Pentecost 2026

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: `In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' " Acts 2:1-21

The day of Pentecost caused confusion and panic in some. And it still does in many ways. One year, shortly after I was ordained and serving in a church outside of Philadelphia, I had the children wear fireman hats and twirl wind tube toys that made a startling sound as they entered church during the sermon. Needless to say, this caused some confusion and panic in some. We are often anxious for the Holy Spirit to come, yet when it comes to dwell with us or someone else, we are often overwhelmed and afraid. Peter reminded them, and us now, that the Spirit is and will be poured out on everyone, without regard for gender, status or identity. To be a follower of Jesus calls us to see all others as vessels of the Holy Spirit and welcome them without malice or judgement.

Wondrous Creator, you put your Spirit in all flesh

help us to welcome your Spirit today in all people.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Our lives can be tangled with fears and anxiety

yet you have promised to unbind us and set us free.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

We ache to live a life full of your Holy Spirit

yet we do not want others to have what we do.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Make us willing vessels of your love and light

so the darkness and hurts might fall away from all.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Lift us from these tangled and fearful times

so we might be ready to follow you in faith.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light.

Fill us, Lord, with your Holy Spirit today

so we might serve the world in your name.

Come, Holy Spirit, and make us filled with your love and light. Amen.

Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.’ Matthew 9:9-17

We humans love to judge before we fully understand. We love to decide what is wrong with other people and situations without taking the time to get to know either. Ted Lasso, in a scene where he is playing darts, told everyone that people had underestimated him his whole life. "I saw a quote by Walt Whitman written on the wall, be curious, not judgmental." We are too often given to judging without knowing, never finding out why a person is acting or living the way they do. Jesus calls us to love the unlovely, to live with mercy, not judgement or sacrifice. Love and mercy along with curiosity are our best teachers.

Blessed Creator, you bring us into the world

so we might share your love and your mercy

and enjoy all the many facets of your creation.

We human love to be part of the in groups

shunning those who we fail to understand

and making life more painful for the suffering.

Make us merciful, compassionate and curious

so we might spread your love in this broken world

and bind the wounds of those who have been judged. Amen.

Take Up Your Bed

And after getting into a boat, he crossed the water and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic— ‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

All of us have had a time in our lives when it felt impossible that we would ever feel good enough to get up. Whether Covid, acute illness, body pain or serious illness has felled us, we would love an instant cure like the paralyzed man received. Many of us have prayed, been prayed over, and still were not able to rise up. Some zealots would tell you that you faith was weak and inadequate. Yet, the man being carried by friends, had been that way for seemingly forever. The religious leaders wanted to squash Jesus. The ill man just wanted to be better, as we all do. This close encounter with the living God made one man well, the crowd filled with awe and the leadership furious. The living God draws near to all of us, calling us to trust in the divine love and healing for all. We just can't control the time.

Gracious Creator, you heart aches for the suffering

your love and healing is meant for everyone

and the world scoffs at faith and divine possibility.

We have all been sick and think you've ignored us

we get angry and think you have forgotten our needs

yet you, O Lord, are drawing near to us every day.

Help us Lord to seek you in every season and moment

trusting that you will provide the healing we need

and ready, when you call, to take up our mat and walk. Amen.

Ascension Day

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:16-20

I think it might be hard to imagine a dear friend vanishing into the sky. Minimally one would be terrified, panic and run away. Leaving a loved one, by any circumstances is hard, and folks departing in death is even harder. These disciples have witnessed his death and resurrection, which would have been heartbreaking and terrifying enough. And here, Jesus takes terror one step further by vanishing into the heavens. What strikes me is how clear they heard his words, his directions to them, despite the panic and terror of the moment. Too often, the words remembered are make disciples of all nations, although he asked them to remember "I am with you always, to the end of the age." We love taking his words as direction to dominate and control the world, but not to remember that he is with us always. His ways are present and real to us, even if we try to ignore them. We cannot teach and baptize without knowing and loving them as Jesus loves them. We cannot think we are in charge, because the Son of God is with us always. 

Loving Creator, your first priority is healing love

knowing us each by name and being present here

so we might carry your love and healing to others.

