Testifying

 

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ John 1:29-34 

Sometimes, we are called on to testify to what we have seen and heard, truthfully, that is. Too often, in these times, much of what we are told is not truthful. Sometimes, even news outlets report stories are if they are truthful when they are not.  So, we live in scary times, but then again, all times are scary, if we are being honest. John was one who told the truth and lost his head for telling the truth. Today, we hear him tell of Jesus and what he had seen and heard, just like it happened. Some might call that "fake" news. Yet we trust John's testimony all these years later because he was honest to the core and a servant of God who risked his life for the truth. May we listen to those who risk their lives for the truth today.

Gracious Creator, you give us eyes to see

and ears to hear the truth that is spoken

and minds to carefully weigh the words

and voices to loudly testify to the truth.

We live in an age of media manipulation

and a cacophony of loud screamers

we are often overwhelmed by the lies 

and bury our heads to avoid the noise.

Help us to testify to the truth today

give us voices to speak love to haters

give us arms that can embrace the hurt

may our lives be living testimony to your love. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Luke 18:9-14

And just like that, the season has turned. From partying and dancing to pancakes, we leave behind Epiphany and fall hard into Lent. There is no gentle turning but an abrupt, earth-shattering change of heart and spirit. Still in the midst of winter with only a hint of spring on the wind, we turn and face our failure and mortality, opening our hearts anew and leaning into Jesus. It is not so much a physical turning but rather an inner about face of our hearts and souls.

Tender Creator, you know our weaknesses

you watch each of us with compassion

understanding our mistakes and failures

loving us completely despite it all.

We do not like tot turn or be changed

we will defend our idiotic thoughts

we will fight for our right to be very wrong

and look down our noses at the humble.

Lord, help us to be meek and humble

truly living a holy Lent by our service

make us willing to seek your mercy

so that all our hurting world might be renewed. Amen.

Mardi Gras - Shrove Tuesday

1 O Lord, I call to you; my Rock, do not be deaf to my cry; 

 lest, if you do not hear me, I become like those who go down to the Pit. 

2 Hear the voice of my prayer 

when I cry out to you, 

when I lift up my hands 

to your holy of holies. 

3 Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the evildoers, 

who speak peaceably with their neighbors, while strife is in their hearts. 

4 Repay them according to their deeds, 

and according to the wickedness of their actions. 

5 According to the work of their hands repay them, 

 and give them their just deserts. 

6 They have no understanding of the Lord's doings, nor of the works of his hands; 

therefore he will break them down and not build them up. 

7 Blessed is the Lord! 

 for he has heard the voice of my prayer. 

8 The Lord is my strength and my shield; 

my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped; 

9 Therefore my heart dances for joy, 

 and in my song will I praise him. 

10 The Lord is the strength of his people, 

a safe refuge for his anointed. 

11 Save your people and bless your inheritance; 

shepherd them and carry them forever. Psalm 28

Today is Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. All over Christendom, folks will be flipping pancakes, eating chocolate and partying until the sun comes up. And then the world turns and Lent begins. Christian tradition has expected that believers will remove all fats and sweets from their homes, fasting and praying often for forty days. Many didn't eat meat at all throughout Lent and gave much up. Those who were to be baptized at the great Easter Vigil studied and prayed hard to prepare themselves. In these times we are much less rigid. Folks seem to like to give things up for Lent yet I would rather take things up, begin new practices, dive deep into compassion and mercy. As we celebrate tonight, however we do, remember we are called to observe a holy Lent, a time when we clean our hearts and minds in preparation for receiving the risen Christ.

Wondrous Creator, author of every season

you made our fragile earth turn to the sun

and gave up times of celebration and fast

so we might know you ever more deeply.

Tonight we will give ourselves to feasting

knowing we have so much to so tomorrow

fearful that the world is turning dark despite love

that our hope will perish with the rising sun.

Give us your love and renewed hope today

so we might prepare our hearts for resurrection

that we might be humble enough to be merciful

and let your love thrive in our world again. Amen.

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

John's Gospel begins in the most poetic way, capturing the imagination on poets and artists throughout the ages. John's Gospel never mentions the sacrifice of Mary and Joseph, nor the trials they went through to protect the Word of God. There are no infants' cries, shepherds, angels or lullabies for that matter. Yet, to make the Word of God come alive, be flesh, he had to not descend from heaven, but instead, grow within and be born from a very human woman. Just like all of us. Born bring us healing and belonging. Born to share our pains, joys and sorrows. Born to make us children of a living, loving God. We who are flesh and dwell in this realm know all to well how hard living as human flesh can be. And we have a Savior who understands us to our core.

