The Earth Shook

From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.’ At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.’ Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’ Matthew 27:45-54

Everyone has days when the earth shakes, when everything around us is in chaos, and we are falling and have lost our compass. I have been through several earthquakes and hurricanes, storms and tremors that throw everything around. An old song reminds us that "mama said there would be days like this." Some seasons can be overwhelming for us. We hear today of the day Jesus died and how the earth shook, rocks were split and tombs opened up. The world is a rough and fragile place and we are fragile people. Yet even on our worst days, we can know that Jesus suffered as we do and is with us even when our lives are thrown into chaos.

Loving Creator, you formed this world

you handcrafted the woods and the waters

you formed us within our mothers' safety

and have known all the troubles we face.

Too often when the storms and tremors hit

we blame you who loves us more than we know

we yell like frightened and angry children

taking aim at those who are suffering too.

Help us to cling to your love in our storms

make us faithful in the darkest nights

bring us new hearts, new minds and hands

that we might care for those who feel alone. Amen.

Monday July 29th, 2024 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women

    

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

I will be traveling on Monday, so wanted to share the litany I wrote for the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. They stood up despite the challenges and all of us who followed we them all great honor. I am humbled to say several of these women are friends. Thanks be to God for their witness and sacrifice as well as the bishops who were willing to ordain them!

 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, Alison Cheek, Emily Hewitt, Carter Heyward, 

Suzanne Hiatt, Marie Moorefield Fleisher, Jeannette Piccard, 

Betty Schiess, 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.

Sunday, July 28th, 2024 Proper 12

Sunday, July 28th, 2024  Proper 12

Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. John 6:1-21

We have a Sunday reading which provides two astounding miracles and tell us about the fears and anxiety of disciples. There is a hungry crowd and a very low treasury. There is a storm at night on the sea and they are afraid and exhausted. All things that many faithful leaders have encountered. And into the despair and frustration of the disciples, Jesus calms the storm and provides for the people. Too often we give up hope when our supplies or volunteers have disappeared. Jesus whispers to us today as he spoke to the disciples then "do not be afraid." Our fear makes us see what we lack, our faith reminds us that God has and will surely provide. 

A Litany for Sunday, July 28th

Loving Creator, there is abundance in your world

the fruits are ripening, the flowers are in bloom

you give us all that we need for daily living

and promise to come to us in the darkest storms.

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love.

We too often worry and fuss about our limitations

afraid that we will run short of our daily needs

fearful that our strength and faith will give out

forgetting that you are the one who provides all.

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love.

You did not send the people away but fed them

you did not recoil at the storm but came anyway

you did not let the worries of the human world

destroy your understanding of divine blessings.

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love.

We struggle and labor and lose our creativity

and you come among us and get us back to shore.

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love.

The world is full of violence, neglect and fear

and you still whisper to us "be not afraid!"

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love.

For you have been since the very world began

and you will see us through all of our hunger and storms.

Precious Savior, help us trust in your never-failing love. Amen.

Feast of St. James

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 20:20-28

Today we celebrate St. James, one of the sons of Zebedee, one of the first disciples called along with his brother John. They referred to these two brothers as the sons of thunder. James was with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. In this Gospel we hear his mother ask that her sons be given a place of importance. Quickly Jesus tells us what it means to be important to God. Serving others, suffering for others and offering our lives is what is important, not fame and fortune. James was the first of the living disciples to be martyred. He gave his life for the love and God and Jesus, he wouldn't back down. We are called to put our comfort after the needs of the world, following James, who, despite his mother's request for power and attention, was given the heart of a servant.

Gracious Creator, source of every good thing

you call us from our small selfish endeavors

to the service of the needs of those around us

blessing us with the faith to be your servants.

We want comfort and ease, not hard labor

and we often put ourselves and children first

like James' mother, we want first place for them

pushing aside the ones who are already at the margin.

Lord Jesus, give us your love and your faith today

so that we might see the needs on every street corner

hear the sad cries of the hurting and the abused

and know you are with us as we serve the world. Amen

Small Boat by the Water

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ Matthew 13::1-9

We are on vacation, staying in the vicarage of St. Barnabas. Daily we have been going to the beach in Cape May Point, so familiar and beautiful, yet these days packed with tourists. So many are so busy just trying to vacation. It is hard to get people's attention in all of it. The lifeguards whistle at people for their own protection and most people take forever to respond. Yet, there was where Jesus was teaching, where the people are, people desperate for good news and for healing. His words drew pictures for the people, who understood too well the dangers of crop failure. Many understood he was talking about their hearts and not the surface frustrations and distractions. May our hearts today be focused on seeing the big picture of God's love for us which seeks us out in all times and in all places.

