So That They May Be One

‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’ John 17:20-26

Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one and calls us to do likewise. When this country was settled by Europeans, they were not one, warring with each other over territory and religion. Those who founded the Massachusetts colony despised Anglican and Roman Catholics. And, in our present day, we seem to be moving to more division rather than less. We are called by God to work together, to love the enemy, to care for the widow and orphan, yet we get caught up in politics and power. May we work together in the coming days, for the love of God, so human tyranny ends, and love takes hold again.

Wondrous Creator, you made your creation diverse

in climate and culture, colors and languages

and you call us to see our need for one another

so that the whole earth might thrive in harmony.

We collect with like-minded, familiar people

and call everyone else criminals and aliens

we abuse our vast wealth and our power

to terrorize and destroy all beautiful difference.

Lift us up Lord from our selfish and cruel ways

make us see the stranger as a family member

help us embrace the other so we might know ourselves

and make us your family, your people once more. Amen.

Sanctify Them in the Truth

While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:12-19

The debate rages these days about truth, fake news, science deniers, and the like. But none of us can deny that refusing to hear the truth is healthy or life-giving. Facing the truth, as hard as it can be sometimes, is the only way to healing and wholeness. Jesus knows his disciples will be afraid and might even deny his resurrection. And they would also face rulers and governments who denied their truth and would try to destroy them. We find ourselves in times when some leaders demand complete loyalty and are unwilling to listen to the truth. It is important for us all to hang on to the truth and refuse to be taken in by the allure of power. 

Gracious Creator, you speak to us in quiet

you tell us the truth and heal our souls

you bring us refreshment and renewal

and lead us on the road of truth and justice.

We are tempted to follow the noisy ones

the ones that speak loudly and are bullies

we are drawn by strength and power

and forget you call us to be sanctified in truth.

Lord, help us to turn away from the glitter

and listen deeply to your compassion and care

let our lives be filled with you truth and love

knowing that the truth will set us all free. Amen.

St. Mark's Day (transferred)

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. 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.’ Mark 1:1-15

St. Mark's Day is traditionally April 25th, although this year it has been transferred to today. Mark is claimed as the author of Mark's Gospel and founded the church in Alexandria. There is much debate among scholars as to who he was, who really authored the Gospel etc. Yet in Mark, we have the gift of a simple, straight-forward telling of the story of Jesus, and the earliest. The gift of storytelling might now be as powerful as it once was, but in times when most folks were illiterate, and oral traditions were central, he gave us a Gospel, unembellished, a story for the ages. Today we are invited to be like Mark, sharing this remarkable story, with the bravery of a lion, and the simplicity which all can understand.

Gracious Creator, you paint the sky with clouds

you tell us your story of love and constancy

through what we see in the beautiful natural world

and what we hear and witness from story tellers.

Our eyes and ears are so overwhelmed by screens

we fail to see the wonder you have put before us

we fail to hear the good news shared with all of us

and we fail to live as you have called us to live.

Lord Jesus, help us to tell the story of your love

let us live as those who have been blessed by you

help us be like St. Mark, fearless and bold to share

your love and good news to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter

Second Sunday of Easter April 27, 2025

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:19-31

Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas" is one of the most honest characters in the Gospels. The readings for Easter remind us that all of the disciples doubted the story the women told them. They probably called them hysterical, emotional women. It took seeing Jesus for those disciples to believe. We don't know why Thomas wasn't with the original group. We just know he had a hard time believing, after watching his friend and teacher die a horrible, torturous death. The disciples lived in fear, being locked behind closed doors for fear of reprisal and suffering the same fate as Jesus. I am grateful for Thomas, who was honest about his own shattered heart and who needed the intimacy of the presence of Jesus to truly believe. Thomas went on to be a beloved preacher and evangelist, bringing the Gospel message to far off locations, including India and modern-day Turkey. He was braver than the rest, for he spoke out loud, confessing his doubt and concern. His heart had been broken by the gruesome crucifixion, and it took and encounter with Jesus to repair his heart.

                                A Litany for the Second Sunday of Easter

Wondrous Creator, you made us with compassionate hearts

which often break with the circumstance and world affairs

yet you are always seeking us out so our hearts can be mended.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts.

We strike out when we are hurt and when we are afraid

we fail to seek you out in our deep heartfelt agony

and turn to anger and rejection of the love you offer.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts.

Yet you are always ready to heal the hidden despair

ready always to offer your wounded hands and side

ready always to seek us out in our darkest nights.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts.

