First Sunday of Advent - Mary Letter Day One

December 1, 2024       Advent One

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

3 Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. 

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. 

5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. 

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love 

and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. 

7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 

8 He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly. 

9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:1-9

A note: Beginning in Advent through Epiphany Day, I dedicate this time to the Mary letters. I pray these will give you a sense of joy and hope.

Dear Auntie,

I am terrified and have no one to turn to. I have been up all night, praying the psalms, hoping the Lord will send me guidance and direction. I stood outside in the moonlight, the air was crisp and very cool, and I felt nothing but terribly alone and shivering cold. I hope what I say to you, you will keep it a secret. I am so afraid! Auntie, I have missed my monthly and know what that means but I have never, ever been with a man. Mama taught me what can happen, and I have never even been tempted. I have been a good, faithful daughter to Mama and Papa. I say my prayers and live following all the rules of faith. Yet, here I am, huddled inside by the dying fire, writing to you in my panic and fear. Auntie, I have been sick to my stomach all times of day and night. This can't be happening to me! Mama and Papa will be so angry, and what will I say to Joseph! Will you pray for me so I can know what to do? Can you help me? I may need to come stay with you for a time. Would you let me stay with you? I am troubled in body and spirit, Auntie. Please pray I can find a way through this, please.

Love,

Mary

                                            A Litany for Advent One    

    

Loving Creator, you dwell with the unlikely

the forlorn, the weary and the outcasts all

to show us the true nature of your love

which dwells with our deepest humanity.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.

We are overcome by frightening situations

the world has grown scary and confusing

we run to our safety, shutting love out

waiting for our world to change for the better.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.

Yet you have call us to be faithful and brave

to carry on like Mary did with all the ridicule

to live with your love deep in our hearts

turning the world into your loving home.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.

Let us carry the light of faith this season

so we might shine your love light here.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.

We may stumble and get lost sometimes

but you have promised to guide us always.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.

Let us be fully human and fully faithful

carrying your life and your joy to the world.

Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary. Amen.

The Stones Would Cry Out

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ Luke 19:28-40

The church year's end has come, and we find ourselves hearing the story of Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. The great and glorious celebration before the ultimate human drama at Calvary. Today is also Black Friday, when the commercialism of Christmas, the panicked buying and competing is at it's worst. And yet nowhere do we hear Jesus tell us to panic or compete. We are invited, as we face into Advent, to slow down, to listen, and to renew our hearts. There is nothing we need but the tender and fierce Savior of the world to come and inhabit our hearts.

Prescious Creator, you love all creation

you know the song of the hills and rocks

you hear the whales' songs and bird songs

and hear our cries in the deep dark nights.

We want conquerors and great winners

who will triumph over all the world's ills

when you have shown us how to serve

and how your loving changes everything.

Let us quiet our hearts and leave anxiety aside

knowing you are the kindest ruler of all creation

you give us our freedom and call us to love

despite all of the challenges here, you are with us. Amen.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day

Jesus said, "I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you-- you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed, your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:25-33

Thanksgiving is a wonderful and challenging holiday. We live in an abundant land where there is enough for everyone and yet, there are too many hungry and without a home. We tell the story of the first Thanksgiving, here in Massachusetts, while we know the settlers were destitute and only survived by the kindness of the Native peoples who the settlers quickly slaughtered and abused. Yet, among many Native families, we have much to be thankful for and it is part of every tribal tradition to set aside time to give thanks. Jesus reminds us all that we are all blessed by our Creator and we are given daily what we need. Our work is to live a life of justice and caring, a life that honors our Creator in everything and everywhere we are. May we take time always to give thanks and to share our many blessings.

A Litany for Thanksgiving 2024

Creator of Abundance, we come to thank you

for the countless blessings you give us all

for food enough, and love beyond measure

and for the ways you bring us all back home.

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings.

We are a divided land and a divided people

anxious about the future, yearning for the past

we fail to share the abundance you give

and ignore the beauty that surrounds us all.

