Treasures in Heaven

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:13-22

The faithful young man who visited Jesus didn't know that what had happened moments before. The little ones whom the disciples had restricted were blessed and held as prized treasures. He wanted to know what to do as well to obtain the kingdom of heaven. We all try in our way to be beloved children here on earth as well as in heaven. This child-man was what we all wished to be, wealthy beyond means. His wealth then, just as today got in his way. He was so comfortable, he could not see the real need around him. He liked his comfort, as we do as well. We are invited today to be more childlike, sharing and loving easily, willing to get in the messiness of this world and still retain our joy.

Gracious Creator, you give us the heart of children

with open arms and curiosity, we face the world daily

ready to embrace the other and share what we have.

Some of us grow more selfish and hardened as we age

we judge quickly and are ready to condemn the stranger

forgetting to share our wealth so we might know real treasure.

Help us to have childlike hearts, here among the chaos

so love might blossom again in the hardened hearts 

and we might treasure every creature here on your earth. Amen.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost - June 21, 2026

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -Proper 7

Jesus said to the twelve disciples, “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:24-39

The birds in my back yard are often vocal and seem to not like what we are doing. Maybe they're yelling at the dog, maybe criticizing our yard work, whatever they are saying, they do it loudly. Our partners in this existence are often forgotten and ignored, but Jesus reminds us that the Creator cares for each, and for us as well, even more so possibly. We are reminded that even the hairs of our heads are counted. Jesus tells us this, so that we might not spend our time in worry and care but rather in gratitude and faithfulness. We are called to share the great love and care we have received, trusting our lives to th hands of a tender and caring Creator.

Gracious Creator, you hold all creation in your arms

and tenderly watch over us in the daytime and at night.

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name.

We are given to worry and love of money and things

forgetting you have already given us everything we need.

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name.

We forget you and turn to our own solutions and ways

and we lose sight of your love as we sink in the mire.

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name.

Lift us, Lord, from our selfish worries and demands

and turn our hearts to our neighbors and our world.

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name.

There is so much for us to do here in your name

strengthen us to be your love and your compassion.

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name.

Lead us, dear Lord, into a life of service following you

so all of creation might rejoice in your presence here. 

Lord Jesus, make us fearless as we serve the world in your name. Amen.

Juneteenth 2026

 

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 8:31-32

In the appointed lectionary reading for today Jesus talks about forgiveness, and I truly believe that forgiveness is necessary for true freedom. And, in our country, facing up to our past, honestly and with integrity, requires us to ask forgiveness and to commit to never abusing, enslaving nor limiting freedom ever again. We have real work to do in this country. We are called, as followers of Jesus to live for the care and love of others, forgiving and setting people free. We haven't done that well, and we each are a part of that failure. Yet, we are all invited today, on this Juneteenth when we celebrate the end to slavery here, to commit ourselves to freedom and care for all people, across our world and here at home. May we humble ourselves and make room for God's love to work within us.

Loving Creator, you intend for us to live as siblings

giving us daylight and rain to water and feed crops

and sweet music to calm our weary and troubled souls.

Instead, we have made some slaves and abused others

thinking ourselves as gods and heirs of good gifts

while keeping freedom from those whom you truly love.

Dear Jesus, give us the love and humility we need today

so that we might never bind another other human being

and set free those who have been kept down for so long. Amen.

Lost Sheep

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. ‘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 18:10-20

We have all been lost sheep at times, stumbling in unfamiliar places, losing our way and all the courage we had. More often than not we have wandered off on our own, thinking we know better than anyone else. And sometimes, trauma and loss cause us to lose our way. Living in this world is never easy, and sometimes it seems near impossible. Yet Jesus tells us that he is among us, even when we have wandered off, and that he is looking for us at all times. Noone is every truly lost to God, not one of us is unworthy or unwanted, despite what we have been told. We are all those who are loved by God and sought every moment.

