Take Heart

When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

Water is life. We are all made of mostly water and yet too many want to control the water, keeping it from others so they can have abundance. Water can also bring death when it rises and floods, when storms capsize boats and when we are caught in a riptide and pulled out to sea. Water is elemental to all of life, and so it is fitting that Jesus comes to his disciples on the water, calming them and the winds. We often find ourselves in storms, we struggle and strain and get no further and are swamped. Yet Jesus is with us, right in the midst of our fragile lives, walking to us, reaching out to us, and calming the gales. Jesus always comes to us in the storms of our lives and is truly with us in every moment. Hang on, the Savior is coming!

Wondrous Creator, you stir up and calm the storms

you are woven into every part of our daily lives

you help us get up when we are bowed down

and rescue us from capsizing over and over again.

Our hands are rubbed raw pulling at the oars

our throats are raw from crying out in the might

our backs are weary from trying to follow you

and we feel as if the water will overcome us all.

Jesus, draw near today to all who are sinking

let your presence lift us up from all danger

make us strong again so we can continue to serve

sharing your compassion and mercy for all today. Amen.

Sheep Without A Shepherd

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘How many loaves have you? Go and see.’ When they had found out, they said, ‘Five, and two fish.’ Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. Mark 6:30-46

We find ourselves at some times like sheep without a shepherd. Even the most faithful among us can get lost in grief, rejection, hurt and pain. Today we hear how two little fish and five small loaves, simply a child's lunch and dinner, ended up feeding more than five thousand people with baskets full leftover. These were hungry people, with little hope, with little support who found sustenance and abundance in Jesus. And we are reminded, when we are lost in these times, to be reminded that Jesus is ready to supply our needs and renew our hope. We never have to do this on our own.

Gracious Creator, you give eagles wings to soar

you instill a divine eye in painters and sculptors

you put gorgeous words in the poet's heart

and you renew our hope when we are very lost.

This is a season when so many are terrified

a time of dashed hopes and hunger for justice

the fears are deep, and the worry is real now

yet in hungry, dark times you always provide.

Help us put our whole lives and faith in you

so that we might share the little we all have

with the lost, the forgotten and the hungry

trusting in your compassion and mercy here. Amen.

Head on a Platter

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:13-29

Being honest and outspoken can have consequences. I know many people who have lost positions, been shunned, have lost relationships, support, and tossed out of supposed welcoming rooms. Very few people I know have been beheaded. But it happens, people are snuffed out just because of who they are. We are called in this time when many are being demonized, to support them, stand with them and speak up honestly. One angry woman close to power found a way to remove the problem. When people become a problem, we are all in trouble. May we find a way forward which draws up together, protects the vulnerable and releases the love and mercy of Christ.

Wondrous Creator, you dwell within us

you put holy and righteous among us

so we might learn and speak to power

and so we can mend the hoop of your people.

These days, we give up out of exhaustion

we are jaded and tired of pushing hard

yet the need is greater than any other times

and your love can and will retore us again.

Help us to be renewed and strong again

so we might speak truth and live love

bringing the needs of the least to the light

and your love to the center of your sacred circle. Amen.

Shake Off the Dust

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

I have been packing up books to give away and am finding great amounts of dust on them. Old seminary texts and scholarly books alike collect dust just as we do. The dust can disfigure their appearance and ours, and we can be weighed down by the shadows of old rejections and losses. Jesus was rejected in his hometown. He didn't go back for a fight but went on with his ministry, his service. If we carry the hurts and rejections with us, we will constantly be going back over that useless but painful dust. That dust can cloud our thoughts and keep us from reaching out to others. Today is a good day to shake off the dust, carrying nothing but the love and compassion of Jesus in our hearts.

Gracious Creator, you call us to follow

giving us our needs for each new day

sending us out among your beloveds

who can choose to listen or turn away.

Too often we are rejected and hurt

and we avoid those who won't hear us

yet your love is for exactly those ones

who are broken by the pains of the world.