Precious Savior, you came into the world 

to speak the words of peace and healing

to call us all to be siblings and family

a world that does not know grace and truth.

We do not hear your words of hope often

and we think we have to get by on our own

yet you suffered and died so we could be free

and you are with us in times of great troubles.

Help us to be filled with your words of love

give us strength to scatter the darkness through mercy

make us instrument of your peace and truth

and breathe your holy spirit upon all flesh again. Amen.

Last Sunday After Epiphany March 2, 2025

Last Sunday After Epiphany
March 2nd, 2025

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

The transfiguration is the turning point in Jesus' ministry. From that moment on, his aim is Jerusalem and the final passion and his death on the cross. The three disciples, Peter, James and John get a momentary glimpse of the true nature of their friend and teacher. The vision is overwhelming to them, and that vision secures their hearts for what lies ahead. Years ago, my sister Pegi was facing what would turn out to be her final surgery. As I entered her hospital room and glimpsed my parents on each side of the bed, I saw my beautiful sister, more beautiful than ever despite her lack of hair. Her faced glowed with the love surrounding her, above and beyond that moment in time. I knew she would die soon in that moment, and the vision gave me deep hope for the future, despite the wrenching grief and loss to come. Sometimes we are given a glimpse of the reign of God here on earth. May those glimpses sustain us for what lies ahead.

        A Litany for the Transfiguration

Holy Creator, the heart and breath of life

you give us glimpses of your majestic beauty

and place your love deep in our fragile spirits.

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us.

We are often weak, fearful and anxious now

these times have rattled our peace and calm

we feel we are daily on unsteady ground.

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us.

You show us your eternal and abiding goodness

in the beauty around us and in those who love us

we know you are here abiding with us in all seasons.

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us.

The light might grow dim and the world grow cold

yet you will bring light and warmth again to us.

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us.

The cruel and the greedy might try to oppress

but your love is here with us now and is eternal.

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us.

Let us breathe in your mountain top moment

so we might be faithful and strong for our times. 

Lord Jesus, take us to the mountain top and renew your love within us. Amen. 

Turning the Other Cheek

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48

Many people think fighting and winning are the only way to live and thrive. It is very deep in the American psyche to win at all costs. Yet we find Jesus telling us to turn the other cheek, give up our coats, give to the beggar and love our enemies. It would seem that Jesus is calling us to be submissive and become the abused. In truth, Jesus is calling us to be creatively resistance to our baser urges. We are invited to be defiant by being humble and generous, loving and compassionate in the face of angry world growing more violent every day. Oh, this is hard for us humans. Nonviolence and not responding to hate is hard work demanding a defiant and calm spirit all at once. It requires the daily exercise of replacing reactivity with forgiveness. It is more necessary now more than ever, when folks give in to their baser selves. We will all need to pray for an extra measure of strength in the coming days.

Gracious Creator, love's beginning and sustaining

we owe you everything, our lives and our breath even

you love us humans despite our violent tendencies

and you call us to turn the other cheek in love.

We are tested and tried these days to our limits

and we readily give in to the urge to lash out

we want to stop the pain and fear we are feeling

by hurting those who are themselves hurting.

Help us to be strongly defiant in our turning

let love and compassion be our way of life

bless us with the strength to love the bullies

and change the world as we act in love always. Amen.

Swearing

‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37

I grew up in a household where we never heard swearing or any profanity. I cannot say that about me and my household. My daughter Emily thought her full name was Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Emily at one time in her life! Yet the kind of swearing Jesus is cautioning his followers to refrain from, is using heaven, or earth or family as what we swear by, rather keep it simple and speak with complete honesty. We are prone to promises we don't plan to keep and putting up what we love as collateral only to default and walk away. We are invited to live life, not as a deal or transaction, but as if everything we do is in a loving and honest relationship with God.

Gracious Creator, you love us perfectly

constantly forgiving our daily missteps

offering renewal and healing to scoundrels

and embracing us in all of our struggles.

We want to win so badly that we make promises

we know we are speaking falsely often

yet we fear being the least in our crowd

and will betray our loved ones to get ahead.

lift us up from our need to dominate

and replace our broken hearts with compassion

so we might live humbly and honestly

and bring your love which is so needed now. Amen.

