Healing 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 hemorrhage 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

Yesterday was Indigenous Peoples' Day, some places still referred to as Columbus Day. We have learned what horrible things happened to the children in Indian boarding schools and continues for our missing women. And this month we have seen violence and rape meted out to "Jane Doe", a leader going to televise an execution and have to wonder what's going on. Throughout history, male insecurity turns into violence, rape and homicide. Yet Jesus, the one who we worship tended to the most vulnerable, the women, young and old. Their healing would heal the nation. And in the here and now, justice and healing for women and girls is still the way to heal our nation and our world. 

Loving Creator you are the source of all healing

your daughters cry out for safety and healing

and you hear them Lord with all your heart.

We see violence towards women on the rise

and note how in these times you draw nearest

to the vulnerable ones, our precious daughters.

Help us, dear Lord, to keep our little ones safe

and make us see your healing coming for all

so that the nation and the world might be healed again. Amen.

October 11, 2026 Proper 26

Once more Jesus spoke to the people in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:1-14

Sometimes the Gospel appointed for a specific Sunday can seem very cringe worthy. This one is particularly so, since we are living in a time when our leaders think it's a good idea to televise an execution. The kingdom of heaven in this lesson seems to be a tyrannical and violent place, where cities and people are destroyed for their rude behavior. We have to remember that Jesus lived in very tyrannical times, and even his birth was greeted with the hideous killing of innocent babies. We are also close to the end of Matthew's Gospel, with the great Easter drama at hand. Violence was always on the doorstep. We are invited at all times, to say yes to God through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and not to think our schedules and timelines are more important. No to selfish violence and yes to coming to the banquet of Jesus, the table of the living God.

Gracious Creator, who sets a feast for us

help us to draw near to you in this violent time.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation.

We get caught up in our priorities and calendars

and forget to come to the table for renewal.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation.

We are hurt, angry and often isolated and confused

and we ache for love to conquer all the present violence.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation.

You never, Lord Jesus, fought back when arrested

and loved all the broken and sinful people around you.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation.

Help us to love fully and respond to your call

so we might find ourselves at the table with you.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation.

Let love conquer all the retaliatory violence

and all our answers to you, be yes, Lord, yes.

Help us Lord, to shun violence and be ready for your loving invitation. Amen.

A Tender and Honest Heart

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

In hard times, often the things I learned and the stories I read as a child, come and bring me some strength and peace. Many of these stories I have read to my daughters and they loved them too. "I think I can, I think I can" became a retort which helped me be able to get through tough times. Maybe you too? Jessus reminds us to "hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance." Easier said than done. Yet the stories of childhood help us hang on for an honest and good heart is really a child's heart. Tender, honest and vulnerable. These times are hard and the weeds are high, but we can make it one hill at a time, one little encouraging story at a time.

Lord Jesus, you are a storyteller and savior

you weave hope and love into our narrative

and you call us to have tender and honest hearts.

The world is cruel, the world would harden us

but you would have us be kind and sweet

when things turn ugly, cruel and dangerous.

It is so hard to resist the temptations we have

we want to hit someone, we want to call names

and yet you would have us embrace our enemies.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to remember our little stories

the ones that gave us strength to go another day

so we might share love and tenderness with all. Amen.

Some Days are Like That

 O Lord, I am not proud; 

 I have no haughty looks. 

 I do not occupy myself 

with great matters,

or with things that are

too hard for me. 

But I still my soul and make it quiet, 

like a child upon its mother's breast; 

my soul is quieted within me. 

O Israel, wait upon the Lord, 

from this time forth for evermore. 

Psalm 131 

"I went to bed with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair." This is the opening line of one of my favorite children's books ever. Judith Viorst wrote a great story about bad days, and wrote from reality, about her boys. The line, "some days are like this, even in Australia" is powerful on our worst days. Alexander threatens throughout to run away to Australia. Bad days make us want to run away, all of us, young and old. There is always a small child in each of us who needs to be held and comforted when it seems life is completely against us. I've had many days like that. And I have learned that the only place I can run is to the arms of our loving Creator.

A Prayer for All Having a Really Bad Day

We are created in your image, Lord,

but we are feeble and truly disappointed.

