I was fortunate enough to be given a ticket to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Community Theatre in Norwell this past weekend. This number, Esmeralda's prayer, seemed so very pertinent, so I looked it up to share. Please join me in praying with her and all those like her, both far away and close to home. May we all learn to live this prayer, and may there come a time when there are no outcasts.
Showing posts with label prayer request. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer request. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
prayer of grief, prayer for peace
Gracious God, your children are at war. Will it never cease?
So much hate;
so many deep wounds, old and new;
so much suffering and grief.
Let me sit with you in the dirt
as you sit with those wracked with pain.
Surely your tears mingle with theirs.
Send the water of life
to quench these fires
and in their place
light a new fire of love and hope.
We are yours
all of us -
we just don't seem to know it.
from a hymn for the Feast of the Holy Innocents
Still rage the fires of hate today
and innocents the price must pay
while aching hearts in every land
cry out, "We cannot understand!"
- Rosamond E Herklots
Hymn #246 v.3, The Hymnal 1982
Friday, February 25, 2022
A message for the church from a Europe at war
A message from our Associate, the Rt. Rev. Mark Edington, Bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, from the American Cathedral in Paris, as the Russian invasion of the Ukraine continues:
God of timelessness,
From chaos and
disorder
you brought forth the
beauty of creation;
From the chaos of war
and violence
Bring forth the beauty
of peace.
God of compassion
You saw the humanity of
the outcast and the stranger;
Help us to see the evils
of our hatreds and suspicions
and to turn them into
the embrace of your Beloved Community.
God of peace,
Through your love on the
cross
You overcame the power
of violence and death;
Turn us away from the
love of power
That we may transform a
warring world
through the power of
your love. Amen.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
a compendium of quotes on the election
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| praying? getting ready to cast a ballot? eating chocolate? all of the above? |
first, a few from the news:
"It would certainly be less chaotic if all Americans voted pursuant to a uniform set of federally imposed procedures — if forms, machines, drop-box specifications, mail-in ballot receipt deadlines and early voting schedules were exactly the same, from county to county and state to state — but inefficiency is not, of itself, unconstitutional." -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/11/02/harris-county-drive-through-federal-court/
99-year-old Mississippi man born on a plantation votes in election
"I remember when I couldn't vote," Dr. Robert H. Smith Sr. said.
"We have one of America’s most unusual presidents ever. The coronavirus has made it one of the most unusual campaigns ever. And it’s the most tense polling day I’ve ever covered here. I have never had to walk past rows of boarded up shops to get to work on Election Day because store holders are afraid there may be violence on the streets after the vote... And the world is watching, as it always does. But because this is the Trump presidency, and everything is oversized, the amount of global attention is through the roof too." - Katty Kay
from high school students:
“Our generation in particular is not going to be quiet,” she said. “We are immune to dysfunction and disaster. From the beginning, when we were little children, we were practicing active-shooter drills. Now we’re not even in class because of covid. We’re going to make change.” - Lauren
“I can’t believe we are dealing with this uncertainty of safety due to an election. Nevertheless, we cannot stay in shock, but have to get to work no matter who wins.” - Jocelyn
“After growing up, experiencing what the world really has to say about women, being able to understand what that means for me, seeing Kamala Harris, a woman of color, standing up there, would be the glass ceiling exploding.” - Mirette
from the Washington National Cathedral's interfaith service: “Holding onto Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness,”
“Dear Heavenly Father, we especially pray for our country as we go into this season of election. We ask you to help us to remember that we are, despite all of our troubles, a privileged people to be able to make our voices known, to choose those who would govern us. … Please be with each and every one of us, even as we are a divided people, to treat each other with respect, to treat each other with kindness, especially when we disagree, so that we might again make common purpose and common cause to be a people worthy of your grace.” - former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
“Our ideals, values, principles and dreams of beloved community matter. They matter because they drive us beyond service of self alone to commitment to the greater good of us all. They matter because they give us an actual picture of God’s reign of love, and a reason to struggle and make it real. They matter to our lives as people of faith. They matter to our life in civil society. They matter to our life as a nation and as a world. Our values matter!”
“Whatever your politics, however you have or will cast your vote, however this election unfolds, wherever the course of racial reckoning and pandemic take us, whether we are in the valley or the mountaintop, hold onto the hope of America. Hold onto hope grounded in our shared values and ideals. Hold onto God’s dream. Hold on and struggle and walk and pray for our nation,” - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
and today, election day, they are still praying there all day long, as people go in and out...
"When the clock struck each new hour, the priests paused with an Election Day prayer.
“As the people of this nation decide the future of our life together, we pray for all seeking elected office and their families, for the safety of all voters and poll workers, and for the protection of all ballots cast,” one said. “Help us now and always to find new ways to work together, to mend our divisions, that we may create your kingdom on earth.”