Lord Jesus, before you ascended you promised

to be with us in every challenging moment

and we are to be humble as we go through each.

Help us Lord not to judge our neighbors

rather give us strength and humility to love

as you loved and as you walk with us today. Amen.

Testing

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:41-46

We all know that being tested is not fun or joyful. This is the time of year when students all over are having final tests, taking standardized tests and writing papers anxious about grades. Out of school we are also tested, among our peers, our supervisors and strangers on the street. "Who are you, what are you doing and why should you be here?" All those questions and more are part of existence. Jesus was tested and tried just as we are. He was the son of God and we, in contrast, can wonder who we are and where we belong. The testers never get the final word, our Creator does. We are the children of the living God, and no one can snatch us out of God's hand nor call us anything but beloved. 

Loving Creator, you call us each by name

and protect us during the storms of our lives

so that your love and care can shine through us.

Often, we feel inadequate and like imposters

we put on attitudes and fight for attention

when you always are with us holding us up.

Lord Jesus, help us remember we are beloved

so many need to be reminded of your love

may we be those who shine with your love today. Amen.

Good Soil

‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ Matthew 13:18-23

The parables about seeds and growth are very appropriate for this season. We are finally in a place, here in New England, to put plants in the garden and sow seeds as well. When the nights are too cold, the plants and seeds will be damaged, so we have had to wait. Often, I am very hardworking and zealous in the spring, getting the gardens going and ridding the beds of weeds. As the summer progresses, I can get lazier and lazier, letting the weeds take over. We all know how easy it is for the weeds to take over our lives of faith. Anger, resentments, church fights, shunning all lead us to undermine our faith and work for power alone. May we take the call of Jesus, to be good soil, taking daily care of our spirits and using our lives for the good of others.

Gracious Creator, you have given us an abundance

of rain and sunshine, soft earth to plant again in spring

and hearts full of love for the care and feeding of others.

We often find ourselves in a drought of the spirit

times when anger brings us to the edge of real violence

when we could be clearing the weeds and restoring the soil.

Help us to examine our hearts and minds today

help us to rid our lives of the weeds of anger and hurt

so we might be abundant and fruitful with your love. Amen.

Sowing Seeds

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 13:1-16

The push is on to get the gardens going now. We have had so many cold nights, with some frost, that it was not smart to start planting fragile seeds and plants. Yesterday afternoon, we got some beds ready and our eldest daughter and our son-in-law, built us a raised bed as well as helping with tasks to get us ready to plant. Jesus told parables all the time, stories to help people understand the ways of God, our Creator. As an agrarian people, they heard clearly since they knew completely. They all had times when the soil went bad or there were rocks hidden which choked the roots. They knew the damage thorns and weeds could do to tender crops and they understood how vulnerable some people are. We are invited today to be good and loving gardeners, tending to the weak, clearing the weeds away and making abundance happen among people and places that were once rocky and barren.

Wondrous Creator, you teach us through nature

how vulnerable and tender life truly can be

and how we can listen, learn and grow again.

We want things instantly and completely easy

we refuse to take the time to weed and to clear

and we miss the gifts that are abundant in the garden.

Lord Jesus, help our eyes to see and our ears to listen

make us patient with the tender growing vulnerable ones

so we might learn your way of renewing our earth together. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter - Mother's Day

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. ”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” John 14:15-21

Today we celebrate Mother's Day in the US, while Mothering Sunday is held in March in the UK. Wherever you celebrate this day, it is one of appreciating the mothers in your life, biological and chosen. We hear Jesus talk about keeping his commandments. He often taught that the first is love the Lord with all your heart and the second is love your neighbor as yourself. His commandments are simple and yet terribly hard for us humans to do. We are reminded today, that we are intimately connected with our mothers, a biologic and emotional cord that is eternal. Likewise, we are connected and woven into the Creator with a holy and divine cord as strong and eternal as our human connection. Our human bonds can be shattered and frayed, but we are connected to the Creator eternally and nothing can break that bond.

