Easter Sunday 0204

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So, they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

They approached the tomb in tears, carrying their traditional spices for burial. The haste with which Jesus had been entombed had not let the women tend to the body, as was their way. Their pain and sorrow did not keep them from doing what needed to be done. They were anxious and troubled, afraid of the guards and knowing they would need help to move the stone. Their sadness turned suddenly to terror and amazement. They couldn't believe what they saw or heard. In Mark's Gospel, they were paralyzed with fear and couldn't speak. I know that if I had been such a witness, I would not know what to do. These women were catapulted from knowing how to anoint a body after death, something their mothers and grandmothers had taught them, to running for their lives. They eventually found their voices and trusted what they had seen. The first Easter was not a time of bright flowers, dyed eggs and big meals. It was a moment when faith and nerves were shattered, hearts were set ablaze and their whole world (and ours) were changed forever.

A Litany for Easter Sunday 2024

Eternal Creator, source of all miracle and wonders

you have made us in your image and set us free

to delight in the world around and in one another

turning the sorrow of our hearts to songs of joy.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

We revel in our routines and our daily comforts

we are often afraid to venture out in the dark

yet when the women came to the tomb in tears

the angelic voice of love told them of life restored.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Worn down by life we forget your promises

we hang our heads and think we are too old

for the shocking surprise of life renewed

for your gifts of healing and restoration.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

We live in a world broken by human domination

help us to break the chains of abuse and cruelty.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Let you love flow through us so completely

that none of us fears the dark places of death.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love.

Break us open Lord and give us brand new hearts

so that we might be instruments of peace here and now.

Alleluia, Lord, Alleluia! Break us open to receive your love. Amen.

Maundy Thursday 2024

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’ So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.’ They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, ‘Surely, not I?’ He said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ Mark 14:12-25

A Litany for Maundy Thursday

Gracious Creator, you invite us in as family

to sit at the table and listen to the promise

of life eternal, your love surrounding us

a way through our human suffering and pain.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

The days of betrayal and abuse are upon us

you took on all our human failings and sorrows

so that we might know the depth of love

you have for every one of the human family.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

We enact the foot washing and altar stripping

we move to the deep shadow of your cross

we draw into ourselves the dust and blood

that is spilt mingled, and lost for us all.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

We are not worthy of your great sacrifice

yet it is your worthiness and not ours

this divine act of deep and abiding love

has freed us all to follow in your ways.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today.

Let our lives today and always be love

let our words and actions bring peace

may our sacrifice be of our own pride

so the world might know your love as well.

God of love, fill us with your compassion today. Amen.

Rejected and despised

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;* this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’ Mark 12:1-12

Who hasn’t felt the sting of rejection? Whether in school, or employment or in love, we have all felt the pain of rejection. Even when we know we are smart enough, loved enough and worthy enough, we can blush with the shame of feeling rejected. As we walk this holy road during the week of Christ’s passion, we can overlook those around who are rejected and despised right here and now. We can be so busy that we forget to reach out to those aching to be accepted and let in. None of us are illegitimate, unworthy nor unwanted by God.

Precious Creator, you formed us with your hands

Softening us and molding us like a potter

Building us up and watering us as we grow

Into your precious vessels here on earth.

We have known the sting and pain of rejection

We know the ache of being on the outside always

And yet we often forget to look around us now

Opening our arms to those who are waiting also.

Make us those who turn and see your people 

Help us to never let busyness or profit

Keep us from sharing our days and our lives

With those who have suffered as Jesus once did. Amen.

A Prayer For the Church in Holy Week

1 Help me, Lord, for there is no godly one left; *

 the faithful have vanished from among us. 

2 Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; *

 with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.

3 Oh, that the Lord would cut off 

all smooth tongues, * 

and close the lips that utter proud boasts! 

4 Those who say, 

"With our tongue will we prevail; * 

our lips are our own; who is lord over us?" 

5 "Because the needy are oppressed, 

and the poor cry out in misery, 

" I will rise up," says the Lord, 

"and give them the help they long for." 

6 The words of the Lord are pure words, * 

like silver refined from ore and 

purified seven times in the fire.

7 O Lord, watch over us * 

and save us from this generation for ever.

8 The wicked prowl on every side, *

 and that which is worthless 

is highly prized by everyone. Psalm 12

A Prayer for the Church in Holy Week

Unfathomable Creator, you place us in this season

of a story which is both so wondrous and frightening

a passion road which we try to walk tenderly along

finding ourselves falling down and worn out.