Wondrous God, draw near to us here

in the midst of our crowded hearts and minds

tell us stories and draw us pictures of love

for we so need your presence here with us.

We are busy and fretful, scared and frustrated

forgetting how you hold us in your loving hands

we think we are on our own and abandoned

yet you have promised to be with us always.

Help us to be those who hear your words

let us be those whose lives are sign of your love

may our faith take on very deep roots today

trusting that you are with us as we serve others. Amen.

Put Your Sword Back

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’ At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:47-56

We love to watch superheroes battle it out, and hobbits who fight against great odds and win. But the truth of violence is that it simply begets more violence. We too often idolize our warriors and ignore the peacemakers and those who quietly feed and change to world. Even when his betrayer brought soldiers and officials to arrest him, Jesus would not authorize retribution. We humans are prone to violence and not always as a last resort. Yet the way of Jesus, the way of love calls us to forgive and make peace whenever we can. May we trust in God's love and not our own might today.

Loving Creator, you give us hearts of compassion

minds which can seek and find tough resolutions

hands which can rebuild the shattered communities

and voice to speak up and to share your love.

We too often resort to anger, revenge and violence 

we see danger on every street of our great cities

we assume the worst and behave like scared animals

yet you call us to trust in you and put down the swords.

Let us all turn to you in all our daily challenges

make us more ready to pray than to lash out

give us forgiving and creative hearts and minds

so your love might dwell in all our communities. Amen.

Mary Magdalene

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18

The first evangelists of the resurrection were women, and in particular, Mary Magdalene. She braved the stench and the horror of the tomb. She did not give up when she did not find his body and she ran and announced the resurrection when the disciples told her she was out of her mind. The good news was hers alone to share since she was a living witness, who was unshakeable in her faith. Her life had been a mess until her first encounter with Jesus and then she was unfailing inn her faith. May we be like Mary Magdalene when faced with the horrors and terrors of these days. Let us be ready to carry the good news of God's love and healing for all.

Gracious God, who does not limit your love

you give your spirit to every people and culture

you call the faithful from every time and place

and make women and men your vehicles of love.

We often judge the speaker and deny their words

either they are from the wrong place or class

they do not fit into our understanding of you

yet you put your spirit on all flesh in all times.

Let us today learn your lesson from Mary

you made her a part of your extended family

you brought her into the inner circle of faith

and gave her voice to proclaim your love to all. Amen.

Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Proper 11

Sunday, July 21st Proper 11

The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 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 marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

They were like sheep without a shepherd, could be said of us in this time in history. We often are anxious and full of panic because of world events, the challenges of daily living, and the health challenges many suffer. We often look for leaders to fix things, when what we really need is shepherds. Shepherds lead from behind and in the midst, they care for the feeding and health of their flocks and stay up through the night in storms, dangerous seasons and challenging places. Jesus, our gentle and loving Chief Shepherd, stands behind us and in our midst, gently guiding us, renewing us and bringing us to safe pastures.

A Litany for July 20, 2024

Loving Creator, you are our caring shepherd

you surround us with your daily loving care

you guide us, direct us and feed everyone

and bring us through the storms of our lives.

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.

Too often we run wildly in panic and fear

we believe we are on our own in this mess

and we look for you ahead of us calling

yet you are always here, gathering us up.

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.

There is much suffering and anxiety here

the challenges ahead are fearful and dangerous

we live with too much uncertainty and change

and long to be brought back to gentle pastures.

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.

You are the greatest shepherd of all time

leading with love in the midst of us.

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.

We are lost, forlorn and without direction

yet you promise to always bring us back home.

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always.

Make us your flock today, your people again

we will listen to your voice and share your love. 

Tender Shepherd, make us you flock now and always. Amen.

In Remembrance of Her

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’ Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, ‘Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’ Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:1-16

A woman anointed Jesus with the deepest gratitude and love. A selfless gift in thanksgiving for the love and healing he had brought forth. The disciples could only criticize her, for her frivolous waste and her selfless gift. Yet, they were told, and we are reminded, that it is her tender generosity and kindness, her selfless giving that is the true essence of the gospel. We are invited to move away from judgment and embrace love and gratitude. She loved fully and completely and offered her most precious possession. That kind of love and sacrifice is always remembered.

