Prayers of the People: Free for a Price ~ Proper 8, 5th Sunday after Pentecost '23 Yr A

For Sunday, July 2, 2023, Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-91, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-14, 22-23;

 Matthew 10:40-42 

  The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet. [Jeremiah 28:5-9]

   I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. [Psalm 89:2]

   ...present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life...as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but grace...now that you have been freed from sin...the advantage you get is sanctification...For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 6:13b, 14, 22-23]

    Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me...and whoever gives even a cold cup of water...truly I tell you, none…will lose their reward." [Matthew 10:40, 42]   

    We pick up this piece from Jeremiah in the middle without the benefit of the whole conversation. It would be useful to read the full chapter to get a sense of the context of this snippet or at the very least the four prior verses that open the chapter. Essentially, we are to understand that prophecy itself is contextual for its time, not eternal for all situations and eras. What works for one moment in time doesn’t in another and may be inappropriate or even destructive in another. Just because a prophet claims the message is from God isn’t proof that it is. It sometimes appears that prophetic messages are all doom and gloom, but prophecy can also speak of hope and promise. As we “listen” to this message in our own time, we want to consider: How do we know the difference between a true prophet and a false one?  Just because one is more familiar to us is no guarantee that the message is truly from God. Perhaps we do have to wait and see if and when the prophecy comes true to know with more certainty and that can take a very long time. Yet isn’t it more calming to hear and absorb those promises of hope amidst despair in troubled times?

   The Psalmist is singing a hopeful message about the steadfastness of God’s love. Given the dire messages of other psalms, this one is more comforting to remember God loves us especially for our faithfulness. And to remember God made a covenant with David, a less than perfect human!

   Paul asks what advantage did you get…from the things of which you are now ashamed? In accepting Christ, we are freed from enslavement to sin. Yes, the language of “slave” and “enslavement” is archaic and especially distressing and yet truthful as we recognize the deep sin of systemic racial injustice and the continuation of too many who are willing to practice intentional racial, gender, and other discrimination in our own time.  To put it into more contemporary language, Eugene Peterson’s The Message refers to the tyranny of sin and when released we are in living in God’s freedom.

   Matthew’s Gospel for this week gives us The Five Welcomes, the smallest actions of life, simple as a cup of cold water, done in the name of a disciple and/or Christ himself, grants us our never-ending reward. Our "life" here, when we accept being freed from sin, welcoming and caring for others in Christ’s name, is to be a preparation for the free gift of God in eternal life in Christ.

   Free gift? Well, it is free choice and, at the very least, the promise of eternity seems well worth the price of obedience to The Great Commandment [Matthew 22:35-40] and this lesson in hospitality. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
 
Leader:  ~ O Lord of Steadfast Love, awaken us to know of Your faithfulness to all generations and helping us to recognize and accept that You are the glory of our strength. Guide us to walk in Your Light, working through rather than fearing, each test of faith in this life, always trusting in You.
 
                                                      Most Welcoming Christ
RESPONSE:                            Through You is eternal life
 
~ O Lord of Steadfast Love, ignite the hearts and souls of the leaders of this Country, this Community, and this World with extra grace and strength of character. Teach their hearts to legislate with compassion assuring economic, environmental, racial, and the humanity of every form of justice for all Your people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
 
                                                       Most Welcoming Christ
                                                       Through You is eternal life  
 
~ O Lord of Steadfast Love, restore hope and health to those who struggle with continuing illness, isolation, or homelessness, and stamina for all who give support. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

 
                                                       Most Welcoming Christ
                                                       Through You is eternal life
           
~ O Lord of Steadfast Love, to Your Everlasting Arms, we lift up all who have exchanged this earthly life to flourish in the peace of eternity with You. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

 
                                                       Most Welcoming Christ
                                                       Through You is eternal life
 
~ O Lord Steadfast Love, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

 
                                                       Most Welcoming Christ
                                                       Through You is eternal life
                      
~ O Lord of Steadfast Love, fortify and sustain those chosen to help us navigate the time and tides of this human experience. Impart refreshment in body, mind, and spiritual wisdom, to preach Your Word, encourage our understanding, and connect us to You in everyday living. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

 
                                                       Most Welcoming Christ
                                                       Through You is eternal life
                                                                                                
The Celebrant adds: God of all that is, Seen and Unseen, guide us to be a welcoming reflection of Your love in all that we are and all that we do. Give light to the eyes of our souls to follow Your path of grace to salvation. We ask through Jesus, our Messiah, and Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, Your Sacred Breath within us; who together with You are One God, now and forever.  Amen. 