Lift us from our fears and doubts today and always

so we might share your love to a broken world.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts.

Use our frail humanity for the healing of our planet

make us all ready to serve you in far away places.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts.

For you have loved the doubters and the ostracized

and your love embraces this fragile earth and people still.

Lord, help us be brave like Thomas, asking for the needs of our hearts. Amen.

An Hour is Coming

‘I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. ‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:1-15

We are in a time when some who call themselves followers of Christ are condemning the refugees and immigrants as criminals and evil. I think they truly believe they are following God. In Jesus' time the leaders of the temple were like this, choosing their notion of purity over God's commandment to love the outcasts and sinners, to bring justice and healing to all. It is so hard not to turn and condemn their behavior, to turn them into criminals and evil. Oh, some folks are in every group, yet we are called to seek the spirit of truth, trusting we are Christs', and we will be lead to truth through compassion.

Gracious Creator, you provide abundantly for all 

you give us seasons for labor and seasons for learning

we are nestled in your loving arms of tender grace

and we are renewed every morning by the spirit.

Yet we like to condemn others and dismiss them

we revel in our righteousness and their failures

we are quick to judge and slow to forgive

even as you call us to forgive seventy times seven.

Lord, break open our hearts of cruel stone

and make us your people of tender compassion

give us the strength to forgive in every moment

and the humility to ask for your help always. Amen.

Love One Another

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. ‘If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, “Servants are not greater than their master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It was to fulfil the word that is written in their law, “They hated me without a cause.” ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:12-27

Love one another is Jesus' commandment, the one that replaces the ten, and the commandment which is hardest for us humans to do. We live in a world where hate seems to be a virtue now. Folks loudly profess their hate for people who are different, because of their color, their language, their country of origin or their identity. Where the ones who are violently hated are found, there we will find Jesus. He understood how easy it is to hate and how hard it is to love. We have to overcome training and fear in order to love. We have to practice love until it becomes second nature and all of us are still working at it. May we rejoice in the commandment to love, because there we will find Jesus.

Precious Savior, you sacrificed your life

so all of might be set free from our sin

set free from hate and cruel judgment

set free so we might love one another.

We humans enjoy hate way too much

we judge others' mistakes with great glee

we turn away from the needs of neighbors

and refuse to love those different from us.

Lord Jesus, help us follow your commandment

let love be our aim and our only goal

may we learn to love the outcasts and aliens

and finally live in the joy of your loving arms. Amen.

I Am the True Vine

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. John 15:1-11

No matter how isolated, disconnected and alone we might feel, the message from Jesus is clear. We are all interconnected, abiding in one strong vine, full of love and possibilities, even in hard times. Despite the rhetoric, the voices that honor and idolize self-made people, we are none of us self-made. We are interdependent, interconnected and woven into a community that spans countless generations. We are tied to a loving Creator, wrapped in the arms of a loving Savior and buoyed up by a generous Holy Spirit. When we see all as relatives, and interdependent, we are living as disciples and changing the world by loving all living beings.

Loving Creator, you are near to all creation

you breathe through the tree leaves budding

you sing with the birds in the early morning

and you weep with the homeless on the streets.

We make ourselves busy with daily tasks

and believe we are doing well on our own

we overlooked the unhoused and the refugees

and we congratulate ourselves for not being poor.

Help us to see the world through your eyes

move our hearts to serve those who are suffering

change us so we might see all the connections

and rejoice that we are embedded in an eternal community. Amen.

I Will Not Leave You Orphaned

‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. ‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:15-31

When my mother passed away in 2015, there was a deep sense of abandonment and loss that overwhelmed me. I said to a friend, "now, I am an orphan!" She and I had played together as small children, often imagining ourselves as orphans, when we weren't being pirates, queens or schoolteachers. Jesus understood how bereft his disciples would be. He felt their grief and pain even before they experienced it. And his promise to them and to us, that we are not orphaned, abandoned or neglected, even when we feel that way. He promised the advocate, the holy spirit, to be with us in every breath and every moment. We are invited, when we feel lost, abandoned or orphaned to know that Jesus is always near and the holy spirit is with us in every moment.  And his peace, given to the anxious and terrified alike, is with us, even when we know no peace.

Gracious Creator, you plant us in villages

surround us with family and community

teaching us how to live in peace together

and binding us with your blessed holy spirit.

Too often we forget to follow your commandments

we forget to love the stranger, feed the hungry

we fail to visit those in prison and who are sick

and we focus on satisfying our selfish needs.