A handful of my own thoughts:
On second thought, I'll just leave you to caption that yourselves.
As we wait:
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| obviously I also need an edit button for Twitter and maybe some nutella or a Stop'n'Shop chocolate bomb cake and world peace https://twitter.com/sarahrandallssm/status/1323072181644001286 |
and finally, from the Book of Common Prayer (1979), pp.821-822
22. For Sound Government
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to
other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors
of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative
authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their
duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all. Amen.
23. For Local Government
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those
who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County,
Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice;
that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their
offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
24. For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers
and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of
this community) in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of
all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your
purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
join in prayer each Sunday at noon
In the midst of crisis, it is more important than ever that we stand together. From wherever you are, join the members of the Duxbury Interfaith Council each Sunday at noon in prayer for health and healing.
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| Duxbury Interfaith Council invitation to prayer Sundays at noon from wherever you are, however you pray. Church bells will ring, and we will all stop for a moment. |
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
O DAY OF PEACE
Can it really have been eighteen years since 9/11?
I still remember waiting, sitting on the floor in front of the television with the other sisters, saying, "Show the flight number. Show the flight number. Show the flight number." The entire Haitian house - that is, our SSM Sisters in that convent - were on a 6AM American Airlines flight out of Boston that morning. And then there were our Sisters who work for Trinity Wall Street, right there at St. Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero.
All OK. None unaffected.
So many others didn't find such good news at the end of the day.
I still think of Deora Bodley, who was on the plane that went down in PA. She was in my mother's class in grade school - third or fourth grade, I'm not sure which. I prayed for her family tonight and remembered the story I heard about her mother in vigil waiting to hear...
And so tonight when we had Evensong alongside St. John's Duxbury, I looked at the face of a sister who had been there in NYC and thought how many more there must be out there tonight.
Eighteen years? Tonight there are many for whom it must seem yesterday. And we all go on. And we all hope. We live, we find joy, we remember... whatever it is.
I offer this hymn as a prayer for us all as we seek to heal our broken world, giving thanks for Carl Daw's gift in hymn writing that permits us to express that prayer more deeply.
I still remember waiting, sitting on the floor in front of the television with the other sisters, saying, "Show the flight number. Show the flight number. Show the flight number." The entire Haitian house - that is, our SSM Sisters in that convent - were on a 6AM American Airlines flight out of Boston that morning. And then there were our Sisters who work for Trinity Wall Street, right there at St. Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero.
All OK. None unaffected.
So many others didn't find such good news at the end of the day.
I still think of Deora Bodley, who was on the plane that went down in PA. She was in my mother's class in grade school - third or fourth grade, I'm not sure which. I prayed for her family tonight and remembered the story I heard about her mother in vigil waiting to hear...
And so tonight when we had Evensong alongside St. John's Duxbury, I looked at the face of a sister who had been there in NYC and thought how many more there must be out there tonight.
Eighteen years? Tonight there are many for whom it must seem yesterday. And we all go on. And we all hope. We live, we find joy, we remember... whatever it is.
I offer this hymn as a prayer for us all as we seek to heal our broken world, giving thanks for Carl Daw's gift in hymn writing that permits us to express that prayer more deeply.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Rachel Held Evans Funeral
Here's the original link to the service livestream: https://rachelheldevans.com/funeral
(I've also included the YouTube version made of it below.)
The link also includes the bulletin pdf with the participants, hymns, etc. Liturgical participants included Nadia Bolz-Weber preaching, Sarah Bessey and Austin Channing Brown reading, Audrey Assad singing, and Winnie Varghese celebrating (I recognized her soothing voice from General Convention before I knew she was there). There were others, but those are the ones with whom I was familiar and whose presence was somehow comforting - how much more to her family and friends. I had also become familiar with Jeff Chu through that time of prayer while Rachel was sick, and his leading of the Prayers of the People was moving.
But hearing from her little sister Amanda Held Opelt both made me laugh and moved me to tears. Plenty to think about, too. One thing she said that I don't think will necessarily get quoted seems important to me: "What was most special about her was her love. She's one of the least branded people I know. We all know, she was horrible at Instagram. She was the worst. And I think while other writers were working on their image and working on their brand, Rachel was working on her relationships. She was listening, she was leaning into people's pain, she was hearing their stories, she was being changed by their stories." She wrote a song about her sister after she'd read Rachel's Searching for Sunday - that she never sang to her - I think it's called "Bloodlines and Intercessions." Hope someone publishes the words. Maybe she'll record it... Meanwhile, you should watch the service and listen - it's somewhere around the half hour mark. Wish I could be such a good sister to mine...