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Prayers of the People: Find, Lose, FIND! ~ Proper 7, 4th Sunday after Pentecost '23 Yr A

For Sunday, June 25, 2023, Readings: Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 69:8-11, 18-20; Romans 6:1b -11,

 Matthew 10:24-49

   But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and...your slave woman...do as [Sarah] tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring will be named for you. I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring...God called to Hagar..."Do not be afraid; lift up the boy...I will make a great nation of him"...God was with the boy... [Genesis 21:12-13, 17b-18, 20a]

  Draw near to me; redeem me; set me free because of my enemies. [Psalm 69:18]

    ...all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death...so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life...So you also much consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. [Romans 6:3b, 4b, 11]

        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...I have not come to bring peace, but a sword...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 10:31-32, 34b, 38-39]

     In a prior week's reading from Genesis, Sarah was laughing ~ she got caught, denied it, and was brought up short. She was then granted happiness in her old age, or so we thought.

    This week we find a different Sarah, jealous and vengeful, separating the child from his father, Abraham, and willing to allow that child and his mother to die. God calmed Abraham and later Hagar, by telling her Do not be afraid. And we are told about this other son of Abraham, known to us as Ishmael, upon whom God also founded a nation, that God was with the boy. The nation that was founded upon Ishmael, is known today as Islam. As Isaac, son of Abraham was the brother of Ishmael, son of Abraham, so are we: Jews, Muslims, and Christians all children of Abraham.

    Paul reminds us that in Baptism we die, to sin that is, and if all goes well with us, we are alive to God in Jesus. And then Jesus tells the disciples (us, too) to have no fear of those who disparage him. Yet although the words those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul are indeed fearsome, Jesus reminds us that even sparrows sold cheaply are valued by God. He echoes God in saying do not be afraid because we are more valuable than many sparrows.  

    THEN, BOOM ~ where did THIS Jesus come from: Not bringing peace but a sword, setting family against family, households against one another? Separating us from him if we love others more? We have arrived at Part 2 of Jesus' teaching on what discipleship actually means. Last week we were sheep in the midst of wolves and now we learn what can happen when confronting those wolves, when we pick up His cross and follow Him. He has my attention ~ he had me at I have not come to bring peace, but a sword... 

    But then, how different is this from what we experience in life, especially in these tumultuous times, when we hold differing opinions with those we love as well as with those we don’t love, but we should love, so maybe we’re just not fond of? Political and even religious rhetoric can be fiery and fierce, families and friends stop speaking to one another. Strangers are yelling at each other in the streets and, of course, on social media.  

   The world seems angrier than ever and us vs them boils over all too often into violence. The difference is that Jesus stops us in our tracks in this Gospel with his sword, because it begs the questions to ourselves and each other: What really is our life all about? How easily ~ like sheep ~ do we bolt headlong into everything except what our Shepherd wants? He doesn't want us to stop loving each other, but we are to love Him more than others. The glint of the sword blade is a clear warning that being steadfast in faith, acknowledging Him above all else ~ family, friends, job, lifestyle, etc. ~ is fraught with far more than separation anxiety, it can be dangerous for a mere human. We are not the sword-carriers, we are bearers of the Word, the Good News. And some days will be easier than others. But this is not a part-time occupation, a Sunday thing, or a Christmas and Easter duty. This is what we sign up for when we call ourselves Followers of Christ. It is newness of life. The pay-off is full-time, eternal life. No easy road but if we travel together, we can keep the wolves at bay while losing only that which keeps us from finding our true life. Remember that pray without ceasing thing? Start NOW and, oh yes: Twice in these readings, to Hagar and to us: Do not be afraid. God in Christ is with us. At first we live the life we Find, then by following Christ we Lose that life, yet through Christ we will FIND the Life Eternal.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, You bid us to choose between living now in false comfort or with division by walking with Christ. Keep us grounded, strong in our faith, willing to bear the cost in this life for the promise of Jesus in the next.