Lord Jesus, you gave your life for our sakes

you took our sin, pain and sorrow to the cross

help us to live as your family and community again

making your love and service our way of life. Amen.

I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. John 14:1-14

We live in a time when team and brand loyalty are more important than faith. On this Easter Monday, when folks in Massachusetts are celebrating Patriots' Day, folks from all over are here running the Boston Marathon, we can get distracted and easily lose focus. Along with the celebratory events, we have news that Pope Francis has passed away. Throughout his life and ministry, he not only advocated for the poor and the marginalized, he lived among them and cared for them. When the disciples ask Jesus to show them the way and where he was going, he simply reminded them to follow him. And following Jesus calls us to dwell with the prisoners and outcasts, feed the hungry, tend to the sick and stand with the marginalized. On this Easter Monday, when everything can distract us, let us accept Jesus' invitation to believe in him, and live like his followers today.

Wondrous Creator, you offered your child

so that we might draw close to you in him

so that the world might not be broken apart

but might be drawn together and mended well.

We find ourselves caught up in politics

horrified or enthusiastic about the rhetoric

we allow the ugly and the unkind to distract us

and get lost on our way to following Jesus.

Help us Lord, have faith in you once again

make our hands and hearts able to respond

to the needs that surround and overwhelm us

as we follow the way, the truth and the life, Jesus. Amen.

Easter Day 2025

Easter Sunday 2025

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Luke 24:1-12

The story of the first Easter is both dazzling and all too human. Brokenhearted and grieving women go out to the tomb to honor their friend. They were planning to wash and anoint his body, since his lifeless body was whisked away before they had a chance. They were risking everything, in a tense and violent environment, to honor the one they loved. Their act might seem like a normal thing to us, but it might also have been seen as treason. In the darkness of early dawn they crept out, in tears, to honor Jesus. And they became the first witnesses of the resurrection. The disciples didn't believe them, they were "only" women. The least were shown the greatest gift. May we remember this Easter Sunday, how in the midst of sorrow and duty, love arisen and renewed is revealed to the humble and overlooked among us.

                                        A Litany for Easter Sunday

Wondrous Creator, source of light and life

you give us signs of your renewing love

in the life bursting from the ground around us.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia.

We see the toil and the drudgery ahead of us

to make our gardens spring to abundant life

forgetting that each new day is a spectacular gift.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia.

You lift us up from underneath the dust and rubble

your mend broken hearts and welcome the stranger

make us ready to be witnesses of your love here.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia.

Take our arrogance and our annoying insecurities

and turn them into humble gratitude and great joy.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia.

Help us to turn to our neighbors and open our hearts

so we might see new life where sorrow used to live.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia.

And make us listen to the bird song and the breeze

so we might know this day of resurrection always.

Jesus, we praise you, risen and living among us, Alleluia. Amen, Alleluia!

Holy Saturday

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice! Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your ancestors tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. For forty years I loathed that generation and said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they do not regard my ways.’ Therefore in my anger I swore, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ Psalm 95

As we await the resurrection, and proclaim again the Easter story, I have decided to share with you a reflection I have been pondering since my consecration anniversary, April 6th. In my 24th year, I have some simple advice, top ten things to cling to, for new bishops and clergy (and lay leaders) alike.

1. It's never about you, it's about Jesus.
2. Your first ministry, your call, is to your family.
3.This is their diocese, their home, not yours.
4. Bishop's visits are anxious and exhausting. Be grateful.
5. Live with curiosity and never with judgment. Be humble.
6. Listen deeply and listen over and over again.
7. God is always speaking, so practice shutting up.
8. Being bishop is a role, and it's not yours to reimagine.
9. Pray fiercely and in every circumstance and decision.
10. Again, it's about Jesus. He loves us all so love all of your people.

Good Friday

Good Friday 2025

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:17-30

Today is a day that much of the world ignores. Dwelling on death is too hard for most people. We do not like to look on the grief of others, let alone focus on our own. Yet today is a good day for us to contemplate the cross, the suffering, the eternal offering of Jesus. Not speeding by, preparing for Easter, but sitting with our own sin and reflection on the once for all sacrifice of Jesus. It is holy work to sit with the dead and dying. May we do good, holy work today so our hearts my be renewed with new love and compassion.

