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.

Judgement

About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. The Jews were astonished at it, saying, ‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ Then Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him. ‘Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?’ The crowd answered, ‘You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?’ Jesus answered them, ‘I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.’ Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, ‘When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?’ The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.’ The Jews said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, “You will search for me and you will not find me” and, “Where I am, you cannot come”?’ John 7:14-36

Despite the fact that Jesus said he wasn't going to the festival, he ends up teaching in the temple, a very public act. Everyone seems to be judging him, from the religious leaders to the crowd. Often, when we don't understand, we judge and blame, pointing fingers when we are uncomfortable. Jesus was making everyone uncomfortable. He tells them they cannot go where he is going and they go wild with criticism and judgement. We are invited today, to step back when we are uncomfortable and afraid, so that we might take a breath and see the whole person, setting our fears and judgements behind.

Gracious Creator, your Son walked this earth

and brought redemption and love to everyone

and promised that we would know his peace.

Today, the world is violent and judgemental

we call names like children on the playground

and fail to seek your peace, grace and love.

Help us, Dear Lord, to step back and breathe

so your spirit might fill us and peace rule us

as we become your loving presence on earth. Amen.

My Time Has Not Yet Come

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.’ (For not even his brothers believed in him.) Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come.’ After saying this, he remained in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, ‘Where is he?’ And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds. While some were saying, ‘He is a good man’, others were saying, ‘No, he is deceiving the crowd.’ Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews. John 7:1-13

I clearly remember watching the clock in school and aching because it wasn't moving fast enough for recess or the end of the day. My time had not yet come, obviously, despite my desire to be free of school. Jesus said his time had not yet come as an excuse for not going to the festival. He might have known he had to face the cross and it wasn't yet the time. His disciples and brothers were pushing him to go, and he did go finally in secret. All of us have faced a time when we knew something wasn't right. We might have avoided or we went and it was terrible. Jesus clearly knew captivity was coming. We aren't so perceptive. We are encouraged today to trust the internal clocks, to not be anxious but to wait on the Lord.

Gracious Creator, you have all time in your hands

and bring us what we need when the time is right

holding us close when we are anxious and undone.

We try to rush things and want to control time

we think you have forgotten us and do not care

and we try to rush ahead and fall into traps.

Help us to trust you Lord, with every hour

make us patient and prayerful in everything

so all we do is governed by your love for all. Amen.

To Whom Can We Go?

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

Some who were following Jesus left abruptly after he told them, "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them on the last day." Maybe they were expecting some sort of cannibalistic behavior, who knows. Whatever happened, this is a critical point in Jesus' earthly ministry. Many of us can relate. We have attended a church, followed a faith leader, only to find out they have gone off the deep end and expect us to follow. We find ourselves lost, not knowing which direction to go. At the outset of her time in Oz, Dorothy says, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." We all get lost, dislocated and disillusioned, particularly with human faith leaders. Yet we are reminded by Peter, that we have come to believe that you are the one we should follow. Following Jesus is often a rough and challenging road, and some will try to lead us astray. Our journey and our home is in Jesus.

Magnificent Creator, who had your Son live among us

walking the dusty roads and sailing the rough seas

to lead us all to your way of love for all creation.

We are often troubled by the egos our religious leaders 

they seem concerned for only money and attention 

while the church suffers under their iron control.

Help us Lord, to follow you and you alone

so that others might not be led astray but find home

you, Lord, are our guide on the rough roads and our eternal home. Amen.

Abide in Me

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.’ He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. John 6:52-59

Frybread, again folks. Can't help myself. There is an intimacy with which Jesus understands his relationship to the Father and will all of us. It is family around a table, laughing, arguing and eating simple good food. That tenderness and intimacy is something the religious leaders can't understand since they live a life of rules. Jesus wants us to see our relationship as that teasing, frybread eating family table, where truth and jokes are told in the same breath and where we do our homework and cry in our coffee. Always in the midst of the joys and the pains and even the everyday challenges.

Wondrous Creator, you invite us all to your table

a place where our sorrows and joys can be transformed

into shared laughter, food and prayers for all people.