Help us to shake off the dust of rejection

help us let loose of shame and doubt

so every day might be one of serving

carrying only your love to our world. Amen.

Daughters

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Mark 5:21-43

Today we hear the stories of two women, one young, one old who receive complete healing from Jesus. One is a small child whose father has sought Jesus out and the other, an older woman, who reaches out to him in a crowd. One father is seeking healing for his daughter, the other is called daughter by Jesus. Despite the news that his daughter is dead, Jairus accompanies Jesus, as the woman reaches out for Jesus despite her poverty and suffering. They did not give up nor did Jesus ever give up on them. God's love for us is fierce like a loving parent and we are invited to seek Jesus despite the mean crowds, bad diagnosis, and the evil signs in the world around us.

Loving Creator, source of all health

in the beginning you breathe on us

you make us live and thrive here

and you come to us in our suffering.

The world has turned cold and mean

we are afraid that all is so very lost

we give in to believing there is no cure

and forget to seek you in dark times.

Help us to rise and follow you

reaching out always for healing

carrying those who are suffering

so that they might know your loving touch. Amen.

Third Sunday After the Epiphany - January 26, 2025

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:14-21

We find ourselves as Bishops and other members of the Episcopal Church under attack for being too liberal and for the Bishop of Washington using the pulpit as a political statement. If love and mercy are political, then we are all in trouble. Jesus stood up to read and then interpreted the scriptures he read, which is the job of every preacher. He made the claim that He was there to bring good news to the poor, released to those imprisoned, recovery of sight to the blind, and to bring freedom to the oppressed. It is simply our job as Christians to do likewise. To be like Jesus.

A litany for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Loving Creator, your promises are still real

you sent good news to the poor and suffering

freedom to the oppressed, sight to the blind

and every moment a season of your loving favor.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love.

We are lost in the virulence swirling around

troubled by the contempt shown to mercy 

anxious for the least in our own communities

and afraid to speak up for fear of punishment.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love.

Your beloved Son opened the scrolls and read

and then told the people to expect that today

that he was sent to tend to the needs of the least

and to speak loving truth to those in power.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love.

We need you here with us in our present world

which is on fire with hate anger and distrust.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love.

Your love gives us the power to show mercy

your spirit enlivens us to love the outcast.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love.

Make us your followers today, Lord Jesus

so that we might carry your love and mercy always.

Make us your disciples, Lord, so we might demonstrate your love. Amen.

A Great Gale

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’ Mark 4:35-41

Storms can arise quickly in our lives. They can happen when we least expect a storm, and they can come from unlikely places. A blue-sky kind of day or life can quickly turn into a tremendous gale, swamping our safety and overwhelming our hearts. We sense we are perishing, and our end is in sight. To all of the fears and horrors of these days, Jesus speaks directly to the forces of nature and the cruel forces of humans and says, "peace, be still!' We are living in troubled, stormy times. We are reminded today to call on Jesus, day and night, trusting that he will calm the rough seas we face and the pounding in our hearts.

Ever-present Creator, who knows the storms

calling the wind and the waves to be calm

you call us to take heart and have faith

since you are with us in every challenge.

These days are thick with controversy and fear

so many are in hiding awaiting the worst

our hearts and trembling and ever anxious

wondering the fate of the most vulnerable here.

Lord Jesus, awaken your love within us

and help us to hold fast to your promises

that you are with us when the storms arise

and you will bring us peace and calm today. Amen.

Light Your Lamps

He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’ He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:21-34

These days, some of us feel as if our hopes are flickering out and our fears are taking over. There are good reasons for this. The constant flow of hate speech rattles us to our bones. The disregard for all human life unnerves us. And the suffering we see around us brings us low. Yet no matter how limited our range and how small our light might be, we are called to light our lamps daily, to shine in the darkness, and invite people to live with love and mercy. We may feel small and insignificant, smaller even than a mustard seed, yet our Savior invites us to shine, as our little bits of light, the shimmerings in the darkness, together can bring new life for all.