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings.

You remind us not to worry about our needs

for you bring us sustenance and healing

you surround us with friends and neighbors

who teach us again and again to give thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings.

The birds do not worry nor do the lilies

you have made them glorious in their time.

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings.

We fear the coming winters and our failing

yet you are blessing us in every season of life.

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings.

Make our hearts grateful today and always

for you our the source of all life and all love. 

Thank you, Lord, for all your love and bounteous blessings. Amen.

Down from the Sycamore Tree

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore

 tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way.

 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 

‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ 

Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’ Luke 19:1-10

We had a huge Sycamore tree in my parent's yard. It towered over the sunporch and sent shade across the yard. The bark was rough and hard to climb as there were very few low branches. As a child, I often wondered how Zaccheus climbed that tree, since I was of short stature then and couldn't scale the tree. We sang his song often in Sunday School and I had much time to wonder. Now I realize the point of the story is not the climb but the coming down to invite the incarnate God into Zaccheus' home. He moved from curiosity to action when Jesus called him by name. May we be ready to climb down and open our hearts and homes to the living God today.

Gracious Creator, Lord of abundance

we often hide in the trees of life

you call us each by name and invite us

to come down from hiding and live.

We like our comforts and safety

and hide ourselves from the world

yet despite our reluctance and fears

you call us to open our hearts and homes.

Precious Savior, call us to action here

give us the faith to serve our world

give us and extra measure of love

so we might share it with our neighbors. Amen.

Lord, Let Me See Again

Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.’ But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Luke 18:31-43

This past year, I had some eye surgery to correct dimming eyes. I remember the joy of seeing so much more clearly afterward. No, it was not a miracle healing, but a miracle of modern science. It made me realize that we are so blind so much of the time, unable to see what is right in front of us. We ignore the needs of the people we encounter; we try to silence them as the disciples did, and we refuse to follow Jesus in the way of compassion and caring. A persistent unnamed beggar was healed by Jesus and the man immediately followed him. We are often made better but fail to follow Jesus in gratitude and humility. So may we today, like the man who sight is restored, follow in the way of Jesus' love.

Compassionate Creator, source of healing

you seek those who are suffering and alone

begging to be restored to life and health

and touch them with your healing light.

We are blind to the needs around us

we fail to see the suffering and blame them

we do not see the gifts of our diverse world

and try to silence those who cry out to you.

Lord, let us all see again with your eyes

may our hearts be moved with compassion

may we see the stranger as a relative

and all the world worthy of your healing love. Amen.

Let the Children Come to Me

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and 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.’ A certain ruler 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 commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.” ’ He replied, ‘I have kept all these since my youth.’ When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, 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.’ Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’ Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’ Luke 18:15-30

As we turn from ordinary time to the season of Advent, we are welcomed to this turning by the reminder to welcome the children and to be childlike. The disciples tried to keep the babies and small children away from Jesus for some reason that is not clear. Maybe this encounter happened in a fancy place among fancy people. It's clear wealth and power were present. Children are

 exuberant, messy and exhausting. They bring joy and love wherever they go. And children are messy, honest and curious. We are invited today, in these changing and unpredictable times to turn to Jesus as a child, living with joy and love despite the challenging places we find ourselves.

Gracious Creator, source of all blessing

you gather us in your arms and bless us

you see through our pride and personas

and embrace the tender little child within.

We delight in our station, wealth and power

thinking the love of society is the best prize

yet you know all honor fades like flowers

and only your love is constant and eternal.

Help us to set aside our egos and attitudes

help us to turn to our neighbors with compassion

make us your children again in this season

and help us to embrace the world with your love. Amen.

