Sunday, June 30th, Proper 8 - Healing and Home

Sunday June 30th - Healing and Home

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 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 around 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

The travel home from General Convention in Louisville was uneventful. I cannot be more grateful, after a full and eventful General Convention to be home. There is a healing that only arriving home can bring. When Jesus was confronted with Jairus's great need, and was stopped by the woman on the road, he barely slowed in his progress to his home. He healed a woman with great faith along the road which could be the end of the story. Instead, he pressed on, to Jairus's home, to his young daughter, carrying healing and hope to that family as well. He brought them hope where there was none, and new life when death was lurking. Let us all press on to carry the love of Jesus to our homes and every humble place we call home.

A Litany for Sunday, June 30th, 2024

Gracious Creator, you nestle us in warm homes

surrounding us with community and family

with wise women and men who raise us up

and who guard us as we make our way home.

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.

We often find ourselves weary and, on the road,

we cannot find our way back to our loving homes

we assume we have been forgotten or abandoned

yet you walk with us in our lonely, darkest hours.

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.

The world is often cruel, destructive and unjust

we miss the drumbeat of our circles and tribes

yet your breath and life is always restoring us

strengthening us for the journeys yet to come.

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.

Hear our cries when we are aching so far from home

and let us rise up again like the child that you healed.

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.

Make us ever ready to pray and every ready to follow you

help us to carry your healing love wherever we go.

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.

For you can bring new life to the broken and weary

and you, Lord, will always bring us safely back home. 

Lord Jesus, make us those who carry your love and healing today.Amen.

Open Our Eyes - General Convention Day Seven

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’ The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!’ Jesus stood still and called them, saying, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34

Today we recognized the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women in the House of Bishops. The roll of women bishops was read and those of us present stood and spoke our ordination number. Mine is 977. There are quite a few present who came before me, and many more who followed. I then had the honor of leading the House a litany I wrote for this momentous anniversary. May the lord open our eyes to see those who have been ignored and left out, those who are crying along the road. I have attached the litany and share it with you now. Please feel free use the litany.

A Litany for the 50^th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women

Wondrous Creator, you made us in all diversity

And you have put your voice in all living beings

We hear your songs on the tender winds

And your roar in the storms of our lives.

 We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

Throughout history women have told your goodness

The first to proclaim the resurrection were your daughters

And all the disciples who had been trembling in fear

Found an empty tomb and a brand new hope.

We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

 Eleven stood bravely before you and the people

In defiance of the exclusive rules of our church

They kneeled and were made priests forever

Despite the scorn and hatred they all received.

 We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

 The road was rough and full of angry dismissals

Some leaders turned their backs on our church

Establishing new denominations and new sects

Yet you smiled on your whole church in that time.

 We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

In 1989, Barbara Harris was made bishop

And despite the cruel words and the isolation

She stood firm in her faith for us all

And taught us all how to sing in hard times.

 We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

 We thank you for the bravery of the first ordained and those ordaining

For Merrill Bittner, Alla Bozarth, Allison Cheek, Emily Hewitt,

Carter Heyward, Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Fleisher, Jeanette Picard,

 Betty Schuss, Katrina Swanson and Nancy Wittig as well as

 Bishops Daniel Corrigan, Robert Dewitt and Edward Welles.

We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

 Our church has stumbled and often struggled

Too often a place of privilege and exclusion

Yet you change us and you open our hearts

And continue to renew us despite ourselves.

We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people.

 Wondrous Creator, open our hearts to your voice

So we might hear your call at the very margins

Let us make room for new and different leaders

So we might reflect humanity’s wholeness and creation’s beauty.

 We thank you for putting your heart and call on all people. Amen.

Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be Your Servant - General Convention Day 6

While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.’ Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Matthew 20:17-28

Yesterday, we elected our 28th Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. I was not able to be there as I was ill, yet I am so grateful for him and for his leadership. As a church, we are called to lead by serving and the challenge of all elevated roles are to remember that. I trust that +Sean will lead by serving. The world does not and, it is often easy to follow the world. Tonight, there will be the first of two presidential debates, and the world will be watching to see how they comport themselves. May all of our leaders aim at being servants, and then the world will be truly blessed.