Loving Creator, you gave us hearts for love

minds to understand the needs of others

hands to embrace and to serve freely

and eyes to see you light in all seasons.

Our hearts too often go from soft to hard

our minds judge before we know the person

our hands and occupied with selfish pleasures

and we are blind to the needs in our midst.

Help us to be like the woman in Bethany

whose heart was so full of overflowing love

who offered all she had to anoint our Lord

and taught us all how to serve our world. Amen.

To The Least

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’ Matthew 25:31-46

Church folks love to talk about all the outreach we do. We love showing off all that we do. Yet, too often, we only participate in organized activities, and daily ignore the beggar on the street, the hungry neighbor nearby and criticize the mother taking welfare so their children can survive. We are a country with so much wealth and so many blessings, yet there are too many migrants and refugees sleeping in cage-like places with little food and water. We are called by God to share what we can - a cup of water, a visit, some food or some clothing. We are reluctant, yet as we give ourselves away, we are blessed beyond measure.

Tender Creator, you heart is with the suffering

you call us all to see the needs around us

to look in the faces of siblings near and far

and offer what we can to reduce their pain.

We are reluctant, afraid and tight-fisted

believing our blessings are deserved

thinking we are righteous and smart

we neglect those you love the most.

Let our lives be always of service here

make mercy and compassion our way

help us to be truly grateful for our blessings

as we give so that other may know your love. Amen.

Burying Talents

‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:14-30

Our society is very competitive and can be very cruel to those who don't have glamorous talent. If we are not the best, we often believe we have nothing to share. We keep our small talents to ourselves and don't share what we have. We are afraid to teach someone else, or we find no one seems interested. Though the talents Jesus is talking about is money, and that which is invested, too often we live in fear of not having enough or being the best. We bury our talent, depriving our children and friends the benefit of investing them with our talents. So many young people today were never taught to sew or cook, to repair and to weave. We have failed in passing our talents on. May we invest the measure we have today, so others can benefit, learn and grow.

Loving Creator, you have given us everything

our basic needs and the talents to survive and thrive

some have more than others, all have enough

and you walk with us through this confusing world.

We compare ourselves to others and see our lack

yet you see the talent shining like diamonds

you patiently encourage us to step out in faith

and share the measure we have so it might grow.

Help us today to refrain from burying and hiding

let us bravely step out in faith and share our talents

make us courageous enough to teach others

and humble enough to trust in your blessings. Amen.

Keep Awake

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13

Throughout my life I have had mostly a good relationship with sleeping. As a child, I remember fighting sleep and aching to be part of the adult life goings on. As an adult I have found it hard to fall asleep at times, with all the worries and concerns floating around my head. And, as I am now in the elder part of life, I find it harder to stay awake late, and books and movies put me to sleep. Rest and sleep are essential to our lives and our health. Jesus is not asking us to do away with daily rest nor is he telling us to never take sabbath or vacation. Jesus is reminding us to be alert, aware of all that is going on around us. We can get so wrapped up in our live that we miss the needs and opportunities before us. We can forget love instead of judging. We can sidestep compassion and focus only on our own needs. We are called to be always a part of the ups and downs of life and community and lend our hearts and minds to healing and restoration.

Wondrous Creator, we are held by you

rocked as small babies are rocked to sleep

comforted when we are feeling so sad

and renewed each day with each sunrise.

Too often our worries and care distract us

the small things become stumbling blocks

we are distracted and torn by so much pain

and we look for ways to avoid others here.

Help us to be awake to your call to love

help us be ready to sit with the sorrowing

make us compassionate and responsive here

so that your love might pour down on all the pain. Amen.

Birth Pangs

As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’ When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs. ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:1-14

We in a divided and violent world and it can seem like we are in the "end times." Generation upon generation that proceeded us, also believed they were in the "end times." It is easy to hear the words of Jesus in this passage and feel the birth pangs upon us. Yet, the conversation is really about enduring, being faithful, merciful and loving every day, despite the ominous signs and destructive behavior around us. The disciples always wanted easy answers as do we. Yet Jesus calls us to not give up and trust that we are being lead through our toughest days.

Faithful Creator, you are in every season

whether the light is bright and very warm

or when the chilly winds of winter blow

in all times you are with us, walking beside us.

