Mary Letter Day Five

Open for me the gates of righteousness; 

I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord. 

"This is the gate of the Lord; 

he who is righteous may enter." 

 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me

 and have become my salvation. 

 The same stone which the builders rejected 

has become the chief cornerstone. 

 This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 

 On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:19-24

Dear Mama,

I am doing well here with Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Zechariah. The weather has been beautiful and relatively cool, here in the mountains. Their home is so nicely situated at the base of the hill and next to the river. I had forgotten how restful it is here. It is very odd that Uncle Zechariah cannot speak at all. I know elders grow deaf sometimes, but I never expected one would go mute. Auntie told me the story about his encounter with an angel who told him about our child, and how Zechariah doubted the angel and was made mute. He kept jumping in while she was telling the story, correcting the details with gestures and sometimes writing. They seem very happy and excited about the baby, yet privately I am concerned. They are so old!

Mama, Auntie is quite big with this child, but she continues with her chores with great gusto. She is such a delight to be around as she sings hymns all the time and stops to pray often. They read the scriptures together at the end of each meal and have me participating too. Her faith and life have really given me courage, as did my conversation with Joseph on our trip here. He told me he too had a dream and was told my "situation" was the work of the Lord! I think we both shed some tears then, when we realized we were called to be responsible for this holy child. We didn't make any decisions yet but he promised we would be married and he would care for us both. Mama, I am so grateful for him.

I know I have made your lives miserable from time to time and the child within is making things worse. If I could make it easier for you and Papa, I surely would. I will be home before long, and we can talk and pray things through. Give my love to Papa, please, and don't worry, at least, not too much.

love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Four

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 

 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. 

 He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 

 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; 

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; 

you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Dear Auntie,

I am so excited to see you! It will be wonderful to be with another woman growing a child for the first time. And, it will be great to be away from home for a time. My parents are worried and fretting all the time about my health and my future. Even though the wise woman told them that I was very healthy, and the baby was well and strong, they still are upset when they look at me. Over these last days, I have come to realize who close the Lord is to me and to us. Fretting and fear get in the way of knowing thar. I am working hard to put fear aside and trust Yahweh completely. What else can I do, really?

The exam by the wise woman was awkward and embarrassing.  Fortunately, Mama stayed in the room with me, holding my hand and comforting me. It wasn't painful really, just so uncomfortable. The exam did make one thing very clear - I indeed had never been with a man. My parents were relieved by that news but still are anxious for my future. I am too, Elizabeth, but I have to trust the Lord. It is difficult when my own folks are trembling with anxiety. I know they love me completely. I will be glad to be away from this fear that has seemed to take over our home.

I am hoping that Joseph can accompany my cousin Jonah who is driving me in our cart to your house. We have a good deal to talk about out of the earshot of my parents. He has been very kind and has gotten over his initial anger at the situation "I put everyone in." He seems to have softened, and I hope to find out why. Well, we're off in the morning, so I will get this letter off to you.

Much love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Three

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath.

Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked. 

My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long? 

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me for your mercy's sake. 

For in death no one remembers you; and who will give you thanks in the grave? 

I grow weary because of my groaning; every night I drench my bed and flood my couch with tears. 

My eyes are wasted with grief and worn away because of all my enemies. 

Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. 

The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer. 

All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame. Psalm 6

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope you don't think I'm crazy, but I had a dream or vision last night that shocked me to the core. I don't really know how to handle it. I just have to tell you about it. I awoke to see an angel, bright with warm light, who told me the child within me is holy, planted there by the living God. I was told I am carrying the Messiah of the world! It was so real, I felt faint and began to weep. He told me not to be afraid, for I am favored of the Lord. I said I am a handmaid of the Lord and would do as I am called to do. It was extraordinarily real and overwhelming too.

I told Mama and Papa about it at breakfast, and they looked at me with deep worry and said very little. They are planning to send me to visit you in the next day or so. Mama wants me examined before I go by the wise woman who lives next door. She is kind and a good friend, not given to gossip. I think they are sending me to you to get my troubles out of the way for a bit. I know they are planning to negotiate with Joseph about putting me aside. They believed Joseph when he told them he was not responsible. Joseph was very kind despite the situation. The engagement may be off and I will be on my own! I'm scared.