From her service (1979 Book of Common Prayer via the online bulletin):
O God of grace and glory, we remember Rachel before you
and thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a
companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your compassion, console
those who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been
swallowed up in the victory of Christ so that we may live in
confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered into the
company of all your saints; by the power of your Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
COMMENDATION
Leader: You only are immortal, the creator and maker of humankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
People: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Leader: Merciful Savior, we commend Rachel to you. Receive her as a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Accept her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of your saints.
And here's something from the BCP (p.507) that wasn't in the bulletin but that is really important. And it lines up well with what Nadia Bolz-Weber's sermon, which you simply must hear for yourself. It starts right about minute 50 on the video.
So hold them all in your prayers, especially Dan, her husband, and her little ones. And hold yourself gently if you, too, are grieving right now, as so many are.
Peace be with you all.
(I've also included the YouTube version made of it below.)
The link also includes the bulletin pdf with the participants, hymns, etc. Liturgical participants included Nadia Bolz-Weber preaching, Sarah Bessey and Austin Channing Brown reading, Audrey Assad singing, and Winnie Varghese celebrating (I recognized her soothing voice from General Convention before I knew she was there). There were others, but those are the ones with whom I was familiar and whose presence was somehow comforting - how much more to her family and friends. I had also become familiar with Jeff Chu through that time of prayer while Rachel was sick, and his leading of the Prayers of the People was moving.
From her service (1979 Book of Common Prayer via the online bulletin):
COMMENDATION
Leader: You only are immortal, the creator and maker of humankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
People: Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Leader: Merciful Savior, we commend Rachel to you. Receive her as a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Accept her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of your saints.
And here's something from the BCP (p.507) that wasn't in the bulletin but that is really important. And it lines up well with what Nadia Bolz-Weber's sermon, which you simply must hear for yourself. It starts right about minute 50 on the video.
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised.
The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.
The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.
Peace be with you all.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Salaam (Od yavo shalom aleinu)
Last night was also the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht. It wasn't mentioned in the service, but it came up in conversation earlier. There has been quite a bit on Twitter lately, so I was aware of it in a way I might not have otherwise been.
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| Holocaust survivor recalls ‘Night of Broken Glass’ horrors |
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| Interview with Miriam Ron, Witness to the Events of Kristallnacht |
As a matter of fact, someone posted a story along with some old photographs from that hideous event, photos found after the death of a grandfather who had fought in WWII (The thread starts here: https://twitter.com/ElishevaAvital/status/1060914913328148480). Difficult to see, but more than worth the read. It's pretty amazing to scroll down and find the Holocaust Museum saying - nearly live - yes, we are very interested in these. I hesitate to call such a find a treasure, as it's of something so awful, but... lest we forget... and we are... or even deny its happening (how? but a few still do), such images need to be kept and displayed.
I found a good article here that includes history and pictures.
And in my beloved France, antisemitism continues as well:
Ugh.
HOWEVER, we can and will work together to move our world into a better place. We are, actually. And one of the hope-filled offerings in that service Friday was the opportunity to sing this song: Salaam (Od yavo shalom aleinu), which means "Peace will come to us."
Peace. We need it in so many ways, between so many different groups of people. And it needs to begin with us, to paraphrase the old song.
Rabbi Cohen sent the lyrics & translation along with a link to a site with four versions (music videos), including the original, from which comes the short description above. The words are easy to pick up, especially since the beginning of the song is slow, and then it gets faster and faster. Singing it can be good prayer, and indeed, having practiced it, I sang it all the way to the service and partway home. I commend it to you.
OD YAVO SHALOM ALEINU/ PEACE WILL COME TO US
Od yavo' shalom aleinu / Peace will come upon us
Od yavo' shalom aleinu / Peace will come upon us
Od yavo' shalom aleinu / Peace will come upon us
Ve al kulam (x2) /and on everyone.
Salaam (Salaam)
Aleinu ve al kol ha olam,
Salaam, Salaam (x2)
And here's one by an a capella group, The Maccabeats. Bonus points for the group name and for the a capella version. (I loved singing in my a capella group in college.)
And the last I'm posting because I love this soloist, Adam Stotland, who is just going to town with it. Also it's with a back-up Gospel choir from Montreal - what a combination of cultures all in one, there! Which is what we need.
So sing. Sing it again. Sing it with energy and hope. Sing this prayer for peace over and over, making it your own and joining it to mine and that of so many others. By the grace and mercy of God, may peace be upon us all and upon our world.
Salaam - Shalom - Peace - Lapè - La Paix - La Paz
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Shabbat Service of Unity
- I'd like to share with you this invitation to a service hosted by our local synagogue in Marshfield, among whose members are people from Duxbury. I'll be participating, as Rabbi Cohen has invited several local church leaders to join him. Please consider joining us in this service in support of the community at this time of grief. We need to stand together against antisemitism and all forces of hatred - now more than ever.