Loving Creator, you gave us mothers who held us

so we might feel secure and know your loving arms.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

We are often at odds with the world and one another

yet your love breaks through all walls and barriers.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

The light can fade in the evening and cold return

yet you promise that you will always hold us close.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

We might know loneliness, exile and shaming

but you look on us as a mother gazes on her child.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

Help us to see your love in this broken world

and keep us from losing our hope and faith today.

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love.

For your love binds all humanity together as one

a beautiful circle of joy that renews all of life. 

Lord Jesus, help us to love as you have commanded us to love. Amen.

Ask, Seek and Knock

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 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, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is 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. ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Most of us don't like to ask for help as we would rather be independent and in complete control of our lives (or so we think). I am terrible at asking for help, even when I know I need it, and I know am not alone. Our lives are completely dependent on the economy, our bosses, our leaders and our family. Our ancestors understood the fragility of life and our dependence on one another and the natural world. We forget to ask our Creator for what we need, thinking we can take care of ourselves, until troubles and tumults are upon us. Life is never without storms. We need one another and we need our God who promises to open doors, receive what we need and find our way in this fragile existence.

Gracious Creator, who plants us in community

like the three sisters we rely on each other to grow

and we share the nutrients of the light and earth.

We are too selfish and so full of foolish pride

that we refuse to ask for help when we are sinking

and curse others for abandoning us in the storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to ask, knock and seek daily

trusting that you will answer our needs fully

and make us a family, a community once again. Amen.

Consider the Lilies

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

It is astounding, in a world of so much strife and division, that the birds still sing and the lilies still grow. Yet if we look around us, as Jesus suggested the disciples do, we can see gorgeous signs of the Creator's care for us. The jonquils and crocuses, the grasses returning and even the dandelions are bright reminders of the love our Creator has for us, and how deeply we are cared for. Oh, it may not feel like it, and it can be explained away true, yet if we look at the bounty, we just might be grateful instead of scared. We might just be delighted for a moment instead of panicked. God is with us in our hard times as well as the splendid ones and there is evidence of that tender care, if we but look around.

Gracious Creator, you bring us life every morning

while the dew is still on the morning flowers

you are providing for us and loving us all.

We live in times of conflicts and great uncertainty

where people are divided by walls formerly destroyed

and old wounds are making old men seek revenge.

You remind us today to look at the beauty abounding

to trust that are needs are already met and our lives

are in your hands surrounded by your heart of love. Amen.

Treasures in Heaven

‘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

In our country, the gap between the haves and have not is getting wider and deeper. Too many are focused on how they can monetize everything rather than how they can help others. If we are all focused on personal gain, we forget how to be kind, compassionate and how to share. We burn the true wealth we have, love, family and faith, so we can get rich and be spoiled. We all know and understand what Jesus is talking about. It is often hard to so, since everything costs too much and we have to watch every penny. Yet our Creator, knows and loves us and ask to share what we have as we are able, and we will be blessed here and eternally.

Wondrous Creator, you give us our daily bread

and you bring the sunlight to warm the whole earth

and make the crops to grow to feed the world.

We have an urge to stockpile and hold our riches

while others live on the edge of death daily

and we refuse to see them and refuse to really care.

Make us aware of the needs around us and open hearts

so that we might be generous in all that we do

and grateful for all we have been given in these days. Amen. 

Praying and Forgiving

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

Prayer is often an easy thing when we repeat the Lord's Prayer and other familiar prayers. It's harder when we are terribly hurt and know the person or system that hurt us is unrepentant. We want them to suffer, we want to get revenge and have them endure the pain we suffer. Yet, God is not like that. We need to be about the real hard work of truly forgiving, so we might know forgiveness within us. We are unburdened and set free when we forgive the cruel ones who go on hurting, when we don't give them space in our hearts and minds rent free. That kind of prayer is hard work, and needs to be repeated over and over again.

Loving Creator, you teach us to forgive daily

knowing our hurt and tender aching hearts

wishing to free us from the burden of sin.

We pray that the bad ones get punished

and forget about all the time we have hurt

never counting the cost of our misdeeds.

Lord Jesus, help our prayers be forgiving

and let our lives be filled with your compassion

so that broken hearts and lives are truly mended. Amen.