Auntie, I really look forward to being with you and learning from you. You always make me feel welcomed and at home with you. Please pray for me as it is very hard these days.

Love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Two

Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!

 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and they meditate on his law, day and night. 

They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper. 

It is not so with the wicked; they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 

Therefore, the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, nor the sinner in the council of the righteous. 

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 1

Dear Auntie,

Well, Mama started asking me many questions about my flow. She said she was concerned as it was not normal for a girl of my age to miss one or two. I finally had to tell her that it was true, no flow, and I was terrified by it. She was kind and said she would have a wise woman take a look at me. Mama looked at me funny but didn't say much more and we went on with our housework. I was hoping that would be the end of it but no!

Later on, Papa told me that we had to talk. He was finished working when he said it and was getting cleaned up for supper. Mama was quiet and I knew something was up. It was a silent supper, and I could eat next to nothing since I was such a wreck. Finally, Papa asked was it true that I had no flow and I started to cry. He got a bit angry with my tears. I couldn't stop crying. He finally screamed "what have you done?" When I could get words out, I told him nothing at all. I have not been with a man. I said,  "even if I wanted to, Jospeh only visited when you were both around." I might have yelled a little through my tears. I rushed off to my room and threw myself on the bed crying. I know it was childish, but I am so full of emotion, and I don't want them angry with me.

Later, Mama came and sat on my bed, stroking my hair. She said Papa is scared for me, that all, and they would figure things out and take care of me. Papa came in too, finally, and told me we would find a way. Auntie, I'm very scared. This is so hard and I don't know why this is happening. I'll write again soon.

Much love,

Mary

First Sunday of Advent 2025

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Matthew 24:36-44

*This is the beginning of Advent. From Advent until the day of Epiphany, I write letters from Mary who, sometimes writes to her mother and sometimes to her aunt/cousin Elizabeth.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I am writing because I desperately need your help and advice. I am so excited for you, pregnant after you waited and prayed for so long. I need to know how it feels to be pregnant. My flow seems to have stopped and I don’t know what to do! I have not had relations with a man, and have just kissed Joseph once. He is kind and sweet, and very careful and respectful of me. We haven’t set our wedding date yet we have to meet with Rabbi Abraham and plan with the temple ladies a well. The rules are very strict here. 

I haven’t said anything to Mama and Papa. They have worries of their own. The Romans are patrolling here and expect Papa to give them discounts for anything they want. If he doesn’t, they threaten they will mess him up along with the wood shop. Mama and I are afraid for him. He is so brave! I am so afraid of the trouble this might cause in our tight knit community. Papa is a pillar of faith and a leader in the temple. I have done nothing wrong but I think no one would understand nor be kind about it. I want this to be a mistake and that I will become a regular girl again.

Every night and several times a day I pray to the Lord to free me from this terror within. Maybe there is something wrong with me, maybe this is some kind of sickness. I know Yahweh will provide, but right now the road ahead is dark and scary. I feel so all alone. I have felt close to the Lord all my life, but now I feel abandoned and scared. What should I do?

Sending my love and prayers for you both. I mean you three! I hope I can come see you soon. You have always been my strength and support.

Much love,

Mary

Servants

While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.’ Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Matthew 20:17-28

We are sitting in the living room enjoying the afterglow of a wonderful Thanksgiving. So many people were up this morning early to stand in line for Black Friday bargains. The Christmas crazies are upon us and folks are trying to be first in line to get the cool gifts. People will do anything to get the gift and be winners. Yet we are faced with a different call, a holy call to live for others, serving and caring with the kindness that most never receive. We are called to be different from the present culture and trends, carrying love through service.

Wondrous Creator, from the beginning of time you love us

Entrusting us with this verdant and beautiful planet

Love bubbling up all over despite our behavior.

Running with anxiety we push to the line’s front

Ignoring the pain and suffering of those waiting

And living for ourselves and our gain alone.

Oh Lord, let us be servants in your name

Sharing love and hope in these bitter times

Making room for all in this broken world. Amen.