                                                A Litany for Good Friday

Beloved Savior, you suffered human rejection

and the worst torture your captors could mete out

doing this all for the love of us, despite our great sin.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

You invite us to gather around the cross here today

seeing the pain and suffering we still do inflict

and call us to ease the pain and suffering around us.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

We refuse to look on the damage we have caused

by our selfishness and by pretending it is not our problem

others are imprisoned, tortured and put to death still.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

We want to run from any pain or any sorrow

you offered yourself for all, unworthy as we are.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

We do not contemplate our actions but defend them

and never admit when we have been terribly wrong.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Jesus, help us to dwell with you in life's sorrows

so we might know a true Easter bathed in your love.

Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. John 17:1-11

This is the day we remember the Last Supper and arrest of Jesus. We remember how his disciples were fading and falling asleep with full bellies and too much wine. They could not stay awake despite the fact that the most dramatic and essential moments of our faith were upon them. Jesus had told them, over and over, but they really didn't expect it would happen to them or how he predicted. Maybe they thought he was being dramatic, over-sensitive, and emotional. We are often like this, we humans, we don't listen to the pain and reality of others, we fade away and lose focus. We are invited today to hear that we belong to Jesus, in pain and sorrow, in joy and resurrection, in the hard and glorious times ahead.

Wondrous Creator, sacred mystery and life source

we take for granted the sun and the wind you send

the beautiful signs and promise of new life ahead

and miss your call to draw near and listen well.

We fill our bellies and drink our fill and ignore

the cries of our world which is in great pain

we cover our eyes and ears to the suffering around

and pretend like we are not part of a sacred whole.

Help us Lord to hear and see the pain around us

help us mend the sacred hoop and see our part

make us members of one holy and interwoven family

so we remember we are knitted together with Jesus in your heart. Amen.

My Soul is Troubled

‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. John 12:27-36

Living life means having troubles and sometimes we are troubled to our core. Smack dab in the middle of Holy Week, we hear Jesus confessing to wanting to be saved from the hour to come. A very human and honest Savior, who knows the troubles of our human flesh. Despite the voice from heaven the crowd is wowed by, I am always wowed by the small vulnerable voice of Jesus in this moment. He recommends us all to walk in the light while we have it and not let the darkness of these days overtake us. A good reminder for us all today as the darkness tries to overshadow us.

Loving Creator, who make the sun to rise up

and the small seeds to break through the rough earth

bringing new life in the days of deep and lasting sorrow

and giving all creation new light and new direction.

We find ourselves raging at today's dark deeds

sinking deeper into the profound sadness here

we want to move to violence and selfishness

yet even know you call us to walk in the light.

Let us walk in the light children, despite it all

Lord, make us see you calling us beyond these days

moving us through this dangerous holy week together

so we might know new life with you now and always. Amen.

We Would See Jesus

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

This Tuesday in Holy Week, we find ourselves hearing about strangers who want to see Jesus. The chain of command is spelled out by the Gospel writer, Philip told Andrew who told Jesus. I always wondered why this was so important to the storyteller since he does not say what Jesus said to the specific "outsiders" but instead to all his followers. His words predict his coming passion, his dying so we might live. Instructions to all of us to servants, to offer our lives so all might bear fruit and be with him and our Creator. May we stop hanging on to worldly pleasures and offer ourselves this Holy Week and always.

Wondrous Creator, the promise of spring is upon us

small green shoots struggle through the rough earth

bursts of color appear in unlikely and hostile places

and we hear again that the seeds must be die for life.

We do not want to be broken open to bear fruit

we ask others to do the hard painful work for us 

then grin wide and take the credit with pleasure

as they draw near to our dear Lord and Savior.

Help us be shattered and open to you again

break open these stubborn hearts of stone

help us to seek you and offer you our selves

so the world might see your love breaking through. Amen.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?’ Others were saying, ‘These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’ At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’ John 10:19-30

We adopted a rescue dog in January. He was extremely thin and must have been long on the streets when he was rescued, maybe all of his life. It has taken him some time to answer to his name and we have been working with him daily to train him and make him part of the family. He is very food motivated, which helps. We think he now knows he is part of a family, a pack, who will provide food, shelter and love. Like our Beckett, it takes time and loving care to know where we belong. We all belong to Jesus, we know his voice of compassion, forgiveness and love. A good and loving shepherd to all people.

Gracious Creator, you keep us safe and fed

you nurture us and tend us as we grow strong

you protect us from those who would steal us

and speak to us with love so we know your voice.

We are often tempted to wander and stray away

so many voices tempt and persuade us daily

we forget to listen to the still quiet voice

which is always with us moving our hearts.

Oh, good shepherd, make us your flock again

let us listen closely to your cry for justice

let us move to gather those who are scattered

and give us ears to hear you and live your love. Amen.