Be Reconciled

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

It seems our nation has become a harsh and hostile place, especially for those marginalized folks and their allies. We often think we're righteous when we condemn and return harshness and hostility. Some might even believe violence in return for violence is appropriate. It is hard not to be angry and want retribution. Jesus comes to us in our anger and our hurt and calls us to be reconciled. Not to reconcile after we crush them or abuse them, but immediately. Oh, this is so hard for so many of us in times like these. Yet our freedom is found in reconciliation, our joy is found when we refuse to carry the burden of hate and judgement.

Loving God, you call us to be reconciled

planting your generous spirit in our hearts

surrounding us with elders to teach us

blessing us with our needs in this time.

Many of us are angry, hurting and sad

wanting to lash out at everyone nearby

ready with fists and sharp, stinging words

yet we are called to be those who reconcile.

Give us the humility and strength we need

to love and forgive despite the dangers

to always seek reconciliation and healing

so the suffering might end here among us. Amen.

Salt and Light

‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:13-20

We are salt and light in this world. Yet, I know all too well how hard it is to be salt or light some days. When sorrow, pain or sudden changes overwhelm us, we feel as if we can do nothing, contribute nothing and have no sparkle or light to share. On these days, well, and all days, we need a community to be salt and light for and with us until we can stand on our feet again. May we seek those who need our salt and light, and call out to others when we are in great need. 

Gracious Creator, light of our lives

you have made us salt of the earth

formed out of stardust and oceans

and you call us to share our light here.

Some days we are weak and sorrowful

other days we are too exhausted to rise

we turn away from your light and hide

our light under the huge basket of our fears.

Walk us into the light again today, Lord

give us your strength and you vigor

so we might be light and salt for others

and carry the ones who have nothing left. Amen.

Blessed

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:1-12

Being blessed and feeling blessed are often two very different things. Jesus went up on the mountain to emphasize the importance of what he was saying. There's no mistaking that the wealthy and the powerful are nowhere in the list of the blessed but rather, the poor in spirit, those in mourning, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers and the persecuted. Jesus promises multitudes of blessings to those who are overlooked, despised and rejected. These days, many people are the targets of misguided wealthy leadership who demonize them. Yet in the midst of all of this, we can remember and hold fast to the sacred blessings which the world cannot have nor take away.

Loving Creator, you bless us each new day

with sunlight and the songs of the birds

you lean in close to the suffering and afraid

and gather us gently into your loving arms.

Many feel overwhelmed and disenfranchised

sidelined, despised, brokenhearted and weary

many feel useless, overwhelmed and alone

yet you are bringing blessing to u all.

Help us to prepare our hearts for your blessings

being merciful and thirsting after your peace

so we might shower blessings on the hurting

and be living sanctuary in our world today. Amen.

Seventh Sunday After Epiphany

Seventh Sunday After Epiphany February 23, 2025

Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Luke 6:27-38

We live in hope for a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, put into our laps. These times do not feel like good measure, rather we feel shattered, scattered, afraid and useless. We are prone to demonizing others, seeking to blame others for our discomfort and fears. In times like these we find Jesus calling us to love, bless, pray, give and forgive. The contrast is startling. We want to fight back, curse, build protective walls, and hold on to our meager possessions. Our freedom and our belonging as children of the most high is found in our readiness to love, share, be merciful and always forgive. These days we are tested yes, and we are loved and blessed beyond measure.

Merciful Creator, you are kind and loving

to the ungrateful and the wicked ones

and are the source of all good measure.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.

Our time on earth causes us to tremble

desiring to retreat from the violence

locking ourselves away from our enemies.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.

You call us to love those whom we fear

to embrace those whom we have demonized

and to be generous and forgiving always.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.

We cannot love on our own force of will

yet you promise to supply all of our needs.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.

We are weak and give into our anger

yet you forgive us and call us to forgive.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.

Make us your followers, able to love all

so the world might see you here today.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies. Amen.

Love God, Love Your Neighbor

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he 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

The first and most important commandments are straight forward. Love God and love your neighbor. There is no room for hate, none at all. We can't be following the Lord and hating anyone. We are to love, despite our discomfort, despite our fears and despite our fears and lack of understanding. We are to love all neighbors, those of different races, cultures and languages as well as those whose orientation, occupation or gender identity confuse us. In this time of cruel words and the freedom to hate demonstratively, we are called to love despite it all.