Tender Shepherd, Creator of all life's blessings

you have promised to find us when we get lost

and carry us home in your loving and gentle arms.

We think we don't need a Savior or any direction

yet we veer off course and lose our way in the dark

weeping and wailing for help to come and find us.

Tender One, you are seeking us out and bringing us home

help us listen when you call us to seek your face

and give us the sight to see you in our darkest hours. Amen.

Becoming Childlike

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes! ‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:1-9

Childlike and childish are two different ways of being. One is quick to love, the other is quick to temper tantrums. We live in a time when grown folks, ones in leadership positions, act childish, selfish, call names and stomp away mad. That was not what Jesus was suggesting. As someone who has raised children and taught children, their curiosity, humility and compassion has always delighted and encouraged me. When we were getting married, oh so many years ago, the children in the daycare I worked, made us a sign. "Don't be Scared!", it said. Facing our fears, living humbly and acting always with compassion is how Jesus defines our life of faith - childlike.

Gracious Creator, you call us all your children

caring for us in our good time and our bad times

cheering us on as we live with compassion and love.

We have forgotten how to be truly childlike

instead we lash out and call others mean names

not seeing the hurt and rejection they already carry.

Oh Lord, make us childlike and compassionate today

fill us with curiosity and wonder, take away all judgement

so we can truly be your children here on your earth. Amen.

Paying Taxes

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ Matthew 17:22-27

It would be wonderful if we could go fishing, pull out a fish, find a coin and pay our taxes. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen that way. We all work and pay our taxes every year. Jesus suggested that the children of the living God did not have to pay taxes, but he emphasized the importance of participation and respect. We all can name folks who wiggle their way out of paying taxes, but that behavior harms everyone. In this country, basic necessities are provided for the most in need and safety, education and restoration for all of us. We are invited to be those who live respectfully and participate in the care and feeding of others.

Wondrous Creator, all of life depends on you

and we are dependent on one another daily

tied together in love for the blessing of our world.

We often act like we are above the law and rules

trying to get around paying taxes and caring 

thinking we are able to make it on our own.

Lord Jesus, help us to be those who participate

with joy, reverence and compassion for all

so your love might be known and heal all divisions. Amen.

Moving Mountains

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ Matthew 17:14-21

Faith is easy, when everything is going your way. Faith is much harder when obstacles, big and small, get in the way. Whether it's health issues, financial challenges or great loss, we often find it hard to hold on and have faith when we are overwhelmed and afraid. The challenge put before the disciples was to heal epilepsy, long before there were medicines and treatments available. A terrifying situation for both parent and child. Jesus tells us we can move mountains with a small amount of faith, and we also know we have prayed faithfully and things didn't change. We can feel like failures as the disciples did. And yet, Jesus reminds us today to use the little faith we have, and despite all the trials and failures, mountains are moving whether we witness the movement or not. Our faithfulness, compassion and love can change the world, even today. No AI will ever replace loving faithfulness.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in your image

giving us the power to love and to change lives

even when we feel powerless and without strength.

We use the tools the modern world has created

hoping the computer and AI can change lives

and we are bitter when there is no loving response.

Help us faithfully live so others may thrive

fill us with your love, strength and healing

so we might share them and change the world today. Amen.

Binding and Loosing

Now 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

Most human beings find themselves bound by one thing or another. We bind ourselves to others in marriage, in a family, in all sorts of relationships. We can also become overburdened by the things what people we have committed to. We might even pray to be set free engulfed in terror and tears. In our Gospel today, Peter’s faith and insight give him the power to bind and loose. We are like Peter, with all our faults, given the same power. May we bind up the fear and anger around us, and let loose with compassion, justice and love.

Loving Creator, source of freedom and joy

You bind us together in your loving arms

And give us power to be your heart right here.

We are often fearful, angry and confused

Ready to strike out or run away from others

Yet you call us to let go of all our fears today.

