Consider the Lilies, the Ravens

He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:22-31

Every spring, the lilies appear despite the fact that I have done nothing to bring them back to life. I grew to love ravens when we lived in Sitka, Alaska because they were everywhere and taught me so much. They talk to each other, work together and always have something to say. They would cooperate together to open trash cans and share the food they scored, chattering away. We humans worry about so much that we fail to talk to one another, work together and cooperate so all can be fed. Jesus tell us that we are more beloved than the ravens and the lilies, and all our needs are met in our Creator.

Wondrous Creator, you've made the world beautiful

adorned in splendid colors and abundant diversity

every bird sings a different tune, every day is different

and you promise to provide our needs in every moment.

We worry so much about sustaining our daily lives

that we forget to work with others and trust in you

we fail to see the beauty and possibility around us

and we curse the darkness instead of sleeping deeply.

May we be like infants in the safety of our mothers arms

trusting that all we need will be supplied when we cry

all the light and beauty you have given us to remind us

you love and care are with us in every breath we take. Amen.

Ask, Search and Knock

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’ And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11:1-13

We are often overwhelmed by world events, and we can find ourselves looking for ways to cope with all of it. We often forget that we have the capacity to pray in all places, silently, asking for what we need for today. Jesus taught his disciples the prayer we call the Lord's prayer. They too needed to learn to pray at all times and struggled with everything they were witnessing. A simple formula for all our prayers in all the times we face. Jesus wanted them to know that there was someone hearing our prayers, someone on the other side of the door, none other than the heart of the living God. 

Loving Creator, you listen to us cry out

you are never far off from your creation

you hear the prayers we raise in these times

and are moving always to answer our plea.

We are frustrated and tempted to give up

no matter what we do the world gets uglier

the poor are not fed, the refugees turned away

and the rich get richer as too many go hungry.

Help us to use every waking hour for prayer

give us the faith to know you are listening

let us all ask, seek and knock in prayer 

trusting your love is providing all our needs. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 25th, 2025

Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "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." John 14:23-29

Jesus speaks directly to his disciples about keeping his word and leaves them with the gift of his peace. He regularly spoke love, peace, compassion and forgiveness. He often condemned the greed, manipulation and abuse of the religious leadership. He spoke often of loving the Lord and our neighbors as ourselves. And he promised not only to give us his peace but is with us and will make a home with us. How is that his followers today often forget these simple directions? We are no different than those first century followers. We prize our comfort and reputation over love, compassion and peace.

                            A Litany for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Wondrous Creator, you hung the stars

you delight us with great natural beauty

and always call us your beloved children.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word.

We destroy the beauty and peace given

by our laziness, selfishness and pride

and pollute our relationship with our home.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word.

You have blessed us with so much abundance 

and we hoard it like those who have starved.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word.

We keep the bounty from those in great need

and blame it on balancing the bottom line.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word.

Yet despite our selfish behavior and greed

you still promise to make your home with us.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word.

Give us the strength and humility today

so we might live your eternal word of love.

Lord Jesus, make us humble so we might live and keep your word. Amen.

Beloved Daughters

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhages stopped. Then Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.’ When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’ While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’ When Jesus heard this, he replied, ‘Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.’ When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, ‘Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56

It is remarkable how tender Jesus was with women, and curious how many of his male followers are not. In this story we see both a desperate father in Jairus and the faithfulness of the suffering widow. They were both beloved daughters of our Creator, as all women are. The hard truth is that women are very rarely treated as beloved daughters. Some treat women as princesses and queens, which they ae not. Others treat women as slaves and useful servants, deserving punishment and abuse. And sometimes, because of our culture, women themselves turn on one another and are cruel and unkind. Jesus did none of those things and neither should we. We should treat all people as beloved children of God and all women as beloved daughters.

Wondrous Creator, you made us your children

in many genders and expressions and languages

we are yours from the beginning of our lives

and we are called home by you to live forever.

Too often, culture and custom destroy relationships

we act as if some are superior and some worthless

we treat the refugees and the poor as rubbish

and demean us all by our sour and unkind ways.

Let us again be your beloved children

siblings all who are each known by name

take away our broken places and heal us

so we might lift up others suffering now. Amen.

Seized With Great Fear

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me’— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘Legion’; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:26-39

It often happens that when something gets fixed that was broken for a long time, people can be confused and disappointed. Likewise, when someone recovers from long addiction or illness, folks can react negatively and often with fear and disappointment. It makes little sense, but humans are unpredictable and often irrational. We live in a time when people are getting used to demonic behavior and cruelty, accepting it as normal behavior. As funds get cut off to important and well working aid for the poor, we now shrug as if it is normal. Jesus' presence is always healing and can traumatize those who cling to the status quo, who like having a village miscreant who they can blame for everything. Yet the presence of Jesus means that healing, compassion and justice flows.