We ache for simple answers and clear signage

we want to demonize one group of people

thinking ourselves so much better than them

when we are just scared, fearful and panicking.

Lord you are the answer to all of our fears

you hold us close in the good and bad times

you are faithful and steady to the every end

and you call us to hang on to your hope and love. Amen,

Gathered Under Her Wings

‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’ Matthew 23:27-39

One of the hardest parts of being a parent is watching your children struggle out in the world. Social media is filled with hacks and support for parents with infants and young children. Yet little is said about parents of adult children. We worry, we pray, we ache and pray some more. I sometimes think to myself, if only I could feed them, hold them and tuck them into bed, things would be okay. Our daughters are grown, amazingly brilliant and beautiful people. Yet, when they face the world's horrors, I still "desire to gather my children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings." How wonderful to realize that that is how Jesus thought about the worst troublemakers in his time. And how, even now, he desires to shelter us like the most loving and dedicated parent.

Wondrous Creator, you love us all

in every season of our life and labor

you always move to shelter us all

and tenderly comfort us in our struggles.

We are a rebellious and selfish bunch

we don't want to be gathered and sheltered

we defuse to see you love for us

and think we are alone in this world.

Oh Lord, help us to see your ache for us

to recognize you care and tenderness

let us receive that love with open arms

and share that love with our aching world. Amen.

Justice, Mercy and Faith

‘But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. ‘Woe to you, blind guides, who say, “Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.” You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? And you say, “Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.” How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it. ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean. Matthew 23:13-26

Years ago, when I was serving in Southern Virginia, I had a conversation with Bishop Walter Dennis. He was retired then and had returned to Hampton, VA. We were preparing for a service together, and as we talked it brought us to a conversation about the House of Bishops. Much was shared and then I asked Walter if he was attending the next House meeting. He was emphatic. "They want us to talk about reconciliation, but there can be no real reconciliation without justice!" His words have always stayed with me. We must be living and doing justice, otherwise we are not doing God's work. I have carried his words with and often ask myself, if what I am doing brings about justice, mercy and faith.

Wonderful Creator, your heart is justice

you have mercy on every one of us

you instill us with faith and strength

so that we might carry your loving justice.

We want our own ways and forget you

too easily we satisfy our wants above others

we miss the chance to bring hope in darkness

and we leave aside those we cannot understand.

Help us to be restored to a childlike faith

teach us to share with those in need

let us laugh with the lonely, feed the hungry

living out your justice, mercy and faith. Amen

To Be Greatest Be Servants

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12

I often watch how people treat the servers and others in restaurants.  It says a great deal about someone's character. Having worked in a restaurant, I have seen people treat servers very poorly. And those of us on shift complained about those customers out of sight. Often times these folks were just passing through, or tourists trying to eek the best of everything out of their vacation. Yet there are also folks who the wait staff will fight over to serve. They are kind, tip well and are patient in a overcrowded, bustling restaurant. May we be those who the staff fight over, those who are more ready to serve than to be served.

Gracious Creator, source of all of our blessings

you teach us how to respect and honor others

and you teach us to be servants of all the people

so we might honor your name here on earth.

Too often we are cruel and unkind to those serving

we are demanding and think they are less than

when they are blessed by you and uplifted

as the greatest among us for their faithfulness.

Help us to always get ready to be the servant

let us never think too highly of ourselves

let us set all titles and authority aside

so we might see your love flowing through us today. Amen.

Sunday, July 7th, 2024 - Proper Nine

Sunday, July 7th, 2024 - Proper Nine

Jesus came to his hometown, 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 offense 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

I have often had to preach in my hometown and it always strike me as a challenge. Many people remember me as a child, some as a crazy teenager and others as a young mother. They never expected me to be a priest, let alone a bishop. In our traditional communities, to belong is to be teased and "kept in place". Elders often remind us of our failings, helping us to grow and be respectful. So, it is often hard to be a new kind of somebody when we return home. Even Jesus struggled with that. And to provide the healing and love, he sent his disciples out two by two to tell the story of God's love. Sometimes good ministry requires work arounds, creative delegation and patience with those who have a hard time welcoming change.

Loving Creator, your set us in communities

villages of love, support and teaching

where we learn respect and gain trust

building us into faithful, caring people.

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere.

Too often those entrusted with raising us

have been so broken and hurting they fail

they hurt the ones they should protect

and make hometowns dangerous places.

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere.