Loving Creator, source of all freedom

you made us in your diverse, wonderful image

you put your spirit within every person here

and you call us to love what you have made.

You have given us the freedom to hate and abuse

and we think it is free speech and essential

yet hate is not of you but of human ignorance

and we cannot call ourselves your followers.

Help us release all the hate and fear we hold

so that our arms can embrace the frightened

our voices can speak truth to the tyrants

and so that love can be our only work in these times. Amen

God of the Living

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him. Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married her and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.’ Mark 12:13-27 

Jesus was seen as dangerous and tested by religious leaders of his day. They wanted to trap him in falsehoods and signs of madness. Certain seasons of our lives feel like intense testing. Will our faith and strength hold up in times of testing? This winter has seemed like an ongoing trial for many. Yet we are reminded in these tough times, that our Creator is the God of the living, the one who instills love and compassion in us, and breathes the holy spirit over us to protect us. God is within the living and will not fail us in the hardest times.

Eternal Creator, you draw near to us

in our times of growth and testing

in the gentle days of great ease

and closer even in the worst storms.

We live our lives of selfishness

as if you were far off and silent

while you dwell within the living here

and weep with us in these hard times.

Help us to encourage your spirit

living and breathing with everyone

so that love is let loose in this world

and your spirit hovers over and protects us all. Amen.

Tending the Vineyard

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’ Mark 12:1-11

We have been spending a few days on Cape Cod, and despite the frigid weather and gale force winds, it is impossible to miss the beauty of the place. Yet the original inhabitants of this land, who were placed here by our Creator, and who honor and cherish this place, have little or no imprint here. Wealth and property ownership has overtaken everything here. It has made the cost of living impossible for most. Much of our coastal places are the same. We can all damage the gifts and places God has lent to us for our time on earth. Jesus told the parable of the wicked tenants to criticize the religious leadership of his time. Too often, in our present-day religious leaders are moved more by their own needs and control, that as stewards of wonderful and fragile vineyards. May we all care tenderly for the land and all living beings as precious and wonderfully fragile gifts from God.

Precious Savior, came to bring divine love

and in the face of selfishness and greed

you spoke directly to the broken people

promising them a home in heaven and on earth.

We fail to be good tenants and good stewards

we act as if the precious gift is ours to destroy

we make private and exclusive your gifts

and pretend as if we are faithful and kind.

Help us to repent of our greedy ways

give us your strength to share the blessings

may we be your humble servants here

so the vines may again bear the fruit of love. Amen.

A House of Prayer

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’ And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ‘Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.’ Mark 11:12-26

The temple in Jerusalem was overrun with those who would make a profit on the poor people who came to pray and seek a blessing. Folks would give their food money so that could have the proper offering. Unscrupulous religious leaders and the money changers gained huge profits. It was what we call a scam today. Jesus knew that the only offering we need to bring is a humble and contrite heart. God's and blessing do not have a cost. They are free to everyone. Jesus cleansed the temple so that the barriers and the restrictions to a house of prayer. God's love made available to all, wealthy and poor, strong and week, local and foreigner alike. May we make sure there are no barriers to God's love today.

Loving Creator, who made and welcomes all

we have been blessed by your love always

you create sacred, beautiful, holy places

that bring us ever closer to your heart.

We who are blessed by your mercy

often turn away the stranger in need

for fear, we say we have rules and morals

when if fact we are selfish and greedy.

Give us humble and contrite hearts today

so we might approach you with humility

so that we might embrace the stranger

and share your love as we pray for your peace together. Amen.

Blessed

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11

We read the story of what we now know as the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, what we celebrate on Palm Sunday, which this year is a way off. We had a messy winter storm, inches of snow followed by rain and wicked wind. Here in Massachusetts, spring is not around the corner, nor is Easter. We find that we all want spring and summer this time of year. Yet the first Easter was preceded by great horror and a terrible passion. Bigger than the storms most of us face. May we, as we long for warmer weather, safer times, and places of welcome, remember that resurrection is always preceded by turmoil, storms and strife. May we hold on to the blessings of today and trust God for better tomorrows.

Mysterious Creator, you planted us here 

in organized gardens and wild jungles

your blessings reach every place and person

and we are never far from your embrace.

The storms of this season overwhelm us

we hide from the terrors outside our doors

we think we have been abandoned by love

and justice and blessings are never coming.