                                                O God of Glory                                                                  

               RESPONSE:      Draw us to newness of life

~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, give us the courage to be what we expect and demand of political leaders in this World, across our Country, and in our Local cities and towns. Strengthen us to work in large and small ways to end quarreling, power plays, and the violence that separate and kill us here and across this Earth. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Glory
                                              Draw us to newness of life 

~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, comfort and help all who are seriously ill, addicted, or homeless, and grant extra blessings for all who provide support. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                O God of Glory
                                                Draw us to newness of life

~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, we commend those we love to the freedom of eternal life, resurrected and alive in Jesus, never to die again. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                 O God of Glory
                                               Draw us to newness of life

~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

 

                                                 O God of Glory
                                               Draw us to newness of life              

~ O Lord, Good and Forgiving, lift the hearts and souls of those anointed to guide us in Your Church in these wearying times. Grant unceasing energy as they endeavor to fortify us in our discipleship as we seek to be worthy of Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                 O God of Glory
                                               Draw us to newness of life           

The Celebrant adds:  O Lord, our God, rescue us from the desert of denial, open our souls to the Spirit, awaken our hearts to live first and always for Christ, and companion us to walk unafraid in Your Light and Love. We ask in the name of Christ Jesus, our Sin-Bearer; and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of all Wisdom; who together with You are One God, now and forever. Amen.

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Meditation Moment in Pentecost ~ A Beckoning '23

When one door closes, another opens:

 but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door 

that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

~ Alexander Graham Bell* 

    Well, admittedly over the years there have been quite a few closed doors that I have gazed at longingly, regretfully, sadly, even wantonly, and one or two I still peek back at over my shoulder. But I do work at keeping my feet moving forward and my heart and head working to catch up. At the moment, I see a door that has opened and beckons me. The sign on it reads clearly: F A M I L Y and I am heading straight for it!  Favorite Oldest Granddaughter is graduating from High School a week from today! How did that happen? And the BIG party for her will be the following weekend as other family and friends gather from near and far. And just after that a whole "just us" week here with my Favorite Youngest Granddaughter. We will have some memorable adventures! And, later this summer a family reunion with cousins at the beach [at which, some never fail to remind me, I am the oldest yet grant me no matriarchal power! lol]. In between there are other family and non-family events and meetings and general stuff such as my weekly live Evening Prayer and Compline on Facebook, feeding the birds, and the mundane parts of life.

    SO, Dear Reader, I'm taking time off from the everyday posting. The Prayers of the People will still arrive weekly and I will post other Meditations occasionally. In the meantime, scroll back through and check out some posts you may have missed.  And please let me know if you have any suggestions for future Meditation Moments, and I will interrupt myself if I feel so inspired and post here. Thank you for walking with me, especially from this past Ash Wednesday, but always.

 

   Dear Lord of Life, I send my prayers of thanksgiving for each of Your people who have commented, shared, or just read my daily or weekly offerings. May they continue to be inspired by sunrises and sunsets, the laughter of children, a bunny running through the grass, or any moment that brings a smile in Your Creation, and especially, the knowing of Your Presence within us all. amen.

*Alexander Graham Bell [1847-1922] - as if you didn't know - is credited with inventing the first practical telephone. But maybe you weren't aware that he was a Scotland born inventor, engineer, and innovator, and both of his parents were profoundly deaf spurring his scientific interest in hearing devices and elocution. He developed many other inventions in the fields of optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics, among others.  He later regarded the telephone as an intrusion in his scientific work and refused to have one in his study.  Bell was a founding member of the National Geographic Society in 1888.  

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Meditation Moment in Pentecost ~ Lighten Up '23

It was only a smile,

and little it cost in the giving,

but like morning light

it scattered the night

and made the day worth living.

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald* 

Lord of the Dark and Deep, 

     As I walk alone and quickly through the streets of the city with eyes downcast or, stroll in a solitary evening ponder on the beach looking out at the sea, or wander with my cart through the aisles of the supermarket, lost in my own if only thoughts, suddenly a stranger says, Hello, smiles, and moves on. The bigger surprise is that this small action expects no response. The place I'm in becomes immediately brighter and I feel enveloped in a circle of warmth and light; my return smile is automatic and sincere, if unseen.

     In receiving a smile unexpectedly and from an equally unexpected source, I am thankful for the one who smiled. In offering a smile to another that is unexpected, I return the gift to Creation. Let me remember to receive and give a moment of warmth that will lighten up all around, and always in Your name. amen.

 

*F. Scott Fitzgerald, considered one of the greatest authors of the 20th century, Fitzgerald is remembered for many short stories and novels, many of which have been made into films such as The Great Gatsby, Tender is the Night, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

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Meditation Moment in Pentecost ~ Differently Me '23

I can't go back to yesterday, 

because 

I was a different person then.