Thanksgiving 2025

When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:25-35

Jesus told the crowd that he was the bread of life. He is our food, our sustenance, and our provider of our daily needs. He is very real and practical feet on the ground kind of savior. Life is not about wealth, fame, or getting it right. It’s about the basics. It’s about love, caring and human kindness. Right now, that seems to be lacking from our world. So, we who follow the “Bread of Life” are called to embody love, caring and human kindness, sharing these basics with our neighbors, near and far. We are called to share love with those like us and those radically different. This Thanksgiving may we, of every tribe, however we celebrate, live the gratitude we have been given from our humble, loving and generous ancestors and share gratitude and love with the world.

Gracious Creator, you provide all our needs

making our earth verdant and abundant

so that all people can taste your blessings.

We take and hoard what is not ours

keeping what is meant to be shared

and losing out on your joy and love.

Remake us, Lord, into your followers

so we can share your love and joy

with a hungry and very anxious world. Amen.

Last Will be First

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’ Then Peter said in reply, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Matthew 19:23-30

I remember cover dish suppers as a child. One of us had figured out that the ladies always put the number of each table under the centerpiece. The table marked one went first, of course. We ached to go first, have first dibs on that good food. So, we would plunk ourselves down on that table after we checked under the centerpiece. Well, some smart adult, probably my father, the pastor, saw what we had done and called the highest number first, calling the next highest number and so on. We went last, again. He made some clever remark in the car on the way home, "the last will be first". We all ache to get the limelight and be chosen first, and yet there is enough for all in God's reign and we will be fed and cared for, despite ourselves.

Wondrous Creator, source of abundance

you remind us that there is enough for all

and call us to give of ourselves for others.

We want to be first in line, first in everything

winning has become our one and only goal

and we fail to see the joy of caring for others.

Give us eyes to see the hands that pick our food

and hearts to treat others as we would be treated

so we might know the joy of your love here. Amen

Treasure in Heaven

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:13-22

A family friend owned a gift shop by the ocean. We had our small boat stored there and we often went out fishing during summers when I was small. The gift shop had a rusty old trunk full of paper bags which he called Captain Kidd's treasure chest. For a small sum, children could pay to reach in and chose a bag full of some surprise wonderful gift. We rarely could afford this fun but when we could, it was thrilling and too often, disappointing. The expectation rarely met the reality. We are in that season before Christmas when everyone is trying to find the right treasure for gift giving. We stop listening to Jesus' plea to give to the poor. They are often last on our list. May we follow Jesus by letting go our temporal treasure. 

Loving Creator, you encompass us with love

showering us with the blessings of life

and speak to us in the night when we are afraid.

We turn away from you and focus on treasure

convinced that we can thrive in isolation

missing the joy of sharing the treasures we have.

Help us to follow Jesus by letting go of things

and embracing those in need around us

so we might share your treasures in heaven. Amen.

Gratitude

He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’ Luke 21:1-4 

When I remember this story of the widow's mite from Sunday School, I recall an image of an ancient woman, bent over, looking as if her life was ended. And I remember my mother telling me about all her friends who were widows after the Second World War. Thousands and thousands of young women with young children, all on their own. Many of those women have passed, and lived full lives with new spouses and children, but many didn't. If we imagine a young, vibrant woman instead of an old woman, how much does this change our perspective. She would have every right to keep what she had so she could feed her babies. None of us would criticize her. Yet despite all of her troubles and fears, she was grateful to God sharing her little in thanksgiving for God's love in her life. We don't know why she did, but we know Jesus saw it and honored her. He said she had done more than all the wealthy, haughty folks who criticized her, and we remember her to this day because of what she has done. May we all be grateful, even in these challenging times, so our hearts can be filled with God's love for the whole world.

Gracious Creator, source of all we have

you made us in your splendid image

and we are all your beloved children.

The wealthy scoff at the suffering poor

believing they made their wealth and fame

yet you draw close to the lost and broken.

Help us Lord to be grateful in these times

let us give from our hearts in joy and sorrow

so the world might see you drawing close now. Amen.

