Sunday, August 23, 2026 Proper 16

    

                                               Sunday, August 23, 2026    

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

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

Loving Creator, you entrusted the world to our hands

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

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

We are selfish and greedy, full of pride and attitude

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

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

You gave us Peter as an example of leadership here

human, vulnerable and needing your love and support daily.

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

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

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

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

When the world turns against us and we are excluded

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

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

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

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

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

The Bread of Heaven

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

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

Wondrous Creator, who taught us all to garden

helping us to know which plants would flourish

and which foods would last through cold winters.

Many are dislocated from home and families

others never learned to make bread for all

yet you have promised is bread from heaven always.

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

may our faithfulness feed and strengthen the people

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

Do Not Be Afraid

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

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

Tremendous Creator, who made the deep seas to roar

and the winds to howl, tearing down trees and houses

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

We are afraid in these turbulent and uncertain times

tearing into one another instead of pulling at the oars together

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

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

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

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

Gather Up the Fragments

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

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

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

and the wheat that grows in these warm summer seasons

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

We cut up out planets with borders and political divisions

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

while we sit idly by not even gathering the fragments.

Help us to be grateful again for your abundant love

make us care for those sitting in the grass hoping

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

Nothing On My Own

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

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

Wondrous Creator, who brought us into communities

where we can learn and thrive as we become strong

help us remember the vulnerable and needy among us.

We often push away from families and communities

when we think we can do everything on our own

and find ourselves crying in the wildernesses of life.

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

make us always ready to seek you in everything we need

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

Honor, Lost and Found

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

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

Gracious Creator, who places your mark of love

on all people and creation, making us in your image

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

We are often lost since we are headstrong and foolish

thinking we know better than our teachers or you

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

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

make us those who live for justice and healing here

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

Sunday, August 16, 2026 - Proper 15

Sunday August 16, 2026

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

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

Loving Creator, you sent you son for the whole world

and taught us how to love and include the strangers.

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

We are fearful when people pursue us and hound us

thinking they want something form us or to hurt us.

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

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

and we are terrified of difference and loud strangers.

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

You turned to greet the shouting Canaanite woman

and ended up calling her a woman of great faith.

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

Make us people of great faith in these divided times

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

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

Give us your abundant heart and your compassionate care

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

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

Recovering

When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet’s own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival. Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. John 4:43-54

Healing is a thing we all want when we are injured, traumatized or sick. I know all too well how hard it is to need healing and desperately praying for a miracle. When healing doesn't happen, we often hear people are told they weren't faithful enough. Yet Jesus regularly healed strangers, enemies and people he encountered on the street, without a test of faith. I couldn't write my blog yesterday as I was in the midst of a miracle from a visiting angel. My massage therapist came to my house and taped me up, massage the pain sites and made me a tea. I have been dealing with severe back pain and could barely walk. I am so much better today and felt the touch of God's compassion and healing. I know I have much more ahead of me in terms of my back, but I also have known the grace and kindness of real angels who appear at the right time.

Gracious Creator, you send us angels when we cry

you bind us up and mend us in our sorrowful times

and give us back our laughter, joy and hope.

We often think you have abandoned us and are alone

thinking if we were better and more faithful

you would heal us like the royal official's child.

Lord, give us voice and heart to never stop asking

knowing you will send visiting angel at the right time

and will restore our joy, our hope and our very lives. Amen.

Living Water

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John’— although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come back.’ The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to you.’ John 4:1-26 

A very common practice once, drawing and carrying water from a well, is much rarer in this country. People lived by streams and rivers so they could have potable water and travel from one place to another. We are fortunate to have a well and have water pumped into our home. Many Indigenous people still have to carry water long distances for themselves and their livestock. Jesus came upon an Indigenous woman, a Samaritan, and asked her for water. This encounter is a shock to his disciples and a gift to us all. Throughout his ministry among us, Jesus broke protocol after protocol to show us who is included in God's living water. Time and time again, he met with, and often heals, those outcasts, enemies and women. May we follow Jesus and see the love of God in a stranger's eyes.

Blessed Creator, who is living water and abundance

you shine your light on all the people of the earth

and clothe us with your spirit and your compassion.

We give into fear when we encounter an enemy

we judge and cast them away before speaking to them

and forget that they too are made in your loving image.

Give us new sight so we might see your love here

help us to offer a drink of water to the thirsty and alone

and follow you in making community with outcast and strangers. Amen.