Last Sunday After Pentecost -Christ the King

Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:33-37

We live in a democratic country which threw off the control of kings and monarchs many generations ago. We declared that all are created equal, yet we have failed to live that way. When we talk about Christ the King, we are not talking about a monarch like the ones we rejected. Jesus was born to this role, but it has always been a role of loving service. Our king Jesus does not discriminate, intimidate, castigate or abuse anyone or any part of creation. That is what we human do and loving and serving is what we fail to do. Yet no matter our failures, our Savior forgives and renews us, lifting us up and sending us out to serve.

Wondrous Creator, who sent your only son

to live with us and to teach love to everyone

who offered his life for all in every generation

and who seeks us out in our deep darkness.

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love.

As the season turn, and the world grows cold

we hide in our comfortable places and home

we surround ourselves with people like us

forgetting his call to love and serve all people.

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love.

You teach us to seek your face in every age

and promise to be with us in our humble places

so help us see your face in every stranger

and give you homage as we serve others.

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love.

Lord, you suffered so we might live joyfully

help us to share your love and joy here and now.

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love.

Make us ready to shelter those who suffer

and comfort the weary and those who mourn.

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love.

For you are Christ the King, the lord of love

and you shower us with abundance and mercy. 

Lord Jesus, come rule in our hearts with your love. Amen.

Do Not Lose Heart

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” ’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’ Luke 18:1-8

We humans get overwhelmed and ache to give up when life overwhelms us. Although Jesus had harsh words for the religious leaders who take advantage of the poor and the lowly, he always encourages those who are struggling and at their wit's end. He tells the story of a lazy and corrupt judge who is pestered endlessly by a widow seeking justice. He didn't want to help her but he did to silence her. Our God, the author of all life and the source of love, is more than a corrupt and lazy judge. The Lord will not hold back in helping those who cry out. We who are beaten down, exhausted and afraid are invited today to persist in prayer, persist in doing good and caring for the hurting among us. 

Loving Creator, who showers us with love

whose justice rolls down like spring rains

whose heart is on fire for the poor and week

you do not delay when we are suffering.

Depression and fears overwhelm us here

we often find little justice and compassion 

we lash out believing we have been abandoned

when you are drawing close and answering us.

Help us. Lord, to persist in prayer and service

let us never give up on loving and kindness

give us your strength to rise up every morning

trusting you to bring us more love and healing here. Amen.

Seek His Face

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; 

make known his deeds among the peoples. 

 Sing to him, sing praises to him, 

and speak of all his marvelous works.

 Glory in his holy Name; let the hearts

 of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 

 Search for the Lord and his strength; 

continually seek his face. 

 Remember the marvels he has done, 

his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, 

 O offspring of Abraham his servant, 

O children of Jacob his chosen. 

 He is the Lord our God; his judgments

 prevail in all the world. 

 He has always been mindful of his covenant, the promise he made for a thousand generations: Psalm 105:1-8

We find ourselves in perilous times and don't know what to do. We humans like our routines and our traditions. We can feel overwhelmed by change and transitions. Even the ones we planned and were expecting overwhelm us. And we struggle to find sure footing and safety in these times. The good news for us today is that when we find ourselves overwhelmed and shaken to our core, we need only to seek out Jesus and our Creator. The ancient promises of love, faithfulness and joy has never failed. Seek the one who is the author of all love and abundance today. Whether work, or personal, when our lives are shattered and in tatters, seek his face. Seek the one who is love incarnate, who promises to bring new life in the midst of this broken world.

Faithful Creator, who walked with the ancestors,

your love is real among us in these times

you have shown your love in all generations

and will not let us down in the days ahead.

We walk around like those who are dead

we stumble in the midst of sudden changes

we cry out loud and feel abandoned

yet you still have more life for us all.

Help us to sing your praises in the dark

help us to seek you when we cannot sleep

give us your strength in times of our weakness

and help us see you love blossoming today. Amen.