Please join us at Congregation Shirat Hayam for a Shabbat of Unity Friday, November 9th at 6:45 in the shared worship space at Sanctuary Church, 185 Plain St., Marshfield, MA.
In the wake of recent racially motivated and anti-semitic murders, Rabbi Cohen, along with other local religious leaders, will lead a Sabbath service of affirmation of our shared commitment to the belief that we are all created in the image of God.
Please join us in this service of songs, prayers, readings and reflections.
For more information contact Shirat Hayam at (781) 582-2700.
http://www.shirathayam.net/
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
learning to use our words...
I never imagined that I'd need to talk about antisemitism in a sermon. Naive, I know. By the time this past weekend's massacre took place, I knew enough not to be surprised, just appalled, angry, and grieving.
I still am.
Needless to say, Saturday night saw me redoing my sermon for Sunday's supply (subbing at a local church) to talk about it, because how could I not? It is far from the best sermon in the world, and it's much longer than I would normally preach, but... again... I couldn't do otherwise.
And now I need to post this, though I still wish it were better said. I still need to learn to "use my words" better - no doubt that will always be the case - but at least speaking up is a start. Next on my to-do list: figuring out what action must grow out of this.
---
Proper 25B
October 28, 2018
USE YOUR WORDS!
Mark 10:46-52
Have you ever been told to shut up? I have… More than once.
And I don’t just mean the times I got put in the corner for talking in gym class in grade school.
I don’t like to be told to shut up. I don’t like feeling as though people want me to shut up, though they are too polite to say so. I don’t like being told to shut up indirectly, either, or to find myself wondering if I am wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.
All of us, I suspect, have had times where we felt silenced. Maybe at school, maybe at work, maybe at home. Maybe even at church. One would hope not, but, strangely enough, the church is filled with people who need Jesus. Badly. That means us.
Turns out we have a lot in common with Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus is sitting at the side of the road. He’s probably very familiar with the sounds and senses of that place – the dust, the noise, the footsteps... Many passers-by from Jericho would have known him, too. You know, the blind beggar who always sits in the same spot by the road, hoping for the best… Reminds me of the astonishingly cheerful man who regularly sits near the exit of the Boston Common Parking Garage, calling to those of us who walk by.
So picture the scene, Bartimaeus sitting wrapped in his cloak on the side of the road, a throng passing by, following Jesus, everyone probably talking as they set out on their journey from Jericho…
When [Bartimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Bartimaeus is determined. He has heard what Jesus has done, and he knows Jesus can give him the one thing he most needs. Think of it… If you were Bartimaeus, what would be that one need that would lend urgency to your call, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” We all have a deep need for Jesus’ healing power in our lives.
I suspect every one of us also knows what it is like to have people sternly order us to be quiet in one way or another. And we have also had moments where we are more like those in the crowd trying to hush troublesome, disruptive voices around us – or within ourselves.
Bartimaeus refuses to be silenced. He just will. Not. Shut. Up. He is going to call out to Jesus until he is heard. And heard he is. And that makes him a good model for us. Now, I know good Episcopalians don’t do a lot of shouting, much less shouting to the Lord, much less in church – but there you have it. And Bartimaeus is operating in good biblical tradition. You may have noticed that the Psalms are full not only of praise, but also of lament and anger and questioning, of requests for healing, and of calling out evil. Just like the prophets.
Do we dare do so ourselves?
We’ve seen recently both the cost and the power of speaking up and speaking out. It comes at a price. But we’ve also seen in the #metoo movement that speaking up and sharing what you thought could never be shared empowers not only the one sharing, but also those who are encouraged by that example and freed to speak of their own stories. I remember reading a comment from a woman who said her mother-in-law shared her story of assault for the first time at 85. Eighty five. Decades of silence. Not speaking up also comes at a cost. Speaking up itself can be part of the healing process.
When Bartimaeus is heard – noticed, listened to – called – his words don’t fall into the air – they effect a change. Already. Just being noticed and heard must have been strengthening.
Mark says, “They called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”
Both our voices and our silences are more powerful than we imagine, and therefore the words we choose are powerful as well. How are we speaking up, either for ourselves or for others? What is the effect of our voice? It will have one. What is the effect of our silence? That, too, has an effect. This is all the more true now that the internet has given a voice to anyone with access. Which voices are the loudest?