Gracious Creator, you send us leaders 

those who can see what is to be done

those who have a heart for the people

and those who are willing to be a servant.

Too often we wrangled for control

and think ourselves the great victor

yet it was in death that you had victory

you brought God's love to the world.

let us be those so ready to serve

that the world looks to us for leaders

that the broken find healing and rest

and we rejoice in love made visible in service. Amen

Camel through A Needle's Eye - General Convention Day 4

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’ Then Peter said in reply, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Matthew 19:23-30

Yesterday we heard the budget presentation and there was time for question and answer. We met in joint session in the House of Deputies. We worry a lot about budgets and shrinking numbers as a church. I marvel at how much there is, really, and wonder if the money doesn't get in our way. It often does. Too often we forget how blessed we are, and how fortunate we are to have the support of church staff and budgets. Jesus said it is hard for the rich to go to heaven, those who focus on keeping wealth above all things. Let us remember when we start worrying about money, that all we have is a gift from God.

Tender Creator, you shower us with your blessings

providing us daily with the needs for the day

giving us the support and family and community

filling us with enough to share with others.

We are too often greedy and hoarding of wealth

we worry about dollars and forget our neighbors

we live for gain and not for loving sacrifice

yet you promise to provide for all our needs.

Help us to be those who live to give up first place

who share our resources with the needy here

who live abundantly with what we have been given

and are ready to give ourselves away for the sake of your love. Amen.

Light to Those in Darkness - General Convention Day Three

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:57-80 

Today is the Feast of John the Baptist. We are gathered here in Louisville to do the work of the Episcopal Church and to celebrate and share God's love. Like all churches, we have factions that want their own way and their sense of right makes others the enemy. Yet we are reminded by Zechariah, a father who was silenced during his wife's pregnancy, tat God's love, mercy forgiveness and rescue are at hand at all times. We may feel and unpopular, outcast and misunderstood, yet it is those whom the Creator stands with, showering us with love always.

Loving Creator, source of love and light

you shower us with abundance and care

you shoulder our burdens and worries

and renew our strength each and every day.

Some days the heat and the toil are too much

and we feel broken down and filly silenced

we are broken hearted and deeply dismayed

yet you lift us up again and give us peace.

Help us to face into our darkness and fear

trusting that you will be with each of us

help us to grow strong again in your light

and live as those who have your love in our hearts. Amen.

Forgiveness and Mercy - On the Road to General Convention

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’ Matthew 18:21-35

The Episcopal Church gathers as a whole beginning this Sunday for a week's time. Folks come from across the country and many parts of the world to pray and make decisions together. And like every family, we often don't agree and can hurt and be hurt by one another. It is too easy to storm off mad, and much harder to forgive in our hearts. We desperately want our way as normal human beings. Yet we have been given a bigger call, that to love and forgive all of them, however hard they hurt us. As we take off for Louisville, KY, I am reminded my first work is always love and forgiveness. God's work and the church gathered is never an easy place to be. Yet may we all join together as siblings, more ready to forgive and love than ever before.

Gracious Creator, you made us in your image

diverse, complex and with multiple voices

and in our wrangling, we often become hurtful

yet you provide a new forgiving heart to us all.

It is painful when we lose and when we are hurt

too often we lash out in our pain and frustration

yet your forgiveness is an ever-flowing stream

and you never limit your forgiveness to us all.

Lord be near and present in all our deliberations

make us always ready to offer love and forgiveness

give us your heart and pour your Holy Spirit on us

so we might show your love among the needy world. Amen.

Take Care

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Matthew 18:10-20

On this day of the summer solstice, the real first day of summer, we find ourselves broiling in the heat here in New England. Many folks are struggling to get through the day, just to survive. The public beaches have been overcrowded, the local pools swamped and elders are baking in small unairconditioned apartments. Jesus gave us the power to serve as his love here on earth. May we take this gospel lesson to heart. Take care of the little ones, seek the lost sheep, loose others from judgment and harshness and always, at least, give a cup of cold water.

Holy Creator, source of all our lives

you plant us in strong communities

you put your love in everyone's heart

and your faith as a sign upon our heads.

Too often we get discouraged and sad

overwhelmed by storms of heat and cold

we cry to you in our discomfort and pain

and forget to care for the little one among us.