~ Lewis Carroll*

    Was I a better or a worse person yesterday? What I know for sure is that today I have new experiences to reflect upon and a fresh perspective about now. Today might be a "normal" day filled with the routine and the ordinary but then one never knows what the world's news will be, what wonderful surprises will occur, or what difficulties great and small will arise. 

    So, Dear God of All Possibilities, grant me the energy, curiosity, and persistence to explore all that this day offers. Let me accept all the busy-ness, relationships, moments of boredom, the stresses, the quiet, the noise, the laughter, the tears that this day may bring. I want to be aware of all the colors, the art, the music, and the characters that usually fade into the background in an everyday day. If it becomes an extraordinary day, I hope to have the reflexes to go with whatever comes. As I lay my head down on the pillow at the end of it, help me sift through the moments where I found You most present. And, might there be a refreshing and peaceful sleep to follow? I'll need all that will empower and motivate the different person I will be tomorrow. amen.
          

*Lewis Carroll [1832-1998] was the pen name of British born author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, best known for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and a host of other children's stories and poems. A mathematics lecturer, he was also an avid photographer, wrote political pamphlets, and essays.

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Meditation Moment in Pentecost: Prayer and Pray-er '23

The function of prayer is not to influence God, 

but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.

~ Søren Kierkegaard*

Dear God, Almighty, Everlasting, and Eternal ~
    Of course I want to influence You. Of course I want You to do what I want You to do. Of course I'm not happy when things don't go my way. Sometimes I get angry. I'm human. SO, if I walk away in anger and blame, am I just acting as a spoiled child who is never satisfied? 
   But eventually I stop and I remember ~ I have Free Will. I have choices. I can choose to use prayer to demand, require, and exert an ultimatum for a requested outcome and be frustrated and angry when it doesn't come to pass. Or I can exclaim "Thank God!" when something good happens for me as a cursory nod for the expected or when something bad happens to someone else and murmur that they didn't have Your grace that day. Are You really the God of the Eternal Chessboard, moving people and the world around on Your demand and overarching Will? 
   I prefer to pray through conversation with You to express my wants, needs, and desires, as well as my hopes and fears. When I pray without expecting You to fix or give something in return, I feel less agitated, perhaps no less in need or want, but more comforted from merely knowing You are present, listening, aware. The nature of my prayer becomes a visit with a trusted and cherished Friend who embraces my heart, soothes my soul, and is simply present and available whatever the outcome. And within the visit, through the prayer, I am transformed. I am calmer, I am more composed, and I am ready to work through all that life brings. I, the Pray-er, am changed. amen.  

*Søren Kierkegaard [1813-1855] was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and wrote extensively on Christian Ethics, psychology, and the philosophy of Religion.  He often focused on personal choice and commitment, and, the art of Christian love.

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Meditation Moment in Pentecost: Whether on the 8s

If the world were merely seductive, 

that would be easy. 

If it were merely challenging, 

that would be no problem. 

But I arise in the morning torn between 

a desire to improve the world

 and 

a desire to enjoy the world. 

This makes it hard to plan the day.

~ E.B. White*

SO for today shall I:
Volunteer at the Shelter - or - beach day?
Art exhibit - or - go meet with legislators?
Join the Peace Corps - or - buy theater subscription?

       Well, things aren't quite that cut and dried, are they?  Surely, Creator of Humans and Nature, there is room for all things under the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. And I do recognize how fortunate I am in even having such choices in my life. The difficulty is I really do want to make the world a better place but, to be honest, I'm not a willing candidate for martyrdom ~ I sort of feel guilty admitting that. I do participate with time, energy, and a bit of money in causes that are important to me and the world, and I do find time to enjoy the fruits of Your Creation ~ family, friends, and even solitude. 
     Guide me as I search for the insight to do as I am able where I am needed most, and, the ability to discover the balance between giving of myself and giving to myself. I'll work on beginning and ending each day in prayer ~ oh and a bit in the middle as well ~ and then, maybe, the timing of when to do what will be revealed, without looking to the Magic 8 Ball for answers about whether to do one thing or another.  amen.

*E.B. White, was an American writer for the New Yorker magazine and co-author of The Elements of Style, also known as Strunk and White. He is most famous for a series of children's books and in particular, Charlotte's Web. 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com