Bind us in you, dear Lord, so we might be strong

Ready to stand against the evil in the world

And full of love to set others free of all fears. Amen.

Signs and Miracles

The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then he left them and went away. When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have brought no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!’ Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:1-12

We all have fallen victim to a good sales pitch or great sale. We are often disappointed or angry with ourselves for being swept up and being conned. False prophets and hucksters have been around since the dawn of time, and we all have fallen victim from time to time. Jesus invites his disciples, and us as well, to be wary of those whose restrictive teachings and rigid lifestyle demands can tempt us to straying from God's love and truth. The disciples, just like us, are often pulled away from love and truth.

We are called, at all times, to seek Jesus when we feel confused, overwhelmed and pressured. We will find him among those who heal and those who share the Creator's loving abundance.

Wondrous Creator, we see you in the majesty of mountains

we hear your voice in the roar of the wind and waves

your love is most often found among the least here on earth.

We ache to be included and have simplified lives

we want to be strong, powerful, and in with the popular

yet you call us to seek you out among the hungry and hurting.

Help us, dear Lord, to seek you face in daytime and night

among the familiar and in the places we fear to go

trusting that you love is everywhere and you are with us always. Amen.

Compassion

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Matthew 15:29-39

We may not have witnessed what we call miracles in our own life, yet miracles happen every day. When a community sees a need and helps, whether it is comfort, feeding, housing or health care, these are the small, everyday miracles that change lives. Before Jesus fed the thousands, he healed the blind, the deaf, the lame and the broken ones. Huge miracles and small miracles all at the same time. We are invited to see that we find God's love deepen as we see and respond to the needs around us. We are blessed over and over again, by feeding the hungry on their way home.

Precious Creator, your heart is full of compassion

you notice the needs on our streets and in our towns

and have us eat our fill before we head to our homes.

We do not see the need and always worry about money

despite the abundance before us and around us

we are afraid to help since we cannot imagine enough.

You, O Lord, are always enough for our daily needs

you fill us when we are empty, hold us when we are alone

and you give us the strength to be your love here today. Amen.

Even the Dogs

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 15:21-28

We adopted as rescue dog shortly after I retired. He was very underweight and hungry all the time. We think he probably was a scavenger on the streets, digging in trash for any food he could find. He had to learn to wat slowly when we brought him home. He was desperate, just as the Canaanite woman was desperate for her daughter to live. Honestly, I've always thought his first statement to her was harsh with the dog analysis. Yet, Jesus understood her need and had compassion for her and her child. Healing comes to all of us, even when we feel shunned, outside and rejected. Matthew was writing to a Jewish audience, and this might have helped them be more compassionate and caring. All's I know is God's love and healing is for all, no exclusions.

Loving Creator, you hold all the people in your hands

tenderly caring for the inhabitants of this tiny planet

and calling us as beloved children of the living God.

We divide ourselves, calling others dogs and rejects

while suffering and hurting we lash out at strangers

believing that they have come to hurt us in some way.

Help us Lord, to have your compassion and caring

for we, like the Canaanite mother come to you

asking for healing for all children across the world. Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 - Proper 5

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.” While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Two women, one young, one older, have an encounter with Jesus that saved and changed their lives. I always find it extraordinary that, despite the fact that women had no importance in Gospel times, Jesus is ready to heal them and forgive them. He doesn't treat them like second class citizens but equal and worthy. In these times, when people are being separated out as less than worthy, we are invited by God to open our hearts and to see others as beloved and so very worthy. The Pharisees were ready to jump to judgement, but our Creator is not and loves each one despite how the world and the powerful behave. Jesus tells us all to take heart, to live by faith and trust that we are all beloved.

Wondrous Creator, author of all goodness and light

you have made every person your beloved child.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

We live in times when some are treated as criminals

their only crime is difference and aching for a home.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

You have promised to make a home for each of us

despite the way our leaders and others might behave.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

The times are tough and it's hard for us to have faith

yet you, O Lord, love us as children, your beloved.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

Give us eyes to see those around us as beloved ones

help us defend them and care for the burdened ones.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love.