The world doesn't see our hurt and sorrow

but you do and you draw us close.

Someone we trusted betrayed us Lord

and we are hurt and want revenge.

Somehow, we did all the right things

and life imploded right in front of us.

When we tried to fix things for the better

everything came falling down upon us.

We want to scream and we want to lash out

running away seems like a good idea.

Lord, shower us with you mercy today

help us to feel you loving arms surround us

and rock us gently to a healing sleep. Amen.

Only Speak the Word

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

A Roman centurion and a widow receive miracles from Jesus, one by a word and one by a touch. Both were humble and beloved members of a community. A very simple act changed everything. Many of us, me included, have prayed for healing, seeking that one word or touch that changes everything. Some have received healing, others have not. Some would claim those who did not receive healing were not faithful, or didn't pray correctly, etc. Yet we are not to judge, rather simply and humbly ask. Our God, the source of all love and healing knows our needs, better even than we do, and will provide those needs always. 

Loving Creator, who brings healing and wholeness

we pray for the suffering, the lost and the dying

whom you love beyond measure and all time.

We often want immediate results and quick fixes

when you know what we need more than we do

and are carrying us through these challenging times.

Lift us all up Lord, so we might see your face

shine your light of love on all of humanity today

for you are the healing and the hope we need always. Amen.

Good Treasure of the Heart

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

Jesus told stories or parables to help people understand his teaching. From the beginning of time, stories, pictures with words, have helped us understand one another. In this age, we are often less moved by spoken story than by movies and videos that show us a story. Jesus' goal is simple here, he wants us to build on the solid foundation of love, a gift from God, freely given. Too often, we want to build on our flimsy egos and accomplishments. We are called to be those who love and give freely, trusting that we are loved so well, God's love and abundance will never go away.

Loving Creator, source of all good gifts and treasure

you put your story of love and abundance on our hearts

and help us build our lives by teaching us to love.

We have been hurt and think your love is dried up

we take on the world by ourselves thinking we are enough

when all along you have been holding us all together.

Breathe your Holy Spirit on us again, dear Lord

and make us your people of faith and abundance

so we can share your love in these dark and challenging times. Amen.

Blessed Are You

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

Jesus was speaking to a great crowd when they hear the beatitudes. We call it that now, but they were overwhelmed and dumbfounded by what he was saying. Along with blessings come warnings or woes. It is the poor, the hungry, the hungry, the excluded, the hated and reviled, and the outcasts who are the blessed ones. The rich, the powerful, the well fed, the famous are the ones who will receive judgement. That turns their world upside down, and it turns our world upside down. While all the focus is on the rich and powerful today, Jesus blessing the outcasts, the one deported and the unhoused on the streets.

Gracious Creator, you put your blessings on the leasr

you teach us your love by surrounding us in community

and you draw close to all those who are weary and sad.

The rich and powerful hate those they deem weak

getting rid of all safety nets, compassionate care

spouting off that they are doing the works of God.

Bless us, Lord, today, so we might see you here

amidst the suffering who still tend to the least

and with those who seek your freedom through love. Amen.

Stretch Out Your Hand

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

When folks get angry when something good happens to another, that's jealousy. And we often find folks infuriated when something wonderful happens at the wrong time and place, or to someone they deem undeserving. We are too easily upset by people who do things differently than we do and still succeed. Today, when we watch leader trying to control rather than uplift, we know it's about them, their insecurities and jealousies. May we follow Jesus, setting aside childish jealousies, and be those who bring the love and healing so desperately needed.

Gracious Creator, who give us compassionate hearts

you teach us to live in service to others as Jesus did.

We want control of others and all of their unique gifts

forgetting how splendid and remarkable your world is.

Make us humble enough to rejoice for others' healing

and strong enough to use our gifts for love alone. Amen.

Orange Shirt Day

                                            Thus says the Lord: 

                                                    A voice is heard in Ramah,

                                                    lamentation and bitter weeping. 

