Be Reconciled

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

We find ourselves in a time of litigation and judgement. It must have been that way in the time of Jesus as well. When we get hurt, we want to be paid and when we have hurt someone we don't want to pay for the hurt. And yet, Jesus tells his disciples that we should be reconciled, by reaching out first, forgiving first, and asking for forgiveness first. We are liable for our behavior, says Jesus, and the reality is when we fester with hate, hurt and jealousy, we punish ourselves and no one else. Today, as then, we are invited to drop what we are doing and seek reconciliation.

Gracious Creator, you are ready always to forgive

you look over your beautiful creation and weep

for the damage and pain, we have caused one another.

We want to be compensated for the hurts suffered

yet we continue to hurt others and refuse to forgive

and you call us to mend the broken hoops of our lives.

Lord Jesus, turn us around again so we might love

and in loving, ask for and offer forgiveness to all

so your love might take hold in our trembling hearts again. Amen.

Sunday, September 28th, 2025, Proper 21

Sunday September 28th, 2025

Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, Father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:19-31

We live in a time when the rich are heralded as the chosen ones and the poor as losers. Yet in this story, this parable of Jesus, we know the poor man's name and have no idea who the rich man is. the rich man had everything and stepped over Lazarus daily, never even knowing his name, but God did. Too many are stepping over the poor, the immigrant, the ill and the outcasts. Yet God knows them each by name and calls us all to live a life worthy of having a name remembered. The rich man pleads with Father Abraham, who reminds him that he had all truth from scripture when he lived, as do his family still living. We are called to live with kindness and forgiveness. The ancient words of Micah 6:8 are relevant today. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." God would never step over any of us.

                                        A Litany for Sunday, September 28th

Loving Creator, you call us to justice and humility

and you have placed your love and joy within us

helping us to walk with you on your holy journey.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey.

We often ignore your teachings and your stories

we made up new narratives that are easier for us

and we step over those who you would have us see.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey.

Open our eyes to your beloved around us all

help us to walk with justice, kindness and love

and give us strength to lift up our struggling neighbors.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey.

You put your heart in all of your people and creation

help us to live with great gratitude and all humility.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey.

Lift us from our selfish needs and turn us to service

so we might one day meet gentle souls like Lazarus.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey. 

For you are the God of all justice and loving hearts

and we are yours, ready again to carry loving justice to the world.

Hold our hands, precious Savior, as you lead us on this sacred journey. Amen.

Simply Pray

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:7-15

I love listening to children when they pray the Lord's prayer. Once they have learned it, they often shout it with joy. When they are learning, the scramble of words is a joy to listen to as well. Adults tend to make complicated prayers, clergy even more so, and bishops, well, we go overboard. But really, Jesus said not to add anything unnecessary, show-offy, arrogant, officious or the like to a prayer. Keeping it simple is not because Jesus doesn't want to hear it, but because our wordiness keeps us from humility, honesty and simplicity. He reminded his disciples, time and time again to be humble and forgiving always, and he reminds us again today.

Loving Creator, you loved us from the beginning

you give us a good life filled with community

and you call us to pray and live with humility.

We like to show off how we can use words to dazzle

we hide behind our showy prayers and rituals

yet you, who are perfect see behind all the finery.

Help us Lord, today, to be forgiving and humble

let our pride fall away so we might see the needs

and respond with your abundant and forgiving love. Amen.

Private Piety

‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

We all enjoy being the center of attention, although some enjoy it more than others. As Episcopalians, we love to dress us and parade around in church, sporting beautiful vestments and the like. Unfortunately, that is symbolic and not necessarily faithful. It is what we do when no one is watching that matters. Are we cursing others when we are alone, not willing to confess our faults and pray in the privacy of our rooms? We are invited today to examine ourselves, inwardly and honestly. Jesus pushed the disciples to do so and urges us as well.

Gracious Creator, heart of love and forgiveness

you call us to a life of humility and prayer

a life full of self-sacrifice and grateful service

so the world might see you love made visible.

We love the limelight and the attention

we revel in being leaders, full of strength

yet you call us to be weak and humble

more ready to forgive than go to war.

Help us Lord, to shed the dazzling trapping 

instead, make us people who serve daily

let our piety and worship bring you honor

for you are the source of love and life always. Amen.