For you, call us all to take heart, and have faith

as your healing and renewal is still present here.

Lord Jesus, help us take heart and have faith in your eternal love. Amen.

Take Heart

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36

Life is full of storms, and we have many reasons to be fearful. Whether it is our health, our employment or lack thereof, our family situations or political situations that make us afraid, we have lots of reasons to worry and be afraid. The disciples were facing high winds and were feeling abandoned when Jesus came walking on the water. Who wouldn't be afraid. Peter steps out but then panics, like all of us might. Bold at first and then terrified. Jesus reminds them (and us) to take heart and not to be afraid. That's easier said than done. We are called to take heart, even when the storms get fierce, for He is in charge of the wind and the waves.

Gracious Creator, you give us faith and strength

to face the storms of life and those strong gales

shielding us with your eternal and comforting love.

We can easily forget to trust you when storms arrive

we try to come up with solutions in our deep fears

and we sink lower as we give in to the deep waters.

Lift us up, Lord, so we might keep walking to you

fill us with hope when the times get dark and scary

and make us filled with your love in all out hearts today. Amen.

Generosity

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21

All miracles begin with an act of generosity. A child offered his lunch and the whole crowd was filled to overflowing. We can often find ourselves worrying about "will there be enough". This happens in families, in communities and in our churches. What I learned from my mother was that one act of generosity leads to another. In her eighties, she fed 25-40 children on a weekly basis, sending them home with leftovers. Once people heard of her work, they would arrive to our home with food, loading her freezer with perishables, and her car trunk with non-perishables. We are invited today to listen to the needs around us and act with generosity, even if we feel what we have is not enough. God will bless and provide the increase.

Wondrous Creator, you give us our daily food

and call us to generosity in all that we do

so your miraculous love is known on earth.

We hoard as we are afraid of not having enough

we fight over money and possessions with family

and we forget to be generous and turn daily to you.

Make us the ones who share their small lunches

make us generous and kind to see the needs here

and give us the love we need to see miracles unfold. Amen.

The Cost of Truth

At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:1-12

The cost of honest criticism can be a death warrant. In ancient times, defying and criticizing a king or queen could get you killed. In a democracy, with free speech as a guaranteed right, death should not be the cost. And we know it is easy for the powerful to get what they want and silence a critic. Herodias' daughter, Salome, danced for the King's birthday and was given her wish which was really her mother's. Revenge. We all know the feeling of desiring revenge, yet it is clear that, no matter how powerful we might be, getting even never wins out. A temporary win, but an eternal failure. We are called to stay away from bitterness and the need for revenge, as they bring nothing but more violence.

Blessed Creator, you renew us every day

so we might soak in the sunlight and warmth

and live free of fear, revenge and condemnation.

Too many of us are petty and want enemies to suffer

we wish them silenced and shut out from the world

yet you call us to love and forgive when we are hurt.

Help us Lord, to pray for our enemies today 

so that your light and warmth shine through us 

making your love our daily aim and daily goal. Amen.

Too Familiar

When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58

When we are too well known, we can often be dismissed. "Familiarity breeds contempt" is too often the case for us humans, especially among friends and family. We can discount the capacity and wonder another can bring when we think we know them well. Jesus was at home and the people discounted him. and they would not accept he may be more than they knew him to be. We are invited today to open our hearts to possibilities, in ourselves and in others. We all may be more than what has been said or known about us, as God is still working in all of us.

Wondrous Creator, who made each unique

giving us the power to be remade and healed

renewed by your loving creativity in us all.

We get set in our ways and hold opinions

we do not update our knowledge and experience

and so we miss the joyous rebirth within.

Help us Lord, today, to open our hearts

to renewed understanding and new possibilities

so your love might flourish in every one of us. Amen.