The Justice and Love of God

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. ‘But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the market-places. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.’ One of the lawyers answered him, ‘Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.’ And he said, ‘Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute”, so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.’ Luke 11:37-52

Today is Halloween, a day when kids and adults dress up and pretend to be something other than themselves. An ancient tradition, which has lost its meaning and purpose now, which represented the tables being turned, when the veil between living and dead is permeable, and the poor and demeaned demand food and treats from the wealthy. Jesus turned the tables and was the eternal drawing near, seeing our petty foolishness and the cruelty of the wealthy and powerful. We often worry about optics, and perception, branding and good impressions. No costume, no ad campaign nor any good makeup can cover up the true nature and behavior of us humans. Jesus named the abuse and the abusers around him. And we are invited today, as we face into the anxiety of the coming days, to be agents of humility, truth and God's love in the face of hype, lies and abuse.

Wondrous Creator, source of all life and love

you shine your sun, moon and stars on us

to show us the way to follow your holy road

and to shine light on the good and bad alike.

We are often sucked in by great ad campaigns

and will not admit when we have been fooled

we often use our money and power to control

those who we deem as less and unworthy.

Help us to turn the tables on the unjust and cruel

let us be agents of your mercy, love and justice

make our lives model your compassion and care

so your love might shine on all the world today. Amen.

Light and Darkness

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’ When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! ‘No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore, consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.’ Luke 11:27-36

A few weeks ago, many people on the East Coast were able to witness the Arora Borealis, the northern lights. This is a rare phenomenon here. Folks were recommending taking photos with one's phone, in order to capture the image better. I have always found that a wondrous phenomenon like that does not need to be captured but rather fully delighted in. Every time we try to capture something to show off to others, we lose the experience of total wonder. To make our bodies and our lives full of light we might stop proving our worth through captured images and rather revel in the light and wonder given. It is time for us to shine in this season of impending darkness. There is so much darkness and hatred that we need to illuminate the love of God to this hurting world.

Loving Creator, source of all light

you challenge the world's darkness

by showering us with great love

and feeding us with your spirit.

The world has turned to darkness

and we are all anxious and afraid

we worry that we have been abandoned

and don't trust you or our neighbors.

Turn our hearts and softened them

so we might embrace the light given

give us your strength to always share

your wonder, love and your saving light. Amen.

Sunday, September 27, 2024 Proper 25

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

Many of us, especially if we are living in a city, pass folks who are begging on the street. Some are passive and some are quite aggressive. We often turn away and ignore them because they make us uncomfortable. They call us away from our sense of security and that we have everything under control. Bartimaeus was one of the loud, aggressive beggars. Everyone tried to ignore him and to silence him. But Jesus, knew his deep need, and when the blind man asked for his sight again, Jesus restored it. Despite disciples and others trying to keep him away, Jesus stopped and listened to his need. Bartimaeus' joy and gratitude may him follow Jesus immediately.

Loving Creator, you are healing and restoring

your love aches to bring us true wholeness

no matter how broken and lost we might be

you stop and call us to receive your healing.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

We ignore the cries of those who are hurting

and we fail to see the critical needs around us

we try to act as if we are way above the fray

yet we ache to call out to you when we suffer.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

Our teacher, help us all to see with love again

make our eyes wide open, our hearts as well

so we might hear the cries of those you love

and stop and reach out to the ones in need.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

We are afraid when we encounter others' pain

and we are reluctant to cry out loud to you.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

Help us to remember you way of healing

help us live your way of love and compassion.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love.

For you are our Creator, source of love

and you are here on our streets today.

Lord Jesus, help us see again with your eyes of love. Amen.

Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’ Luke 10:38-42

I am one of five, four girls and one boy. Chores of all sorts were essential to the survival of this large crew, and we did dishes, trash collecting, vacuuming and ironing at an early age. I have climbed up on the roof with my dad to repair it, mown lawns, put up wallpaper, painted and was all around DYI sidekick. We all were to some extent. My Dad's favorite phrase when we whined about seeing friends was, "just stick with me." Some of my siblings were better than I was at weaseling out of chores. I resented it, as all siblings do. We hear the story of Martha's complaint, and I have to say, I get her. Jesus sides with Mary which must have made Martha's blood boil. Yet, if we listen more deeply, we can hear Jesus inviting Martha, and all of us, to sit with him, in order to be refreshed and renewed by word and love. Too often our busyness keeps us from prayer, from study, and from drawing daily close to God. Jesus always aches for us to take the refreshment and time we need, despite the dishes, the laundry, and all the other chores crying out for attention.

Gracious Creator, you invite us to your table

you set a place for each of us and welcome all

you offer rest, reflection and time to pray

which is so needed in our chaotic lives.

We get so wrapped up in the pile of chores

that we forget to draw near to you in prayer

we put off the quiet time you call us to

and complain about those who rest in you.

Help us to listen to your heart of love

which calls us to put all the busyness down

and to lean into scripture and prayer

so your love my rekindle the joy in our hearts. Amen.

Neighbors

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10:25-37

We can probably all remember Mr. Rogers singing, "won't you be my neighbor?" Many folks called him the singing psychiatrist for children and have often thought his relevance only to children. Yet, his program broke color barriers when no one else would, and he always found room for every child and adult that came his way. His faith taught him how to be a neighbor, how to welcome and how to include. He "went and did likewise" as Jesus directed. He used the gifts he had for storytelling and music, to make children of all ages feel safe and comfortable. He used the platform he had to teach and model radical welcome. May we too, "go and do likewise."

Loving Creator, you place us in communities

where our neighbors are alike and different

where we learn as we live the story and song

of places of welcome and neighbors who care.

Families and neighborhoods are often broken

by poverty, illness and the challenges of life

and we shut ourselves off from our neighbors

because we are terribly afraid of difference.

Help us Lord to reach out to everyone we see

trusting that you have given us your strength

to bring healing, safety, comfort and welcome

doing all this as you commanded, "go and do likewise!" Amen.

Return With Joy

The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’ Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’ Luke 10:17-24

There are meetings and services I have returned from, even more exhausted than when I left. And there are other times, when the spirit has been so powerful, the people so joyful, and the days so full that I am restored and refreshed. Years ago, attending a deanery meeting in Point Lay, Alaska, in the depths of winter, I came away so joyful and revived. The travel was long and delayed, yet there was nothing that could dampen the spirit. Despite the challenges of extreme isolation, weather, and tremendously hard lives, the folks gathered there sang, danced and prayed with great spirit and deep joy. Too often we forget how much love God has for us, and how we can be filled with powerful joy and renewed for the days ahead.

Loving Creator, you have given us the power

the strength to love and to embrace the stranger

you restore our bodies and renew our spirits

and you send us out with loving companions.

We complain about the heavy burden of service

saying ministry is so thankless and challenging

we forget you have surrounded us with partners

with those who restore our faith and our love.

Make us joyful in the good days and the bad

deepen our trust in you and our companions

let us never forget the power of your love

and bring your joy to our hurting world. Amen.

Two by Two

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ Luke 10:1-16

After a very full and glorious weekend celebrating our new diocesan bishop, we had to take the day to tackle long ignored chores. I was so grateful for a life partner and friend as we worked as a team to conquer some necessary tasks. I couldn't do it alone. And truly there is very little that any of us can do by ourselves. In fact, it becomes our ruin when we think we are where we are because of our personal skill, work and talent. Native people know how critical our whole communities, tribes and elders are to our lives. We never forget that we never do anything alone but rather our work is for the seventh generation yet unborn. Jesus sent his disciples out with no money or plans. He sent them out with a companion, a fellow laborer, trusting that the wisdom and support of a companion would strengthen each.

Wondrous Creator, you make us all in your image

diverse in language, custom and traditions

you settle us with companions and communities

so we may rely on the wisdom of the people.