Love Your Enemies

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

Some of the things Jesus directed his disciples to do, are some of the hardest things humans can do. It is so normal for us to hate the people who hate us, those who have tortured and hurt us, and those who have hurt those we love. We also enjoy imagining the destruction of those who have slighted us and pushed us out of the way. Enemies come in all forms. Yet Jesus persisted, over and over again, that we care called to love and forgive those who are hardest to love and to forgive. Even now, as you read this, those faces come to mind, don't they? Well, let them go, forgive them and love them, despite the hurt you feel. Oh, yes, it is so hard, and yet it is such a gift to let go of hate, to free ourselves from that anger that binds us and has held us for so long. Jesus knew that as we practiced loving the unlovable, as we let go, we would also be released to know greater love and forgiveness.

Great Creator, you made the world through love

no greater painter nor a sculptor could design

a more beautiful and enthralling landscape

this beautiful round earth that contains us all.

We find ourselves missing your great beauty

as we are bound up with anger and hate

we let those who hurt us live well in our heads

and we feed that hate and grow to hate ourselves.

Set us free, dear, Lord, so we might love again

help us to forgive those who have hurt us

help us love those who once were our enemies

so beauty and joy might flourish here again. Amen. 

Our Help is in the Name of the Lord

If the Lord had not been on our side, let Israel now say; If the Lord had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us; Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us; Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us; Then would the raging waters have gone right over us. Blessed be the Lord! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124

We live in a time when many are looking for help for their survival. In most ages, there are folks needing help, needing protection, aching to be heard. We all stand of the shoulders of generations before, people we do not remember or recognize, who did heroic things quietly, guaranteeing our safety and survival. The world is in tumultuous times, when we are so divided and social media fans the flames of hate. Yet those who came before us lived in tumultuous times as well, and they trusted their Creator to bring them through, living quiet heroic, risk taking lives for the sake of others. We too, like them, can deepen our trust in God and live quiet heroic lives of service. For God works through the love we share, the peace we create and the sanctuary we provide.

Wondrous Creator, who sees us in all seasons

you provide abundance in challenging times

giving us protection in the storms of life

and shown us how to live a life of loving service.

We go astray when we take care of ourselves alone

stepping over those we choose not to see or care for

we forget whose shoulders we are standing upon

and have forgotten to care for those around us.

Lord, make us ready to seek your face daily

armed with love to share and peace to give away

make our hearts open and our ears open as well

so we might be those who carry your love here and now. Amen.

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

This afternoon autumn begins in our hemisphere; the end of summer is official, and we reflect of the season past and prepare for the days ahead. I feel that there is a glimpse of the divine when first we encounter the cool, crisps days of autumn. They don't last long enough in New England. It's also a time to take stock and begin again in new ways. I am always overwhelmed by the dee felt urge to get school supplies and organize my office and desk, despite the fact that I am retired and not in school at all. Jesus tells stories to his followers, so that the images might stay in their minds, so that they might remember when life transitions happen and seasons of life change. He helps us refocus on the important thing and not get scattered by foolish distractions and urges. Our treasure is God's love for us and we are called to put love first in all seasons.

Gracious Creator, our renewal in every season

you made the day and night, sun and moon

all turning in the order of the universe's heart

love which draws us forward in every new age.

We face transitions with dread and reluctance

we think the familiar and former ways are best

we refuse to reach forward with hope and joy

and bury ourselves in shallow reminiscing.

Lord, help us to find our treasure in you again

may love flourish in new and challenging times

may we be agents of hope and positive change

so the world might know the inbreaking of your love. Amen.

Sunday, September 21, 2025, Proper 20

Sunday, September 21st, 2025 Proper 20

Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?' He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Luke 16:1-13

It seems that the wealthier one is the more power and prestige they are given. We see all too clearly what it looks like when folks serve wealth. The poor, the stranger, the sick and the different ones all become tossed away as if they were trash. Many are threatened with expulsion and even death, written out of history and out of life. Yes, we must be wise and shrewd, but not so others can suffer and be without. Yes, we are called to take care of our family's needs and be faithful to the needs of our community. And, as soon as we focus too much on money, people become less important, and our mother earth is in peril. Our Creator God promises to care for us and provide for our needs. Few of us trust those words and think we have a better way. May we be true followers of Jesus, those who put God and neighbor first, trusting that there will be enough.

                                        A Litany for Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Abundant Creator, you are the source of all goodness

you shower us with seasons of plenty and abundance

inviting us to share the goodness with all around us.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always.

We toil and accumulate wealth beyond all our needs

and are desperately hungry for more and more goods

when we are hollow in our hearts and empty in our souls.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always.

