Who Is My Neighbor?

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So, likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10:25-37

Humans too often divide the world between enemies and friends.  As I write, bombs are dropping on innocents and combatants alike. Often times, neighbors are fighting over control of land and resources, both gifts of our Creator. Jesus stands firm in the middle of every battle we witness. We are neighbors of one another, all, and we can fight all we want but we are fighting with those who he calls our neighbors.

No matter what names we call them, no matter the ills they may have done to us, no matter our desire for revenge, Jesus see them as our neighbors. We are called to love and show mercy to those who we really want to destroy.

Loving Creator, you bless us with your heart of love

and plant us among those who can teach us mercy

and give us elders who show us how to live your mercy.

As we live in a world of us and them, enemies and friends

conflict and violence seem the only ways we choose to live

yet you call us out of the mired hate and abusive living.

Oh, Lord, make us merciful and ready to love our enemies

help us see their faces as members of our own dear families

and make this world a place where there is mercy for everyone. Amen.

Returning with Joy

The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’ Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’ Luke 10:17-24

Returning home after a long time away, whether it is just at the end of a long day or a faraway journey, there is always something so comforting and joyful. We can be ourselves, stripped of all the organization, control and putting up with the misbehavior of others. We can let our hair down, get comfortable, and reflect on what has transpired. The simple joys of life are a home - family, simple food and familiar surroundings. The disciples were sent out to do an impossible task, and yet, when coming home, they realized how extraordinary their adventures had been. God had given them what they needed and more. Today, whether we are safe at home, or on an impossible mission, God promises to provide what we need, even when we feel ill-equipped, lost and stumbling around at home.

Gracious Creator, you give us all we need for each new day

whether we are comfortably at home or among strangers

your spirit dwells deep within each and every heart.

The world cannot see your overflowing and constant love

money, transactions and dominance are primary today

yet inside people ache to hear good news and to be loved.

Fill us again with your spirit, Lord, for we are weary

give us your joy again, dear Lord, for our spirits sag

make us joyful instruments of love which people can see and hear today. Amen.

Sent on Ahead

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’Luke 10:1-16

Jesus sent his disciples out with clear instructions to take nothing with them and to act as scouts, the advanced brigade, carrying the good news of God’s love for all. In this country, native men and women have always been sent ahead of anxious and fearful colonizers. The incredible work and leadership shown by our indigenous brothers and sisters have done goes unrecognized and often was done under duress.  The work these folks did is the model for all our special forces today. Their bravery and insight is unparalleled. More often than not, they were treated as traitors among their own people. We are invited today, to consider the importance of going on ahead, to uncharted places and territory, helping others find their way into the arms of God. 

Wondrous creator, you gave us skills, teachers, and families

Who have taught us to go into the world eyes wide open 

Helping others, see your great love among us all here.

The world often seems dark, foreboding and treacherous 

We are blinded by human cruelty, poverty, and isolation

And we feel as if there is no way forward for any of us.

Jesus you gave your disciples faith to go forward into the dark

Carrying your love to a broken, Fearful and empty world

Trusting your peace and love would change hearts and minds. Amen.

The Feast of St. Luke

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Luke 9:51-62

I have always liked the Gospel of Luke best, and although not one of the original disciples, the beauty and clarity of his storytelling is extraordinary. Although John's Gospel is often described as poetic, Luke gives us gorgeous pictures of astonishing events, which touches my poet's heart. The Acts is also attributed to Luke, and he sketches the early days of the church like none other. What a gift to have someone tell a story that makes it so real and approachable! May we tell our story of God's love in our lives with the same compassion that Luke gave it, full of signs and beauty, directing us to the heart of God.

Loving Creator, you fashioned the whole vast universe

planting us in the midst of your overwhelming creation

while never taking your eyes of the needs of the least.

We flounder at times trying to make sense of our lives

pulled in so many ways we feel like giving up completely

feeling so lost and alone in the vast silence in dark times.

You, O Lord, have promised to be with us in all our trials

in every chapter and every season, you offer hope and healing

so that we too can share the story of your love with our world. Amen.

Sunday, October 18, 2026 - Proper 24

    

                                                    Sunday, October 18, 2026

The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

The image of God, our Creator, comes in stark contrast with the emperor's image on coins in our Gospel today. The religious leaders where once again plotting, trying to show Jesus as a criminal who was telling people to defy the ruling government of the time. Yet his response was reasoned and they walked away. Yet, the question we have to ask ourselves is what is God's and where do we find God's image among us? None of have a tattoo or mark we know was made by God. In our baptism, we are "marked as Christ's own forever." Yet that invisible mark can be hidden so well by so many. We are asked to walk the earth today, seeking signs of the love of God, the love of neighbor. These are the true image of God, wherever the blessing of love is found. Whether at home or deep in the woods, God's love is manifest and we are called to seek that love and deliver it wherever and to whomever we can.