Yesterday we were all appalled by the news of the eleven people killed in the synagogue as they were celebrating the naming of a new baby. The murderer, who shouted “All Jews must die!” had spent a lot of time on websites promoting Nazi views. The same was true of the young man who killed most of the prayer group at the church in Charleston. They listened to and participated in discussions the like of which would turn your stomach. Yesterday’s atrocity did not come out of thin air, but was encouraged by others. Some of them even wrote approvingly following yesterday’s news. This is a different set of voices -- voices that must not be allowed to spew hatred more loudly than the rest of us call out a different vision. Hate speech must not have the last word. Truth and justice and mercy must be proclaimed more loudly than conspiracy theories. We need to call out for mercy for others as well as for ourselves. We need healing so badly as a nation, and as a world. Unfortunately, we as individuals, and historically, as a church, have a dubious track record. In the past few years, anti-Semitic incidents have been on a sharp increase. I’d heard of it from a friend at the Duxbury Interfaith Council, but I didn’t know until yesterday that they had increased over 50%. Though Jews make up only 2% of the US population, they are the targets of 50% of the religious hate crimes. Most of these are committed by people who call themselves Christians – and somehow have completely missed the fact that Jesus was Jewish. As were all the apostles. You all, if we are going to call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we cannot allow his family to be targeted and stand silently by while listening to voices of hate.
It’s worth praying with this gospel passage this week. We can find ourselves in all the characters at different moments. When are we crying out for Jesus, for healing and life? When are we using our voices to silence others as the members of the crowd around Bartimaeus did? Do we have the courage to listen to voices, to stories that make us uncomfortable? At what moment are we like those in the crowd who helped Bartimaeus get to Jesus when Jesus called out to him? Whose voices are we amplifying? To whom are we saying, “speak up”?
My youngest sister is a physics teacher with quite a sense of humor. She teases her students – and herself – by saying, “Use your WORDS.” It’s funny…most of the time… and it’s also something we take a lifetime to learn. Words kill and words bring to life. We have the opportunity – in fact, we have the mandate – to participate in Jesus’ ministry of healing. This growing antisemitism is something we all need to cry out about - and work towards healing this hatred and all like it.
So, in a nutshell, we need to remind ourselves from time to time to USE OUR WORDS and to use them well.
Speak up. Dare to speak up for yourself, to tell your own stories – and to speak up for others. Let others speak up, too, instead of hushing uncomfortable, even disruptive voices. Move aside as you need to, as the crowd finally did for Bartimaeus, or, better yet, amplify the voices of those in need who cry out for healing. Listen carefully, taking voices seriously. At the same time, consider whether the voices you spend time listening to are bringing healing or sowing hatred. The Lord has given us a voice and a mind and a heart to use in the ministry to which we are called. Finally, pray. Prayer is powerful. Lift up your voice to the Lord. Like Bartimaeus, call out for mercy to the Son of David for yourself and on behalf of others and of our world. And then praise God for the healing power that will have the final word through God’s gift of himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I still am.
Needless to say, Saturday night saw me redoing my sermon for Sunday's supply (subbing at a local church) to talk about it, because how could I not? It is far from the best sermon in the world, and it's much longer than I would normally preach, but... again... I couldn't do otherwise.
And now I need to post this, though I still wish it were better said. I still need to learn to "use my words" better - no doubt that will always be the case - but at least speaking up is a start. Next on my to-do list: figuring out what action must grow out of this.
---
Proper 25B
October 28, 2018
USE YOUR WORDS!
Mark 10:46-52
Have you ever been told to shut up? I have… More than once.
And I don’t just mean the times I got put in the corner for talking in gym class in grade school.
I don’t like to be told to shut up. I don’t like feeling as though people want me to shut up, though they are too polite to say so. I don’t like being told to shut up indirectly, either, or to find myself wondering if I am wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.
All of us, I suspect, have had times where we felt silenced. Maybe at school, maybe at work, maybe at home. Maybe even at church. One would hope not, but, strangely enough, the church is filled with people who need Jesus. Badly. That means us.
Turns out we have a lot in common with Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus is sitting at the side of the road. He’s probably very familiar with the sounds and senses of that place – the dust, the noise, the footsteps... Many passers-by from Jericho would have known him, too. You know, the blind beggar who always sits in the same spot by the road, hoping for the best… Reminds me of the astonishingly cheerful man who regularly sits near the exit of the Boston Common Parking Garage, calling to those of us who walk by.
So picture the scene, Bartimaeus sitting wrapped in his cloak on the side of the road, a throng passing by, following Jesus, everyone probably talking as they set out on their journey from Jericho…
When [Bartimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Bartimaeus is determined. He has heard what Jesus has done, and he knows Jesus can give him the one thing he most needs. Think of it… If you were Bartimaeus, what would be that one need that would lend urgency to your call, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” We all have a deep need for Jesus’ healing power in our lives.
I suspect every one of us also knows what it is like to have people sternly order us to be quiet in one way or another. And we have also had moments where we are more like those in the crowd trying to hush troublesome, disruptive voices around us – or within ourselves.
Bartimaeus refuses to be silenced. He just will. Not. Shut. Up. He is going to call out to Jesus until he is heard. And heard he is. And that makes him a good model for us. Now, I know good Episcopalians don’t do a lot of shouting, much less shouting to the Lord, much less in church – but there you have it. And Bartimaeus is operating in good biblical tradition. You may have noticed that the Psalms are full not only of praise, but also of lament and anger and questioning, of requests for healing, and of calling out evil. Just like the prophets.