Good Shepherd

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’ John 10:1-18

To be known and loved is a true gift which many of us take for granted. Yet too many people are overlooked, left alone and lost in this world. Too much of God's creation is abused, destroyed and sold for profit. Many feel silenced and shut off by the powers that be today. Others are targets of anger and bigotry and have no protection. Into the very midst and heart of these anxious and troubling times, Jesus comes to tell us that we belong to him, and we are protected and defended by him. We are not a random collection of misfits but rather the beloved flock of Jesus. May we have hope in the days to come and raise our voices and offer our help to others, since we are all one flock, and we have a sacred shepherd who loves us all.

Mighty Creator, send you holy wind today

to cleanse the earth of tyrants and torturers

to free to imprisoned and bring home deportees

make us your beloved flock and be our shepherd here.

We have let harsh words and cruel gestures pass

we have let judgement and exclusion rule the day

we are all suffering the consequences of hate

and many are cowering alone in great fear.

Help us to stand up and follow you today

let us be counted as your flock and you our shepherd

lead us to the places of need, want and deep fear

so we might carry your love to the scattered flock. Amen.

Lord, I Believe

Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains. John 9:35-41

Taking responsibility for one's behavior seems lacking these days. We like to blame others for our vile acts. And we seem to be lacking belief yet gullible to facts we find on social media. We live in a world that does not honors faithfulness but instead we honor the flashy and shallow. Jesus and the man he healed were grilled by the religious leaders who enjoyed controlling faith and truth. The poor healed man and his family were entangled in a theological debate for control which they had no part in. The man just wanted to know who to believe in and Jesus offered himself. We are invited today to accept the simple and complete offer of Jesus, our shelter, healer and our home.

Loving Creator who knows us each by name

you bring healing and light in our darkness

you walk with us unseen in our sorrows

and you call us simply to say, I believe.

We want clear and fast answers to problems

we are impatient, untrusting, unbelieving

yet all our answers are found in you Lord

our ground of being our very home.

Help us, Lord, to live daily believing in you

who was and is willing to sacrifice all for us

you bring healing and light to us even now

and surround us with your eternal arms of love. Amen.

Healed in the Mud

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’ John 9:1-17

It's been raining and it's muddy everywhere. Red mud here in Oklahoma, deep brown in Massachusetts, and some places you can't see the mud for the water. Life is full of mud and mess everywhere we go. And it is this so common substance, the very earth we come from and return to, which Jesus used to heal the man born blind. Our sacred earth our mother earth, is healing and repairing us always, yet we do not choose to care about it. We wash it off as if it is an evil substance. Yet Jesus changed a man's life and his whole community and family with a little mud. Our Savior is one who is with us in the mess and the mud, willing healing and restoration for us all.

Precious Creator, mysterious and wonderful

you plant us on this holy and sacred earth

giving us all good things needed for life

and ask us to be caretaker of our earth and one another.

We refuse your love, and refuse the world's mess

even though that is where you dwell with us

we want simple, clean and pristine dwellings

that shield us from the truth of your presence here.

Help us today to be willing to get deep in the mud

let your love work in us so our eyes might be opened

to the desperate needs of our relatives and neighbors

so that we might be vessels of healing and light today. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 6, 2025

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." John 12:1-8

In this extraordinary moment in Jesus' ministry, we find him being anointed with expensive perfume. A beautiful smell filled the home, yet Judas objected fiercely and was judgmental and angry. Judgment and self-righteous anger often lead us into deep trouble, as it did for Judas. This tender scene of a very personal gift is disrupted by selfish indignation and jealousy. Too often we are motivated by these instead of being motivated by love. Mary acted out of deep love. Today, I celebrate the 23rd anniversary of my consecration as bishop. Despite all the challenges and changes that have happened over these years, I hold fast to the moments of tender care, the moments when my heart was touched by the love and support of another. So many, now with the ancestors, stood with me in my darkest times. May we who face dark times, remember that offering of kindness and love will get us through, and there are many aching for a small moment of kindness and support.

                                A Litany for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

Wondrous Creator, your love enlivens us

your forgiveness and healing restore us

and your arms enfold the one who are suffering.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us.

We want to act out in our self-righteous anger

we want to complain and judge in our jealousy 

and we refuse to see your arms reaching to hold us.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us.

Although we do not deserve your deep love for us

you shower us with beauty and new hope in season

the signs of your presence are everywhere around.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us.

Lift us from all tempest and fears for our safety

and help us turn to you in every waking hour.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us.