                                                    Rachel is weeping for her children; 

                                                    she refuses to be comforted for her children,

                                                    because they are no more. Jeremiah 31:15

Today, and all days, we remember the little ones that never made it home and those who survive with scars too deep for words. Today, both in the US and Canada, we learn and reflect on what our governments and churches did, hand in hand, to the innocent children forced into boarding or residential schools, to "kill the Indian and save the man." If you don't know anything about this history, take the time to learn something and seek out those who can tell their stories, firsthand. Our God is with those who weep and mourn, with those broken by loss, abuse and separation, always.

                                                A Litany for Orange Shirt Day

Loving Creator, you draw the circle of love so wide

that none can escape your healing and your love.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.

Some though they could fix a problem by taking children

and found out that you were standing with those families.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.

Leaders knew that they could take the vulnerable ones

cut their hair, silence their language and their true nature.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.

Yet you, O Lord, are the one who made beautiful diversity

and put your song in our hearts before the colonists came.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.

They forgot they were on holy ground, seeing only free land

yet we, dear Lord, honor you in every breath we take.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.

Lord, mend the broken hoop and heal our sorrowing hearts

for you are the God of all nations and we your beloved children.

Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts. Amen.

St. Michael and All Angels

And if anyone says to you at that time, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything. ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:21-27

Today is Michaelmas, or the Feast of St. Michael and all angels. We celebrate the spiritual gifts of Michael, who won victory over evil and the protective power of angels. Whether you believe in angels or not, we can contemplate those times when nothing less than a spiritual intervention changed the course of our lives. We don't know why we made a choice that was unusual for us, or we strayed from our normal route, something intervened and our lives were changed. We humans think we are able to take the right path, yet there are spiritual guides, holy GPS, if you will, that lead us when we are lost and suffering. God's angels are with us, holding us, leading us and redirecting us, whether we like to admit it or not. May we lean into the gift of angels, for our protection, guidance and comfort today.

Wondrous Creator, make of all beings and times

you provide us with protectors and guardian angels

who guide us from our wildernesses to your home.

These times are fraught and full of rage and fear

we boast of knowing the answers as we wander

yet we cry out in the night for comfort and protection.

Help us, Lord, to trust you in every new challenge

give us eyes to see your saints and angels among us

and help us rejoice in the tender love you have for our world. Amen.

Put Out in 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

We all get to times when we have been working all day and night. We are exhausted, sweaty, and in pain. We have gotten no positive results, so we want to give up. This is where Jesus finds his disciples, not in their best moments, but in their worst. More than seeking them out, he provides an incredible abundance. That's where I am right now, with pain, exhaustion and deep frustration. I have been waiting on a spinal procedure for months and the pain has immobilized me. I have felt like giving up. I stopped blogging for a while, barely moving and feeling sorry for myself. And yet, today we read that Jesus is seeking us out in our worst times, when we can do nothing by ourselves and when we have thrown our hands up. We who are weary are reminded to look for Jesus in these worst of times, in the unrelenting storms and pain in our lives. And even more, to expect new blessings and new, impossible abundance.

Loving Creator, you seek us out in the dark nights

you soothe our souls with the promise of new dawns

and lift our hearts when we can lift nothing on our own.

We get angry, frustrated and wail into the deep darkness

blaming others for our frustration not seeing your face

ignoring your loving presence here with outstrecthed arms.

Wrap us in your loving embrace, Lord Jesus, for a time

so we might be restored and healed to put out into the deep

bringing up your abundant love to heal and feed the whole world. Amen.

Temptation

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13

Temptation is essential to the Biblical narrative. Temptation is part of us. Adam and Eve are tempted in the garden and give in. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is tempted in the wilderness and does not. We are tempted by wealth and fame, as well as being tempted to be approved by society. We can put our clothing choices, our weight and looks over the needs of our communities. Jesus knew where giving in to temptation would lead him. Adam and Eve and all of us do not. Let us all pray we have strength to face whatever temptations happens today and we choose what is of love and the spirit.

Eternal Creator, you have given us choice and freewill

we can all live our lives however we want and choose 

and you love us despite our choices, both good and bad.

We desperately desire to be accepted and resepcted

although often those things can prove dangerous

as we lose ourselves to gain the world's attention.

Let us, Lord, be filled with your holy and loving spirit

so our choices might lead to health and spiritual growth

so we can serve the needs of those without any choices. Amen.