November 23, 2025, Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King Sunday 2025

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:33-43

Christ the King Sunday is the last Sunday in the long season of Pentecost, signaling the beginning of Advent and the new church year. The lectionary readings of these last Sundays of Pentecost have portent and drama, reminding us of the coming time of preparation and self-examination. The world around us screams at us these days, "buy, buy, buy!" Yet Jesus whispers to us "come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden." We are called to a time of remembering both the birth and passion of our Lord, knowing we live in in-between times, caught between the pain of living and the promise of paradise, the sentimentality and messy violence of this reality and the tender arms of our loving Savior. May we quiet the world's noise for a season, so we might hear, see and know again that divine love.

Creator God, the source of all compassion

you sent your only child to suffer for us all

so we might know love and share love here.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here.

We know our faults all too well and worry

that there is no place for us in your reign

yet you told criminals you loved them too.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here.

We turn and face the season of your birth

forgetting how much you have done for us.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here.

The world focuses on shopping and gifts

you call us to focus on compassion and service.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here.

We fail every day and yet you lift us all up

holding us in your arms of love for eternity.

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here.

Help us to love and serve daily in your name 

trusting you have a place for us now and forever. 

Lord Jesus, give us hearts to know you now and share your love here. Amen.

Lost Sheep

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Matthew 18:10-20

From time to time we are all lost sheep, thinking we can find our way and boldly setting out, without help, only to find ourselves bleating, crying for help. We hear that God seeks out the lost and the wandering, and that we are cared for by a great shepherd. He tells us, even when folks have refused to listen to the church, over and over, we are to treat them like Gentiles and tax-collectors. Jesus loved Gentiles and tax-collectors, eating with them and making friends with them. Noone is out of the circle of God' love, even when they seem hopeless. 

Gracious Creator, you circle is stretched wide

to include the wanderers and the lost sheep

and your deep love is for all of your creation.

We are onery and stubborn going our own way

often getting lost an crying out like children

and you, O Lord, always come to our rescue.

Help us Lord, to see others with your eyes

help us to love others with your heart

and give us strength to welcome all to you. Amen.

Humble As A Child

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘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 fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes! ‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:1-9

I have often been accused of behaving like a 12-year-old, usually by my own children. I've always been prone to being barefoot, goofy and awkward. I'll admit that the accusations are true to some extent. I loved playing with my children and now with my grandchildren. I love being messy and digging in the dirt. I remind playful and silly even as I am about to turn seventy. But as an adult, I have also failed to be humble as a child, failed to see others and the world with the wonder of a child. I have stumbled into thinking I know more than others, rather than having an open heart and mind for learning and growing still. We are invited to find in ourselves that childlike humility and wonder, that deep force that allows us to love unconditionally and humbly and readily share love.

Loving Creator, you put your love deeply in our hearts

and you made us with intellects to wonder and explore

giving us humble hearts to embrace our whole community.

We are jaded, angry and too often afraid to love

hiding behind our wisdom, our money and our vanities

rather than seeing how we can serve and love the world.

Lord, make us child-like in our work and our rest

let us trust that you have enough for the needs here

and we can work and rest in your arms of love. Amen.

Found Money

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ Matthew 17:22-27

I have spent considerable time by the ocean, catching and cleaning fish. I have never found a coin in the mouth of a fish, nor have I found a pearl opening an oyster shell. It is nearly impossible to find money let alone coins in a fish's mouth. Yet, Peter follows Jesus' instruction and does just that so the temple tax could be paid. This amazing moment follows a very troubling one when Jesus lets the disciples in on his bitter end to come. Incredible possibility following heartbreak. It is when we are heartbroken and lost when God often makes small miracle happen. Right here among the mess of our lives the stinging salt and the fish scales, small miracles are making ready. May we always be ready to go fishing!

Wondrous Creator, source of all our miracles

you give us our daily needs and shelter too

yet we want flashy miracles and quick answers.

When we are in trouble we fail to follow you

stubbornly we go our own way and get lost

failing into despair with hearts on the ground.

You promise to find us and redeem our lives

giving us daily miracles so we might trust

your love to see us through these trying times. Amen.