Wondrous Creator, source of all light

you gave us the sun to shine on all

hung the stars and planets to light our nights

and called us to never hide our brightness.

We watch as violence takes center stage

and greed and hate speech gets so loud

we want to hide away and cover ourselves

yet you call us all to let our light shine.

Help us to be courageous in these times

let us live with mercy and tenderness

let us never return anger with more anger

instead may we plant the seeds of hope today. Amen.

Bearing Fruit

Again, he began to teach beside the lake. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the lake on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching, he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that “they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” ’ And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ Mark 4:1-20

When I was a child, late in the summer, we would go out to pick wild blackberries. My grandpa WalkingStick and my dad would take us out, making sure we first dressed in long sleeves and long pants. We protested loudly due to the heat but later were oh so grateful for the protection. Those huge, sweet blackberries grew on bushes with the meanest thorns. With great joy, we would go home and wash our fruit and eat a bunch with cream or ice cream. It is easy to give up when the times are thorny and very uncomfortable. We can choke out God's goodness in our lives when we wrap ourselves in fear and anxiety. The blackberries found good soil and grew. We must be good soil in hard times so the world can taste the sweetness of God's abundant and everlasting love.

Eternal Creator, you make the world fertile

giving us good food and fruits in all seasons

your Word give us new life each and every day

and you wrap us in your love like a blanket.

In this deep winter we are surrounded by fear

the world seems darker and meaner right now

we tremble with the real worries of coming days

and forget your sweet goodness to us always.

Help us to remind ourselves of your love for us

help us be love's beacons in very dark times

help us to clothe ourselves with your Word today

so love's light might shine through all of the gloom. Amen.

All My Relatives

Then he went home; and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. ‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’ Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ Mark 3:20-35

It is hard for some to imagine that we are all related because of our vast differences, cultures and way of seeing the world. We are often more comfortable with the divisions, with calling certain people alien, stranger and unwanted. Yet Jesus calls us to see all of creation as our relatives, rather than focusing on what divides us. We all stand when we lean in together, and we all fall when we pull away. When we love our neighbors and enemies even, we are standing together. And when we cause division, judge others as unworthy, we all fall. Let us stand together and with all of creation, no matter how different and alien we might feel, for that is the will of our Creator.

Mysterious and wondrous Creator, cause of all life

we seek the divisions and judgements in our times

we fear the worst outcomes and violence to come

and forget that you have call us to all be relatives.

These times make us wonder where you are now

we think we have been abandoned to fight alone

we quietly plan and strategize behind closed doors

yet your love still moves through all barriers.

Make us your family again today and always

let our hearts and minds be fixed on mending

the circle of relations, the hearts of the people

for you are the source and we are your offspring. Amen.

Calling Disciples

Jesus departed with his disciples to the lake, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:7-19

In this Epiphany season, we remember our baptism and remember our call. Many folks are ordained priests and deacons this time of year. All of us are called, lay and ordained alike, to follow Jesus and put him at the center of all we do. This day, when we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we are also reminded that are call is also for the justice, healing and freedom of all people. Jesus called his disciples after healing a crowd of people who were crushing in on him in their great need. We are living in a world where the need is similarly great. Let us remember our baptism and our call. Let us be those who put the healing, justice and freedom for all, our first mission and daily work.

Fierce and loving Creator, you give us leaders   

who show us how to follow your Son

who ask us to give of ourselves for others

and lead us all towards your dream of peace.

We are easily distracted by our selfishness

greed and politics poison our daily lives

yet we forget to see you face in the stranger

and hide from your call to serve others.