Too often we think we are complete alone

and stumble because we cannot see the path 

we do not listen to the directions of our elders

and assume we got here by our own merit.

Take away our foolish pride and arrogance

and remake us humble and open of heart

so that we may continue to learn from others

and share your gracious love with all of creation. Amen.

Sunday, October 20, 2024 Proper 24

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45

Yesterday was the consecration of our new diocesan bishop, Julia Whitworth. Today she will be seated at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The service yesterday was glorious, and I am sure this evening will be as well. I have found over my 23 years as a bishop, that, even though our ceremonies can be amazing and spectacular, and can make us feel like rock stars, they can be our undoing unless we are humble and servant to all. When the pageantry is all over, then the hard work of loving and serving people can truly begin. Our roles, whether bishop or priest, elected official or average citizen, call us to serve the people and love one another every single day, especially when no one is watching. The cost of following Jesus is and will always be the call to humility and service.

A Sunday Litany for October 20th, 2024

Wondrous Creator, author all of our blessings

you fill us with your joy and your loving presence

you give us days of great and wondrous celebration

and you call us to humility and service always.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

We humans crave worldly power and attention

aching and fighting to always be the star of the show

yet Jesus knew our human fragilities and needs

and taught us to be first by being a servant of all.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

Lift us from our petty battles for prowess 

let us let go of the need to control everything

instead help us to turn all our needs to you

and be on our knees in prayer and service always.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

We struggle to be seen, heard and acknowledge

yet you have loved us deeply and always will.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

Your love and mercy are more than we deserve

so let us be grateful by sharing that saving love.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.

For you are the Holy One who stands with us today

and you will be present in all of our storms.

Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us. Amen.

Changed

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and, in those days, told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

A brief glimpse of the glory, power and true nature of Jesus was all that the three disciples had. A moment of wonder and terror, this moment of transfiguration, gave the disciples a taste of the true divine nature of their friend. His relatives showed up in this moment and they were no other than Moses and Elijah, as well as the voice of God. Most of us rarely have mountaintop experiences, nor do we get glimpses of the Holy in our midst. Too often we see the gritty meanness of humanity. And yet, today, we are invited to see beyond the mess and cruelty of our times, knowing that we are all relatives of the living Creator, the God who blesses us all, even in the midst of the terrors of our lives.

Wondrous Creator, you speak words of love to all

even when we cannot hear you speaking and sighing

we can trust you are with us in the middle of our lives

and we can know we are your beloved children.

The pain of daily living can often overwhelm us

the hurt and losses drag us down to the depths

sorrow and cruelty surround us in these times

and we forget that you are still speaking today.

Open our ears and our heart to hear your voice

change our vision so we might see your beauty

help us to know the strangers as our siblings

and live trusting in your loving and holy presence. Amen.

Follow Me

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’ Luke 9:18-27

At our Indigenous Peoples' Day service on Monday, the preacher, Janine Tinsley-Rowe reminded us how she was taught by her elders the importance of our feet, shoes and our paths in life, and how it can tell us so much about other folks. We often don't think about peoples' feet unless we are fashionistas and judging their footwear. But to follow Jesus, we must be ready to travel stony ground, challenging conditions and people. Jesus knew the call to follow him was tough and it take humility to walk that sacred road. We all need good strong moccasins built for the long haul. We cannot give into fashion, culture or others' standards. We need to walk by the standard of love, which is always service and always willing to share, always ready to make room on the road for strangers and other companions.

Gracious Creator, you call us your people

the whole world is held in your hands

you call us to follow you and walk with you

promising strength and faith for the journey.

We want to walk our own path and refuse to follow

we are like foolish children refusing to learn

we become lost and disoriented in the dark

and cry out to you in our pain and foolishness.

Help us Lord to be willing to follow you

trusting that you have carved a way forward

trusting we have all that we need in you

and help us make room for all who would follow too. Amen.