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized— John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’ The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:22-36

Both John and Jesus knew who they were and knew each other as cousins. We have no idea how much time they spent together as children or adults, but they must have had some time since their mothers had a deep bond. John's ministry was to set the stage, he was a stage manager, pointing the focus always on Jesus. Like our ministries today, we are not the focus, Jesus is. Otherwise, we are just empty, missing the living spirit and love sent by God. If we put ourselves first and take over center stage, we are getting in the way of God's healing and forgiveness. Too many like the limelight and overshadow the one sent for all.

Wondrous Creator, you set us in communities of hope

giving us all skills, some to build up, others to welcome

and all of us have the role of making room for Jesus here.

Too often, we like the attention and the singular focus

we love the adoration, the gifts and the many honors

all of them truly meant for the one who died for all to live.

Help us, dear Lord, to get out of the way today and everyday

so people might see Jesus working tirelessly in their lives

and embrace the love, joy and forgiveness which is fully divine. Amen.

a

Born of Water and Spirit

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? ‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ John 3:1-21

Many of us don't remember our baptism since we were so small when it happened. I remember my daughters' baptism though and the many baptisms I have performed throughout my ministry. My girls mostly cried through their baptisms. Families, friends and community are gathered around. It is a powerful moment, a celebration and a responsibility on the whole community. For we witness and accept our part in bringing the spirit to the child (or adult) and promise to help them in their walk of faith. Some of us may not remember our baptism, yet we can, with the Spirit's help walk with those who are struggling and remind them that "God so loved the world." Every one of us, no matter the challenges we face and the pain we bear.

Gracious Creator, you have loved us throughout time

you hover over your creation sending love and hope

even in times when all seems dark and completely hopeless.

We wonder where you are when we're in deep pain

and like Nicodemus ask how we can be born when we are old

yet you love us even when we are unwilling to open our hearts.

Give us new hearts and new spirits, dear Lord, today and always

make us face each new day with your hope and joy within us

so others might see and know your love for the whole world. Amen.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 - Proper 14

Sunday, August 9, 2026 

Jesus 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 toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, 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 toward 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 worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

Out on open water in a boat is no joke. Even the most seasoned sailor can get caught far from the land when a storm blows up. No matter how many charts and forecasts we watch, storms will surprise us and threaten our lives. Such was this night when the disciples were out on open water and a storm blew up. The were unprepared and afraid, praying for a miracle, since they could not make it to safety. Jesus walks on the water to them, and Peter jumps in and starts to Jesus. Peter gets distracted by the storms and troubles of life, takes his focus away from Jesus and starts to sink. Like all of us, when the storms are wicked and we are afraid, we take our focus off of Jesus. Yet, even in those moments, Jesus reaches out a hand and pulls us in, calming the present storm. 

Wonderful Creator, author of calm seas and bright stars

you give us your amazing love so we might navigate all storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

Despite all the times you have seen us back to shore

we panic when we are left alone and troubles come knocking.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

We think you have abandoned us when you are at hand

reaching out to craw us back into safety and home.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

When we lose sight of land and the safety of the harbor

we can believe you are punishing us and testing our faith.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

We fail to see you with us in our darkest nights and we cry

like small children who cannot find our way back to safety.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times.

Make us strong, Lord, so we might be your disciples here

and share your love with those who are sinking in these storms.

Lord Jesus, help us to focus on you alone and have faith in all times. Amen.

Water into Wine

Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days. John 2:2-12

Weddings are a wonderful and sometimes difficult thing for clergy. We love to be present for family, friends and parishioners, but the excesses and anxieties can be overwhelming. Folks put so much worry about the party, the alcohol and food that they forget about the more important stuff. They're celebrating love, a couple joined together and a new family beginning which too often get subsumed by the outfits and the venue costs. Many clergy will tell you they would rather do a funeral. Jesus is put on the spot by his mother at a wedding crisis where he seems reluctant to help out. I get it. And yet, he does help and performs his first miracle with lots of pestering from his mom. We might learn today that even in the most awkward situations, even when the pressure is on and things are annoying, God is still working through us and with us all.

Gracious Creator, who is the author of all love

you place us among families and communities

giving us the power to be a positive force here.

We are often reluctant and unwilling to help

when things seem frivolous and unimportant

neglecting the needs of the people around us.

Empower us, Lord, to be a positive influence

let us not be unkind, unsupportive or reluctant

since you never shy from loving and healing us again. Amen.

The Feast of the Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

Rarely do we get a chance to glimpse the whole reality of any individual. We think we know someone and then we learn something shocking or wonderful that changes our minds. The disciples who went up a mountain with Jesus glimpsed his totality surrounded by pillars of the faith. This vision helped them on the road to Jerusalem and the final drama of the cross. James, John and Peter were overwhelmed and fearful at that moment, but it made them stronger for the days ahead. We are invited to glimpse with them the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for us and the abundant love of God which surrounds us all, whether we are awake, distracted or asleep. 