Do we dare do so ourselves?
We’ve seen recently both the cost and the power of speaking up and speaking out. It comes at a price. But we’ve also seen in the #metoo movement that speaking up and sharing what you thought could never be shared empowers not only the one sharing, but also those who are encouraged by that example and freed to speak of their own stories. I remember reading a comment from a woman who said her mother-in-law shared her story of assault for the first time at 85. Eighty five. Decades of silence. Not speaking up also comes at a cost. Speaking up itself can be part of the healing process.
When Bartimaeus is heard – noticed, listened to – called – his words don’t fall into the air – they effect a change. Already. Just being noticed and heard must have been strengthening.
Mark says, “They called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”
Both our voices and our silences are more powerful than we imagine, and therefore the words we choose are powerful as well. How are we speaking up, either for ourselves or for others? What is the effect of our voice? It will have one. What is the effect of our silence? That, too, has an effect. This is all the more true now that the internet has given a voice to anyone with access. Which voices are the loudest?
Yesterday we were all appalled by the news of the eleven people killed in the synagogue as they were celebrating the naming of a new baby. The murderer, who shouted “All Jews must die!” had spent a lot of time on websites promoting Nazi views. The same was true of the young man who killed most of the prayer group at the church in Charleston. They listened to and participated in discussions the like of which would turn your stomach. Yesterday’s atrocity did not come out of thin air, but was encouraged by others. Some of them even wrote approvingly following yesterday’s news. This is a different set of voices -- voices that must not be allowed to spew hatred more loudly than the rest of us call out a different vision. Hate speech must not have the last word. Truth and justice and mercy must be proclaimed more loudly than conspiracy theories. We need to call out for mercy for others as well as for ourselves. We need healing so badly as a nation, and as a world. Unfortunately, we as individuals, and historically, as a church, have a dubious track record. In the past few years, anti-Semitic incidents have been on a sharp increase. I’d heard of it from a friend at the Duxbury Interfaith Council, but I didn’t know until yesterday that they had increased over 50%. Though Jews make up only 2% of the US population, they are the targets of 50% of the religious hate crimes. Most of these are committed by people who call themselves Christians – and somehow have completely missed the fact that Jesus was Jewish. As were all the apostles. You all, if we are going to call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we cannot allow his family to be targeted and stand silently by while listening to voices of hate.
It’s worth praying with this gospel passage this week. We can find ourselves in all the characters at different moments. When are we crying out for Jesus, for healing and life? When are we using our voices to silence others as the members of the crowd around Bartimaeus did? Do we have the courage to listen to voices, to stories that make us uncomfortable? At what moment are we like those in the crowd who helped Bartimaeus get to Jesus when Jesus called out to him? Whose voices are we amplifying? To whom are we saying, “speak up”?
My youngest sister is a physics teacher with quite a sense of humor. She teases her students – and herself – by saying, “Use your WORDS.” It’s funny…most of the time… and it’s also something we take a lifetime to learn. Words kill and words bring to life. We have the opportunity – in fact, we have the mandate – to participate in Jesus’ ministry of healing. This growing antisemitism is something we all need to cry out about - and work towards healing this hatred and all like it.
So, in a nutshell, we need to remind ourselves from time to time to USE OUR WORDS and to use them well.
Speak up. Dare to speak up for yourself, to tell your own stories – and to speak up for others. Let others speak up, too, instead of hushing uncomfortable, even disruptive voices. Move aside as you need to, as the crowd finally did for Bartimaeus, or, better yet, amplify the voices of those in need who cry out for healing. Listen carefully, taking voices seriously. At the same time, consider whether the voices you spend time listening to are bringing healing or sowing hatred. The Lord has given us a voice and a mind and a heart to use in the ministry to which we are called. Finally, pray. Prayer is powerful. Lift up your voice to the Lord. Like Bartimaeus, call out for mercy to the Son of David for yourself and on behalf of others and of our world. And then praise God for the healing power that will have the final word through God’s gift of himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
too much
Hurricane Michael just came ashore as a category 4.
The north of Haiti is dealing with the aftermath of another earthquake - not as bad as the last one - that would be very difficult - but whole areas flattened and everyone in tents. Including people dear to some of the sisters. (Our sisters are in Port-au-Prince and doing well.)
Indonesia...
Nasty politics. #MeToo and #IBelieveHer. The stories break my heart. And I remember stories that have been told to me by women close to me.
Various friends and family members with serious illness or injury.
And I just found a priest from my youth who made a huge difference in my life on a list of accused abusers.
I can't even.
Obviously I'm praying, as we all are.