Loving Creator, who seeks to heal all

your heart is for the poor and marginalized

your desire is always for reconciliation

and your way is to set the bound ones free.

Our desires are often far from your desires

we feather our nests while others starve

we take the food out of innocent children's mouths

and claim we are doing your work on earth.

Help us, Lord, to be those who feed and shelter

those in need here at home and across the world

and despite all the challenges we face today

let us be fearless as we welcome your healing here. Amen.

Master, Master, We are Perishing!

‘No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.’ Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?’ Luke 8:16-25

Many folks feel like we are perishing in these turbulent times. The winds of anxiety are high, the clouds of confusion seem to hide the light and fear is soaking into us like sea water. We are so stirred up, tossed about by every change, that we can forget to light our lamps and be beacons in a stormy world. Jesus challenged the faith of the disciples, who were legitimately terrified in a scary storm, fearing for their lives. Jesus challenges all of us to focus on being faithful, focus on being servants now, carrying God's love and light to the world. We can do more than moan and complain; we can call on the one who even the winds and the water obey. 

Mysterious Creator, you moved over the water

breathing life into a chaotic and lifeless world

you brought us here in these times to witness

to your love which is able to calm all of the storms.

We see so much denigration and so much abuse

we have gotten used to the violence and wars

so many storms in our nation and our world

that we hide and cower from the turbulence.

Lord Jesus give us the faith to stand up and shine

make us living beacon of faith and hope

help us to lean on you completely in these times

and know you will heal and restore our world. Amen.

Good Soil

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that “looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.” ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. Luke 8:1-15

This time of year, if I am not in the garden, I am thinking about what to plant and how to make things grow better this year. Just picked up some more dirt for our raised beds and we're laying out plans for planting. I love working in the garden and love checking on the peas and other early plants to make sure they are thriving. Jesus asks us to have the kind of faith that is willing to get in the dirt, to remove the weeds, stir in the mature, and whatever else is needed for abundance. We are often too willing to show for extravagant events, where we parade in gorgeous vestments, but fail to do the day in day out toil, of weeding our faults, asking forgiveness and being forgiven, studying the scriptures and serving the needs of the community. We are called to do the backbreaking, on our knees, sunburnt kind of faith work so that all may be blessed with abundant love in action.

Gracious Creator, you bring a new season

where life can flourish again and flower

you give us the seeds and the tools to work

and rich earth to plant and to tend with love.

We are impatient and run when slightly tested

we are unwilling to stoop and bend for faith

we present ourselves as believers but we act

as if we are only here to care for ourselves.

Help us to be humble gardeners in your fields

let us be broken open with love and forgiveness

make us steadfast and constant in our care

and let us be your abundant love in action. Amen.

Shown Great Love

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.’ Jesus spoke up and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Teacher,’ he replied, ‘speak.’ ‘A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’ Luke 7:36-50

We live in a time when many judge others harshly and call names but fail to examine their own lives and behavior. We rarely admit our mistakes and very rarely ask or offer forgiveness. We are then bound and chained by our anger and our mistakes. The woman who came to Jesus was a "sinner" and the folks at the table were obnoxious about it. Yet she came and anointed him, weeping and wiping his feet with her hair. Real love admits mistakes and real love forgives. Real love demonstrates kindness and care. May we all be agents of real love in a world of crass cruelty and selfishness.

Gracious Creator, you sent us a Savior

to show us the real meaning of love

where everyone is welcomed and forgiven

where you make a home for all the people.

These days we see the refugee terrorized

we witness the innocent ones demonized

they are considered sinners and unforgiven

while the truly sinful admit to no sin at all.

Lord, help us to demonstrate real love

help us make a safe place for the frightened

help us to confess our faults and forgive

so that your love might be known here and now. Amen.

I Say to You, Rise

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.’ And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favorably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:1-17

So many folks feel fearful and defeated these days, powerless to change the present circumstances of oppression. We have seen too many people snatched from the streets, too many denied their rights, too many banned from participating in the things they love. We can feel hopeless. Yet in our Gospel today we hear Jesus raising up a young man who was physically and completely dead. The impossible made possible. We are called in times like these to be those who deepen their faith and depend on the goodness of God, who are willing to rise from what feel like death and defeat, defying the evil behavior and trusting that God will help us all rise up.