You have made us in your image every one of us

yet all things around us are bedeviled and breaking

from copiers which will not print to organs not sounding

we cry out to you as we feel so very much alone.

Our suffering is not like your suffering we know

yet as we polish the brass and shine the silver

we wonder who will notice all the effort we make

and wish we had more hands to help with happy hearts.

You know our sorrows and know we are broken

yet Easter and resurrection will still come to us

help us to be humble enough to await your healing

simple enough to ask for help, leaving all the rest behind.

Heavenly Father, send your renewing spirit 

to your weary priests, exhausted organists

to the frustrated choir directors and hoarse vocalists

so that all may rise us with joy on Easter morning. Amen.

Going Up to Jerusalem

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.’ James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him 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 10:32-45

We are on the cusp of Holy Week, that sacred journey and Christ's holy passion. The brothers James and John, former fishermen, wanted to secure their place beside Jesus. They sensed something was about to change. Jesus' response to them, and to all of us, is for us to be close to Jesus, we must be servants. Fighting for power and control has no place in the formula. Serving the least among us and aching with compassion and care, are the only standards we have been given. As we approach Holy Week, may we seek to model Jesus' lordship of humility and service.

Wondrous Creator, you love the whole world

your heart is with the poor and the needy

calling us to proclaim your love in service

offering ourselves to the care of others.

We struggle and fight for honor and control

not following your model of sacrificial service

we want to be coddled and pampered

and bristle when we are asked to give up something.

Help us to see you in the least and the aching ones

make us those who are willing to be on our knees

empower us to let go of the attitudes that keep us

from loving you and yours in our hurting neighbors. Amen.

Last Will Be First

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

We are surrounded by news about the immigration "crisis". I find it particularly odd that we call it a crisis now, when for generations, we have quoted the words on the statue of liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor..." At the same time, we Americans revel in ancestry and love finding out that our immigrant families were so brave. Sometimes even the church has had confusing talk of welcome when people's actions demonstrated their fear. Jesus reminds us the last will be first. If we want to follow Jesus, we might seek out those who are last, on the margins, close to starving and those with no home to rest their head.

Blessed Creator, source of all treasures

you set us on a verdant land full of wonder

you have provided vast spaces and seasons

so we might see know you in your beautiful creations.

Despite all the blessings we hoard your gifts

we exclude and shame those who would share

only a small portion of all you have given us

wishing only to have a place to rest their heads.

Help us to see the last in line this day

make us your people who reach out in love

let us share a small portion of our blessings

so that the least might lead us to your home. Amen.

Let the Little Children Come

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Today was one of those days, long and painful. We all want to care for the most vulnerable and ease their pain, yet, sometimes we cannot. Helplessly watching others suffer, and unable to fix it, is a terrible thing. Too often we think we can logic, smooth or connive a better outcome. Most often, we have to throw ourselves into the loving arms of our Savior, who keeps no one at arm's length. From messy little ones to even more messy adults, we are invited to seek the blessing and healing from him who gave us his life for us all.

Tender Creator, you view us all as children

messy and foolish, scared and exhausted

to all of us you open your arms wide

you welcome and embrace heals us all.

We try to use our cunning and brains

to solve all the problems we have caused

we forget to lean on you for everything

until we fall shattered like little children.

Help us to run to you in every moment

may we seek not ourselves but you

may you bless us with new hope

and love us despite all of our failings. Amen.

Stumbling Blocks

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. ‘For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’ Mark 9:42-50

We have all experienced those who are stumbling blocks and those who are steppingstones.  Sometimes they can be one and the same. We often unintentionally make life harder for those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We say things and do things carelessly, with no concern for the impact. Today, Jesus' teaching for the disciples is very much for us as well. We learned from Covid how we could help protect or injure others. But post Covid, we are so anxious to live our lives fully again, we forget about those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We are careless with our words and selfish with our actions. May we all heed the call to be steppingstones for others.

Loving Creator, you lead us and guide us

in storms and deep shadows you take our hands

leading us through like small timid children

you bring us to safety and you bring us home.

Too many of us are careless and unkind

we worry too much about our own needs

and throw curves and stumbling blocks

in front of those who are already struggling.

Help us today to always be careful and kind

clearing the way for those who are quite lost

making room for those who have been excluded

trusting in you always, so all might thrive here. Amen.