Gratitude

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Luke 17:11-19

Only one out of ten returned and thanked Jesus. The incarnate Creator, who walked this earth as we do, healed them all, whether they were grateful or not. The one who did was a Samaritan, an outsider and not considered among the faithful. The others may have been overwhelmed by the shock and newness of disease-free skin and a mended body. We will never know their motivation. Yet we will always remember the one lone Samaritan who came back to be ever so grateful. We often forget that gratitude is a sign of faith, faith deepening as we rejoice in the blessings we have been given, even when we are raw and anxious as we seem to be these days.

 

Loving Creator, source of all blessings

you have placed us in the midst of bounty

shower us with love and community

so that we can blossom and thrive here.

Our hearts are on the ground and breaking

there is so much sickness and pain here

we feel like nothing good is coming our way

and we are on our own to find new pastures.

Help us to abide in your love by being grateful

let your praise and thanksgiving be on our lips

may our hearts not give rage and anger a home

and instead be vessels of love and gratitude always. Amen.

Stumbling and Forgiveness

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ Luke 17:1-10

Some of the Gospel readings during these last days before Advent seem to bring a harshness and anger from Jesus and therefore from God. I have learned, with all texts, to read for the subtexts and the hidden, interpersonal challenges. I imagine, living with these rowdy and dense disciples was a challenge even for Jesus. Like you and me, we find ourselves in communities of people we love and who drive us crazy. We all stumble, get jealous, act out and blame others. Jesus invites us to recognize our stumblings and our sins, admit them, and work to mend relationships. Harboring anger, self-righteous indignation and the like, destroys the love of God. We are all here to serve, one another and the world.

Wondrous Creator, you know our hearts

you live with us in our joys and failures

you see the beauty in every one of us

and you call us to serve each other and you.

We fall and blame others for our failure

we refuse to seek forgiveness or forgive

we would rather be right than be free

we would rather isolate ourselves that repair.

Give us your posture of serving and forgiving

may our actions always reflect your love

may we reach out a hand to those stumbling

and seek your forgiveness at all times. Amen.

Have Mercy on Me

‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’ Luke 16:19-31

We humans are often distracted by the challenges of our lives and get caught up in the routines and comforts we have. We often fail to see the needs around us, and when we do we avoid them as if the needs of others threaten our existence. Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man to remind us all to look around, to see and respond to the needs right before us. We know the name of the suffering beggar. We do not know the name of the rich man. We are invited to use our time on earth to do more than build security and comfort. We are put here for love alone. We are loved by our Creator and are given tools, gifts and abundance so we might share God's love with those around us.

Gracious Creator, you love us from our beginnings

you lived among us to make your love incarnate

you sacrificed everything so that we might live

and gave us your love to share freely with the world.

We refuse to see the pain and suffering around us

choosing to judge the poor as failures and lazy

we who have been given so much often hoard it

and wonder why we experience so little joy.

Lord Jesus, help us to see the Lazarus here

may we share more than scraps but our whole selves

offering our share of your love to the suffering

so we might know you joy and love here among us. Amen.

Settling Accounts

Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. Luke 16:1-9

This Gospel reading is one that challenges me for many reasons. I'm not comfortable with the idea or reality of dishonest. Yet we live in a world where manipulation and dishonesty are very prominent, and we are invited today to find ways to love and work with those we might even consider scoundrels. We sometimes shun and criticize the billionaires as tyrants and dishonest. Yet we are called to the dark places to bring Christ's love. We are called to care for the ones who know only how to steal and corrupt. Christian life is messy and so complicated and it has always been.

Gracious Creator, you teach us in every season

how to dwell in the present and survive the worst

you send us consolation and deep strength now

and promise us brighter times to come very soon.

We have become hardened and very worried

we think the future is bleak and incredibly bad

we imagine running away from the very present

yet you have breathed your spirit on us all.

Help us to be those who love beyond measure

who love beyond boundaries and politics

may we understand that all those we encounter

are in need of your love and presence, here and now. Amen.