Show Offs

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

I have spent a good deal of my adult life theater-adjacent and most of my youth working backstage. Some present-day expressions of church seem more like performance than worship. I have always tried, as priest and bishop, to lead by example, humble and aware of my many faults. When we turn worship into a show, we lose the presence of the living God. No matter how beautiful our songs are, or how wonderful our liturgy, we must remember always that we are trying to bring the love of God to the people, and not the love of ourselves. Jesus saw what that kind of showmanship did to undermine the lives of the faithful. May we all seek to live justice and walk humbly with our God.

Blessed Creator, source of all goodness

you us in your image so we might serve

all of your creation with joy and love.

We love to be in the glowing spotlight

showcasing our talents and our wealth

forgetting you call us to put others first.

Make us humble and full of your radiance

make us joyfully sing your songs simply

so your love may shine through us today. Amen.

5th Sunday of Easter 2026

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

 It is easy to say, do not be afraid. It is much harder to live it. Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples and face death upon the cross. His disciples really didn't understand it, nor do we today sometimes. In this frantic world where so many factions are fighting against one another, it is hard to believe that God is in the midst of us. And yet Jesus says, do not let your hearts be trouble. He tells us there is space for all of us, no matter how different and complicated. We might be Jesus promises to care for us even when we don't necessarily feel safe or cared for. One of the things we can do in these days is to be people of prayer and calm. Prayer and calm allow us to be kind and patient with other people. Sometimes we have to breathe deeply and sometimes we have to walk away. Jesus promised to be with us in the hardest of days around the most difficult people. Let not your hearts be troubled. 

 Gracious Creator, you have made space for us all 

and from the four directions you call us to yourself. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.,

 We live in turbulent times and folks are called criminals 

when they are just seeking a safer life for their family. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.

 The truth is twisted and we struggle to believe anything 

yet you remind us that we have a home with you always. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days. 

Make us prayerful and compassionate in these hard times 

and make your light and love shine through each day. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days.

Help us to remember to seek your face in our darkest nights 

for you have made a home for us and we are never alone in you. 

Lord Jesus, help us to seek you in these troubling days. Amen

A Simple Grain

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

I have been scouring seed catalogs and looking longingly at plants. Unfortunately, despite it being May 1st, here in New England we have to wait a bit longer. We have had very cold nights with frost. Those fragile seeds and grains, need enough sun and warmth to break open, to die, so new life is formed. There is a time for everything. Jesus is reminding his disciples about how it is time for them to plant and reap. Their ways and traditions barred them from including foreigners and non-believers from religious conversations. It was time to break down the walls and the barriers. We all have to be broken open, and change our ways in order to bear fruit, to bring light and love to the world. We cannot carry a hard protective shell and really live faithfully. 

Wondrous Creator, who breathes life into creation

you animate us with love and joys with our people

and ask us to stretch so other might know your love.

We don't like those who challenge our way of life

who, in their difference teach us ways to change

while we would rather stay inside our familiar shell.

Break open our hearts today, dear Lord, so we love

those who do not know our traditions and our ways

and blossom bearing the fruit of your divine love. Amen.

Be Reconciled

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

Jesus is very clear about the importance of reconciliation. Drawing on the traditions of his ancestors, he points us all to a deeper understanding of reconciliation. Even small disputes and hurts are important to be reconciled. None of us like to admit we are wrong but are ready to scream from the hilltops when we consider ourselves hurt or slighted. We are called to a reconciliation that demands a daily self-examination, a daily listening to the truths of others, and daily seeking forgiveness. It is like a muscle that needs a daily workout, flexing and stretching so we are able and ready to forgive and be forgiven.

Gracious Creator, you made us fully human

we live in your image and always fall short

yet you remind us to work for reconciliation.

We do not like to hear how we have failed others

we shut our ears and our hearts to their pain

and lose the love gained in true forgiveness.

Lift us from the world of daily accusations

help us examine our hearts and seek forgiveness

so we can be vessels of your love needed today. Amen.