Wondrous Creator, source of life and healing

you made the sun to rise on all of creation

you provide the food so that all may thrive

and despite the tyrants, you bring justice always.

We are fearful and unwilling to rise up

we want to stay buried in our comfortable homes

we are afraid to speak our truth in the public square

for fear of the abuse and dismissal we will receive.

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to use our voices

let us rise up knowing that you empower us all

you put you heart in the outcast and the poor

and you will raise us up to renew your love in our time. Amen.

A Good Foundation

He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6:39-49

"The good person out of the treasure of the heart produces good." Today Mark and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in the same place we honeymooned and where we have called home, a place where my parent's had their home before I was born. So here we are listening to the pounding ocean, the birds calling, walking the quiet streets, reflecting on the treasures of our hearts. We built a firm foundation on love and forgiveness, of laughter, creativity and not taking ourselves too seriously. We never had much money, we never had much celebrity and none of that means much. We clung to each other, lifted each other us and raised three wonderfully beautiful, wild and brilliant women. I am so grateful to God for a gift of the man who built with me a deep foundation of love.

Wondrous Creator, you are mysteriously present

in the humble and tender places of our lives

in the laughter of children and the sighs of elders

and in the twilight settling over the deep ocean.

You taught us how to love and to live together

we are often willful and insensitive to others

yet you always bring us back to the foundation

where love can blossom even among the weeds.

Help us Lord to make love our beginning and end

help us forgive others and ourselves so we flourish

keep us humble and simple so our days are joyous

and help us cling to the love you have given us. Amen.

Love Your Enemies

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

In these times, when divisions are clear and enemies clearly identified, we can easily vilified people and call them our enemies. It is much harder to love the despots and those who lord their wealth over others, crushing the spirits of the vulnerable. It is easy to call those our enemies. Yet Jesus calls us to love them and afford them kindness and consideration, even when they are not giving us the same. This is truly hard for us humans. It requires us to see beyond the fury and falsehoods to someone who might be hurting, and needing to hurt others to soothe themselves, to wield power cruelly in order to quiet their own demons. We are not called to be suffering martyrs but rather to embrace love and forgiveness so fully that we forgive even ourselves. Jesus reminded us that as difficult as loving enemies might be, we will know the reward as a "good measure, pressed down and running over."

Wondrous Creator, who gave us the power to love

and despite our human limitations we know power

by living by your greatest commandment to love

and to constantly forgive those who have hurt us.

We often get riled up and get prepared for battle

knowing our own truths without understanding

and acting righteous overlooking our own flaws

forgetting your commandment to love all creation.

Lord, help us today to love enemy and friend alike

help us be always ready to forgive and to pray

make us those who care for the outcasts of society

so they too may know the love that you give us. Amen.

Blessings and Woes

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. ‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Luke 6:12-26

In a time when all of the rhetoric seems to be about winners and losers, the greatest and the worst, the most brilliant and the stupidest, Jesus speaks directly to our times. He knew those who were suffering and hungry were honest, loving people and most often those who were wealthy and secure were dishonest and cruel. He saw through the glitter and the talk right down to their hearts. May we remember this as we walk through this world. The least among us are our greatest blessing and where our Lord will be found.

Loving Creator, you bless all creation

giving us sun and rain for the crops

wind and moonlight so we can sail

and abundantly love all of creation.

We are swift to judge and dismiss

we see those struggling and blame

we envy the rich and copy them

not understanding what love really is.

May we live today with open hearts

may we be a blessing to all we meet

may our lives not be measured by wealth

but by the way we love those around us. Amen.

Lord of the Sabbath

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

Today marks 35 years since I was ordained a priest. It was only legal to make women priests for a little more than 15 years and less than two years after Barbara Harris was consecrated as the first female bishop. Before then it was illegal for us to serve as priests and bishops. The rules humans make for the life of faith and for a country are often at odds with what God desires. Jesus teaches radical inclusion. He invites all to serve and be a part of the life of the church. It has taken millennium for the church to catch up with God's desire of inclusion. And many ignore God's desires and set out rigid rules and exclusionary behavior. Still God desires us to see everyone as part of the family and everyone able to be servant leaders among us.

Loving Creator, your arms surround all creation

your heart is for all people in every generation

you see beyond our human constraints and rules

trusting in the potential healing of each of us.

We love to exclude, weaponize and judge

despite that you have told us not to judge

we set ourselves above other people 

even though we know you love them too.