Open our eyes to see the needs around us

help us to run and find the little lost sheep

give us strength to make room at you table

so that all receive your healing, forgiveness and love. Amen

Juneteenth 2024

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘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 fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes! ‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:1-9

We live in a land with a painful history. Some many horrible travesties done in the name of freedom. Our Creator gave us freedom and love from our beginnings, yet we regularly have violated, killed and limited people. We have tied the chains of slavery as a millstone on many generations. We have been stumbling blocks when we were called to care, welcome and honor. May this Juneteeth be a moment of change for each of us. A time of renewed commitment to peace among us all. As Canon Ed Rodman used to remind us all, "let there be peace among us, and let us not be instruments of our own or others' oppression."

 Juneteenth 2024

Wondrous Creator, you brought us forth

into a beautiful, verdant and diverse world

so we might learn how your love is everywhere

and how to walk among one another in peace.

Instead we are jealous and always angry

grabbing for ourselves others' toil and gain

capturing and enslaving in our great greed

and never seeing the love that is present here.

Help us to move from righteous to humble

from privilege to joy in welcome and aid

let our lives be dedicated peace among us

and the end to all oppression in our world. Amen.

Enough

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ Matthew 17:22-27

As a child, I loved this story and do even now. Growing up near the ocean, in time where we loved to fish, catch crabs and find clams, the idea of finding a coin in a fish's mouth was so thrilling. Finding a real treasure. We love the story of pirates and dreamed of diving for pirate gold. The coin that Peter found, paid their taxes. Oh, wouldn't it be nice if we could all fish for our tax monies? Yet today, Jesus is reminding us that all that we need is covered. We can seek him out when the burdens of life overwhelm us. We might not find the pirate's gold, but there will enough for the day, every day.

Generous Creator, you bless us with enough

even when time is running away from us

when the clouds gather into the storms

you provide for the needs of your children.

Too often we panic and run for cover

we forget that you stand with us in the storm

you will give us buoyancy as the waves crash

and help us find the way back to safe harbor.

Lift our spirits today, dear Lord Christ

that we might be abundance for others

let your love and faithfulness dwell with us

so that we might rest in your promises. Amen.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Proper 6

Proper 6, June 16th, 2024

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:26-34

Many young people I knew growing up had necklaces or bracelets with mustard seeds in them. These were reminded, maybe given by Sunday School teachers, of how our seemingly small service and ministries can be blessed and grow. We often don't know the impact of the small seeds we sew of love and compassion. Often times, the maturity and abundance is known long after we have stepped away. The Creator blesses the small gift, the kind intent, the selfless sharing and grows those small, overlooked offerings, into the greatest blessings for others.

A Litany for Sunday, June 16th, 2024

Creator God, you know us all by name

and have planted your heart in each

inviting us to trust in the blessings given

and the yield that is surely to come.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.

We often think we are inadequate for our work

or feel we are too limited for the journey ahead

we fail to plant when it seems like nothing grows

and we fail to see your love working around us.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.

Our sight is limited, and our strength diminished

yet your kingdom is always full of abundance

we may not see the benefit of what we sow today

yet you will provide for today and for tomorrow.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.

Our world is fraught with division and violence

yet you remind us to have faith at all times.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.

We see your face and hope in the children here

and want to do our all for the seventh generation.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.

Renew our hearts, our minds and our spirits

so we might offer your love and hope in these times.

Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘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 will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ Matthew 16:21-28

We all want things to go smoothly and our lives to be easy. As someone who has had two years of unrelenting setbacks and physical challenges, I sometimes resent the "cross" I need to bear. Too often I forget that I am not bearing the cross alone. Jesus is with me every step of the way, as are my family, friends and colleagues. Bearing our cross is never a singular activity and we are called to help those whose burden is great today.

Gracious Creator, you never overburden us

you surround us with loving communities

which help us through our darkest days

and you are with us in our deepest sadness.

You told your disciples that they might suffer

that following you requires perseverance

many have faded away because of wanting ease

and many try to carry the heavy cross alone.

Let us be those who are on the road together

who shoulder the burdens of our companions

who cry to you for help when we are overwhelmed

and always let your love be the reason we follow you. Amen.