Moving Mountains

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ Matthew 17:14-21

I have always been fascinated with the many roads that have been carved out of mountains. Throughout the Northeast, there are roads with rock outcroppings everywhere and many tunnels go right through mountains. Humans can alter, move and rearrange mountains, with the right tools and finances. What I find much harder for us to do, is to change our hearts and stop being tempted by power and money. We know these destroy relationships and individuals, yet we cling to them, like desperate, fearful children. Jesus promises us that we can move mountains and hearts, if we have faith, we can change the world. Having faith means letting go of our selfish desires and being filled with love for all people. May we daily let go so God can fill us with love again.

Gracious Creator, at birth you fill us with love

breathing your spirit and compassion in us

and giving us your power to move mountains.

Our hearts have become had and cruel these days

we protect ourselves with our power and wealth

and find that we are lonely and always afraid.

Lord, put faith filled love in our hearts again today

so all we do might bring your love to the world

moving mountains hearts and minds by your love. Amen.

Overshadowed

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist. Matthew 17:1-13

There are times in our lives when we witness and participate in extraordinary events. Whether it's the birth of a child, a wedding day, an ordination, or some other extraordinary event, they stay with us and return to our memories to encourage and restore our hope. Peter, James and John were up on a mountain with Jesus and they witnessed an incredible moment and are terrified. And yet it was this overwhelming terrifying event that gave them hope and strength in the days to come. Some of us feel like we are in times when nothing good will happen. It is these times we are called to remember when we were overshadowed by love, when we were struck dumb in awe of the love that surrounds us. 

Loving Creator, you overwhelm us with love

showering us with all we need to live and thrive

and promising us strength in our darkest days.

Some seasons we are overshadowed by fear

we suspect everyone is trying to do us harm

and cower in the safe places we have carved out.

Lord, help us be brave and hopeful in hard times

remembering how your love covers and restores us

and give us the strength to bring your love to our world. Amen.

Sunday, November 16th, 2025, Proper 28

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!' and, `The time is near!' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls." Luke 21:5-19

Certain times in our lives and in history test the human spirit. Often, these times are seen by some as the answer to all the problems, while others feel like the end is near. As we watch innocent people rounded up like cattle and being treated like stray dogs, our hearts and spirits sink. Some leaders might see this as ridding our land of those who would bring our destruction.  Jesus knows the human spirit and the ways humans try to destroy the ones they fear. And he promises to give us words when needed and he will provide us the protection we will need. We are called to endure by speaking up when given the chance and acting always with compassion and forgiveness. We live in difficult times as our ancestors did. Let us be brave and faithful as they were to the end.

Loving Creator, you made us all in your image

giving us free will and the wisdom to do right

and the opportunity to bless the world with love.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.

We stumble into selfish, protective behaviors

thinking we are doing what is right and proper

when in fact we are forgetting to trust you always.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.

We limp along, trying to hide from the world

fractured and hurting, we ignore our neighbors

and fall into the deep shame we carry around.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.

You have promised to give us strength and words

when the world tries to destroy our very lives.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.

Your love will protect us and see us through each day

as we lean into your love and pray without ceasing.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.

Make us strong so we might endure the onslaught

and make us see those who need your love today.

Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end. Amen.

On This Rock

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus renamed Simon as Peter, the rock which the church was built upon, which evil could not bring down, and was capable of binding and loosing on earth as in heaven. We know that Peter became the first "pope" and did great ministry in his lifetime. e also suffered greatly. This Rock, this Peter, was also very human and the imprint of fear and the scars of doubt were a visible part of him. He denied knowing Jesus after he was arrested. He stumbled often and misunderstood all the time. But he gave himself to God, no matter his failings and we can too. The perfect are not called to follow Jesus because there are no perfect people except Jesus, just us flawed and stumbling people who are all loved by God.

Wondrous Creator, you love us all completely

you do not see our faults and our great fears

and you help us to love despite our failings.

We expect so much of ourselves and others

that we are often disappointed and full of shame

though you love us completely despite us.