We will all come to a day of reckoning and death

when our treasure will be measured by our care and love

not by numbers in a ledger or a bottom-line bank account.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always.

Make us grateful dear Lord, for the many gifts of today

and make us share the abundance you have given us.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always.

Take away our worries about money and treasure

trusting you will help us in our hour of need.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always.

Let us surround ourselves in generosity and compassion

so the world might know your love in these harsh times.

Precious Lord Jesus, help us to serve you now and always. Amen. 

Salt and Light

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16

Many of us have been hurt by the very institutions that should be safe and protect us. The church has often alienated and hurt those who are different, especially women and people of color. We say we are an inclusive church, but we fail to include folks that make us uncomfortable. We can pretend we are better than other, more conservative denominations, but we are not. We have persecuted prophets, isolated difference and shamed so many. Yet we are still called to be salt and light, despite how we have been treated. And the church is in need of constant reform and change to truly be salt and light. May we who have been hurt and persecuted share the love we have, so those who have been shunned can know people and places of love and welcome.

Loving Creator, source of life and light

we are showered with your great bounty

kept safe by your loving and tender arms

and fed with the salt of compassion.

We enjoy all too much being in clubs

shutting out difference of color and culture

pretending as if we are better than others

and being neither salt nor light for anyone.

Lord Jesus, humble us today to remember

the hurt that is human rejection and shunning

help us to gather those who are persecuted

and be their salt and light in these times. Amen.

Blessed Are You

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10

We returned early yesterday morning from the House of Bishops in the Dominican Republic. We were touched by the people's welcome, kindness and generosity. Even on the plane going there, people greeted one another as family, and some might have been. I worried while we were enroute whether these lovely folks would be allowed back home in the US. We seem to be so cruel these days, rounding up and locking folks up, even US citizens with no criminal record. I received blessing upon blessing while in The DR despite the challenges faced. Some days it is hard to feel blessed. Yet Jesus reminds us that we are blessed, even when we are treated cruelly and misunderstood. The Creator all showers blessings despite our circumstances, our fears and our worries. May we in turn be a blessing to others for we do not know how they silently suffer.

Loving Creator, you blessed us every day

with sun, rain and wind to restore us all

with family and friends to embrace us

and with love despite the trials we face.

Our selfishness results in cruel demonization

we round up the hard-working poor who scare us

we build walls to shut out those seeking freedom

and smile smugly as we burn all our blessings.

Lift us up Lord from our selfish inclinations

bless us with humility and gratitude today

let the burdens we bear be carried with joy

knowing that as we love we will know the blessings. Amen.

 

Leaving Our Nets

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:18-25

I used to think that Jesus called Peter and Andrew away from fishing so they could "fish" for people. And they did. Even more so, they let go of their familiar, secure life. They had to learn new ways of doing and being, and they had to hear strange tongues, smell other odors and live around people who were strange to them. They had to listen both to Jesus and the people. Too often we get caught up in our familiar tasks, our familiar places and friends. We don't hear anything new or strange, never meet with anyone different from our circle and never live with any discomfort. Jesus calls us to uncomfortable places and to difficult situations. May we get untangled from the nets that keep us secure and faithfully move towards new people and new life.

Wondrous Creator, you place us in safety

so we might know your love among family

and you strengthen us so we might become

family to the ones we once called strangers.

Oh, how wonderful our comfortable homes are

and how little these nets do for the whole world

we would choose to stay put in this comfort

rather than step out in faith to follow Jesus.

Help us to leave our familiar and safety nets

and seek those who need a sign of love

let us follow Jesus into a world of strangers

trusting that we will find our true home. Amen.

Tempted and Tried

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:1-11

I have always been encouraged by the story of Jesus being tempted. No, I have not met the devil who personally tempted me, but I have encountered many times when I was tempted. Too many times, I have been tempted to give in to hurt and anger, have ached to give up on my dreams when things get hard, give up on myself when I feel like I don't deserve it, and just let the evil around me consume me. But this story reminds me that every time we battle our worst selves, we battle the evil that is part of being human. We all battle demons in one way or another. My mother used to say that "you know you're getting close to God when the devil starts working overtime!" And it does seem, when we're trying our best to love God and neighbor, stuff get so hard we feel overwhelmed. Yet I do remember, in times like these, that our persistence is paid in unimaginable blessings. Our pushing back on evil in our small ways does change the world.