On This Rock

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Many folks, particularly after Covid and the devastations which occurred around the world, and right here at home, feel like our church is on the rocks, in danger of complete failure. We wring our hands and wonder whether we no longer offer a reason to go to church. Well, the church is changing folks, and yet Jesus never does. The rock on which the church is built is not Peter, but Jesus. And throughout the ages, through violent kings and turbulent politics, we are still a church. We are called to be those who are firmly bound to the rock, a rock unshakeable and unchanging, which will renew us, steady us and bring us new life.

Gracious Creator, you sent us your Messiah

into a conflicted and abusive colonial power

giving new life and hope to the people

and promising that we are secure in the Rock.

We are afraid in these times as things change

we are afraid we are failing in our calls

people have been reluctant to come back

and we are unsure how to change in these times.

Strengthen us for the journey ahead with your spirit

reminds us that we are grounded forever in Jesus

reminds us that the gate of Hades cannot prevail

and You are doing a new thing in these harrowing times. Amen.

Enmegahbowh

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Luke 6:17-23

Today is the feast day of Enmegahbowh, the first Native American to be ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. An Ojibwe from Rice Lake, his name is said to mean, "he stands while praying with his people." Ordained deacon by Bishop Kemper in 1859 and priest by Bishop Whipple in 1867. He spent his life caring for his people, in a time when life was fraught with great poverty, rejection and governmental abuse. My friend, the Rev. Johnson Loud, Red Lake Ojibwe, created this icon at the time the church recognized him as a saint. Enmegahbowh was a man of great faith and great humility. He carried the Creator's love with him at all times. He has stood as a model for me of my priesthood and as a bishop. 

Collect: Almighty God, who led your pilgrim people of old by fire and cloud: Grant that the ministers of your church, following the example of your servant Enmegahbowh, may lead your people with fiery zeal and gentle humility; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Compassion for the Crowd

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Matthew 15:29-39

In our modern world we often overlook suffering and hunger. We want to make their suffering the result of something they did wrong. People are too often punished unjustly for being poor or refugees. We don't trust them. Yet Jesus knew their suffering, he felt it in his being. All of us have the capacity to see the suffering and share what we have. There will always be enough left over, if we act in love and compassion.

Precious Savior, you saw the suffering

you responded with great abundance

you never sent them away hurt and hungry

rather you filled them up to overflowing.

We often see what the world lacks

and blame the poorest for our probl4ems

we want to hold and hoard what we have

even though we cannot take it with us.

Help us to be those who share the bounty

give us the faith to expect big miracles

may our compassion and love be yours

and our actions always those you would do. Amen.

Great is Your Fatih!

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28

A woman without a name, a Canaanite woman, comes to Jesus for her daughter's sake. As a mother I know how I have felt when my daughters are hurting, sick or in some sort of danger. I would give my life for them in an instant. I have argued on their behalf with doctors, authorities and others so much more important and powerful than me. Love doesn't quit when there are barriers. Despite Jesus' reluctance, this mother argued with him and found the blessing and healing. We will never forget her story, her insistence and her faith. May we all have the faith of that Mama Bear, who refused to take no for an answer and found healing for her little cub.

Loving Creator, source of all goodness

you send healing and renewal on us all

you increase our love and our faith

as you give us charge of the most vulnerable.

We often cry about the burden we carry

forgetting that they are our very best blessings

thinking that we are forgotten or ignored

we fold into our self-pity, anger and grief.

You are the source of all love and healing

restore our faith so that we might truly be

like the mother that wouldn't stop trying

those whose faith is strong in service. Amen.

Take Heart!

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36

I find it so easy to be brave at the beginning of a challenge and so hard to keep strong when the storms overtake me. We all are enthusiastic in a new adventure, yet we often panic when reality sets in. Peter steps out in faith, over the boat rail, walking towards Jesus. I am sure he was joyful and exhilarated at first. When the reality of it hit him, he panicked. The good news today is that Jesus reached out, took his hand and brought him to safety. And Jesus is there for us today.

Wondrous Creator, you command the seas

the stars and the heavens and in your control

you send the winds to cool us and fill our sails

and you restore our faith in the midst of storms.