Help us to get us again and follow you

knowing you called us to be your love here

and trusting you will give us new strength today. Amen.

Beware of the Yeast

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then he left them and went away. When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have brought no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!’ Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:1-12

Yeast is a wonderful thing. I am in the process of feeding my sour dough starter that has been lying dormant through the warm months, yet with a little feeding and some yeast, we will make bread again. Yeast turned simple sugar and flour into a breathing mass of dough, which, even after it is punched down, rises again. It is a very small portion of the bread recipe, but it's indominable. Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the yeast of the religious leaders. A small bit of nasty criticism can get into the whole and effect the whole loaf. We hear so many mean words about the immigrants and the poor, that we can believe it. But that is the power of a little bit of yeast. May we learn to identify those words and behaviors that are dangerous small things that take over and rid ourselves of that kind of thinking.

Wondrous Creator, you give us good bread

rich with hope filled with kindness and care

and strengthen us to serve the world in your name.

Too often, we get taken in by wealthy yeast

the desire to be rich and comfortable take over

and we forget that you call us to love and serve.

Knead our hearts back to compassion and care

so that the yeast of hate has no home with us

and your love rises among those in great need. Amen.

Feeding the Hungry

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Matthew 15:29-39

We find ourselves in a time when there is great hunger in a nation of abundance. Wealthy leaders have cut off assistance to the neediest among us and are rounding up innocent refugees and immigrants. On the other hand, after healing so many, Jesus had compassion of the crowd, as he did not want them to even faint going home. The crowd that Jesus fed had seen the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking and the blind seeing. Yet, even after all those healings Jesus felt there was more to do. His compassion resulted in great abundance. As his followers, we are called to so likewise and not send people home hungry and fainting. May we rise up, gather up food and share our abundance with those who need our help.

Gracious Creator, source of our abundance

you give us rain and sun to feed the crops

and abundance to gather in every autumn.

We stockpile goods and withhold them

believing that some so not deserve food

deepening the pain of the sick and hungry.

Lord Jesus, give us your compassion today

so we might care for the hungry people

and share your abundant love with all. Amen.

Woman, Great is Your Faith!

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28

The most wonderful and often most overlooked experiences in Jesus' ministry is his encounter with bold women. They correct and challenge the cultural and religious narrative. And a second most amazing thing, is the men who recorded the Gospels, handed down to us, left their stories in the scripture. They could have left these out, and it makes me wonder how many other women's stories were left out. But the inclusion of these women shifts the whole narrative of male dominance and female servitude. For the love of a child, this woman challenges Jesus and he calls her great of faith. We struggle today to loosen ourselves from the claws of colonialism and other powers. Our Gospel emboldens us all, to challenge the cultural and religious narratives that keep people from the love of God and justice in our time.

Wondrous Creator, you made us all equally beloved

given strength and power to each in our diversity

and call us to be faithful and to act always for justice.

The word is cold and the leaders abuse the poor and needy

we stand by and watch and refuse to speak truth to power

and we bind ourselves to the clutches of greed and power.

Oh Lord, give us voices and strength today and always

to be live this fierce mother demanding her child's healing

knowing that your love and justice are for all people. Amen.

From the Heart

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.’ He answered them, ‘And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, “Honor your father and your mother,” and, “Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.” But you say that whoever tells father or mother, “Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God”, then that person need not honor the father. So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied rightly about you when he said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.” ’ Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, ‘Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.’ Then the disciples approached and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees took offence when they heard what you said?’ He answered, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘Explain this parable to us.’ Then he said, ‘Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.’ Matthew 15:1-20

"Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?" This is a famous line utter by Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It seems there are many in our country and in positions of power who resonant with this sentiment. We see people utter cruel statements about the most needy in the country while claiming to hold Chrisitan values. We cannot claim to be followers or Christ and have hard hearts and mean tongues. Jesus couldn't have been clearer than that. From ancient times our scriptures, both the Jewish and Christian scriptures and traditions, call us to feed the hungry, house the homeless and care for the sick, the elderly and the alien. We are reminded by Jesus today to be those with hearts of love, compassion and kindness, so that what we say and do match our hearts' desires.