Feed Them

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.’ But he said to them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.’ For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:1-17

Jesus never failed to feed the hungry who gathered around him. He never failed to heal those who asked for healing. We often fail to admit to our hunger and our real need. Church folks are reluctant to ask for the prayer they ache for, as it makes them feel more vulnerable than they want to be. Yet, the hungry flocked to Jesus and were never disappointed, the hurting found their way to him, and never were refused. May we who carry the love of Jesus in our hearts, always be ready to ask for what we need and always be praying and actively serving those who ache to be healed, fed and surrounded with love.

Wondrous Creator, there is need the wide world round

and there is so much abundance and so much suffering

Jesus came and fed the throngs and healed everyone

there are no limits to the abundance of your sacred love.

We pride ourselves as independent, self-starting folks

forgetting the ancestors, the family and neighbors

that have held us, fed us, took us to holy healing

and we forget to bring every need every day to Jesus.

Lord, give us humility so we might see the needs

those within us, those on the margins and those silenced

and help us to offer all that we have asking your blessing

so that all our days might be filled with loving service. Amen.

Daughter, Your Faith Has Made You Well

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.’ When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’ While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’ When Jesus heard this, he replied, ‘Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.’ When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, ‘Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56

I am always touched by Jesus' word to the woman who touched him in the crowd and to Jairus' family. I am so moved because in Jesus' time, and often even in our time, women's illnesses and physical challenges were discounted and not as important as their male relatives. Yet Jesus is always healing women, men, children and strangers alike. The rules of society did not come into his way of being. Love was and is always the driving force. Love given equally, love at all times, love more powerful than class, clan, culture and station.

Gracious Creator, you are the source of healing

you shower all your creation with your love

you do not go by human conventions and rules

instead, you offer renewal and peace to everyone.

Jesus, you came to walk with us and heal us

yet we question you and laughed at your ways

we still bristle at the suggestions of love's power

and refuse your spirit of love and forgiveness.

Heal us dear Lord, we pray this day and always

so that we might embody your generous love

so we might share with family and strangers alike

the healing and peace you have brought to the world. Amen.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

A Litany for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Creator, you made us all in your beautiful diversity 

us in all four corners of your sacred earth 

And you call us together now on the four winds 

Inviting us to be renewed and healed by your spirit. 

Creator, author of all goodness, water us with your tears and bind us all as one. 

Your people have been scattered, abused and broken 

Yet always you sang to us by the light of sister moon 

You spoke to us through the radiance of brother sun 

Through the very ground you remind us we are loved. 

Creator, source of compassion, you bear our pain and hear our silent screams. 

They took our land and then they took our little ones 

You heard our moaning and our cries in the night

 Sending comfort and vision for a new generation of hope 

To the seventh generation you have promised healing. 

Creator, you know our hearts, help us to pray as our ancestors did. 

You placed us on lush, green and fertile lands 

Draped with golden mountains and deep rivers 

You taught us how to care for every living thing 

But strangers came and did not see your beauty. 

Creator, you bring sight to the blind, help our people to see again. 

Loving Creator, use our wounds for the healing of our circle

 Use our voices so the songs of the silenced are heard again 

Use the threads of our anger and shame for the mending of this hoop 

Use our homes and our ancient lands as places of sacred promise. 

Creator, make us whole again, so our mother is renewed for all. Amen.

Sunday, October 13, 2024 Proper 23

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Mark 10:17-31

Jesus was always straight forward with folks, and especially this rich young man. Yes, the man was faithful in his practices, yet his level of comfort and privilege kept him for heart of compassion and a life of sacrifice. The young man wanted an easy life of faith. We too, want an easy faith life. We don't want to be challenged about our privilege and our selfish ways. We don't like it when we have to share our abundance. And we don't like it when we are asked to humble ourselves and suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, this is what our lives of faith truly demand. Among clergy, we sometimes get the notion that we are called to elevated positions because of our authority and training. Jesus speaks right to all of our overblown egos and our underwhelming humility. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle." The eye of the needle may be a small gate into Jerusalem, but not matter. We all have things, to shed so that we might really follow Jesus.