Children of Light

While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said, ‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:36-43

Although as Christians, we are considered children of the light, we often don’t behave that way. We cannot pretend to be faithful and loving while we judge our neighbors, harshly, refused to care for the poor and never visit those in prison. When we need help, we want everybody to run to our aid. When others need help, we turn away from them. And when we spout off about our faith, and then act like we are better than others, we are not children of the light. Jesus came for the healing of the nations and we ought to be a part of that.

Great Creator who deserves to draw people together

You call us to show your love to the world with light

And ask us to show compassion, to aliens and strangers.

We act like Christians on Sundays and savages other days

Trying to get our own way and the most from others

Always wanting to win never wanting to help.

Give us new hearts and new eyesight, dear Lord

So we might see the need around us and respond with joy

Caring your love as children of your light. Amen

I Will Draw All People to Myself

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

The disciples are always trying to figure out why Jesus says something and how they are to respond to it. They are always misunderstanding and confused, not unlike all of us. We live in a Chrisitan nation, supposedly, but the most public figures see not to follow the Jesus of the Gospels. They call out for exclusion and war, disciplining the poor and hoarding wealth. Like a badge of honor, they flaunt their millions, while so many starve at their feet. Jesus was clear he was coming for all of us, his love was for all the people and not just wealthy winners. Jesus calls us to be children of the light, living as servant of love. May we never be afraid to serve the least and neediest of us all.

Gracious Creator, who sets a table for all people

gathers us all, loves us all, and makes us one family

we are blessed to walk in the light of your love.

There is too much darkness, O Lord, too much

so many homeless while the wealthy jet around

never seeing the obvious need in their dark hearts.

Make us children of your light so we might serve

help us gather those who have been left outside

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

We Wish to See Jesus

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

Throughout out the Gospels foreigners come to Jesus and he loves them and heals them. We live in a country where leaders say they are followers of Jesus but have failed to really understand anything about Jesus. Even early on when a foreign woman asks for healing, he tries to refuse but she convinced him. From that point on, the disciples still might refuse people but Jesus never did. The Greeks wanted to see him and see him they did. If we want to see Jesus then we need to be in places where the poor, the sinners, the rejected and foreigners are.

Marvelous Creator, you made a diverse humanity

so we might know of your dynamic love for us

and learn to love those who are different from us.

We live in times when folks are excluded and judged

sent away because they want freedom ad receive bars

they are hidden from our eyes so we can't know them.

Lord Jesus, open our eyes and our hearts always

so we might go to the dark corners of our cities

and carry your light to those who are afraid to live. Amen

Do Not Be Afraid!

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!’ His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, ‘You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!’ John 12:9-19

Throughout the centuries, religious leaders get distressed when their followers jump ship. In this story, which we read on Palm Sunday, we remember the tremendous reception Jesus got when he was in Jerusalem and the determination of the leadership to squash his ministry. So very human of them, not wanting to lose their authority and power. In small and large situations, we want to remain in control and hate it when we lose control. A dear friend of my father's used to say, "the point of embarrassment is the point of redemption." God is close by when we know our need and ask for help. That is so hard for all of us and yet we are invited today to let go of control so our Creator can heal us.

Loving Creator, you sent your Son to a broken world

and our world is still on edge and in deep pain today

and you put Jesus always in our midst to heal us now.

We fight for control, for power and to win always

yet we know our aches, deep and ever painful

and we are still unwilling to ask for your help.

Make us humble today, dear Lord, so we might ask

for our needs and the needs of our communities

so we might join with the crowd, singing Hosanna. Amen.

Anointing

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, ‘What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?’ Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ John 11:55-12:8

Some of the other Gospels don't identify the woman who anoints Jesus. John identifies her as none other than Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha. I'm not sure how accurate that might be, but it makes a good story as Lazarus' family was so grateful because Jesus raised him from death, a foretaste of Jesus' own resurrection. That's pure poetry which John's Gospel is famous for. What it leaves out for me is the anonymity of the other gospels. A woman, a sinner and possibly an outcast and foreigner, anointed Jesus. All too neat if it is Mary. Throughout the Gospels, it is the foreigner, the outcast, the women and sinners, who understand Jesus and do the right thing. Listen to that truth, our truth today, that the right things, the Jesus way is often done by the anonymous unknown person, who knows how to love.