Help us to stand up and be ready to serve

with the joy of the disciples on that mountain

give us your strength and your spirit

so love might shower down like snow today. Amen

Second Sunday After Epiphany - January 19, 2025

                               Second Sunday After Epiphany January 19, 2025

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11

Today we hear the story of Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine. Tomorrow we will observe MLK Day along with the Presidential Inauguration. Just like at a big family wedding, emotions are running high and complex. This wedding Jesus was attending was probably family and Jesus may have gone there reluctantly. When his mother nudged him to do something about the wine, he pushes back. He felt unready and unprepared like we often do. She believes in him even when he's truly not feeling it. Jesus, fully human, helps us understand the complexity of his ministry and service. And in doing so, he brings light to our ministries and relationships. God's glory is revealed even when we are scared, reluctant and anxious. God's love is in the midst of the coming days, no matter how it might seem or feel. Our Creator is always acting for love, healing, justice and peace, no matter how complex or scary the world might be. Let us remind ourselves that more wine and celebrations are ahead and love, conquers all, always.

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, our calm and our stay

we know you have brought miracles forth

water parted to save free to imprisoned people

and water became wine for the world to believe.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us.

We wander these days, anxious and terrified

we know too well how humans can abuse others

we know power can corrupt and go very blind

and we fear the times ahead might be dangerous.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us.

Yet you sent your son Jesus into a fraught time

power was more important than compassion

people were crushed and tossed aside as trash

yet you brought your light and love to that time.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us.

We cannot see the future but can trust your promises

for love's miracles do still await us all.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us.

The winter winds may blow, and we may shake with fear

yet your love heals us and makes us strong again.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us.

From those ancient times to our present days

your love has saved us and will save us all again.

Jesus, turn our hearts and bring love's miracles among us. Amen.

New Wineskins

Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. ‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’ Mark 2:13-22

I have found it is often too easy to bring my old ways and judgements into a new situation or relationship. Those old ways can bring tears and fissures and destroy new possibilities. There is much anxiety here in the US as a new president takes office and many people are terrified, and rightly so. We have been given the gift of love, love renewed day by day in Jesus. Our old behaviors might ache to run away or lash out in the coming days. The urge for anger and destruction are very normal. We are invited to embrace each new morning with hope in our Creator, letting love and constant prayer be our guide in the coming days. May the heart of compassion from our savior dwell within us all in the coming season. 

Eternal Creator, life source and life force

you made us each in your very own image

a complex and diverse wondrous tapestry

and put your compassionate heart in each.

We live in what feels like scary times

too many are afraid of what is to come

we remember all the terrors of hiding away

and fear that greed will soon overcome good.

Help us to breathe in your love deeply

let us live with your joy and your hope

help us infuse our work with your love

so your love might become a beacon to all. Amen.

Removing the Roof

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ Mark 2:1-12

Love can do extraordinary things Judgement can destroy good works. In our Gospel today we find a man, unable to move himself at all, brought by loving friends to Jesus. When the crowd doesn't let them in they remove the roof and drop him in. This is love in action. Despite the negativity of the scribes, Jesus gave the man his life back in full. The mat that had been his only world, now was rolled, tucked under his arm and he was free. Sometimes the faith of others, when we have nothing more to give, can bring us to the place of healing and new life. May we be those who remove roofs and get through the crowd of naysayers so that those in need can get to Jesus and the healing and new life they desire.

Healing Creator, you brought us all

into the family and community of love

where no serious illness or limitation

keeps us from your healing and loving touch.

We often define ourselves and others

by the limitations and wounds we have

we let the scars of our broken past

keep us from breaking through to Jesus.

Give us your strength and will today

so that our faith might be strong

make us courageous and bold 

to break through the barriers and judgements today. Amen.

She Began to Serve Them

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Mark 1:29-34

There is nothing like finally feeling better after a long illness and returning to the daily tasks we enjoy. We do not know the name of Simon's mother-in-law, but we do know she was very ill, and that Jesus healed her. This is early in his ministry, and he took her by the hand and lifted her up. He was not reluctant or unwilling to touch a sick person, a woman at that. Even at the beginning, his love for all people was physically evident in his willingness to heal and renew others. This woman may have been an unimportant person, but to Jesus she was deserving and loved. He didn't shy away from her, and he doesn't shy away from us. She got up and fed the group in gratitude and in love. We are deserving of love and healing from Jesus. We often think that we are not worthy. Yet Jesus is always more ready to heal and renew us. May we who receive his healing and love be ready to serve others who need healing and love as well.