A Sunday Litany

Gracious Creator, you make room for us all

whether we are poor and desperate for food

whether are lost, broken and truly overwhelmed

and even if we are comfortably and wealthy.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Yet we want to be a part of your kingdom

even when we oppress others with attitude

even when we do not share your abundance

and we selfishly think we should have it easy.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Help us to humble ourselves in this season

as the world turns cold let us provide warmth

when society turns the alien and different away

help us to open our arms to embrace the outcast.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

You called the rich young man to sell his treasures

help us to share the treasure you have given us.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Despite all of our foolish failings and cruelties

you call us to return and welcome us again.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name.

Make us your people as we serve the least

give us your love and joy as we give love away.

Lord Jesus, help us to always humbly serve the world in your name. Amen.

Good Soil

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that “looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.” ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. Luke 8:1-15

It is easy for us humans to have the best of intentions and then forget or get distracted. When I was a child, we would tease my mother for occasionally leaving the dish rag in the refrigerator and the milk in the sink. She had five very active children, so it is now wonder she got distracted. She remained a faithful Christian all of her life. Despite all of the work and care in her life she was honest, had a good heart and bore fruit with patient endurance. Traditionally, Cherokee and other peoples on this continent, grew their corn, squash and beans together and called them the three sisters. The three different crops provided strength and for each other. Too often we forget that there will be thorns, weeds and rocks in all our lives. When we lean on one another and hold each other through the storms, we can and will bear the fruit of God's love.

Loving Creator, you plant us in rich soil

we are fed by the wisdom of many generations

we are watered by the tears of our ancestors

and held securely by all who walk with us.

We often turn to bitterness when the rocks hit

and when the thorns tear at us we harden our hearts

we are resistant to patience and understanding

yet you are healing us and helping us grow.

Give us all honest and good hearts today

imbue us with deep roots and a deeper faith

may your love provide for our needs here

and may we bear the fruit of your heavenly love. Amen.

Faith in Action

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.’ Jesus spoke up and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Teacher,’ he replied, ‘speak.’ ‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’ Luke 7:36-50

A woman, who is called a sinner and often branded a prostitute, comes and cares so lovingly for Jesus. The host, and all of his guests had done nothing. Too often, those who have received healing and forgiveness are those who are ready to care for others, to put their faith in action. And too often, those who have been richly blessed, move too quickly to judgement and criticism. Her love and gratitude for God's love, known in Jesus, knows no bounds. May we, like her, put our faith into action, caring for those who need healing, anointing and care.

O loving Creator, whose blessings are unnumbered

your boundless love forgives and heals all who ask

your endless restoration is available for everyone

and no one is outside of your healing and love.

Those of us who have been so greatly blessed

often fail to see the needs of our neighbors

we judge without knowing their circumstances

and do not put our faith in action and service.

Help us, dear Lord, to embrace your forgiveness

keep us humble so that we might see others' need

make us always ready to put our faith into action

and give us your joy as we serve our neighbors. Amen.

You Did Not Dance

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ When the men had come to him, they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” ’ Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.’ (And all the people who heard this, including the tax-collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.) ‘To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ Luke 7:18-35

We will be traveling back from a meeting in Delaware where I served when I was elected bishop. I think of all the times as a parish priest (and now bishop) that the times called for celebration of things big and small. There were also times for weeping and mourning and holding each other in grief. The importance of gratitude and celebration, as well as grief cannot be understated. We sometimes want to avoid these moments because they are too awkward or uncomfortable. Jesus reminds us that we are not whole without them. We cannot fully live if we are unwilling to join life's dance, to honor, grieve, sing cry and rejoice. May we, especially in these days of many transitions be always ready to dance with those who call to us, and weep with those who mourn, and in all moments, rejoice in the love that surrounds us.

Wondrous Creator, you love us in every stage

tenderly holding us when we are small ones

walking with us in our exuberant youth

and sitting with us in our twilight years.