Prodigals

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate. ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

We have all been prodigals at some (or many) point in our lives. And, we have all been the elder child too. The good news of the Gospel today is that the father, the loving parent who represents God in this parable, loves every child, every one of us, more than we can deserve, expect or even imagine. God seeks us out before we arrive, runs to us on the homecoming road, and give us all in great abundance. For those of us who feel like a prodigal, with the shame and guilt for our mistakes, make we make our way home. For those of us who are like the older brother, feeling overworked and neglected, may we to take our anger and frustration to God, trusting that we will be showered with love, forgiveness and hope.

Loving Creator, who is the source of all love

you come running when we are lost and far off

you give us your love and care in great abundance

and never stop loving is no matter our behavior.

We feel anger, betrayal and dangerously hopeless

the world is a despairing place full of great terror

we want to run to foreign places and squander love

yet you call us to come home no matter when or how.

Lord, give us an extra measure of your love today

help us prodigals to return home over and over again

help us elder children to move from anger to celebration

sharing your love in joy in our challenging places. Amen.

Lost

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ Luke 15:1-10

We are all lost at times. When things change on us, when our bodies fail, when we move from the familiar, we can feel alone, isolated and forgotten. We can also assume that our God has forgotten us when we feel this way. After all that has happened in the past few weeks, our hurt and isolation can only deepen. Today, we all need to be reminded that in the midst all of this, we are actively being sought by our Creator, God's love is fully engaged even when we have given up.

Loving Creator, our hope in darkness

you seek the lost and the frightened

you respond to our tears and our sighs

and seek us out when we have run away.

We assume wrongly that we are abandoned

we cry and ache about what we have lost

we think no one sees our pain and suffering

yet you never fail to take our needs to heart.

Lord, help us to turn and see your approach

let our hearts calm with your loving words

help us to look up and see your coming today

so we might share your love in our broken world. Amen.

Counting the Cost

Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. ‘Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Luke 14:25-35

Many tribes throughout this continent have traditions of winter storytelling and drawing on hides to remember the stories. Tribes of the plains, like Lakota, Dakota and others drew a pictograph from each year, in an ongoing circle on the hide, to remember the events and important moments in the past year. These written records, the winter counts, were invaluable to telling the people. Stories of the past years were told in the winter when people were gathered indoors for the long, cold days. We are invited by Jesus to remember our stories and recount them, and to be willing to give up all to follow him and find new stories and people. We are in an uncharted time in history. We will all be invited to leave our judgements and old stories behind to discover new ones.

Gracious Creator, you blessed our ancestors

whether they were adventurous or fearful

whether they were free people or enslaved

you love them then and you love us still.

We cling to the comforts, familiar and known

we resist giving up what we know to follow

we think we our safe behind our status and money

yet in every age you call us all to follow you.

Help us to be ready to give all we have

strong enough to trust in your road ahead

confident in your love retelling our stories

and remaking us all for the holy work ahead. Amen.

Veteran's Day

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, ‘Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner, he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, “Come; for everything is ready now.” But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.” So, the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, “Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” And the slave said, “Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.” Then the master said to the slave, “Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.” ’ Luke 14:12-24

Today is Veteran's Day in the US. We remember all those who have served and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Serving one's country and one's people is an honor among Native peoples here and when we are at Powwow our veterans lead the grand entry. We give special place to our warriors, the ones who kept us safe and fought so that we could all thrive. Our traditions honor our warriors, we honor those who serve, and we honor those who stay and care for the ones at home as well. We celebrate with food and song and never leave anyone outside. May we all hear Jesus's words today and be always ready to honor and celebrate those who served us and serve us now.

Wondrous Creator, you call us to serve

our communities and our tribal family

to be willing to show up when called

and ready to care for those who hurt.

We put ourselves and schedules first

forgetting that you always serve us

we put our politics and attitudes first

when you call us to be humble and serve.

Help us to get up when we are called

ready to serve with joy and strength

in good times and bad you need us

so that the world might have light and love. Amen.