But why, oh why, oh why do we continue to hurt one another like this when life is already difficult? Yeah. I know...
Just wishing I could do something more. So many people in pain.
Pray with me, please, for them.
And so, along with the prayer (and especially the Eucharist), I am holding to the little things today. Tiny spots of goodness like Sr. Claire Marie's lemon-(fresh-from-our-garden-)kale salad. A laugh with a sister. A walk before Evening Prayer (I hope). Looking forward to this weekend's family wedding and the deep contentment of spending time with them all. It won't fix the world, but it will help give me strength to get in there and continue the work set before me.
The north of Haiti is dealing with the aftermath of another earthquake - not as bad as the last one - that would be very difficult - but whole areas flattened and everyone in tents. Including people dear to some of the sisters. (Our sisters are in Port-au-Prince and doing well.)
 |
| https://twitter.com/cjeanfils/status/1050102634793893888 |
Indonesia...
Nasty politics. #MeToo and #IBelieveHer. The stories break my heart. And I remember stories that have been told to me by women close to me.
Various friends and family members with serious illness or injury.
And I just found a priest from my youth who made a huge difference in my life on a list of accused abusers.
I can't even.
Obviously I'm praying, as we all are.
But why, oh why, oh why do we continue to hurt one another like this when life is already difficult? Yeah. I know...
Just wishing I could do something more. So many people in pain.
Pray with me, please, for them.
And so, along with the prayer (and especially the Eucharist), I am holding to the little things today. Tiny spots of goodness like Sr. Claire Marie's lemon-(fresh-from-our-garden-)kale salad. A laugh with a sister. A walk before Evening Prayer (I hope). Looking forward to this weekend's family wedding and the deep contentment of spending time with them all. It won't fix the world, but it will help give me strength to get in there and continue the work set before me.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
sideswipe? maybe? #IrmaHaiti
Just a quick note - things are looking better than expected, though of course it's not over till it's over.
We went from this:
(which is to say, no power, no food in the shelters)
to this:
Power's back on in Cap Haitien!
Given that when I lived in Haiti it was much more often off than on, this astonishes and delights me, assuming it's true. All of which is to say a cautious "yea!-ish?" Could be worse (eg Tortola, Barbuda... awful... pray for them, too).
Haven't heard much about the flooding situation yet, which is what most concerns me. There are reports of it. We'll know more in the morning.
The only article-based report I've found online so far is this:
It's not over yet.
I just keep praying that it goes north (and preferably right between the coast and Bermuda where it will impact the fewest people), slows down, and then retires completely.
We went from this:
 |
| https://twitter.com/Gedemax |
to this:
 |
| https://twitter.com/Gedemax/status/905958782982873089 |
Power's back on in Cap Haitien!
Given that when I lived in Haiti it was much more often off than on, this astonishes and delights me, assuming it's true. All of which is to say a cautious "yea!-ish?" Could be worse (eg Tortola, Barbuda... awful... pray for them, too).
Haven't heard much about the flooding situation yet, which is what most concerns me. There are reports of it. We'll know more in the morning.
The only article-based report I've found online so far is this:
 |
| https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/07/irma-destruction-island-by-island-hurricane |
It's not over yet.
 |
| https://www.windy.com/?20.448,-65.566,5 |
I just keep praying that it goes north (and preferably right between the coast and Bermuda where it will impact the fewest people), slows down, and then retires completely.
#IrmaHaiti
I'm waiting for word from Haiti, which will take a while, given that Irma is there right now. I have just found articles, however, as well as a few Twitter threads. Thought I'd share with those of you who may also be waiting for news.
Hurricane Irma: Panic sets in as Haiti braces for storm | Miami Herald
Haiti has already been devastated by natural disasters. Now it’s bracing for Irma. - The Washington Post
Meanwhile, I'm praying for my friends there, especially my godson and his family who are up north. Praying, too, for all those who are reeling from the storm or in its path. Please pray with me.
-----
MORE:
Haïti confronté à l’ouragan Irma, moins d’un an après le drame de Matthew
Hurricane Irma: Panic sets in as Haiti braces for storm | Miami Herald
Haiti has already been devastated by natural disasters. Now it’s bracing for Irma. - The Washington Post
Meanwhile, I'm praying for my friends there, especially my godson and his family who are up north. Praying, too, for all those who are reeling from the storm or in its path. Please pray with me.
-----
MORE:
Haïti confronté à l’ouragan Irma, moins d’un an après le drame de Matthew
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
sermonating with bug eyes
Another sermon, more intense prayer required. The news and the texts alongside each other are just wild. Is the news a distraction? A must-deal-with item? Do I laugh or cry? How do I preach without getting political? Where do I even start among so much?
Here are some excerpts from the texts for this coming Sunday:
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
and again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are futile.”