Wondrous Creator, you sent us your Son

to remind us of the love and healing offered

of our abundant blessings in your reign

and that we are loved beyond all measure.

Too often we see our limits and downfalls

we think we do not deserve to be loved

we think compassion is only for others

that we are forgotten by our Creator.

Lord Jesus, lift us up and make us whole

rid the fear and discouragement from us

and give us the strength to rise up and serve

this world aching for your compassion today. Amen.

Casting and Mending Nets

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:14-28

We often see pictures of sport fishermen reeling in a big fish and ones of them weighing the big catch on a hook. We rarely see the daily work of those who fish for a living. Casting and dropping nets in all sorts of weather, cleaning the boat and all the equipment and the constant repair and maintenance it all demands. Jesus found Simon and Andrew casting and James and John mending, engaged in the tedium of their work. They were not on a mountain top, they were not in the spotlight, just going about the daily tasks of life. That is where Jesus found and called them and that is where we are found and called by our Savior. Right in the middle of our daily grind, far from the attention of crowds, far from the recognition of followers. We are invited today to see our daily "grind" as sacred, knowing that Jesus is seeking us in our most unglamorous, unpolished moments.

Gracious Creator, who loves us as we are

who seeks us out amidst the daily drudgery

who calls us to follow you with dirty hands

to fill our hearts with your love, over and over again.

The depths of winter has made us pale and weak

we are afraid we have nothing good to offer

we think we have been passed by as we wash dishes

yet there is where you find us and call us again.

Help us today to rejoice in the small tasks ahead

trusting that you will teach us and call us right here

in the midst of the least important daily moments

you promise to pass by and draw near to us all. Amen.

Tempted

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Mark 1:1-13

We humans are all tempted. We are tempted by money, power, food and all sorts of other things that weaken our faith and turn us away from God. We are also tempted, at our lowest moments in life, when we have been overwhelmed by pain, loss and isolation, to give up on life entirely. We think in our moments of greatest temptation that our Creator has abandoned us. Yet, just the opposite is true. Jesus know temptation, all assaults were thrown at him, and he abides with us in our deepest sorrows and temptation times. May we remember today, when pain and the temptation to give up overwhelms us, that God is with us and holding us in the darkest places.

Loving Creator, you know our pain and sorrow

you were alone in the wilderness of human life

you knew the depth of hunger and isolation

and you abide with us in our deepest despair.

When we feel anxious and abandoned

we think you have stopped loving us

we believe we are not worthy of your love

and we give up on having faith in you.

Yet you never give up on any of us

so help us today to know you are with us

let us find you again in our sorrows and fears

and give us your love to lift others with today. Amen.

First Sunday After the Epiphany

                              First Sunday After the Epiphany - January 11, 2025

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

This Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Jesus and in doing so we remember our own baptisms, whether we actually remember them or not. This dive into water or sprinkling with water makes us part of the Christ story. We become one with a family on earth and heaven. We are not lost but found in the heart of God through the sacrifice of Christ. Too often, we think of the "christening" moment as a sweet rite of passage and nothing more. Rather, we are standing in the river with Jesus and John. We are baptized into the raging waters of eternal life.  The words, "You are my child in whom I am well pleased!" are for us as well. We become the beloved offspring of our Creator.

A Litany for Christ's Baptism

Loving Creator, since the beginning you called us

and sought us out when we were lost and afraid

you beckon us from our labors and our sorrows

to dive deep into the warm baptismal waters again.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation.