Wondrous Creator, you make each star different from others

and we use those same stars to find our way in night's darkness

teach us again, Lord, how to do the loving thing at all times.

Today, we look to our leadership, but they have lost their way

the right families in their tidy homes scorn the foriegn-born

and forget how to show love to those who are strangers here.

Open our hearts, dear Jesus, to the needs of those around us

let us be joyfully anonymous and happy in our service

so that your light and love might shine through us today. Amen.

The Twenty-fifth Anniversary of 9.11

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. " Isaiah 65:17-19

I still have this New Yorker cover framed and on our walls. I remember the feelings of shock and horror, worrying all together about family and friends caught in the attacks. We were a people, a nation for a time, that lived compassion and community. We lived just north of Dover Airforce base, which has become the morgue. Bodies and remnants were brought there, and families gathered awaiting news. It was a long wait and for some, there was never any news. That holiday season we collected items for the families waiting so they might have a bit of Christmas amidst the horrors. I was elected Bishop the month after 9.11 and I believe it has informed my ministry throughout.

                                                A Litany for 9.11 Twenty-five Years On

Loving Creator, you promised to make a new heaven and a new earth

along with the ending of war and weeping, hearts filled with joy.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.

In the year since the attacks, we have not followed our promises

we waged war, we demonized foreigners and caused more weeping.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.

Your ways, O Lord, are ways of peace, justice and healing for all

yet we want to dominate, winning at any cost, unwilling to change.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.

You sent your Son, Jesus, so that they whole world was set free

he overcame death and the grave so we might live as free people all.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.

The time has come for us to change our ways and give up on war

the time has come for us to share the wealth and live as siblings.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today.

Make us your people, dear Lord, serving all of your children here

so that we might glimpse the joy and healing you have in store for us.

Help us, Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace and healing today. Amen.

Yes Lord, I Believe

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29

Martha declares before many of his disciples could, that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Martha has a reputation for putting tasks above relationships and learning, but when it counts, Martha's got it all going on. Her voice is authentic, she works hard, and cares for everyone. She is salt of the earth, a hard-working mother who fed everyone who came under her roof. Let us all be a bit more like Martha today. Firm in our belief, always running to Jesus and caring for the most vulnerable around us.

Wondrous Creator, you give us all good gifts and voices

some to be in the light, some to work behind the scenes

all of us together to proclaim your love for the world.

We fight for attention from our birth, crying for affection

battling as adults for power, prestige and great wealth

although none of us have been given those dangerous gifts.

Let us be like Martha today and every day, speaking truth

laboring behind the scenes for the good of all our neighbors

and always running towards Jesus to know healing and new life. Amen.

Let Us Go So We May Die with Him

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?’ Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.’ After saying this, he told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.’ Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’ Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’ John 11:1-16

Jesus was intent on returning to Judea, where the religious leaders had tempted to stone him. Jesus had stalled in his trip, despite the fact that he knew his friend was dying and his sisters had sent for him. Going to Judea was entering a no-man's land, a very dangerous place where violence was inevitable. Despite the push back from the other disciples, it was Thomas (who we like to call doubting) was the one that led them into battle, followed Jesus where no one wanted to go. They went with no helmets, no pads, and no protection. And that is where Jesus calls us today. To the places where on one will go, where the need is greatest and healing seems too far off.

Precious Creator, who tenderly heal us all

who seeks us in the crevices and dark places

and carries us home to be healed and freed.

We think we can protect ourselves and avoid pain

we huddle behind gates, cameras and alarm systems

thinking we know better than you how to do good.

Lord Jesus, lead us into our Judeas, places we fear

so we might find your beloved entombed today

so we might carry your love and healing to the world. Amen.

Throwing Stones

The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Jews answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. John 10:31-42

We often "throw stones" when someone makes a mistake or confuses us. When frightened, we often strike out, scream and run. In Jewish tradition, a sinner could be stoned, but not until they were examined and tried. These religious leaders were so frightened and challenged by Jesus that they only think they could think to do was to pick up some rocks. Too often, when someone we know has done many good things for us, we condemn them as soon as it looks like they made a mistake. We gossip, we post cruel things online and we try to damage them. When faced with new and challenging things, we are invited to react, not with some ancient reptile brain, fight, flight or free, but instead be curious and always loving.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in your image

with intellect, capacity, curiosity and compassion

making us capable of wonder and joyous surprise.