Wondrous Creator, you are the force of good everywhere

and you have marked us with your eternal love every day.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

The world is so cruel, expensive and so isolating

it is often hard to find your image amidst all the violence.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Yet you shine your love on us when we cannot even see

and you lead us from the lost places to the safety of home.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Some have no home, no family and no safe country

help us to bring your love to those seeking a home.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Some have lost their way and are bent over in pain

help us to be your healing warm in their hard times.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love.

Let us all live in the image of your abundance and endless love

so the world might know your hope and love are here today.

Precious Jesus, help us to live as the image and reflection of your love. Amen.

Gathering Up Broken Pieces

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.’ But he said to them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.’ For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:1-17

We all feel inadequate, hurting and broken from time to time. Some of us are struggling with disease and pain, frustrated that all the treatments aren't working. And others have lived through terribly hard times, worried about a child or a family member and feel hopeless, unable to make things better or to keep them safe. Today, we hear about disciples empowered and people healed and fed, with so much let over so that others might be fed and healed as well. Jesus hasn't forgotten about you who are broken, or hungry, or discouraged. Jesus is right here with us, making beauty and wholeness out of what looks to be a mess. Right now, the love of God is moving in us to create new beings able to love again.

A Prayer for the Broken Pieces

Gracious Creator, you know our needs before we ask

and you remake us each day with capacity and beauty.

We feel broken, abandoned and without agency to change

yet here you are, by our side, blessing the mess we are.

You do not abandon us as the world looks away

you take this small offering and make our limits blessed.

Breathe new life into these old bones so we might move

more and more in love with you each new day.

Make us your disciples out in this broken world

helping others to be fed, have peace and be surrounded in your beauty. Amen.

Healing Daughters

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.’ When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’ While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’ When Jesus heard this, he replied, ‘Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.’ When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, ‘Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56

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

Loving Creator you are the source of all healing

your daughters cry out for safety and healing

and you hear them Lord with all your heart.

We see violence towards women on the rise

and note how in these times you draw nearest

to the vulnerable ones, our precious daughters.

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

and make us see your healing coming for all

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

October 11, 2026 Proper 26

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

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

Gracious Creator, who sets a feast for us

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

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

We get caught up in our priorities and calendars

and forget to come to the table for renewal.

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

We are hurt, angry and often isolated and confused

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

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

You never, Lord Jesus, fought back when arrested

and loved all the broken and sinful people around you.

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

Help us to love fully and respond to your call

so we might find ourselves at the table with you.

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

Let love conquer all the retaliatory violence

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

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

A Tender and Honest Heart

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that “looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.” ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. Luke 8:1-15

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

Lord Jesus, you are a storyteller and savior

you weave hope and love into our narrative

and you call us to have tender and honest hearts.

The world is cruel, the world would harden us

but you would have us be kind and sweet

when things turn ugly, cruel and dangerous.

It is so hard to resist the temptations we have

we want to hit someone, we want to call names

and yet you would have us embrace our enemies.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to remember our little stories

the ones that gave us strength to go another day

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

Some Days are Like That

 O Lord, I am not proud; 

 I have no haughty looks. 

 I do not occupy myself 

with great matters,

or with things that are

too hard for me. 

But I still my soul and make it quiet, 

like a child upon its mother's breast; 

my soul is quieted within me. 

O Israel, wait upon the Lord, 

from this time forth for evermore. 

Psalm 131 

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

A Prayer for All Having a Really Bad Day

We are created in your image, Lord,

but we are feeble and truly disappointed.

The world doesn't see our hurt and sorrow

but you do and you draw us close.

Someone we trusted betrayed us Lord

and we are hurt and want revenge.

Somehow, we did all the right things

and life imploded right in front of us.

When we tried to fix things for the better

everything came falling down upon us.

We want to scream and we want to lash out

running away seems like a good idea.

Lord, shower us with you mercy today

help us to feel you loving arms surround us

and rock us gently to a healing sleep. Amen.

Only Speak the Word

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.’ And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favorably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:1-17

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

Loving Creator, who brings healing and wholeness

we pray for the suffering, the lost and the dying

whom you love beyond measure and all time.

We often want immediate results and quick fixes

when you know what we need more than we do

and are carrying us through these challenging times.

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

shine your light of love on all of humanity today

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

Good Treasure of the Heart

He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6:39-49

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

Loving Creator, source of all good gifts and treasure

you put your story of love and abundance on our hearts

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

We have been hurt and think your love is dried up

we take on the world by ourselves thinking we are enough

when all along you have been holding us all together.

Breathe your Holy Spirit on us again, dear Lord

and make us your people of faith and abundance

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

Blessed Are You

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. ‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. Luke 6:12-26

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

Gracious Creator, you put your blessings on the leasr

you teach us your love by surrounding us in community

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

The rich and powerful hate those they deem weak

getting rid of all safety nets, compassionate care

spouting off that they are doing the works of God.

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

amidst the suffering who still tend to the least

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

Stretch Out Your Hand

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

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

Gracious Creator, who give us compassionate hearts

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

We want control of others and all of their unique gifts

forgetting how splendid and remarkable your world is.

Make us humble enough to rejoice for others' healing

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