We often run and hide from the world's troubles

we fear we will be consumed by all the pain

we turn away from our neighbors who are different

and believe we can find comfort in the familiar.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation.

You called Jesus our from the carpenter's bench

from a familiar place to the shores of the river

to a place of turning and becoming new again

and you call us to turn and offer our hearts today.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation.

Make us fierce and strong like John the Baptist

and make us sure today of your love for us.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation.

We wander away and cry out for your aide

forgetting that your love is surrounding us.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation.

Give us your vision and the strength to serve

since you, Lord, have loved us and love us still.

Lord, take our hand so we might rise up to love all of your creation. Amen. 

So Nothing May Be Lost

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ John 6:1-14

Most of us, in first world countries, do very little hunting and gathering, let alone preserving, canning, drying and storing. We can get what we need at the grocery store. We can have it delivered. In our recent past, as in Jesus' time, keeping food and storing it was critical for survival. We know the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, a little boy's lunch which fed thousands. We rarely think about the leftovers. Yet all leftovers were important then and are important to Jesus. We are loved so much by God, that our bodily needs and our cares are a concern. As are the needs of those outside our circle. And the Creator also cares for those who are treated like leftovers, those who are cast aside and those who society tosses away. May we be those who gather, so nothing and no one may be lost.

Gracious Creator, the source of all our food

you place us in communities of caring

you teach us to gather and feed the least

and you love the leftovers and castoffs.

We often take care of our own needs

ignoring those crying in our communities

we forget that you called us to gather fragments

and to live as servants to all peoples.

Help us, dear Lord, to be your gatherers

make us mindful of the needs of others

make us ready to get up and serve them

knowing your love is carried as we serve. Amen.

Take Up Your Mat and Walk

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ But he answered them, ‘The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.” ’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Take it up and walk”?’ Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.’ The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:1-15

Sometimes passages like this are very hard to hear. Particularly as someone with mobility issues, this story of waiting by the pool and then miraculous healing, makes my heart ache. Ache with desire for instantaneous healing, followed by another deeper ache and question. Why am I not healed, and why don't I get a miracle? This is something we all ask at times in our lives. We wonder if we are not worthy or even more we wonder if we deserve it. Yet Jesus doesn't require this man to do anything to be healed. The poor man was left to beg by his family, left to beg to be moved into the pool and abandoned by society. Jesus tells him to simply get up. And, he invites us to get up, as best we can and trust that there is more healing and more transformation coming. On this day, as President Carter is laid to rest, may we remember the gift of one who showed us how to serve and have faith in the face of challenges and rejection.

Eternal Creator, you seek us out in our waiting

you know our needs as we linger by healing pools

you seek us out in our lost and panicked moments

and stretch out you hand to help us rise up.

We often sink into despair and disappointment

thinking we have no future and no hope

while you are constantly seeking us out in the dark

and bringing us hope in our hurting places.

Help us today to live as your servants here

give us the faith we need to stand up today 

so we might kneel by the needy and the lost

and offer our hand in love in your name. Amen.

The Second Sign

Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. John 4:46-54

There is little a parent won't do for a sick child. So much fear and heartache surround a family when a child is ill. We all know the joys, challenges and gifts that children bring, yet when their lives are on the line, nothing else matters. We read today about an encounter with a royal official and Jesus. The official was probably Roman, a non-Jew, and didn't know who Jesus was. He just knew that this Jesus was someone who could cure his child. We don't know how he knew, but we know his faith was strong despite all the spiritual and cultural differences between them. And the child lived. This second sign, the miracle of healing, reminds us all to seek Jesus in our broken-hearted despairing moments. That despite all the negative signs, God's love or us is greater than all that we face.

Loving Creator, you healed a small child

you gave faith to a panicked frightened parent

you breathe new life into the forgotten ones

and restore us over and over again.

We often fail to seek you in times of trouble

we seek the product that will make us whole

and when it fails we cry to you in our distress

and you find us and restore us to full life.