Fulfilling the Law

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

This weekend, I will be participating in a gathering to "Honor Our Sacred Gifts" with some of the six nations or the Haudenosaunee, the keepers of the great peace. Long before our nation existed, the lived together in a democratic and participatory government, a highly egalitarian and sophisticated political system found nowhere else in the world. They and my people were dismissed as savages, yet they were more aligned with Jesus' teaching than the colonists. Jesus was teaching that the laws of nature and the laws of the Creator were critical, not only to our survival, but to truly be alive. We often fail at following what Jesus called us to do and be. May we always be willing to sit with others in peace and use our time for teaching and building up.

Great Creator, you taught us how to live together

with nations coming to the sacred fire to listen

and to learn your ways of love from one another.

We have quickly judged and summarily dismissed

the ways of those who differ from us in culture

losing the gifts of love and learning from another.

Teach us, dear Lord, to sit with our neighbors

listening to their hearts and meeting their needs

so we might follow your command to love one another. Amen.

Salt and Light

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

It is hard these days, when the news is so divisive and war is upon us, to live as salt and light. Yet, that is what we are called to be in this world So many people want us to buy into their solutions for a better life - the right exercises, the right diet, the right religious practice, etc. - but Jesus is selling nothing except for hope and love. In a product driven world, we are called to be something else altogether. We are called to be those who live to bring new light, new hope and new flavor to our world. We cannot do that if we try to fit in with the crowd. Only when we shine with the unique blessings we are, can we make love's light and sweetness known.

Wondrous Creator, you made a world of delights

in shades of colors and varieties of cultures

that dance, sing and bring light to the darkness.

We are disgusted by difference and shun the unique

while we abuse those who are not enough like us

as we cower in our room afraid to be ourselves.

Let us fully embrace the gifts you have given

so that we might shine in a darkening world

and carry your love to the wandering and the lost. Amen.

Blessed

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

We often think of this opening to the longer Sermon on the Mount, otherwise known as blessings and curses, as referencing those who suffer in this life due to societal circumstances beyond their control. I have instead, started to consider it as a comfort to the artistic and differently abled ones who cannot fit into society's norms. Not surprisingly, today is also the feast day of Christina Rosetti, an often poor and overlooked artist in her day. Yet she used her words to lift the souls of throngs of people, in her own time as well as now. Her life was not a bed of roses, but she was blessed and blessed others with her gifts. May we use the blessings we have been given to uplift, spread mercy and feed the broken spirits.

Gracious Creator, your surround us with your blessings

in a range of colors and expressions you have made us

and you call us to use our beauty to bless others.

We might feel cursed and act out in terrific anger

we destroy the lives you call us all to protect

and forget you are the source of all good blessings.

Make us your poets, composers and artists

so we might bring beauty and compassion forth

to a generation suffering in the darkness of greed. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter April 26, 2026

 Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:1-10

Today I had the opportunity and joy to participate in the consecration of Miguelina Howell. She was made chief Shepherd of the diocese of western Massachusetts. Being a shepherd requires a clear focus, eyes opened to challenges and dangers, ability to provide sustenance, both spiritual and physical, and keeping the flock together. We as the followers of Jesus, Bishops priest, deacon, and lay people, are called to work together for the blessing of the people and the whole world. And we are called to trust in Jesus’s love for us and his tender daily care. In these days, when everything seems both dangerous and exhausting, we are invited to renew our commitment to the care of others, following Jesus every new day, and trusting we are protected always. Sometimes it’s a hard thing to do. On days like today, we are reminded of the goodness of the Lord, which blesses all people and gives us good and loving leaders always.

Gracious Creator, you shine your light and love the world

And promise to give us shepherds to guide our days.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way.

We often find ourselves, confused alone, and misdirected

Yet you have promised to guide us even in our darkest times.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way.

Too often we try to go it on our own and cry out to you

Although you are there with us each step of the way.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way.

There is no shame in our needing you and one another

Despite our need to control, to push and to be in charge.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way. 

You are the great Shepherd of the sheep and you love us

Gently herding us to green verdant pastures of plenty.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way. 

Make us one flock with one shepherd in these days

So your love rains down again and blesses all.