We often struggle and find ourselves so alone

we have no one to share our fears and hopes

and we fail to see you sitting with us breaking bread.

Let us come to the table in our raw brokenness

finding our fill in you and setting sail for tomorrow

with love in our hearts and bellies full or courage. Amen.

Sunday, August 23, 2026 Proper 16

    

                                               Sunday, August 23, 2026    

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Some years ago, I served as interim at St. Peter's Church in Sitka, Alaska. It was indeed built on a rocky hillside overlooking the harbor. It was the home of their first bishop, Bishop Peter Trimble Rowe. I loved serving there, watching the harbor from my second story window, wondering what life was like when he first arrived. When Jesus says these words to Peter, I wonder too what he was imagining. What is most important to this story for me is that Jesus built his church on the most human, fumbling, loudmouth fisherman ever. Not a saint in life, Peter blurted out what was on his mine, gave in to fear and wore his heart on his sleeve. This always give me hope for the church since all of us in leadership, lay and ordained alike, are imperfect human beings. We are called, despite ourselves, to carry the love of Jesus to the world. Even though we feel wobbly, broken, foolish and failing, the love of God in Christ continues through us here. Amazing!

Loving Creator, you entrusted the world to our hands

and gave us the power to carry your love to the world.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth.

We are selfish and greedy, full of pride and attitude

we fail your mission every day and often feel like quitting.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth.

You gave us Peter as an example of leadership here

human, vulnerable and needing your love and support daily.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth.

When we trip and fall, you pick us up and restore us

when we are lost and wandering, you bring us home.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth.

When the world turns against us and we are excluded

you draw us back in and make us your people once again.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth.

For you are the Lord who came and dwelt in human flesh

and you love us and redeem us for the sake of the world.

Lord Jesus, come and heal us so we might be your church here on earth. Amen.

The Bread of Heaven

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ John 6:27-40

Every culture has a bread that is considered traditional and immediately reminds one of home. For many Indigenous Americans, frybread fills that category. At every pow wow, every gathering in most tribes there will be frybread. We love it and often crave it.  Despite the love and its presence everywhere, frybread is really not a traditional bread for any of us. It is the bread we made when the only food our tribes had to eat came from the US government. Commodities were supplied after we were isolated on remote reservations with little capacity to grow our traditional crops and care for livestock. We mostly were given white flour, huge blocks of cheese and cans of lard. So much was taken. But we turned the government surplus into something good and delicious. We knew resilience and we lived it. It is important to know the difference between substitutes and the real thing and do our faithful best in challenging times.

Wondrous Creator, who taught us all to garden

helping us to know which plants would flourish

and which foods would last through cold winters.

Many are dislocated from home and families

others never learned to make bread for all

yet you have promised is bread from heaven always.

Let us wipe our tears and use what we have right now

may our faithfulness feed and strengthen the people

and may we trust you will always supply what we need. Amen.

Do Not Be Afraid

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ John 6:16-27

Rough seas are no joke, even to the most seasoned sailors. I myself have been in a few close calls in small vessel trying to get back to the dock. Once, when I was pretty young, I remember bailing as the waves were crashing and sending gallons of water into our small boat. My father sat at the back by the outboard, coaching us and yelling commands so we could all get home. We were out on the open ocean trying to get back into the protected waters of the canal. Of course we made it safely back, and I can understand the fear of the disciples. That was not the last time I have experienced rough seas, mean streets and turbulent places. Jesus tells us to "not be afraid!" Easier said than done, yet we are called to remember he is with us in our darkest hours and most terrifying situations.

Tremendous Creator, who made the deep seas to roar

and the winds to howl, tearing down trees and houses

you promised to be our very home and our steady savior.

We are afraid in these turbulent and uncertain times

tearing into one another instead of pulling at the oars together

and as we capsize, we cry out for you to save us from ourselves.

Lord Jesus, help us to see you in our storms and terrors today

may we be fearless because you love us and you feed us always

strengthening us to serve those who are sinking in life's storms Amen.