Yet you live in terrorizing and cruel times

knowing the joys and fears we live with now

and you suffered death so we might live

hold us close until your blessings return again. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 16. 2025

Jesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets." "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." Luke 6:17-26

I remember lining up in gym to be chosen for a team. I was most often last chosen or next to last. We live in a world where we focus on the winners, the powerful, the celebrities and the eye catching, flashy ones. It has always been this way, I guess. But Jesus came and turned all of that upside down. He hung out with the outcasts, the sinners and tax collectors. Today he wouldn't be found in the halls of power, but somewhere on the streets with the poor, hungry and weeping. Let us find Jesus again today at the end of the line, among the overlooked, the dispossessed and the lost. There our joy will be full!

Compassionate Creator, source of mercy

you fed the hungry and heal the sick

and hold those who are deep in grief.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people.

We all strive to be winners and fail

we fail to see the hungry and hurting

and we fail to share your love here.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people.

Teach us again to be gentle and humble

let our effort to win be transformed

as we love the stranger and rejected here.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people.

You promised blessing to the weeping

and bound up the wounds of the broken.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people.

You set the prisoners free to live again

and promised joy to those in exile.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people.

For you are the source of true greatness

which we find as we serve your beloved world.

Lord Jesus, bless us with hearts to serve all people. Amen.

Valentine's Day

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.’ James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him 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 10:32-45

The disciples, those closest to Jesus were as human and flawed as we are. They wanted an easy VIP   pass into heaven. They wanted God's love to surround them and lift them above the unwashed crowd. We too want love, family and community to come easy. We want all the valentines in the classroom box. Yet we know that love means serving, loving people at their worst times as well as their most glamorous and virtuous. Today, as we celebrate love, may remember what a good gift it is and how important it is for us to be willing to get on our knees, be humble and serve others. Love flows through a humble heart and changes to world as it is poured out.

Gracious Creator, source of all love

you teach us to embrace the stranger

serve the least among us with deep love

and never fail to surround those who are aching.

We want our love lives and faith to come easy

we don't want to work at healing or justice

our comfort and ease is our main concern

and we pass the needy by in our selfishness.

Lord, let us all live your love by serving

seeking not our comfort but a hand to others

looking to you who offered up your life

so that we could know love in our time. Amen.

Absalom Jones

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Mark 7:24-30

Today we celebrate the feast day of Absalom Jones, the first African American priest (1802) in the Episcopal Church. Not only was he the first but before being ordained he founded The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (1794) in Philadelphia. A month after St. Thomas church opened, the Founders and Trustees published "The Causes and Motives for Establishing St. Thomas's African Church of Philadelphia," saying their intent was "to arise out of the dust and shake ourselves, and throw off that servile fear, that the habit of oppression and bondage trained us up in." Born into slavery in Delaware, he worked tirelessly for the cause of freedom. He was a faithful Christian and fabulous orator; despite the challenges he faced. He and Richard Allen founded the Free African Society after walking out of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church where they were made to worship in the balcony only. The Rev. Jones and the Syrophoenician woman remind us in this time, that despite the horrors of society and present leadership, God calls up to speak up and stand for justice.

A Litany for the Feast of Absalom Jones

Loving Creator, you have made us in diversity

a rainbow of beauty and wondrous complexity

and you love every piece of your creation.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones.

Some would control others who are different

some would enslave and abuse the stranger

yet you call us all to stand up for justice.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones.

Despite cruel laws and outrageous practices

you are ready to heal and redeem us all

give us strength to rise us for freedom now.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones.

We are often afraid, yet you send us saints

who lead the way in the past with their faithfulness.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones.

We may be weak and worried these days

yet you promise us heaven on earth for our witness.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones. 

For you Lord, made us all and love us all

and you will be with us in every righteous struggle.

Lord, help us to speak and live like blessed Absalom Jones. Amen.

Let the Little Children Come

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 10:13-16

The sweetness of this passage, the image of Jesus embracing little children, is one that is posted in churches and Sunday Schools everywhere. Unfortunately, it has also been used as the reason to take children from parents, as our federal government did with our Native children. "Kill the Indian, save the man" was the slogan for a broad network of boarding schools, which were managed by churches working with the government. Churches and governments have tried to fix "issues" by changing the children. In truth, Jesus' words were for the adults and for us. Be childlike, full of wonder, messy and open and vulnerable. Children don't impose programs and changes on others, instead, they embrace those who are in their midst, they play and imagine a better place and sing and dance all day long. May we be childlike today, open and full of wonder, so Jesus can dwell with us.