Loving Creator, who put compassion in our hearts

and who calls us throughout time to be compasion

for the lost, the lonely and all those who are in need.

We have become molded by a greedy, selfish society

which believes we can be cruel and Christian too

and we forget that we are always called to serve others.

Help us Lord, to examine our hearts and words today

may they be aligned by your love and forgiveness

so that we might do your work in the world today. Amen.

Sunday, November 9th, 2025 Proper 27

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive." Luke 20:27-38

One of the things that used to make very frustrated in seminary, and at times in the House of Bishops, is when folks feel they need to test others' intelligence, in order to show how smart they are. We all know people who test our patience. Some of us might have been those children that tested limits all the time and some of us have children that tested the limits constantly.  I've never liked being tested, whether legitimately in school or by others. It doesn't seem to help anyone much except those who are good at testing and end up on Jeopardy. Religious leaders were testing Jesus to trap him and show that he was stupid. He turned their testing on them. He reminds us all that God is the God of the living, and we do not have to worry about our lives here or in the afterlife.

Wondrous Creator, you dwell among the living

breathing life into stagnant and broken places

and giving us joy again so we might fully live.

Lord God of the living, be present with us always.

We are tested to the very edge of our limits

often, we want to blame others for our pain

yet we forget to seek you in the dark times.

Lord God of the living, be present with us always.

Every new day is a gift from your heart

every child a unique gift to lift us all

and every season a time to love one another.

Lord God of the living, be present with us always.

The short days and long nights are upon us

and you promise to be here in the midst of us.

Lord God of the living, be present with us always.

We worry about the future without any hope

yet you are our hope, our future and our home.

Lord God of the living, be present with us always.

Help us Lord, to seek you in all seasons

so we might renew the world with your love. 

Lord God of the living, be present with us always. Amen.

They Need Not Go Away

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21

Too often, like the disciples, we toss up our hands and say we can't tend to the overwhelming need. A huge crowd came to see Jesus and his disciples told him to disperse the crowd when evening came. These were sick, needy and poor people. The disciples were overwhelmed, I assume, and afraid but that was not reason to send them away. They gathered up what little they could and it became enough for the whole crowd, with leftovers. It is time for us to repeat to one another; "they need not go away." These are times when folks with great needs will approach us.  They need not go away. We, who believe in God's love for all, can gather our small resources, pray hard, and trust in God's abundance even in scarcity.

Creator, God, you are the source of all we have

you promise abundance and fullness to everyone

and you teach us to not send the needy away.

In our fear we shut out others in lean times

we turn the crowd away to forage alone

yet you call us to never let folks be sent away.

Help us Lord, in abundant and lean times

to trust in your sure provisions and abundance

so that we might serve the neediest among us. Amen.

Revenge Dancing

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:1-12

The story of John the Baptist losing his head because of a pleasing dance has always confused and made me wonder about how God works. It seems as if the powerful can destroy others and get cruel revenge without consequences. I used to wonder why God would allow it. I have come to realize that it is not the work of God but the cruel and selfish behavior of humans. In these times we have seen too much revenge meted out on the innocent and the vulnerable. We always have the choice, in every situation, to be cruel or to be kind, to use our power for good of for evil. We have the choice to bring light or carry darkness. Theologians call it free will, a gift from God that can turn dangerous to others. May we live knowing we have choices and that we are called to choose the way of love, healing and peace.

Loving Creator, you give us your power

so we might choose to do good in the world

and to care for the needs of the most vulnerable.

Too often, we give in to our selfish desires

hurting others since we feel hurt ourselves

and good people are torn asunder by our deeds.

Help us to choose to live a life of service

choosing daily to bring love into all spaces

and choosing to embrace those hurting here. Amen.

Pearls and Full Nets

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus talks to his followers about how the kingdom of heaven is treasure in a field, a pearl of great price and full nets. He is talking about now and the end of the age as well. Very few of us, if any, have found treasure in a field, a pearl of great price or full nets. We often feel as if we struggle and have nothing to show for it. The places Jesus described are earthy, messy and just like our lives, treasures in the most unlikely places. And Jesus is not talking about tangible things like treasures, gems and full nets. Jesus is talking about our hearts. No matter our circumstances, we have been given the love of God, we have been healed and remade, and we are marked as Christ's own forever. With that, we can trust that our hearts will be filled, our lives will be filled with treasures of love and healing yet to come.