We see and hear so much that confuses us these days

that we reach for cruel words and sharps stones

letting fear and dread silence our love and capacity.

Remake us in your image today so we might love first

welcoming those who are not like us but offer us love

and making room in our world for their gifts and impact. Amen.

Labor Day 2026

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one 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.” Matthew 6:19-24

Today in the United States, we celebrate Labor Day. It has come to mean the last weekend of summer, and sales galore. Its origins are much more radical. In the late 1880s workers were poorly treated and there were no child labor laws or protections for workers. On September 5, 1882, the Central Labor Union in New York organized the first Labor Day parade to honor workers and call for reform. It took until June 1894 for President Grover Cleveland to sign into law that the first Monday of September would be set aside each year to celebrate American workers. Over the years, we have lost the thrust that at its beginnings, Labor Day was about reform and awareness. Now we have cookouts and sales. We are reminded today, not to store up treasures on earth. Instead, we are called to share what we have, so all people may be honored for their labor.

Gracious Creator, you see rich and poor alike

as your beloved children who work here on earth

and share the resources you have given us all.

Too many hoard their wealth and build walls

while others ache for water and a piece of bread 

while you call us not to store up treasures on earth.

Help us to use what we have for the care of all

let us be thankful for those who labor feeds us

and may we listen to your words and love others. Amen

Sunday, September 5, 2026, Proper 18

Sunday, September 5, 2026, Proper 18

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus is pretty clear with the disciples and with us, we are to be seeking resolutions, healing and peace. Too often, in churches, we fight over who is right or who is in charge. We fuel conflicts that should never have become public, and we try to oust people who get in our way. As a bishop, I have been called in, too many times, to mediate a conflict that never should have happened. Often times, it starts with a misunderstanding between two people. If they had followed Jesus' simple steps, they may have found peace. Instead, they call the priest, gossip to other parishioners and we then have a full-blown crisis. Jesus shows us the way, and even when resolution and healing don't happen, we are to treat them like gentiles and tax collectors, the very people who became disciples and who ate with him. 

Loving Creator, you set a table big and wide for all

and invite all of the people to come and dine with you.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love.

We often hear your call and refuse because we are angry

hurt by others but refusing to seek reconciliation and peace.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love.

You called us to seek out the other who has hurt us badly

facing the person and not with knives drawn and fists tight.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love.

Yet you, Oh Lord, sat with tax collectors and great sinners

and you healed gentiles and forgive the theif on the cross.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love.

Your path is always for love, healing, reconciliation and truth

and you give us the power to bind and loose here on earth.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love.

Make us your people, dear Lord Jesus, ready always to forgive

and help us to let go of all anger today, so we can love completely.

Dear Jesus, help us to only bind pain and hurt and always loose your love. Amen.

Before Abraham Was, I Am

Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.’ The Jews answered him, ‘Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?’ Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59

Like the religious leaders testing Jesus, we are often trapped in linear time, although we know that time is a human invention. In many traditional Native tribes, time is not so binding and final. We understand that the past and future often present with us, whether we can observe it or not. DNA and other discoveries have taught us that there is more to our understanding of time and continuity that we understood in the past. Jesus is present with us now and every age but few of us can accept it. We serve one who understands all of us, the infant, child, adult and senior are all known and loved by him.

Wondrous Creator, you are infinite and eternal

you love us from inception through death eternally

and show us through Jesus the way to live your love.

Our days are carefully scheduled and controlled

we struggle to complete tasks and we often fail

we forget that you are much bigger than any day.

Bring us a new understanding of your time, Lord

let us live grasping eternal love and endless hope

sharing those in this world of hurt and captivity. Amen.