Wondrous Creator, author of new life

you decorate our world with wonders

sweet songs, birds in flight, roaring oceans

and the soft breathing of a sleeping child.

We age and forget how to open our arms

we shelter in place fearing the worst

we fix our problems by hurting others

and despair at the mess we have made.

Free us Lord, from the need to control

instead help us be full of great wonder

let us live we hope and curiosity

so that we might know your loving embrace. Amen.

Have Salt in Yourselves

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell., And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. ‘For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.’ Mark 9:42-50

These days many folks are trying to reduce salt in their diets. We really don't understand the importance of salt in earlier times. In the time of Jesus, salt was such an important and precious resource that people were paid wages in salt. For meats and other foods to last, salt was needed to preserve the food. We don't worry about having enough salt, but the people in Jesus' world did. So, what is our salt today? We are invited by Jesus to have salt, the essential ingredient that preserves life, and keeps love's flame alight. When we have salt in ourselves, we have peace, because we trust God's love to work through us in service of others.

Gracious Creator, you delight our senses

with foods both simple and elaborate

with skies full of portent and colors

and a myriad of friends who love us well.

When we give up on caring for others

and turn our hearts bitter and fearful

we lose the joy and love you have given us

and we never have a moment of peace.

Lord, restore us with faith and love today

so we might bring your love to others

may we change the world day by day

salting our communities with your love. Amen.

Welcome One Such Child

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. Mark 9:30-41

The disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest, and Jesus, in his wisdom, picked up a small child and told them to be great they must welcome the littlest, messiest, wiggliest and different among them. We live in a time when shutting out different seems acceptable. Jesus would have none of it, as he had none of it then. It is not the polished, the in-crowd nor the wealthy whom Jesus welcomed but instead, he gathered up the weak, the ignored and the messiest. If we are to be followers of Jesus, let us do likewise.

Loving Creator, source of genuine welcome

you made the world round with plenty of room

so that languages and expressions can flourish

and people of all sorts are loved and thrive.

We humans like our boundaries and walls

we think ourselves special and better than

when in fact we are the not the greatest

but those who need to welcome the least.

Lord, give us the strength to embrace the other

make us always ready to welcome the stranger

help us be your followers as we gather up those

who need your love and protection in these days. Amen.

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany - February 9, 2025

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
February 9, 2025

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11

Today we hear another Gospel story of calling disciples away from their nets. Before Simon Peter followed Jesus, along with James, John and Andrew, Jesus provided them with an overabundance of fish. These exhausted men, skilled fishermen, reluctantly let down their nets one last time and the nets were filled to overflowing. I imagine this amazing catch provided many months' worth of fish for their families, along with plenty of fish to sell. They are afraid at first but are compelled to leave everything behind and follow him. We too often struggle with leaving our familiar lives to follow Jesus. On all sides there is abundance, and the promise that our needs will be met and all our fears assuaged.

A Litany for the Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

Gracious Creator, source of abundance

seas team with fish, the sky is full of birds

and you surround us with every good thing.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.

These times are fraught, and we are afraid

the threats of scarcity and lack are real

and we worry for our children's future.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.

Yet you climbed into strangers' boats

and turned a failure into a huge catch

supplying food and comfort to all around.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.

We struggle with our fears and our worries

yet you remind us that you are with us always.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.

Whether the seas roar or the skies darken

you dwell with us in all our stormy places.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.

For your love surrounds the whole world

and promises to bring abundance to all.

Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you. Amen.

Transfigured

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He said to them, ‘Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.’ Mark 9:2-13

Life is constantly changing, and just when we think we have figured things out, it changes again. We rarely see completely, we rarely know the truth in front of us, and we also don't know people as God knows them. The three disciples who accompanied Jesus to the mountain top thought they knew him and what was going on. Like us, they could not fathom eternity, they could not imagine Jesus' true self, and like us, they were overwhelmed by what they were experiencing. We too tremble at times, are afraid and don't know what to do. We are invited to see God's glory around us and to put love into practice despite the very real challenges of everyday living.

Loving Creator, author of all wonders

you painted the sky with glorious colors

you put beauty into every child's face

and send rain and snow to cleanse our world.

 

We get caught up in life's small dramas

we can't look up because of our pain

we forget your majesty and wonder here

and try to build walls to protect us.

Lift us up from and small disasters

and help us see from the mountain tops

your love radiating all the world round

and your arms embracing everyone here. Amen.

