves and suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, this is what our lives of faith truly demand. Among clergy, we sometimes get the notion that we are called to elevated positions because of our authority and training. Jesus speaks right to all of our overblown egos and our underwhelming humility. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle." The eye of the needle may be a small gate into Jerusalem, but not matter. We all have things, to shed so that we might really follow Jesus.

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, you make room for us all

whether we are poor and desperate for food

whether are lost, broken and truly overwhelmed

and even if we are comfortably and wealthy.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Yet we want to be a part of your kingdom

even when we oppress others with attitude

even when we do not share your abundance

and we selfishly think we should have it easy.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Help us to humble ourselves in this season

as the world turns cold let us provide warmth

when society turns the alien and different away

help us to open our arms to embrace the outcast.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

You called the rich young man to sell his treasures

help us to share the treasure you have given us.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Despite all of our foolish failings and cruelties

you call us to return and welcome us again.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Make us your people as we serve the least

give us your love and joy as we give love away.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name. Amen.

Good Soil

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

It is easy for us humans to have the best of intentions and then forget or get distracted. When I was a child, we would tease my mother for occasionally leaving the dish rag in the refrigerator and the milk in the sink. She had five very active children, so it is now wonder she got distracted. She remained a faithful Christian all of her life. Despite all of the work and care in her life she was honest, had a good heart and bore fruit with patient endurance. Traditionally, Cherokee and other peoples on this continent, grew their corn, squash and beans together and called them the three sisters. The three different crops provided strength and for each other. Too often we forget that there will be thorns, weeds and rocks in all our lives. When we lean on one another and hold each other through the storms, we can and will bear the fruit of God's love.

Loving Creator, you plant us in rich soil

we are fed by the wisdom of many generations

we are watered by the tears of our ancestors

and held securely by all who walk with us.

We often turn to bitterness when the rocks hit

and when the thorns tear at us we harden our hearts

we are resistant to patience and understanding

yet you are healing us and helping us grow.

Give us all honest and good hearts today

imbue us with deep roots and a deeper faith

may your love provide for our needs here

and may we bear the fruit of your heavenly love. Amen.

Faith in Action

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

A woman, who is called a sinner and often branded a prostitute, comes and cares so lovingly for Jesus. The host, and all of his guests had done nothing. Too often, those who have received healing and forgiveness are those who are ready to care for others, to put their faith in action. And too often, those who have been richly blessed, move too quickly to judgement and criticism. Her love and gratitude for God's love, known in Jesus, knows no bounds. May we, like her, put our faith into action, caring for those who need healing, anointing and care.

O loving Creator, whose blessings are unnumbered

your boundless love forgives and heals all who ask

your endless restoration is available for everyone

and no one is outside of your healing and love.

Those of us who have been so greatly blessed

often fail to see the needs of our neighbors

we judge without knowing their circumstances

and do not put our faith in action and service.

Help us, dear Lord, to embrace your forgiveness

keep us humble so that we might see others' need

make us always ready to put our faith into action

and give us your joy as we serve our neighbors. Amen.