Despite all of our failings and our cruelties

you see us all as your beloved and call us your children.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us.

You breathe with us as we walk this sacred earth

and you welcome us with joy to our eternal home.

Lord Jesus, help us to hold fast to your deep love for us. Amen.

dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Dr. Carol Hampton

Difficult Truth

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. John 6:60-71

These are discouraging times for many, and it can seem appropriate to give up and walk away. When we have to face difficult and hard truths, we often pretend not to hear, think we can ignore it, we can hide, or just walk away. Many of Jesus' disciples did just that. They were in the presence of the living God, and yet they could not live with difficult teachings and truths. We humans are prone to great love and even greater betrayal and failing. Today we are invited to seek a deeper faith, a deeper trust, a deeper love in these challenging times.

Loving Creator, you know the depths of us

our fickle and divisive hearts and minds

yet you love us completely and stay with us

despite the darkness and challenges within.

We have loved fame and fortune too much

we are wowed by trinkets and shiny stuff

yet are shallow, selfish and unkind often

and forget to care for the least among us.

Help us Lord, to stay with you today

never let us fade away or give up now

you call us to be your heart and hands here

make us your disciples in these hard times. Amen.

Bread of Heaven

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ John 6:41-51

Among our Indigenous tribes here in the States, one of the most familiar foods, craved and essential to life, is fry bread. Many folks think fry bread is a traditional dish. Actually, it is not. Fry bread is the result of the ingenuity of Native women, who took the bland commodities given by our federal government and made something delicious. Since tribes were dislocated, removed and penned in on reservations, fry bread made the limited diet special. And, for me it is a symbol of our resilience and hope in the face of terrible politics and constancy violence and abuse. Jesus offers us himself, not a commodity but a relationship, one that gives and restores life, even in the worst of times.

Gracious Creator, source of bread and life

you feed us both physically and spiritually

you tend to us like fragile new spring plants

and water us with new life and new hope.

We find ourselves in dangerous times again

when greed for land and dominance reign

when the most vulnerable cower in fear

from the very people that should be caring for them.

Revive us, Lord, with your heavenly food

give us the strength to persist when weary

to serve the needy even when the skies darken

and feed us so we carry your love here and now. Amen.

Bread of Life

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. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ John 6:27-40

Shortly after the first of the year, I started baking bread again. A dear friend had given me some sour dough starter some time back, and I have really enjoyed the whole process. The bread, rolls and buns we've made have been so delicious. Even better, the smell of baking bread and the aroma as it comes out of the oven, is nothing short of gloriously heavenly. Bread has been a staple across time and generations. It can often remind us of simpler, safer times. It smells like home and comfort. Jesus tells us he is the bread of life, the one who gives us safety and comfort, the one who is home for us. I imagine we all need a good dose of safety and comfort these days. May we be ready always to turn to Jesus, seeking out the true bread of life.

Gracious Creator, you feed us and comfort us

filling us with good things wrought from earth

protecting us in times of violence and worry

and restoring our hope in these dark times.

We are surrounded by false prophets and rumors

we feel as if we don't know who we can trust

we run from pillar to post seeking comfort

and too often forget to turn our hearts to you.

Precious Jesus, refill our empty hearts today

strengthen us for the challenging days ahead

be our sustenance, our hope and our home

and make us full of love so we might feed others. Amen.

Strong Winds and Rough Seas

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 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.’ John 6:16-27

I have spent a good deal of my life near the ocean and have often experienced strong winds and rough seas. My Dad had small boats, all second hand and rickety at best. I have experienced my share of rough times on a small boat. I have baled and pumped water and prayed we would get back to shore. My father was well trained and experienced, just as the disciples were. Wind and weather do not care, and the most experienced know when to be afraid. Many of us are facing rough seas and strong winds in other ways and it can feel as if we are sure to perish. Yet Jesus comes to us, calms our fears and brings us to safe harbor again. No matter where we are in our journey, no matter how overwhelmed we are and are sure we are going to drown, Jesus is with us in our storms.

Gracious Creator, you give us wind and water

so birds might fly and fish might swim at home

you give us skills and strength to sail and fly

and we might see the glory and beauty of creation.

The storms of life and swift changes overwhelm us

and all the human advances fall away when fear rises

even the strongest among us can be weak and broken

and the most faithful tremble and fear abandonment.

Free us today from all the fears we hold so close

let us see you coming close in our terrifying storms

give us new strength and new faith for the journey

and make us your disciples who carry your love. Amen.