Precious Savior, you were tempted and tried

hungry for bread and terribly alone and afraid

yet you fought for the hungry and the lonely

and brought love to an aching and needy world.

We often see sparkling things and want them

we believe we will be fulfilled by possessions

we amass wealth on the backs of the poorest

and don't listen to your offer to heal us all.

Make us strong for the battle ahead of us

make us ready to see the temporary struggles

will pass and the pain will be all forgotten

as you embrace us with your love and compassion. Amen.

Sunday, September 14, 2025 Proper 19

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:1-10

There are those who want to call other people criminals, sinners and unwanted. I guess it make them feel better about themselves, since deep down we all know and live with the mistakes we have made. Very few of us of want to admit to our humanity and few are humble enough to see all people as equals. Being among the generous and beautiful people of the Dominican Republic, I am struck how some in our country might think these loving people are suspect or dangerous. Yet Jesus sat at table with the hurting and the lost, the broken and suffering, the sinners and the unwanted innocents. We know all to well our imperfections. May we rejoice that Jesus sits at table with us and with the stranger, the foreigners and the desperate.  

Loving Creator, you made our world beautiful

you love the great and small with equal care

and seek the lost with every ounce of energy.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us.

We are vane and ignorant too much of the time

cursing and casting out those we don't understand

yet crying to you as small children when we are lost.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us.

You have sought us in the dark and lonely places

set a meal before us despite our willful running

and gather us when we are far from our homes.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us.

Those who would destroy the weak and circling

yet you seek and protect even the lambs who stay.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us.

The world is a violent and cruel maze of danger

in all of that you are our good shepherd caring for all.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us.

Help us Lord to cry out when we are lost and afraid

and help us reach out to those who ache for being found.

Good Shepherd, give us joy in the love you have for us. Amen.

The Light of the World

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16

Today we are in our third day of the House of Bishops gathering outside of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. The people have welcomed us so generously, and their kindnesses and care are a great delight. They light up the world! Yet at home in the US these beautiful folks might be regarded as illegals and therefore regarded as criminals, rounded up and mistreated. The people that Jesus spoke with and healed were most often the outcasts of society and fearful for their lives and well-being. My people, the Cherokees, were unwanted in our homelands, and forcefully removed. And yet, Jesus calls them and us today, the light of the world. May we shine in these dark times when violence seems inevitable. May we not hide our light but be those who shine in the darkest times so others might be lead to hope and love again.

Wondrous Creator, you have put divine light in each

you breathe your spirit on all flesh and inspire us

to love and serve the world with your holy compassion.

Darkness and cruelty surround too many of us

many hearts are full of fear, anger and deep jealousy

aching to destroy the ones who glimmer around them.

Lord Jesus, help us to shine in these dark times

may we be a witness to your loving spirit here

and carry your light to all corners of our world. Amen.

The Refugee Holy Family

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’ When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’ When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’ Matthew 2:13-23

Too often we see images of the Holy family in quiet repose, in a perfectly clean stable, surrounded by angels. None of our lives are ever that pristine. I don't think the new parents, Mary and Joseph felt overwhelming peace so far from their parents and home. And, the story would get worse, with the child's life threatened and the small family becoming refugees and fleeing to Egypt. A messy, away from home life, got much scarier. They must have heard the reports of the children that were slaughtered and must have heard the horror stories when they were finally able to return home. And even then, they had to avoid their true home and start life again in Nazareth. Few us of know the trauma of life as a refugee, but Jesus understands and has compassion for all of them. May we, followers of Jesus, who was displaced from home, have compassion for and work to make refugees welcome and at home here.

Gracious Creator, who gave us Jesus, the Savior

remember the challenges of his family's life

and turn our hearts to the ones who suffer today.

We want to close borders and shut out refugees

thinking we are protecting our precious homeland 

and are instead shutting out the living spirit of God.

Make us humble enough to see the need among us

give us strength to provide shelter for those displaced

and hearts that see Jesus in the face of all refugees. Amen.

Do Not Be Alarmed

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-20

The women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. His burial had been hasty and away from the prying eyes of Roman soldiers and religious leaders. They wanted to do right by him and so went out before dawn, hidden from sight, to finish their ritual cleansing and anointing. To say it was chaos for them is an understatement. Their world had been shattered; their beloved teacher ripped from them. Yet they still wanted to perform this final act of love and devotion. Their world was shattered again when the tomb was filled with angelic presence telling them that Jesus was alive. How could they not be alarmed? How could they not be afraid? Like them, we are human and shattered by deep loss and sudden changes. None of us deal well when are world is turned upside down. Yet, they went to the tomb despite all their fear and hurt and they were the first to witness the resurrection. May we who grieve and are afraid this day, remember that we are surrounded by angels and new life is blooming in ways we cannot yet even imagine.