Gathering Her Brood

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” 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. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’ Luke 13:31-35

I am a mother of three wonderful daughters, all grown and wonderful humans. I wasn't always the best mom when they were growing up, but I do believe they know I would do anything for them. And, I still will. The intense and unending kind of love that a parent has does not stop when they grow, when they leave the nest nor when they are troubled or in trouble. Love, like that that our Creator has for us, is not limited by time and space. We want those we love to thrive, to be well, and to be safe. We live in a time when many are unsafe, unwell and not thriving at all. Jesus understood al too well. May we run to the cover of the One who loves us and be the one that others can run to here.

Precious Savior, mother and father of all

you hide us under you wings and love us

not as we imperfect, troubled humans love

but as the author and provider of all love.

We have let our egos, and our doubts take over

fear runs down like winter rain on our heads

we are angry and abuse the most vulnerable ones

and cry out to you when we feel a slight pain.

Help us to seek you in every place and time

let us have the strength to seek sanctuary with you

help us to turn away from temporary fixes

and instead seek to share your love in our world. Amen

The Mustard Seed

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ Luke 13:18-30

Today, it is hard to imagine the nearness of God's reign for some of us. Oh, friends, sometimes it feels hard to continue on. Yet the world still needs the Good News, now more than ever. And the Good News we share, is that the smallest faith, as small as a mustard seed can and will become a sanctuary and shade, a robust gift to the world. The love we invest in others, the care and humility by which we live our lives blossom into tremendous gifts, no matter the time or circumstances we live in. Those who are willing to invest in love, no matter the season, will know abundance, sanctuary and shade in hard times.

Gracious Creator, you made the small mighty

you empower the least to take the place of honor

you give your heart to anyone who would ask

and bless us with abundance in every season.

We live in anxious, confusing times here

when inevitable change makes us fearful

we are weary from broken trust and hurts

and we want to run and hide from the world.

Strengthen us Lord, so we might plant seeds

seeds of love and seeds of abundant faith

make us strong to serve and to always welcome

so we might be sanctuary and abundance here. Amen.

Set Free

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment.’ When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.’ But the Lord answered him and said, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?’ When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing. Luke 13:10-17

Healing comes at different times and in different ways for each of us.  The results of the US presidential election are in and although not final, many people are grieving and in pain while others are jubilant. We all need healing and especially today. Healing that sets us free. Free to be kind and generous, free to see the other as beloved, set free to love freely and be freely loved. Pray for each other today, no matter how divided and hurting we all might be.

Loving Creator, our God in all seasons

you are with us when we deeply despair

you hold us when the pain is all too great

and you heal us from long endured pain.

We are a country broken open today

we are suffering across our land

seeking people to blame and shame

for the pain we are enduring this season.

Hold us dear Lord while we weep

and help us to stand up once again

set us free to live with endless generosity

and make us your heart and hands here now. Amen.

Election Day 2024

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’ Luke 13:1-9

Today is election day and a critical time in our history as a nation. Many things are worrying us, many things distracting us and too often we look for someone to blame. The truth is some situations, most people, and days like today need TLC and patient care for ourselves, and the world around us. Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree, which was failing miserably. The owner had no patience for failure, yet the gardener, the one who cared for the tree day in and day out, fought for the tree's survival. We are often quick to judgment and ready to cut the failing one's out of our way. Yet, today especially, Jesus calls us to be like the gardener who knew that all life will flourish when fed, watered and cared for lovingly.

Loving Creator, you tend this wild garden

with the hands of love in desperate times

you feed the aching world and give us life

and you restore the withered and the dying.

We rush to judgement and exact punishment

when we have failed to care for the suffering

we have failed to see the potential in others

and think our judgement is good and righteous.

Give us your humility and perfect love today

help us be willing to be like the gardener

who fought for the one demonized and failing

and be willing to dig deep and bring new life. Amen.

In the Light of the Living

1 Have mercy on me, O God, for my enemies are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me. 

2 They hound me all the day long; truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High.

3 Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me? 