Help us today Lord to learn to love again

not as the world loves in a limited way

but with your generous all-embracing love

which transform the world in every generation. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter - May 11, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Easter - May 11, 2025

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 10:22-30

We hear Jesus refer to himself, again and again, as a shepherd, the protector of the sheep. He uses this illustration because folks of sheep and their shepherds were ever present in their daily lives and travels. Few of us have sheep in our daily lives or in our daily travels. We often have some nursery or Sunday school picture of shepherds and sheep - tender, watercolor, pastel images. Raising and protecting sheep is not anything easy. It is a rough life, with dangers all around. Making sure there is food and pasture enough, water enough and enough humans and a few dogs to keep watch in every hour and situation. Jesus is telling us he is that - the one who feeds, finds us pasture and safe spaces as well as protecting us from all predators and dangers. We often scream at God when our lives have hit hard times, but do we notice the days, months and years when we have been kept safe despite our thickheaded and dangerous wanderings? May we praise God today for the safety and protection we receive and which goes unnoticed day after day.

Marvelous Creator, you put us in families

with parents who protect us day in and out

and show us how you love us completely.

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection.

We are all stubborn and willful children

who wander away and never really listen

and are blessed that you will still care for us.

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection.

Help us to see your hand working for good

and help us to be good protectors and friends

so all may see the love that surrounds us all.

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection.

Lift up those who are fearful in daily life

carry the refugees and strangers to safety.

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection.

Make us mindful of those who are afraid

and give us the strength to shelter them.

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection.

For you feed us and care for us every day

and all of creation is blessed by your love. 

Lord, we are grateful for your loving care and protection. Amen.

Seeing Their Faith

Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, ‘Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the one who was paralyzed— ‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’ Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’ Luke 5:12-26

There are times when we can do what needs to be done. There are also times when we cannot do anything on our own and need the help and ingenuity of others. Whether we lack health, or strength, or funds or knowledge, we have to rely on the kindness and generosity of others. We find ourselves all in hard times, where everything is off balance and no one seems to know what to do. And these are the times when our faith encourages us to do whatever it takes. We may need to speak up even if our voice is shaking, we might need to stand firm when everyone is caving, and we may need to break open a roof. Jesus saw the action of faith and love in one man's friends and immediately healed him. Let us be those friends in this time.

Wondrous Creator, who scattered the stars

so that we might have direction in the dark

and who made the oceans always changing

so we might see your constancy in every tide.

The poor and the immigrants are suffering

we want to turn away and dismiss their fears

yet we too are scared of the times ahead

and wonder how we all will survive here.

Lord, help us to have faith like roof breakers

willing to carry others and not be suppressed

love which is willing to speak up and act

for the healing and restoration of all creation. Amen.

Let Down Your Nets

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

Many of us are weary and exhausted from working for justice and equality while around us justice and equality are ignored. We have been out in deep water for so long and are getting nowhere, it seems. To weary fishermen, who were washing and putting away their nets, Jesus tells them to go deeper and let down the nets. Right. They so this and are overwhelmed by the catch. It is time for us also, not to give up and clean up, but rather to go deeper and let down the nets. God love and inclusion are needed now more than ever.

Loving Creator, source of all abundance

you renew our capacity when exhausted

you heal us all when we are broken

and you draw us together as your family.

The authorities are breaking up families

we are ready to call it quits and go home

it seems that the power is with the rich

and the poor are sent away empty handed.

You, O Lord, remind us that this is the time

the time to be bold and cast out the nets

this is the time to lead with love and embrace

and we are those who are called to serve all. Amen.

She Began to Serve

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44

Too often, those who have so much want more. Those who have little and who have been shown kindness are nearly always grateful. Those who are grateful always want to show their gratitude by serving others. Simon's mother was sick and was healed by Jesus. She got up and served them, not because they demanded it or she had to, but because she was so grateful that her life was restored. May we who have been touched by the love and generosity of God turn and serve others today.

Gracious Creator, you heal us and feed us

you give us shelter and safe places to live

you surround us with your abundance

and make us part of a wider community.

Too often we fall into self-pity and gripping

we want all of our troubles to be gone

we want an easy life and to be pampered

yet when we know love we are ready to serve.

Lord, help us get up and serve those in need

let our gratitude be displayed in taking care

make us agents of change by loving the stranger

and making a place at the table for all who come in. Amen.

Be Silent

He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! 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!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. Luke 4:31-37

It is important for us, in this time, to hear that the loudest voices are often those of demons rather that voices of good. This is too true in our time. Too many are listening to the loudest voices, the ones who would hurt and defile the people for the sake of power. Love doesn't shout though love may sing. Kindness and compassion do not require noise. Justice is not loud. Justice is steady and unflinching in the face of rude and loud voices.

Loving Creator, source of all justice

you are the still small voice in this noise

you call us to bring justice and comfort

and to follow your way of inclusion.