Great Shepherd of the sheep, lead us and guide us along the way.Amen.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Near

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus takes up his cousin's cry, "repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" We're familiar with those words, yet few are sure exactly what they mean. Recently, when the Artemis II crew was interviewed, they were asked what they learned from their time in space. Christina Koch, mission specialist, said she learned how important the little things are, how the small daily acts are so important and make the world go round. Although I am paraphrasing her remarks, they hit home for many. The kingdom of heaven is not to be found in some vast interstellar experience, but rather in the small, everyday acts of love. May we be grateful today, for all the expressions and moments of the kingdom of heaven brought near.

Wondrous Creator, you formed stars and galaxies

giving us minds to explore and comprehend space

and hearts to see your kingdom present here with us.

We want great big impacts and even bigger payouts

yet your love is in the small cup of coffee and a smile

offered in the overlooked places on our planet.

Lord, help us to have eyes to see your goodness here

let us be grateful for the small gestures of kindness

and make us those who share your loving kingdom here. Amen.

Temptation

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

We all know what temptation is like as it is a familiar and human challenge. Whether it is the overindulgence of food and drink or the desire to rule other people, temptation is always with us. Jesus, the Son of God incarnate faced of with the devil incarnate. We may not ever understand that exchange, but we can understand the desires, the deep temptations we struggle with daily. From abusing power to giving up entirely. Jesus did neither. He resisted the tempter's game and went on to bring real love into the world. We can bring a portion of the incarnate love to the world, as we set aside our desires, and serve needs around us. May we be the better angels in a world of temptation.

Gracious Creator, we live in your daily splendor

with sun, moon and rain to refresh the earth

you remind us that you have provided in abundance.

We want more every day and are endlessly greedy 

taking more than we need so that others suffer

and shutting out the possibility of our better angels.

Humble us, dear Lord, so we might leave to temptations

and spend our time caring for a world caught grief

making us serve the least among us who need the most. Amen.

Jesus is Baptized

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ Matthew 3:13-17

In our baptism, we join Jesus, deep in the water of the Jordan river, dying to the world of sin and rising with new life. John thought it improper for him to baptize Jesus, but it was "proper" to fulfill their callings. Jesus rises out of the water and the whole crowd hears the words from heaven and see the dove. None of us, in our baptism, whether infant or adult, heard a voice or voices from heaven. Just the joy and welcome of a whole community. We are invited today to remember our baptism, which joined us with Jesus, becoming beloved of God.

Gracious Creator, you make the waters flow

you speak you love from on high and nearby

reminding us we are beloved in dark times.

These days we forget our baptism and your love

living for our needs and ourselves alone

ignoring your call to service and compassion.

Help us to remember and live our baptism today

make us your people here on this earth so we might

share your love, welcome and healing here and now. Amen.

John the Baptist

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ Matthew 3:7-12 

John the Baptist was the forerunner and guide to Jesus. He stood out in a crowd, his dress was rough, he was itinerant and lived the life of a loner and mystic. Yet, he had crowds of religious leaders coming out to be baptized by him, along with hopeful, faithful people from all over. He told the truth, plain and simple, preparing the people to meet the Son of God. He was so plain spoken that many of the religious authorities took offence at his teachings. He didn't back down and yet they still came out. May we not be afraid of the plainspoken truth and turn our hearts with expectation to a new revelation of Christ.

Wondrous God, we watch your handiwork in stars

we see the beauty of you in the faces of our beloved

and you promise us all new life and new vision.

We are in worrying and exhausting times

when celebrity and violence are page one everywhere

yet you call us to those wilderness places of truth.

Help us to seek out those places and people

who can turn us again right as we follow you

so that love and mercy can flow here once again. Amen.

Family Tree

An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Matthew 1:1-17, 3:1-6

We all like knowing about our ancestors and where they all came from. Watching "Finding Your Roots" on PBS, I am reminded, over again how important names and even faces are that were not known before. From the names of slave ancestors to those ancestors lost in the Holocaust, names are so important. Our identity is shaped by the names and lives of those who came before. For Matthew, explaining to the Jewish community, the authentic lineage of Jesus was so important. Putting names and places together, help us know more personally the challenges folks faced in our past. Those names and places make Jesus and also John, not only more real to them, but a part of a living stream of faith. May we know those names who suffered for our faith and taught our ancestors how to live with peace and mercy in a warring world.