Servant of All

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. Mark 9:30-41

We live in a society where winning is prized above all, and those who scheme and manipulate seem to get our respect and admiration. As soon as there is an opening in an organization, folks start scheming and plotting about how they can take power for themselves. We find the disciples arguing and scheming as they walked along. Jesus called them to be servants and to serve the most vulnerable. We are called to do likewise. Getting our way is not God's way.

Gracious Creator, source of all goodness

you put us on this earth to learn to serve

knowing as we serve we are truly blessed

as we care for the least we find great honor.

The world is in turmoil and pain around us

we have forgotten to serve and take up arms

you remind us today that love is our weapon

a gift we can increase as we share your love.

Let us be those who joyfully serve others

who seek out the most vulnerable to care for

bless us with your compassion and tenderness

so our service might bring forth true blessings. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent 2024

Fifth Sunday in Lent 2024

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. John 12:20-33

Our diocese is in a time of transition, and with the list of nominees posted, the anxious conversations have begun. A new era is coming, and we can hope and imagine and wonderful new time ahead. And we can worry and fret for what is to come. The disciples find themselves in a time of transition, as Jesus is telling them of what is to come in the very near future. They hear a voice from heaven which may have comforted them, or it may have scared them. We are all often swinging between our fears and desolation and God's consoling love. In the midst of strangers coming and wanting to see Jesus, he reminds them all that they must be servant, dying to self like a grain of wheat dies. I imagine it wasn't comfort in that moment, but looking back, became an icon of hope to hold onto.

A Litany for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Loving Creator, you have molded and shaped us

you love has been our starlight and our guide

we are never outside of your loving embrace

and you seek us out in every time and season.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times.

Our lives are changing, our world changes around us

we struggle to learn new systems and cultures

we let fear and discomfort lead us away from you

and we let our hurt and anger fester around us.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times.

Your love is our consolation and our strength

through every change of life you abide with us

when we are afraid and darkness overwhelms us

your words breathe new life into our trembling hearts.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times.

Lift us up, Lord, when all comfort is gone away

surround us, when the world has left us behind.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times.

Make us those who can see and respond to suffering

give us your humble heart so we might serve.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times.

For you are the beginning, the end and the in between

and in all times and places your love is with us.

Lord Christ, help us be servant in these troubled times. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’ Mark 8:27-9:1

We are all human, flawed, and have many burdens to bear. Many of us, like Peter, have one moment of clarity and the next moment we are befuddled and stick both feet in our mouth. We are reminded that we all have a cross to bear, and we all are called to follow. Many of our fellow followers have hidden crosses, weights and pains we cannot see. Many of us struggle to put down our ego needs and our desire for respect and acknowledgement. Not putting down can cause us to stop following. May we all have the grace to take up our crosses and follow now.

Wondrous Creator, you have walked with us

through storms and trials you have led us

we have fallen down and you have picked us up

and you promise to lead us to green pastures.

Too often we stumble due to our egos and greed

we want to be the star and cannot pay the price

we refuse to bear one another's heavy burdens

often placing our burdens on those weighed down.

Help us to be humble and ready for following you

make us bear our crosses with hope and compassion

knowing that you have carried us all along

and will bring us to our everlasting home with you. Amen.

The Other Side

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’ Mark 8:11-26

Sometimes we just need to get away from the critics and the noise. And, sometimes we need to move away from where we are now to put things in perspective. When the disciples got in the boat with Jesus, they were able to talk about their lack and learn from him about having faith. Many times, when our faith is tested, we feel very much alone. Yet when we look back, when we give ourselves some distance, we can see the healing and the presence of the living God. Despite our frail and broken humanity, God is with us in our lack, in our storms and when we are overwhelmed with doubt and pain.

Great Creator, you are present always

in the mist that forms early in the morning

in the orange glows at the end of the day

and with us in our sorrow and our grief.

We can feel alone and totally forgotten

we lose our faith when the critics rise up

yet you never give up on us in hard times

and are always ready to take us to another shore.

Lord Jesus, restore our faith and our trust

we need your strength more and more

give us the sustenance today to face tomorrow

and help us as we journey closer to you. Amen.

Filled

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.’ His disciples replied, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ They said, ‘Seven.’ Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:1-10

We live in a country where there is plenty of food. We also live in a country where some people are starving, and many are food insecure. Some of us have our fill and them some every day, while other people scrape up what others tossed away. Jesus had great compassion for the hungry crowd. Some of them may have not planned ahead but had enough to buy food, while others came emptyhanded. To all of them, he gave food. And to all of us, he continues to provide the sustenance we need. We are invited to share what we have do others can be filled.