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

David Pemdleton Oakerhater (Cheyenne) is the first Indigenous person to be made a saint on the Episcopal Church calendar. I remember how big a deal it was. Native leadership from across the church showed up to celebrate in Syracuse where he was baptized and ordained a deacon. He spent all of his ministry at home in Oklahoma among the Cheyenne people. Although he was never priested, he remained faithful to the people at home, founding schools and churches, and attending lovingly to human need. Once he had been a mighty warrior, then a captive of the US government. when he returned to Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1881, he was quoted as saying -

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.

Great Creator, you liberate us and love us

giving us small roles that can change the world

and freeing us from the captivity of heart and mind.

Your servant David Oakerhater was called Making Medicine

and you brought him peace and hope while imprisoned

bring us hope when we are captive to our own limitations.

Make us faithful laborers in your fields and your followers

renew our energy when our spirits fail and we feel lost

and guide us with your love so we might care for your people. Amen.

The Truth Will Make You Free

Again he said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ John 8:21-32

We find Jesus struggling to explain who he is and where he is going. He tried to explain his relationship to the Father but they would not understand. I have spent much of my ministry teaching people that church leadership is all about relationship. Many have quoted me as saying, "relationship, relationship, relationship!" We love structures and programs, but the truth is in relationship. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are the foundation of all creation and all relationships. If we build strong relationships, as Jesus had with the Father and Holy Spirit, all manner of things and people can be healed, transformed and understand the truth. God is love, the basis of all relationships, our beginning, our end, and our home.

Wondrous Creator, you plant us in relationships

which we often take for granted and neglect

and you give us the strength to renew and mend them.

Too often, when we are hurting, we cut folks off

believing that they were to blame for failure

when the truth is we did not care for them well.

Help us Lord, today, to know your love and truth

make us able to always mend and heal our brokenness

so we might be able to reach our in the truth of your love. Amen.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 - Proper 17

Sunday, August 30th, 2026

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:21-28

None of us like change, none of us like to hear that a dear friend is dying, and all of us would react as Peter did. He spoke our truth. And Jesus called him Satan. But we all would have reacted with a loud no. We humans don't like change, don't like loss and hate it when we lose a beloved teacher, priest or leader. Yet holding on to the present is a stumbling block for our future. Walking away from a church which is losing a beloved rector is a stumbling block. We are called to lose our lives, letting go of what we think we need, letting go of tight control, and opening up ourselves to the real blessings of the future. We can live being those who trip and trigger others, or we can open our hearts to the possibilities and people we might not understand. Blessings are often disguised as strangers and changes.

Mysterious Creator, you bless us with each new day

and send us blessings in surprise people and places.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today.

We want familiar places and well know people

thinking safety and regularity are where we find you.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today.

Yet you, Oh Lord, are the still small voice in the night

calling us to go to the edges of the earth carrying your love.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today.

We don't want to hear it or live with the great changes

we want to bury our heads in the sand when you call us.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today.

You are our strength and stay in times of great troubles

and you, Lord, will provide what we need every day.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today.

Give us your strength, Lord Jesus, to face these new challenges

and make us a blessing as we follow your way of love.

Lord Jesus, make us a blessing and not a stumbling block today. Amen.

Living Water

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’ So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, ‘Why did you not arrest him?’ The police answered, ‘Never has anyone spoken like this!’ Then the Pharisees replied, ‘Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.’ Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.’ John 7:37-52

Jesus talks to the crowd, and they are stunned and hopeful. And then the religious leaders come to derail him by saying he was from Galilee. In our times we might say he was from the wrong side of the tracks or from people we do not know or like. It is easy to miss in the arguments that follow, that Jesus said living water would flow from the believers' heart. The author of John's gospel adds an interpretation that Jesus was not yet glorified. Yet, I think many who believed, while Jesus walked the earth were filled with the Spirit. Living water is always moving, always seeking ways through clogged places, always challenging our silly construction and out houses made on the sand. We are both vulnerable and gifted by living water, that which seeks out the hidden, blocked off places and opens them up.

Gracious Creator, you have given your living water

to every generation so we might break through walls

bringing your living water to the whole wide earth.

We are afraid of the intensity of your living water

and would prefer drips and those who are well heeled

yet your love breaks through all people from every side.

Help us to believe so we might be filled again, Lord

for we have shut out and been shut out and are thirsty

for your living water so we might be overflowing with your love. Amen.