Sunday, September 15, 2024-Proper 19
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:27-38
I am writing after celebrating the consecration of Phil LaBelle with the people of the diocese of Olympia. The Rev. Pam Wentz preached and reminded us that we often mistake our cross as something we cannot put down. Yet we are invited by Jesus to willingly bear the pain and suffering of others, shouldering the work of healing and renewal for those who cannot. Jesus offered himself for us, and we can offer ourselves for others, for all the people of this earth, all the beloved children of God.
A Sunday Litany
Gracious Creator, you show us the holy way
following Jesus on the road of restoring love
the way that lifts up all who are suffering
and give new life to those who are lost.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you.
We human fight and claw our way to the top
we put ourselves over all the others around
treating them with disdain and criticism
failing to see your love working in them.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you.
Make us those who rejoice in all creation
help us protect and care for the most vulnerable
give us the courage to take up heavy crosses
shouldering the load for the silenced and alone.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you.
We often lose our way and hastily turn back
yet you are steadfast and always forgive us.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you.
We think the limits we have define us
yet you know we are your beloved ones.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you.
You are with us and carry the cross alongside
make us joyful as we follow in love's footsteps.
Savior, help us to take up the cross of love and follow you. Amen.
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