Help us to have the patience to understand

that angry hurting people are still beloved

that there are others who can walk with us

and spread the love so desperately needed.

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere.

You suffered for us and you love us still

and share your power and authority with us.

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere.

You empower the least among us all

so that we might go together from town to town.

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere.

Make us your people today and strengthen us

so love might flow again in our hometowns. 

Lord Jesus, set us free to carry your love everywhere. Amen.

July 4th, 2024

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

For many years, my parents hosted the town 4th of July bicycle parade in our town. The decorated bikes and riders would gather at the firehouse and be lead around Cape May Point by the fire engine, blaring the siren and coming to an end on our front lawn. We fed the crowds cookies, crumpets, Kool-Aid and water ice. My parents began the parade when we were young and kept it going until 2014. I know that some of the people gathered on the lawn were friends. Some not so much. No matter what, my folks wanted the love of neighbor and community to ring out loud on the 4th. They wanted radical welcome and love to be shared with whomever showed up. 

Wondrous Creator, we give you thanks today

for our freedom which we celebrate today

for the love you shower down upon us

and for our country despite our many struggles.

Our history has been wrought with violence

many have never tasted the true freedom promised

we often boast before we really should have

and wonder if our season has come to an end.

Lord, let this day be dedicated to love

love shown to friend and enemy alike

love that is a gift received and a gift given 

so we might share your loving presence today. Amen.

Respect

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

As very small children we are taught to respect our elders, especially, and to listen quietly when they are speaking. No matter how regal or downtrodden, our elders have great wisdom to share. We are taught to respect and honor all living beings, including the very earth we live on. Greedily taking advantage of others has no place. Too often these days, we are so wrapped up in getting what we want, we do not recognize the wisdom and knowledge around us. We are invited today to renew our respect for the earth, for our elders and for all living beings. We have not listened enough nor have we respected enough and now we are paying the consequences.

Gracious Creator you brought us into being

setting us into families and communities

deep wells of insight and great knowledge

and poured your spirit on all who listen.

We have grown impatient and greedy

unwilling to learn from our loving elders

anxious to take control and be in charge

when we barely understand how life works.

Let us quiet down our need and greed today

and instead learn to settle in and listen

for much wisdom abounds in our elders

and in the world you love and heal. Amen.

Authority

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:23-32

Retired Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller called me after I was elected bishop to invite to come to Tahlequah. It was late fall of 2001, not even two months after 9/11 and the country was in crisis and in mourning. I was honored and accepted immediately. Wilma will always be an authority to me, a wise woman, who faced untold struggles and challenges and still rose above it to be our chief. She held the people together in rough times and brought about a new era of tribal strength and determination. God blesses certain people, despite their gender, race or language, a deep love for the people and great authority in leadership. The ones who stand up to injustice, the ones who do the hard work, the ones who toil in the field are all given the strength they need to face the day.

Loving Creator, you raise up leaders for us

who lead with your heart and your spirit

who care for the people who are crying

and who seek you in their prayers daily.

Too often we think celebrity is a leader

too often we trust the glamour not the heart

often we are shattered by their heartlessness

and we think we have been abandoned by you.

Help us to be deep in prayer at all times

may we lead with your love and compassion

humble enough to always seek your lead

and kind enough to make room for others. Amen.

A House of Prayer

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer”; but you are making it a den of robbers.’ The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, they became angry and said to him, ‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never read, “Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself”?’ He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there. In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither at once?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea”, it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.’ Matthew 21:12-22

This "fragile earth our island home" is the Creator's house of prayer. Our land is holy, our waters sacred, and we too often have carved it up and sold it all. Jesus comes into the temple and finds the wealthy extracting high prices from the poor for their offerings. He is angry, as we should be, when wealth and uncontrolled usury is more respected than prayer. Jesus tells his disciples, after this episode, that prayer is much more powerful than any weapon or wealth. Prayer on scared ground changes the world. We took often move to political tactics and violence before we spend our time in prayer. Let us all, in these days of great turbulence, be found in prayer, prayer full of deep, abiding faith.

Loving Creator, ground of our beings

you planted us on fragile, holy ground

you taught us to pray in all times

and promise to move mountains for us.

We are too often focused on our goals

forgetting about the needs of others

you call us to pray without ceasing

while we scheme and ignore your call.

Help us today to be in prayer always

ready to be made new for your purpose

give us new hearts and new spirits

so we might carry your love with us today. Amen.