Help us to believe like the royal official

setting aside all protocols and divisions

seeking Jesus to bring healing to the home

and trusting that new life is coming our way. Amen.

Reluctant Miracles

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11

On January 7th, we turn from all the festivities and sweetness of the Christmas season to the reality of daily life. The lectionary quickly turns from the tender child needing protection to the adult Jesus bristling at his mother. I turn away from the Mary letters, which I love writing, to the daily lectionary focus once again. It is abrupt and I find myself aching for more time. Jesus wanted more time. He was so ready and yet felt unprepared. I know all of those who were taking GOEs these past few days know this feeling well. The are on the verge of ordination yet feel so ready and yet really unprepared as well.

We want more time, Mom!

So here we are. With a reluctant, human Jesus. He does turn water into wine. And he was prodded by his insistent mother to do so. And we like that very human Jesus, find ourselves in these times of radical shifts feeling so unready. It's time to dive in whether we feel like it or not. A very human Jesus dove in despite his reluctant, even possibly a fear of failure. We are invited by God today to engage our ministry and our gifts despite our fears, reluctance and aching for more time.

Gracious Creator, you know our hearts

the fears and worries that lie deep

the memories of failures and rejections

and you come and swell in our hearts still.

Jesus, prodded by his mother to begin

made his first miracle at a family wedding

and you call us to begin our ministries

in the most unlikely and confusing place.

Help us Lord, to be strong enough for today

give us eyes to see those we need to serve today

make move in faith despite our human reluctance

trusting that you will give us your strength to serve. Amen.

Epiphany 2025 - Final Mary Letter

After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son." When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean." Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

Dear Mama and Papa,

I was so excited to be coming home and now I am so very sad. We cannot come home yet. The visit of the wise men was wonderful and extraordinary, and we were so hopeful but now our hopes are dashed! The hunt for our child has been intensified and Joseph had a dream that warned him not to go home. Oh, Mama, I can't keep from crying, and I am useless as we are packing up and waiting for nightfall. There is some good news in all of this, I guess. Joseph has all of our papers which will be good for the border crossing, and we have plenty of money right now due to the extraordinary gifts from those amazing visitors. God does provide, Papa, but not how I want it. I want to be home with you and Mama! I don't know a thing about Egypt, which is where we are headed. I pray that we can find safety and community there until the threat is gone. 

I didn't expect that this would be easy, but I was hoping it wouldn't be quite so hard. I know I'm complaining like a child, but I can't help it! Another country, another language and another set of rules and laws. I guess I have much to learn, and I don't really have any choice. I will write when we are safe in Egypt. The journey is pretty short, Joseph tells me. He has been a wonderful caretaker for both of us, Mama and Papa. I am grateful you allowed us to be married. Please though, pray for us as this is going to be a very long night of travel. Pray for our little boy that we can keep him safe.

All my love,

Mary

Second Sunday of Christmas - Eve of the Epiphany - Mary Letter Day Twenty-Nine

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Nine

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: `And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12

Dearest Elizabeth,

A most extraordinary experience happened late tonight. I hardly know what to think. We had heard rumors that Herod was looking for the baby again, but we did not know why. We had tucked the baby into bed and were packing our things for starting the trip home tomorrow, when there was an enormous knock on the stable door. Standing with a beaming Rachel and Aaron, our hosts, were three exotic fellows along with a huge entourage. They all wore robes that sparkle with silk and jewels and had so many servants with them. They came in so reverently and bowing to up and telling us what a joy and privilege it was to finally find this child. They smelled of exotic perfumes and were so elegant we were initially embarrassed by our surroundings. One of these kings, or wise men or whatever they were, told us that they had traveled day and night following a star to find this blessed child. They then gave him incredible gifts, a small fortune! We sat and ate another glorious meal with them which their servants laid out for us. When they left, we could hardly sleep with excitement and disbelief!

