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