Gracious Creator, you sent your Son among us

he journeyed, lived and ate at table with them

and he continues to journey and be at table with us.

We are surrounded by so much fear and disease

the world seems dark with no light ahead of us

yet you break through even death to bring life again.

Help us Lord, to seek you in the darkest times

trusting that there is more for us despite such loss

and you will give us the strength to love once again. Amen.

Sunday, September 7th, 2025 - Proper 18

Sunday, September 7th, 2025
Proper 18

Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions." Luke 14:25-33

We live in a time when folks with lots of money seem to be the heroes, while calling themselves Christians. It is hard to imagine that Jesus would identify the wealthy, cruel leadership of today as his followers. He has always been clear about money and the abuse of power. We live in a country of abundance, and yet too many people are living without basic necessities, and some are afraid to be arrested and sent away. I imagine this passage makes many people uncomfortable. I expect that those gathered around Jesus wanted an easy, abundant life, without self-sacrifice or worry. Following Jesus is costly, and we are often called on at our most vulnerable moments to give our all, again some more. And yet, we also know that we will be given the strength, the support and love to answer the call.

Loving Creator, you shower us with abundance

fields ripe with grain, vegetables and fruits

and warmth and rain enough to support us all.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

Yet we would hoard the fruit you give us

ungrateful and selfish, we protect ourselves

and refuse to see the need before us on our streets.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

Help us to look up and see the cross before us

let us lift the burdens of others as we share.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

The world is spinning with fear and anger

too few have too much and get richer.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

You call us Lord, to share the wealth given

so the vulnerable might be filled with hope.

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all.

For you are the God of abundance and life

and you promise we will have enough for our journey. 

Lord Jesus, help us to shoulder the cross and share our all. Amen.

New and Old

Then they said to him, ‘John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make wedding-guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.’ He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, “The old is good.” ’ Luke 5:33-39

The disciples were often confused as to how they should live from day to day. It didn't help that they were surrounded by religious critics, who believed they were the authority on everything religious. That behavior never changes, I guess. When women were first ordained in the Episcopal Church, they took criticism and out right cruelty from leaders within and outside the church. When sainted Bishop Barbara Harris went to Lambeth for the first time, she was taunted and criticized, other bishops yelling, "Mama bishop, go home and take care of your babies!" I remembered that story and I intentionally turned it around, so that as a mom, I could truly be "mamabishop" and write my blog under that name. God invites us to embrace new ways of living as followers of Christ, not tearing the cloth or the wineskins, but making room and space for the new.

Loving Creator, the author of life and all love

you give us changes throughout our lives

so we might grow and adapt with every season.

We fight change as if it was a bitter pill to take

we think our traditions fit every new generation

and we shame and criticize those who are different.

Oh Lord, let us see with new eyes and new hearts

may we embrace change while honoring the old

and make a place for everyone at your table. Amen.

Deep Water

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

Deep water is not full of light and sparkling colored fish. Deep water is dark, and the pressure is intense. Things get fuzzy and confusing in deep water whether on the surface or down deep. Jesus tells Peter to go out into deep waters and let down his nets. Peter didn't want to. He was exhausted after working all night and failing miserably. Yet, that is what Jesus tells him to do, when he is vulnerable and least prepared. And often times, in ministry, Jesus calls us to go out into deep water and let down our nets. Most often, it is at a time when we are exhausted and vulnerable. May we remember today that there is abundance, even when we are exhausted, vulnerable and ready to give up.

Gracious Creator, you create and redeem the world

you give us the strength to go out in deep water

and cast nets when we are weary and very worn.

The world thinks everything should be polished

a performance and not a messy return to the deep

yet you promise abundance even in our exhaustion.

Help us to lift our heads from worry and shame

and go out into the deep of our needy and hurting world

so all may see and know you fullness and abundance. Amen.