We are too often self-assured and enthusiastic

yet when we face hardships and great storms

we are fearful, angry and full of panic and blame

believing we have been let down and abandoned.

Help us to seek you when we are upright or sinking

give us the faith to trust you in the terrors of life

give us your eyes to see love coming to us through storms

and give us courage to step out in faith again and again. Amen.

Something to Eat

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21

So many people in our country are food insecure. And many have an overabundance and regularly throw away food. Jesus was always with the have-nots, those who were physically and in all ways without enough. He healed their pain and fed them. We who have so much, often fail to see the needs of the people or turn folks away since we have little to give. We are reminded today that God has given us plenty enough and we are called to share. Rather than turn people away as the disciples did, we are to pray and trust that God is always ready with the solutions.

Abundant Creator, you made our earth verdant

giving us good food across this round globe

putting your heart of compassion in all of us

and giving us eyes to see the need around us.

We are afraid and hoard the gifts you've given

our glass is always half empty despite the fullness

we turn away from the needs of others in fear

and forget to call on you in these times of need.

Help us to open our eyes to the people around us

give us generous hearts and fearless minds

that we might offer the little we have to you

so we might share your love with a hurting world. Amen.

A Dangerous Dance

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:1-12

Rage, revenge and deceit have no place in our lives of faith. Too often, we put our personal needs ahead of the needs of the community and we try to justify our actions by calling it justice. Herodias was furious with John, who was already in prison because of her, since he was telling the truth of her deceit. It wasn't enough to have him in prison, she wanted him dead, and finally got her way. She even tainted her minor child by making her part of her evil scheme. She will always be remembered as the woman whose selfish revenge took a prophet and saint out of the world. Our deeds will be remembered. May our lives be filled with deeds of love, compassion and forgiveness since this is the Jesus' way, the way of love.

Creator God, your justice runs down like rain

and your love surrounds those who are hurting

you call us to seek you in our times of sorrow

and you promise to renew and heal us all.

We often lean into our anger calling it righteous

when it is selfishness and the need to dominate

we use our raging words to hold others hostage

never forgiving nor ever seeking forgiveness.

Help us all to be your true justice warriors

make our works and actions restorative

give us the strength to offer your healing

so your love can serve the world through us all. Amen.

Prophets Without Honor

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58

The people who know us well and who grew up with us, tend to not let us move into our full adult and professional selves. They are always reminding us of our childhood mistakes and problems and not seeing our capacity. They also use our nicknames, no matter how inappropriate and embarrassing they are. They can tease us and embarrass us and make us feel humiliated. Jesus found this very human response when he went home again, and he didn't like it any more than we do. He was powerless because they did not believe who he has grown into before their eyes. When folks don't believe and support us, none of us can do much good. May we be sent to places where people are faithful and supportive, so God's love grows around us.

Tender Creator, you know our gifts and limitations

and yet you call us to carry you love where we are

you empower us to share your sacred reconciliation

giving us the strength and faith for each new day.

We are often overwhelmed when folks refuse us

forgetting how your own community refused you

we suffer in places where your love is refused

and cry bitterly when we feel abandoned by you.

Help us Lord to understand the rage and anger

so that we don't take others' attitude to heart

give us your love and strength to face our trials

and know that you are standing with us at all times. Amen.

 

Pearl of Great Price

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ Matthew 13:44-52

As a child I loved a treasure hunt and, in many ways, I still do. Whether it is solving a word puzzle or reading a mystery hoping to solve it, I enjoy the process of the hunt and the joy of a solution. Closure and resolution are in themselves a treasure. We often want immediate solutions and rewards, yet these are, as my professor used to say, "fast and dirty are just dirty." Our gift from God is the treasure of love, which takes time, hard work and much prayer. Even the oyster is irritated the whole time they are making a pearl. May we be ready to so the hard work of love so we can now our treasures.

Gracious Creator, you paint the sky with color

you give us the gift of love and community

you shower us with blessings and abundance

and make us your children here on earth.

We want all our rewards immediately

we don't want to be put out or irritated

we bristle at the work of building community

and get angry when we don't get our way.

Help us to be patient and loving people

who trust that our work will bring blessing

as you provide and complete the work

of bringing love and redemption to the world. Amen.