This is a time of great bluster and shouting

where name calling and abuse seem approved

when people are pulled from the street

and where justice seems to be sleeping.

Lord, help us to be your silent witnesses

and help us to serve all of your people

may we speak softly and work tirelessly

for you promise love, justice and healing for all. Amen.

Bring Good News

Then 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.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. Luke 4:14-30

Good news and unconditional love are not always welcome things. Folks who crave power and control need to keep others down to get their way. When we talk about good news to the poor, setting the prisoners free, healing and release for the oppressed, the people who need to be in power react violently. This was the reaction that Jesus received when he read from the scriptures, from the word of God. Our Creator has been unconditional love, freedom, healing and liberation from the beginning. When we see people oppose those things, we know we are called to love more and serve the least among us.

Loving Creator, you bring good news always

in every season you provide healing and release

you smile on the poor and the abused and blind

and wrap them in your blanket of eternal love.

We live in a time when love is a thing of weakness

where power and fame have deep roots here

and we feel powerless to find love and deep strength

to defy the powers of selfishness and cruelty.

Make us your followers again, so we might serve

take our pride and fear from us and give us strength

as we bring your love and healing in dark times

and share your unconditional love with the world. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter May 4th, 2025

Third Sunday of Easter

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me." John 21:1-19

 

Jesus makes himself known to the disciples by giving them an abundant catch and feeding them breakfast. In this moment of post-resurrection, the disciples seem unable to recognize Jesus. They have gone back to their familiar work, hoping to find comfort and direction. Despite the loss and confusion, Jesus feeds them and provides what they need. Jesus asks them to feed his lambs, tend his sheep, feed his sheep. Jesus comes into the familiar place and tells them to follow him in a different direction. These fishermen were called from their nets to care for the flock, for the ones who follow Jesus and need tending all the time. Before this, Jesus had led them and now, he calls them to lead the people and calls us all to tend and feed the people.

Gracious Creator, who brings new life 

in every season and in every challenge

you send us shepherds to feed and guide us.

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love.

We get lost and wander away from your love

we go back to our familiar comfortable habits

seeking to hide from your call on our lives.

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love.

Despite our behavior you help us and feed us

you call us to the table and invite us to serve

and you teach us how to gently tend the people.

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love.

Give us your grace today, to care for the flock

make us your followers and help us love you.

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love.

Much of the world has lost its way home

you call us to gently embrace the wanderers.

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love.

For you have given your life so we might live

and you will strengthen us for the tasks ahead. 

Tender Shepherd, teach us to follow your way of love. Amen.

The Beloved

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.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. 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 3:15-22

Some folks seem to have iron clad egos, but most of us don't, and often feel like we are unworthy or less than others. So many wonderful see only their failings and inadequacies. Yet we are children of the living God. We believe that when we are baptized, we are baptized with Jesus and born again to new life in him. We become the family of God, siblings together in Christ. Along with Jesus, we are beloved, wanted and precious to our Creator, the hands and feet of Jesus in today's world. May we act humbly and also practice living as beloved children of a loving Creator.

Wondrous Creator, you set stars in the heavens

you bring dancing light in the deepest darkness

you have filled the world with great wonders

and speak your love to us across the ages.

We often do not see the value we can be

and don't consider ourselves as your beloved

yet in every hour of every day you speak still

and you invite us to live together as beloved all.

Give us your joy and your hope again today

so we might rise up together and bring peace

make us your heart and hands here on earth

so all might know they are beloved children. Amen.

Sharing

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’ John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’ And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’ Luke 3:1-14

In many Indigenous tribes here, we have a tradition of giveaways. Often when one is being honored, the person being honored will hold a giveaway, where precious items are given to all the guests, strangers and friends alike. When Europeans arrived on this continent they didn't understand the practice, considering us to be ignorant and backward. Yet we hear John being asked what we should do, and he replies that we should share our coats and our food, not make profits and not extort by violence or any other means. We find ourselves in a time when giving doesn't seem to be the cultural norm anymore, yet we are called, as the ones who follow Jesus, to share and give from our abundance to all.

Loving Creator, you shower us abundantly

bringing tender plants to full maturity

harvesting the riches of the fertile earth

and giving us what we need to live daily.

We have become selfish and very greedy

unsatisfied with enough, we hoard and hide

never seeing or thinking about the needs of others

always putting ourselves and our satisfaction first.

Help us Lord to see your tremendous abundance

turn us away from selfish desires so we might see

the aching needs that are present in every town

and recognize your face in that of the outcast and stranger. Amen.