Gather Up the Fragments

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:1-15

My Cherokee mother was all about feeding and gathering up fragments. As a widow she fed dozens of children, once a week, all who had parents in prison. Every child went home with multiple take-out containers so they and their families could eat. Strangers (to me) often showed up in her garage, stuffing food into her trunk or the spare refrigerator. She was living out Jesus' love for those children by providing a meal and friendship and none ever forgot it. This miracle of a small boy's lunch becoming a feast for thousands. The generosity of one can change the world and those who gather fragments and care for the lost, alone and stranger know God's miracles and abundance.

Wondrous Creator, we thank you for the fish in the sea

and the wheat that grows in these warm summer seasons

that feed the people who are spread across this wide earth.

We cut up out planets with borders and political divisions

yet you see only the hungry, the neglected and the lost

while we sit idly by not even gathering the fragments.

Help us to be grateful again for your abundant love

make us care for those sitting in the grass hoping

and give us the faith to trust you will provide all needs. Amen.

Nothing On My Own

‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. ‘You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’ John 5:30-47

I remember hearing an interview with Louise Ercich (Chippewa) years ago who told the story of being asked by cub scout leaders what a "young brave" would take into the woods with him. I heard her wise laugh when she answered that a young boy would take his mother with him. She explained that young boys, in her tradition, are taught survival skills by their mothers until they are strong enough to keep up with the men while hunting. Otherwise, they could cost lives. They were terribly offended. Jesus says, "I can do nothing on my own" and we are taken aback. No matter how strong, independent and able we are, we still need one another. When we build and maintain communities of support we are following Jesus.

Wondrous Creator, who brought us into communities

where we can learn and thrive as we become strong

help us remember the vulnerable and needy among us.

We often push away from families and communities

when we think we can do everything on our own

and find ourselves crying in the wildernesses of life.

Help us to be grateful for all who have walked with us

make us always ready to seek you in everything we need

and make us builders of support for those who need it today. Amen

Honor, Lost and Found

Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life. ‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:19-29

Today is the day we celebrate the baptisms of Manteo, Croatan (Aug 13) and Virginia Dare (Aug 24). These were the first two baptisms done by the Anglican Church in North America. They are lost to history because Virginia was a member of those who became known as the lost colony of Virginia, now what we know as the outer banks of North Carolina. Their governor, John White, left for England shortly after these baptisms and when he returned, he found no trace of the settlement. Questions linger even today. Today, we are reminded that Jesus tells us that no matter how lost one might be, they can still hear the voice of God who is so connected to Son. We are never lost but always found by God.

Gracious Creator, who places your mark of love

on all people and creation, making us in your image

so we might find our way home when we are lost.

We are often lost since we are headstrong and foolish

thinking we know better than our teachers or you

yet you know us each by name and help us home again.

Lord Jesus, help us to listen and to respond to your voice

make us those who live for justice and healing here

trusting that we will all be called home to your embrace. Amen.

Sunday, August 16, 2026 - Proper 15

Sunday August 16, 2026

Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.” Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:10-28

In this season, we hear of the many encounters of Jesus and women who are outsiders, outcasts and aliens. This reading begins with him telling the crowd that not what goes in, but what goes out defiles a person. Our cruel thoughts and behaviors defile us. And immediately, Jesus and the disciples are hounded by a Canaanite woman. The disciples want her to go away, but Jesus speaks with her and talks about the dogs receiving crumbs from the table. She knew she was an alien, but she also knew that God's love and healing was for all. Jesus makes her an example for all of us. She became the "woman of great faith" who changed his ministry and ours, to open our arms to everyone. There are no outcasts when we follow Jesus.

Loving Creator, you sent you son for the whole world

and taught us how to love and include the strangers.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.

We are fearful when people pursue us and hound us

thinking they want something form us or to hurt us.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.

Yet often, they want to be seen, heard and welcomed

and we are terrified of difference and loud strangers.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.

You turned to greet the shouting Canaanite woman

and ended up calling her a woman of great faith.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.

Make us people of great faith in these divided times

and make us fearless in our love and care for all creation.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.

Give us your abundant heart and your compassionate care

so we might make room for all who come to you. 

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today. Amen.