Take Up Your Cross

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’ Mark 8:27-9:1

Jesus and his disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, a place where traditionally folks worshipped Hellenistic and Roman gods. They were in what we might think of as foreign or alien territory. And it was there where Peter called him the Messiah, Jesus called him Satan and told us how to be true disciples or what we call Christians now. Three simple and yet very hard things. First, deny oneself, which means we can't have our way, be selfish and think ourselves in charge. Then we must take up our cross, which means we need to carry our own burdens and not lay them on others. And finally, we are to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means going into alien, strange, uncomfortable place and engaging and loving those different from us. The marks of being a Christian, a follower of Christ, have never changed.

Loving Creator, you are always with us

even when we are unwilling to love others

even when we put our burdens on others

and even when we try to get our own way.

The world is full of greed and selfishness

some disguise themselves as your followers

yet you have called us from the very beginning

to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow you.

Help us, dear Savior, to resist the selfishness

make us strong enough to be humble

make us humble enough to carry our crosses

and give us your love so we can follow daily. Amen.

The Yeast of Anxiety

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently, and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’ Mark 8:11-26

In these times, it is easy to give into fear and anxiety. It can bubble up when we are otherwise calm and take over our thinking and out spirit. Fear grows like yeast, bubbling up and spilling out all over. I love baking bread, love watching it rise and even more I like punching it down and kneading the dough. It is therapeutic to me, allowing me to get out all my frustrations and fears. Bread is not good if the dough is not punched down and kneaded. Clay is not good unless all the air is pounded out and it is kneaded thoroughly. We are invited today to find ways to pound out our fears and knead out the bubble of worry that paralyze us, so God can use us in the healing of our world.

Gracious Creator, source of all healing

you promise to provide our needs 

you help us along the darkest paths

and take us by the hand and lead is home.

Fear and anxiety bubble up within us

we fear the worst in a dangerous world

our voices go silent as anxiety creeps in

and we are like lost sheep bleating for help.

Help us Lord to fight against the evil ones

who loves to stir up our fears and anxieites

let us put all our trust in your daily provision

and make room for the healing each of us needs. Amen.

The Importance of Compassion and Mercy

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.’ His disciples replied, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ They said, ‘Seven.’ Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. They had also a few small fish; and after blessing them, he ordered that these too should be distributed. They ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:1-10

As a child I was taught early that if someone came to the house they were fed, no questions asked. We never had a lot, but what we had we shared. I thought that was how everyone grew up. In every Indigenous community I have been in across the world, feeding and caring for folks, family and strangers alike, is essential. If there is to be a feast of any sort, there is always extra for people to take home. We assume there are other family members to feed back home, and no one should go hungry. Mercy and compassion were an integral part of my upbringing and my life. Jesus had compassion and mercy on the people who had come so far. He knew their needs and always showed mercy and compassion. as he knows ours. May we who are so blessed make room for mercy and compassion in our lives.

Loving Creator, source or mercy and compassion

the world you give us is abundant with good food

yet so many go hungry, so many are forgotten

yet you call us have compassion and feed the hungry.

The world is off-kilter, folks fear the stranger

doors are slammed in the face of those come here

we have been taught to be fearful and hide away

while you are calling us out to the places of needs.

Send us forth today ready to provide the needs

may we be ready to share our bread and your love

may there be no outcasts and room at the table

since you always give us all mercy and compassion. Amen.

Healing Strangers and Aliens

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So, she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’ Mark 7:24-37

We find ourselves in a time when we get daily reports on the many deportations of "illegals" and the demonization of strangers. Even our closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico are being tariffed. All of us, on all sides of the border suffer in both cases. Contrast that with our Gospel today, where we find Jesus going into the towns and homes of strangers, aliens and even what were traditional enemies. To each of these he brings healing. Despite his initial reluctance, the honesty and faithfulness of the desperate mother brings Jesus around. He never shirked from loving and healing all in need. No different nationality, no language difference are a barrier to our Savior. May we then be willing to cross the line, the differences and the awkward strangeness to bring Christ's love and healing to all.

Gracious Creator, who refuses no one

you embrace all of your diverse children

our tongues may sound different words

yet your love is the same for everyone.

We speak of borders you will not see

we hear of the dangers of the alien

we think we are superior to others

yet all of us need your healing today.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus to the suffering

no matter their language or pigment

help us to embrace the stranger among us

so we too might know your healing love. Amen.