Gracious Creator, you draped our earth with fields

made it so these could produce great harvests

and you stocked the river with abundant fish

giving us your strength and feeding us all.

Some hoard and pile up many resources

some have limited way to feed themselves

others go hungry so their children can live

even though you give us enough for all.

Lord, help us to gather up and share

your bounty is miraculous and wondrous

make us grateful for your many blessings

and help us be blessings to our neighbors. Amen.

Even the Dogs

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’ Mark 7:24-37

A mother. We will do anything to help make our children get better. All parents and partners ache for the ones we love to get well. This one mother confronts Jesus, and although she was a gentile and a foreigner, she got her love and concern across. Nothing would keep her from the care and healing of her child. Jesus sees in her that fierce love that comes from God and which is embedded in all of us. And we can speak to Jesus as she did, since, because of her, we now know we are all be welcomed to the love and healing of our Creator. She broke the barriers, shuttled the assumptions and opened the way for all.

Creating God, you are the source of all love

you are the one who brings us healing 

you touch our hearts and touch our eyes

so that we might see and hear you anew.

We often put limits on love and inclusion

though you crossed all lines and borders

shattering assumptions about God's chosen

calling all creation as your dearly beloved.

Help us to live as your offspring today 

let our prayers be fervent and always hopeful

make us those who sing your love and praise

as we serve the ones who need you the most. Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent 2024

                                                    Fourth Sunday in Lent

Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:14-21

Sometimes we cannot face the light, whether it is from shame or fear of scrutiny. Some of us, even when we are really working at being faithful can slip into negative behavior and attitudes. Sometimes life is just a struggle, and we have to admit that. We are human, prone to selfishness and greed, and we often fail ourselves and others. To all the broken places and people, John's Gospel today reminds us that "God so loved the world." Our Creator noticed our suffering and our pain and sent Jesus for our healing and redemption. We can hold our heads up, in the light of day, knowing we are all broken and all loved by God so much.

A Litany for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Wonderful Creator, your love for us is endless

from sea to shore over mountains and deep beneath

you love us in our incomplete and broken selves

and you sent Jesus to bring us your loving light.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light.

We scurry like frightened insects at your presence

fearing your anger and not seeing your love

we judge others for their mistakes and failures

and hide our own believing you cannot see them.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light.

This Lenten season break open our hearts again

let you light warm us and move us to compassion

help us to rise from the messes we have created

and open our eyes to see your love coming to us.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light.

We are always stumbling and falling down

lift us up so we might serve the whole world.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light.

We try to hide our mistakes and cruelty

help us to move into the light of your healing love.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light.

For you have sent us a Son to redeem the world

and we need that light and love now and always.

Precious Lord, help us to believe and receive your light. Amen.

Take Heart

When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

I was not able to write my blog yesterday, as I got up early to join a pilgrimage to the Pocasset Wampanoag lands with several tribal leaders. More than eighty people from more than twenty parishes traveled together. We heard about the terrible times the tribe has paces, the rough seas and the winds of change. And standing with them yesterday, I also felt great hope and saw tremendous perseverance. I learned again from them that rough seas and strong winds face all of us at different times. Yet in the midst of our worst times, when our strength is giving out, Jesus comes walking on the water to bring us peace and calm. 

Gracious Creator, you are in the storms

you are with us when the winds rise

when the seas are stirred up and pounding

and when we feel our strength is giving out.

We often fail to see you when frightened

we think we are perishing in the storm

we have put our trust in ourselves alone

yet you are always coming towards us all.

Jesus, help us to trust that you are always near

help us to see your face in our great storms

help us to hear your voice above the winds

and restore our strength so we can love in your name. Amen.

Dangerous Dancing

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:13-29

Some folks will do anything to manipulate others to get their way. John the Baptist dies because a mother used her daughter to deceive her husband.  She did not like the criticism she received, and wanted the threat gone. This is something that happens too often. Despots kill those who speak out against them, while those who are willing to be fair live with and respond to the criticism. We can, as leaders in the church, rid ourselves (not by death but by firing or shunning) of our critics. It is no better than Herodias' behavior. We are invited today to live with and respond to critics, living humbly and seeking a road to reconciliation. 

Loving Creator, you bless us so much

your bounty and compassion are endless

you make everyone in you holy image

and we often desecrate your wondrous beauty.