5 All day long they damage my cause; their only thought is to do me evil.

6 They band together; they lie in wait; they spy upon my footsteps, because they seek my life. 

7 Shall they escape despite their wickedness? O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples. 

8 You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle; are they not recorded in your book? 

9 Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; this I know, for God is on my side. 

10 In God the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me? 

11 I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings. 

12 For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living. Psalm 56

There is much fear these days about the outcome of our national election and the expectations for violence. Many churches are offering prayer vigils and keeping their doors open so that people can pray and find comfort. Anxiety and fear are contagious, and when we give into them, we can affect the people round us. The psalmist knew all too well that fear and anxiety, as the possible attacks against him were all too real. Most of us will not be victims of the violence David was daily faced with. Our first world problems are real though. We must carry the light which we are given by God, carrying the joy and the hope in the face of great fear and anxiety. The Savior of the world has suffered and died for us, so we are free to rejoice and shine, even in the midst of pending doom and tangible fear. All of nature offers us wonders and delights, no matter how terribly people might behave. 

Gracious Creator, source of all wonders

you fill our world with light and song

you give us hope in the deep darkness

and warm us in the depths of winter.

We have opened our hearts to great fear

letting darkness and anxiety move in

we do not trust our nearby neighbors

and we fear that everyone is an enemy.

Let us bask in the endless light of love

which you have given in every season

in every age you send us heralds of hope

help us to shine your love here and now. Amen.

Sunday, November 3, 2024 Proper 26

                        Sunday November 3, 2024 - Proper 26

One of the scribes came near and heard the Sadducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34

We are just two days away from the election and many folks are anxious and worried about the outcome. Many municipalities have ordered police protection at polling places and have plans if violence breaks out. In this time of fragile democracy and deep divides in our land, we are invited today to return to the golden rule and to the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. No matter what our politics or our religious affiliations, we are called to live a life of deeply caring for our neighbors. 

God's love breaks out and deepens within in us when we treat others with love, as we want to be treated. No one wants to live in fear of criticism, bullying and violence. May we have the courage and determination to follow the love commandment which calls us to love everyone we come in contact with every day.

A Sunday Litany before Election Day

Gracious Creator, your love existed before we did

you shaped this world and all the people by your hands

making us relatives who are diverse and beautiful 

and who sing and pray in many beautiful tongues.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

We live in fear today in the divides we have created

demonizing the others who are different from us

turning away from those who we do not recognize

and forgetting that you have made us all good.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Help us in this moment to lean into your love

may we put away all judgement and violence

turning away from criticism and attack

and replacing all we do with radical welcome.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

The world has turned dark with hate and fear

let us sow love in every city and small town.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Let your love hold us and satisfy us today

for your prefect love casts out all of our fears.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us.

Make us instruments of your peace and love

and let us harmonize again with all of creation.

Lord, help us to love everyone as you have first loved us. Amen.

All Saints Day 2024

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So, they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’ John 11:32-44

All Saints' Day celebrations are often transferred to the following Sunday. It is one of the feasts days when baptisms are appropriate. And for all of us who have suffered great loss, who ache for those no longer here, we take time to celebrate them and remember how Jesus loved Lazarus, weeping at the tomb before raising Lazarus. And we remind ourselves that our loved ones who have passed over are loved equally as much as Lazarus. We trust in that love, claiming it for our loved ones and for ourselves.

Holy and Wondrous Creator, our Alpha and Omega

you know us from our beginnings and love us always

you breathe on us and animate our lives and spirit

and draw us close when our lives came to an end.

Our hearts are on the ground in this troubling time

we feel abandoned, angry and full of anxiety

we thrash and cry in our loss and our misery

forgetting you are shedding tears with us now.

Surround us with your healing and eternal love

help us to know those we have lost are with you

give us your spirit so we might walk with joy

and lead us beyond this tumult to holy ground. Amen.