You have brought love and healing to all

yet we are reluctant to hear your voice

we shut out the potential for rejoicing

and look away from those who are suffering.

Help us to listen to your call for dancing

help us to know when to get up and join

give us your wisdom to know each new day

as an offering of compassion and love. Amen.

Sunday, October 6th, 2024 Proper 22

    

Sunday, October 6th - Let the Little Children Come to Me

Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:2-16

There was a time when the government and many of our churches thought the way to "fix" the "Indian problem" was to take our children from their communities and put them in boarding schools. Some believed they were doing as Jesus commanded his disciples when he said, "let the little children come to me." Families, tribes and communities were destroyed by their blindness and misunderstanding. Too often, we hear these words and forget the next sentence which explains that, unless we are childlike, we can never empty the kingdom of heaven. Too often we try to fix others, our children or other peoples', and forget to daily examine our own hearts. Are we loving and accepting as a child? Are we willing to explore, to learn and to open our hearts, or, do we need to be in control every moment? Jesus invites us to dwell in love, which is vulnerable, open, fearless and without shame like a child. May we have the courage to receive and share God's love as a child.

A Litany for Sunday October 6th, 2024

Gracious Creator, source of all that is good

you shower us your love and teach us your ways

you have made yourself available to all peoples

and hear us when we pray in every language.

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy.

We are uncomfortable around different ways

withdrawing and judging in our ignorance

you call us to be childlike ready to learn

yet we close our eyes, our ears and our hearts.

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy.

Set our feet on the path of welcoming love

let us see and delight in your loving kingdom

take away our need to control and possess

and replace all our jealousy with compassion.

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy.

We are too often afraid and isolated

open our eyes to the beauty around us.

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy.

We think shutting others out will help us

when we are truly shutting you out as well.

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy.

Make our hearts childlike and tender again

so we might see your beauty around us today. 

Lord, make us children again so we might know your joy. Amen.

Stretch Out Your Hand

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful* on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

To be fed and restored we have to reach out. Whether we need healing and food, or whether we are acting for a community, it always requires reaching beyond where we are comfortable. We humans often don't like to admit our need and turn away from those who ask for our help. Yet the gift of God's love is an abundance of healing and an abundance to be shared. The religious leaders of the day were angry with Jesus' boldness and barrier breaking, so much so they sought to have him killed. He fed the people and healed their wounds, and we are called to do likewise, in the most uncomfortable and unlikely places. May we have the boldness of love which always reaches out.

Loving Creator, source of fullness and healing

you seek us out when we won't be found

you feed us when we are empty and afraid

and you heal the wounds we are hid from others.

Too often we are afraid to reach out in need

too often we shy away from those who need help

we shut down your compassion and love here

because we are afraid of our weakness and humanity.

Help us today to be bold in our reaching out

may we use your love to reach out to others

may your love empower us to admit our need

and in all moments may we love as you love us. Amen.

Extraordinary Love

Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, ‘Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the one who was paralyzed— ‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’ Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’ Luke 5:12-26

Love is an extraordinary thing. It makes grown folks tear through a neighbor's roof and lower a friend to see Jesus. Love doesn't let barriers of time and space get in the way.  I am sure those who lower the man down came back and repaired the roof, willingly taking on the consequences of their actions. But first and foremost, love moves to action so that healing and restoration can happen. May we remember today all those who have demonstrated extraordinary love on our behalf. Those mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors who saw our need and broke through barriers on our behalf. When we were weak and unable love found a way. And so it is with Jesus, when we cannot find our way through, we are found by him.

Gracious Creator, you plant us in community

with family, friends and neighbors who love us

who are willing to help when we are broken

and not afraid to break through so we might thrive.

Too often we see only our limitations and frailty

we believe there is nothing anyone can do for us

yet you are always acting on behalf of the hurting

and seeking us out when we are far away from you.

Help us today to trust in your extraordinary love

love which breaks down barriers and opens hearts

love that is there is sorrows and all our joys

love that always acts to restore and heal our world. Amen.