This season of election has us fighting

trying to manipulate the vote and outcome

we seem to do anything to win the game

and let others be destroyed by our greed.

Lord Jesus, help us to always be humble

make us those who move towards our critics

help us to seek reconciliation at all times

and make us those who are willing to lose all. Amen.

Sent Out

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

Tomorrow morning, we fly back to Boston after a week at the House of Bishops in Texas. It has been warm and muggy for several days here. I have been here enough times over the years to feel at home, but it is not home. I am ready to be home and among the people of Massachusetts. I am reminded that we never are sent out alone, as God always provides companions to go with us. We gather here to work together and remind one another we have companions in the ministry. Sometimes those who know us best at home might not take us seriously, but we know we are sent, and that is enough.

Wise Creator, you send us out to serve

surrounding us with traveling companions 

blessing us with your spirit and power

so the world might know your love.

Too often we try to be the show's star

when it is always and ever your love

we try to go it alone and then cry out

forgetting that your presence is always near.

Help us to rejoice in our companions on the way

those who give us shelter and give us support

those who make it possible so we might be sent

and your love which sustains us every day. Amen.

Daughter, Your Faith Has Made You Well

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

These remarkable stories of healing by Jesus touch me in a very personal way. I am a daughter and I have three daughters and I had three (now two sisters). Women are often left out of the stories from most of the bible or they are servants or caught doing foolish things. Yet Mark wants us to hear how tenderly and respectfully he treats these women, calling them by tender, familial names. He showed respect to each one when the rest of the culture did not. He laughed at the crowd who had given up on the small child and instead took her by the hand. We followers of Jesus are called to treat all people with respect and tenderness, especially those who are ignore, thought subservient or given up on.

Loving Creator, you love all your creation

in all our complexity and variety you made us

with unique roles, cultures, languages and tradition

you show us your beautiful face in our diversity.

We do not respect those who we deem as less

we are not tender with those who are suffering

we see their need as their failure not ours

and we ignore our siblings who need our care.

Help us to see those who are on the road with us

help us to tenderly care for all those around us

make us respect those who we used to judge

and set us free to never give up on your love. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

                  Third Sunday in Lent 2023

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:13-22

In this reading from John's Gospel, we find Jesus at his fiercest. Merchants were profiting from the religious and spiritual needs of the people. His outrage came from the abuse of the temple, the sacred place, and the abuse of the people trying to offer a sacrifice. It's important to note that he moved the sheep and cattle out with a whip, yet he spoke to those selling doves. Doves were the only sacrifice poor people could afford, and most dove sellers were poor themselves. Today, we find those who would profit from the spiritual needs of the poorest. I can't but imagine that it outrages Jesus even now.

A Litany for the Third Sunday in Lent

Loving Creator, you still hear our cries

you respond in the world as it wakes

you hear us as we call in the darkest night

and you sent a Son to be always among us.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed.

We often want to be in charge and wealthy

we scramble over others, pushing and shoving

we do not see the extreme need in front of us

and we clog your holy places with our commerce.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed.

We worship in ornate spaces and ignore the poor

outside our doors we pretend to not see them

there is no sacrifice we can offer, except our hearts.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed.

Help us to move from relational capital to real service

for you came not to be served but to serve the world.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed.

Make us humble enough to see our selfishness

and help us rid our sacred places from all greed.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed.

For you came for the redemption of all humankind

help us bring down the barriers and make all welcome.

Jesus, drive far from us our selfishness and greed. Amen.

Perishing

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

While here in Texas at the House of Bishops, we gathered as a class of bishops for dinner. For 23 years we have served as bishops in a variety of places, through many challenges and storms. Five of us were together from the original twelve. We have become a community; a group of friends drawn together not by similarity by joyful in our diversity. None of our jobs have been easy and all of us have had some really rough seas. We even have thought we were perishing. We can witness for each other and the wider church that, despite the enormous circumstances that crashed into us like huge waves, Jesus has been faithful and kept us through the tumult, calming the wind and the waves that threatened us. I am so grateful for love forged in rough seas and battering winds.

Eternal Creator, you poured water 

over the surface of our green planet

making deep oceans and small streams

and baptizing us into your community.

We often fear that we are truly perishing

and we quickly lose faith in these storms

we look for someone to take the blame

when we have forgotten to trust you.

Help us Lord to see you in every storm

let us trust that you still speak to the winds

turn us from fear to deep abiding prayer

so we might be witnesses of your ever calming love. Amen.