St. Phoebe the Deacon

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27

Today we celebrate the feast day of Phoebe, the deacon. She was an important and invaluable leader in the early church. The name Phoebe means radiance according to my Greek professor Dr Goetchius, who on meeting our newborn daughter Phoebe, look at her and told her what her name meant. He got so close and was loud, I thought she might cry. Instead, she smiled and kicked her feet. The early church had room for many leaders and did not discriminate against women if they could serve. Jesus never discriminated against women, rather, he healed them, praised them, and gave them the respect others did not. Phoebe was serving in Corinth, a town of sailors and seafarers and most likely ministered among the women (of ill-repute) in that city. She was important enough to be sent to Rome. She was fearless in her service and generous and kind in all her relationships. A woman to be admired and to model ourselves after.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in great diversity

across the ages you provided servant leaders

who are fearless in their faith and their works.

Too often we criticize those who would serve

seeing their failing and calling them untraditional

forgetting you honored women in your time.

Give us the strength and faith to serve like Phoebe

sharing all that with have for the needs among us

and living the Gospel of love in troubling times. Amen.

Denial

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:66-72

All of us know what it feels like to be betrayed. And all of us have denied knowing someone or being responsible for some disaster or another. We do not like the shame and fear, so we run from our responsibility. It is an all too often very human response. Peter was like all of us, a flawed human being, getting it right sometimes and putting both feet in his mouth others. In the end, this flawed human becomes the head of Christ's Church throughout the Roman empire. Our failures are used by God, more so than our good moments. It is that point of shame and embarrassment when we turn to God and open ourselves completely. Our broken hearts are often the sacred entry point for new life. May we humans remember our failings, take responsibility for our errors and open our hearts always to the divine.

Forgiving Creator, the heart of all the world

you love us as we are with all our mistakes 

you take our failings and make a home with us.

We are arrogant and fearful of great embarrassment

we live as we are perfect and hide our failures

yet you are with us in the darkest, most painful times.

Help us Lord, to admit to our denials and failures

give us the strength to seek you out in these moments

trusting that you will make a home with all of us here. Amen.

The Feast of David Pendleton Oakerhater

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Luke 10:1-9

From the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma website - Oakerhater, or “Making Medicine”, was born circa 1847 in Western Oklahoma. He was a warrior, possibly involved in the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, and a spiritual leader. His name can also be transliterated as “Medicine Man.” He was imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida in 1875. While a prisoner, he drew pen and ink art in ledger books, signing his name Making Medicine** often with a glyph of a dancer in a Sun Dance lodge. This glyph is now depicted as a stained glass window at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Captain Pratt, the camp officer, saw Oakerhater’s leadership skills and how his fellow prisoners respected him and made Oakerhater a trustee. The former Cheyenne warrior led the prisoners in daily military drills using dummy rifles. In 1877, Mary Douglass Burnham, an Episcopal Deaconess, made arrangements to sponsor the education of several prisoners, including Oakerhater. David was sponsored by Senator George Pendleton of Paris Hill, New York, and ultimately moved in with Rev. John B. Wicks, the Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Paris Hill. There, he received instruction in agriculture, scripture, and current events. He was baptized about six months later, in early 1878, and adopted the Christian name David, after King David of the Bible, and Pendleton, in honor of his sponsor. He was ordained a Deacon in July, 1881 and returned to Western Oklahoma. He served near Anadarko for Sunday services and spent weekdays visiting and caring for sick members of various tribes. He began his work at Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family in 1889, near Fay, Oklahoma, about 17 miles west of Watonga. In one of his first sermons, he preached, "You remember when I led you out to war I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all He tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes all for peace." He remained among the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples until his retirement in 1918. Even in retirement, he continued to preach and serve as a Chief and holy man. During his 50 years of committed service on his home reservation in western Oklahoma, the devout deacon was at times the single ordained presence in all of what was then known as Indian Territory. Oakerhater passed from this life on August 31st, 1931, at the age of 84. He was named a Holy Person, or Saint, in the Episcopal Church in 1985.

This is what David Oakerhater said when he returned to Oklahoma in 1881. "You all know me. You remember when I led you out to war, I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East, and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all He tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes all for peace." May we follow his example today and always.

Gracious Creator, you gave us saints like David Oakerhater

to show us how to live in steadfast faith and with peace to all

let us live like him with grace, compassion and humility.

These challenging times move us to rage and condemn others

we have made our neighbors enemies and shunned the poor

yet you call us today to follow the example of humble saints.

Make us humble and forgiving servants in all we do today

so we might show your love to all those who are torn apart

and serve them as relatives, friends and neighbors in you. Amen.