Gracious Creator, your strange creatures like oysters

make pearls of great price and the deep earth caverns

create the most beautiful gems and gorgeous diamonds.

We often feel as if we cannot make anything good

and we dream of finding treasure or winning lotteries

all along you have given us love and life in abundance.

Lord, help us to live as your treasures here and now

make us kind, loving and forgiving in all times

so others may find the treasure of heaven here. Amen.

Shine Like the Sun

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen! Matthew 13:36-43

In these interesting and challenging times, it is hard to shine and be full of love. We often feel like small seeds, waiting to germinate, fearful in the cold, dark ground. There doesn't seem like enough light and warmth to make us ready for any given day. And now, the northern hemisphere of this earth is turning

away from the sun, giving us shorter days and less sun. The snow is surely not far off. Yet Jesus reminds us that we have the love of God within us to face each new day and to be light to others in dark times. May we try to be light and love today in an aching and cold world.

Loving Creator, source of light ad love

you have planted your spirit within us

and given us strength to love the outcast.

Our times are rife with cruelty and rage

it seems the lights are dimmed daily

and we want only to hide in our comfort.

You, Lord, have called us from hiding

giving us the strength to love and shine

help us to be your love light in our world. Amen.

All Saints' Sunday 2025

Jesus 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. "But 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. Luke 6:20-31

Since this year, November 1st falls on a Saturday, most churches celebrate All Saints' Day at the Sunday service, so I have chosen to use the lesson for All Saints' as well. In this reading from Luke's gospel, referred to as the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks to us in our time; in the situations we find ourselves and our neighbors in. He calls those who are hungry, mourning, hated and reviled as the ones who are blessed. We are blessed and loved despite our circumstances and called beyond our own pain, hunger and sorrow. Jesus calls us to love our enemies, doing good to the haters, being generous to the needy and greedy alike. Oh, how hard this is for us and yet, as we give love away, despite our pain and sorrows, we find blessing upon blessing, which changes and heals us and our aching, broken world.

Wondrous Creator, we have so great a cloud of witnesses

to the blessings you shower upon all your beloved

in the midst of their pain, loss and deep sorrows.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us.

We forget those who have suffered so we can live

and believe our times are harder than the past

yet you love us in every generation and every time.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us.

Lift us, Lord, above the cruelty we witness daily

so that we might see your love invading this evil

and we might love our enemies as you always have.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us.

The winter's cold is creeping in upon us all

yet you are our source of blessings and warmth.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us.

The darkness seems deeper and longer these days

yet you bring us you light in the depth of night.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us.

Help us Lord, to love our enemies in our time

so we might honor you and all the saints before us.

Lord, let us be your light and love here, honoring your saints before us. Amen.

All Hallows' Eve

I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? 

 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 

 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. Psalm 121

There are folks who wrongly think that Halloween or All Hallows' Eve is of satanic origin. In fact, its origins are from the Celtic Samhain and other traditions that celebrate the end of harvest and summer and the beginning of the winter season. Ancient Egyptians and others believed that the barrier between the living and the dead was thin and permeable at this time of year. The Church celebrates All Hallows Day or All Saints, remembering those whom we have lost. In the US, children ring doorbells and get candy while adults dress up and act like children, mostly forgetting the ancient and holy meaning of the season. We are drawing in to the dark time of winter, the days are short and the cold grows deep. It is a time to look back and look forward. And the ancient words of Psalm 121 remind us of God's goodness for us and God's protection in all seasons.

Wondrous Creator, you are present in all seasons

you protect us from the fearful things that surround us

and nestles us, like small children in your loving arms.

We want to demonize those who are different from us

and think that they are the cause of all our fears today

when fear come from within our very hurting souls.

Help us to remember your constant love for us all

may we be fearless in all things and love our neighbors

trusting that you love us and will love us through all seasons. Amen.