We are planning to start back home tomorrow. We are blessed with so many gifts and presents that I fear the donkey may not be able to carry it all. Good news is that I am very strong now and can walk quickly like before. Can't wait to get home and hope to see you soon!

Love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Eight

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, 

for he has done marvelous things. 

2 With his right hand and his holy arm

has he won for himself the victory.

3 The Lord has made known his victory;

his righteousness has he openly shown

in the sight of the nations. 

4 He remembers his mercy and 

faithfulness to the house of Israel,

and all the ends of the earth 

have seen the victory of our God. 

5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands;

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, 

with the harp and the voice of song. 

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn 

shout with joy before the King, the Lord. 

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it,

 the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, 

and let the hills ring out 

with joy before the Lord, 

when he comes to judge the earth. 

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world

and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98

Dear Mama and Papa,

There is some good news today. We truly believe that Joseph's dealings with the occupying offices will be done today! I guess all governments make this work complicated. It seems for no reason, but the Romans are particularly good at extracting every ounce of patience and good nature from us. The city is less crowded but still too noisy and smelly for me! I am so looking forward to heading home and showing off this little bundle of joy. He gets bigger are more aware every day. Some moments it seems as if he is singing, his cooing and noises are sweet and lyrical. Oh, how happy we will all be when we are together once again.

The illness is now well behind me and I feel strong and ready to travel. Rachel, our landlady has been watching our boy so I can walk a bit to regain my strength and get muscles back. For the challenges we have faced, we have always been blessed with people who are angel-like in their willingness to help us. I don't know how to repay Rachel and all the others who have come to our aid. My heart is full of gratitude, although I wish I had more than that to give them. Our supplies and money is nearly gone, but we have been careful and there is enough to get us home. Please pray for our safe travel.

All my love,

Mary

Feast of the Holy Name (delayed) - Mary Letter Day Twenty-Seven

1 O Lord our Governor,

how exalted is your Name in all the world!

2 Out of the mouths of infants and children

your majesty is praised above the heavens.

3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,

to quell the enemy and the avenger.

4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, 

5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? 

the son of man that you should seek him out? 

6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; 

you adorn him with glory and honor; 

7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; 

you put all things under his feet: 

8 All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field,

9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 

and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea. 

10 O Lord our Governor,  

how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8

Dear Papa and Mama,

I so wanted to write you yesterday, but things got very complicated. We got up early and dressed the little boy as it was time to present him in the temple. We have had to be very careful. The occupying governor has gotten wind of an important child being born. Soldiers are on the lookout all the time, so we never venture out. Joseph does the shopping and keeps careful watch over us. Anyway, we went very early in the morning, before first light, so we might be first in line. And we were! We explained to the Rabbi our concerns, so he took us to a private portico in the vast temple and performed the ritual. Our sweet little one hardly cried, but I couldn't watch it all. Actually, I was told that women aren't normally present, but since we came so early, and were in great fear, the kind Rabbi let me stay in the portico with Joseph and the baby. What a moment it turned out to be!

Right after the final blessings were sung, two elderly people, a man and a woman came to us and were jubilant about seeing the child. These complete strangers wanted to hold the boy, and we let them, praying he would be safe with them. Oh, he was more than safe. They told us they spent their lives in the temple waiting years to see our child. They were so overjoyed they showered him with gifts and song! They prayed over him and over us as well. Then they thanked us over and over again. The Rabbi told us they had been here for years waiting for this day. It was an extraordinary moment! 

When we arrived back in our stable lodgings, our landlady Rachel came rushing in and told us they were still looking for the child. Soldiers had banged on her door, and she assured them no baby was here. We spent the rest of the day in hiding, up in the loft, behind stacked bales of hay. Rachel brought us some supper and later came and told us that the soldiers were no longer lingering nearby. I know having a baby is hard work, and raising a child is likewise. I didn't expect we would have such challenges! Looking forward to being back home soon. Joseph thinks all the paperwork will be done in a few days.

Love,

Mary