Great Creator, who give us insights and glimpses

of your abundant love for all of your creation

showing us beauty in all of the living world.

We are fearful, distracted and often too afraid to see

your beauty surrounding us in are dark, lonely days

and we fail to hold your love in our broken hearts.

Stir up your love within us so we might have a vision

of your tender care for the world and all that is in it

and let us be your living love in the deepest darkest places. Amen.

The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:29-42

The testimony of John the Baptist was enough for Andrew and then, Simon Peter. John's Gospel differs from the other three in that way, as the others have Jesus calling them away from their fishing, their livelihood. Andrew and another disciple of John stay with Jesus for a day and then went and got Simon Peter. I am reminded of the telephone game we used to play in groups at school and church. Someone would start by whispering a phrase in another's ear and round the circle it went. By the end, what was said at first was not at all like what it began as. So, we have multiple stories, but still one truth, that Jesus was the lamb of God and Andrew and Peter followed him. Their lives changed instantly. And we are invited to see, however we get there, Jesus was the one who came for all, died for all and connects us all to the living God.

Precious Creator, in tenderness you sent Jesus

and however we seek you, you will find us all

making us all you children here on this planet.

We often feel far off from your love and unconnected

we often get confused, disappointed and isolated

feeling far off from your love and your healing love.

Help us to follow you, O Lamb of God, who loves us

let us be confident in your sustaining power and grace

and show us the truth of your love in this broken world. Amen.

Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

John baptized and prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He was scrutinized by religious leaders, wanting answers, while they were afraid and out of their comfort zone. John's answer was profoundly simple and humble. And it reminds me that we, who baptize, are baptizing in the name of Jesus and preparing the individual for a humble life of service in Jesus' name. Too many who don't look like the dominate culture may not be listened to, they too may be crying in the wilderness. Yet our children have something to tell us, and they see things often more clearly than adults. May we have ears to listen.

Wondrous Creator, who put your wisdom in infants

your compassion in the hearts of all of creation

and give voice and justice to those in the wilderness.

We have lost our voices and forget to raise them now

our comfort makes us silent, our ease make us blind

but we too might soon be those who need to speak up.

Help us Lord, to hear the cry of those without justice

make us listen to the young ones who see more clearly

and let us make room again for your presence here. Amen.

And the Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

We have shifted this week from Matthew's gospel to John. I have always loved John's gospel for it's poetry and imagery. He tells many of the same stories as the other Gospels but has made the telling an artistic, insightful story. John is the latest of the Gospels, which means there might have been more time to describe and imagine. "The word (of God) is made flesh and lived among us. God among us, here and now, as well as then. Jesus came and the world rejected and crucified him, yet he rose again for our sakes, the be with us as we live. What a gift to know God's love is so intense towards all creation, that the incarnate Word, lived and suffered as we do. We are never alone, nor far from the living God. God who was human, real human flesh, knows the depths of our fears, despair and pain. 

Wondrous Creator, who sent your only Son to us

as your Word made flesh to dwell among us here

so that we might see you standing with the world.

We suffer from the hurts and wounds every day 

we lash out with anger and scream in prayer

and all the time you abide with all of us here.

Help us to see you in our joys and out sorrows

help us know your Word so we might speak love

and be your love and compassion in the flesh. Amen.

Sunday, August 2, 2026, Proper 13

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Jesus withdrew 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

Jesus had compassion for them, the Gospel says. How often, when we are moved by compassion, do we find we have more than we thought? More strength, more capacity and more so that all are fed. We often marvel at these miracles of Jesus and fail to see the incredible miracles in our lives. We suspect the disciples might have raided a child's lunch and that generosity led to a feast. Can our generosity and compassion lead to miracles? I truly believe so. When each of us contributes a little, there is often plenty left over. May we be miracle workers in someone's life this week.

Gracious Creator, we carry your heart within us

and you make us miracle workers in every season.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Too many are starving and without safe, warm shelter 

you call us to see them and have compassion for them.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Your compassion within us strengthens our capacity

and you give us enough so that everyone may be fed.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

We often think we do not have enough and hoard food

yet you are the author of the feast and make every good gift.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

We are nothing without the compassion of those who teach us

and through them we carry on your way of love and healing.

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.

Make us your miracle workers again, dear Lord Jesus

so the suffering might know your love and compassion here. 

Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all. Amen.