Loving Creator, you know us each by name

and find us and gather us up when we are lost

bringing us to safely rest at home once again.

We forget whose we are a where we came from

putting on airs of vain and foolish people

forgetting the names of those who suffered for us.

Help us to know others by name as you know us

help us to see each individual as one loved by you

and share your peace and mercy with all humankind. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:13-35

Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread, not through all that he had said to them as they walked, but in a most common activity of breaking bread. We often forget that many of the disciples, who became great men of faith, would not believe the women who found the tomb empty, nor the testimony of Peter, their close friend, nor the story that Jesus shared with them as they traveled. A little thick like us and like us the presence of the living God is not found in high and holy places always, but in the very small moments when love, beauty and faith are seen and felt in a simple meal. May we continue to seek Jesus every day and expect that he will be known to us in the simple, familiar places and people.

Wondrous Creator, who brings new life and beauty

in this season of Easter, we wait your Spirit within us.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places.

We live in a world torn by war and selfishness

and we fear, day and night, that nothing good will happen.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places.

Yet you, O Creator, have set the spring to remind us

that in winter's death we are reminded of your dying.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places.

In the new, warmer breezes of spring you teach us

new life is here, living and true, among us now.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places.

Make us humble in these days of violence and neglect

that you are gentle and seek peace for the whole world.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places.

Let us love like you do, Lord Jesus, with deep compassion

so the world might know you in the breaking of the bread.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, so we may know you in all the humble places. Amen.

The Spirit of Truth

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

We live in a time when truth is challenged every day.  Leaders who have been given incredible responsibility for the care of people seem to worry only about their fame and gain. Faithfulness is under the microscope, and some would argue only their practice of faith is correct and everyone else should perish. Jesus' disciples faced incredible backlash from the religious leaders of their day. They also were considered suspect by the political authorities. Many would suffer a horrible death. Yet, they clung to Jesus' words and promises as we must now. The Spirit did then, and will now, provide us with clarity and faith we need to face the coming days.

Gracious Creator, you stretch your arms wide

embracing the diversity and beauty of the world

and ache to bring us together in the truth of love.

We are greedy, arrogance and willfully abusive

with a little power we can all take advantage

and turn the truth into weapons of war.

Help us to remember your promises to us

that you will provide us with your Spirit

and your truth and love will prevail here. Amen.

I am the Vine

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

It is a glorious day here and it's also still early spring. Very little can be planted yet as frost may still happen. Forsythia and daffodils brighten the earth as the grass struggles to turn green. It can feel as if the summer will never come. Likewise, we can feel as if we are caught in early spring and will never get the chance to fully bloom. Yet today we are told that we are infinitely tied to the divine, part of the living God. In our doubtful times, in the times where we feel weakest, we can still count of being fed and nurtured by the Creator's abundant love. As the beauty of spring and summer breaks forth, so too will we thrive and blossom. 

Wondrous Creator, you make all things new

and bind us to you love as branch to vine

as always, a living being ready to bloom again.

Weakness and doubt overcome us at times

and we feel powerless to change anything

forgetting that you are the way and the life.

Lord Jesus, teach us again to rise with you

let our hearts and minds be always ready

to be renewed and shaped by your love. Amen.

Peace I Leave With You

‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:18-31

We do not live in a time of peace, but a time when war seems to build daily. The losers of war are never truly nations but rather the innocent children, spouses, and elderly caught in the crossfire, many who don't survive. Peace means giving up some control, all arrogance and selfish interests. It requires us to put the innocent people first, not the rage of the leaders. Jesus does not lead from power but with love first and those of us who follow Jesus are called to lead always with love.

Loving Creator, you teach us your peace

as the sun sets and the babies fall asleep

and in the deep quiet when you are here.

We want to get our way and demands

yet we lose when we are selfish and unkind

for peace is a gift given with a humble heart.

Lift us from all arrogance and fear today

and move us to the big table of peace

where we sit with your love and peace around us. Amen.