So let no one boast about human leaders. (1 Cor 3)
(Yes, this is church leadership, but still...)
Do not resist an evildoer.
and
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt 5)
The Leviticus passage, too, offers a wealth of possibilities.
Now this Russia business - a year's worth of contact, a Russian sub hanging out off our shores, and more.
Seriously...
As I was celebrating the Eucharist this morning, I suddenly heard the words of Eucharistic Prayer B anew and had a sudden wash of peace even in the midst of the turbulence echoing in the back of my mind from the waves of bad news coming out of DC.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. (BCP p. 368)
Anamnesis... None of this is new to God. We didn't make ourselves worthy first in order for him to come to us. The Incarnation didn't happen in the midst of all being well. Corruption? Treason? God knows about it. God can work despite it, and has, and will. And so we can have real hope. Not cheery optimism. Hope. As it says in Hebrews, "For we have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."
And so, in peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."
Here are some excerpts from the texts for this coming Sunday:
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
and again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are futile.”
So let no one boast about human leaders. (1 Cor 3)
(Yes, this is church leadership, but still...)
Do not resist an evildoer.
and
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt 5)
The Leviticus passage, too, offers a wealth of possibilities.
Now this Russia business - a year's worth of contact, a Russian sub hanging out off our shores, and more.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. (BCP p. 368)
Anamnesis... None of this is new to God. We didn't make ourselves worthy first in order for him to come to us. The Incarnation didn't happen in the midst of all being well. Corruption? Treason? God knows about it. God can work despite it, and has, and will. And so we can have real hope. Not cheery optimism. Hope. As it says in Hebrews, "For we have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."
 |
| https://twitter.com/SistersOfStMarg/status/831859361572073472 |
And so, in peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
why I marched: baptism, compassion, and justice
 |
| Women's March, Boston Common 1-21-17 |
From our baptismal service:
| Celebrant | Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? |
| People | I will, with God's help. |
| Celebrant | Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? |
| People | I will, with God's help. |
-- Book of Common Prayer p. 305 (or http://www.bcponline.org/)
This looks different over time - indeed, day by day. This year brings me a new way of living it out.
 |
| I made a few hats, too. (None of these, though.) |
When was I last in a march, I wonder?
I recall a candlelight vigil with the sisters in 2003 in hopes of staving off another invasion of Iraq.
 |
| The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1 |
I recall a demonstration against apartheid when I was in college. I skipped psych class (and I wasn't a class skipper) to stand with others near the shanty town built next to the Beinecke Library. We were so excited when Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent us a word! I found some old pictures online, as a matter of fact, and am grateful to the alum who shared them:
I recall a Take Back the Night march in Ann Arbor, MI a year or two earlier. Looked online and found that the organization still exists (http://tbtnannarbor.org/). As a signboard I read this weekend phrased it, "I can't believe I'm still protesting this ----." OK, I can believe it. I just wish I couldn't.
Mostly, however, I've written and called my representatives, signed petitions, and learned - too slowly - to speak up instead of smoothing things over that really needed not to be smoothed over at all.
 |
| Sometimes you need to make noise. Boston Public Garden 1-21-17 |
I wonder if that is changing.
 |
| Yes. Yes, it is. Let's make it better. Boston Common 1-21-17 |
What will this year bring?
 |
| more of this? more than this, certainly |
 |
| Yes, we can. Together. All of us. |
 |
| Snowflakes, unite! |
If I am going to live the promises I made in my baptism alongside my community's historical concern for women and children, it seems to me that more may be required in the days ahead.
I might note that there were quite a few concerns expressed Saturday, climate change among them. I am beginning to learn more about that, too.
Talk about something that will affect us all, or at least anyone who is going to live a while longer. I plan to.
Marching. Praying. Writing. Calling. Networking. Listening. More listening. Reading. More praying. Work I can't yet envision. Prayer that is listening and listening that is prayer moving into action.
 |
| Jesus may be calling me out of my sycamore tree. (A sycamore tree would have been very handy on the Common on Saturday. Some of us are too short to see over 175,000 people. However, all the good trees were taken, as you can see.) |
I will, with God's help.
Join me?
Monday, December 12, 2016
Dear President-Elect Trump: a letter from the Episcopal bishops in MA about the environment
Dec. 12, 2016
Donald J. Trump
President-Elect of the United
States of America
Trump Tower
735 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Dear President-Elect Trump,
We, the bishops of the
Episcopal Church in Massachusetts, are glad to let you know that all of our 235
churches pray for you regularly in our liturgies with these or similar words:
“For those in positions of public trust, especially Barack our President and
Donald our President-Elect, that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity
and freedom of every person.”
We also pray: “Give us
reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources
rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.”
The Episcopal Church stands
strongly for the protection of the environment. We respect the facts of
science. We support laws and policies that address the reality of climate
change. We are in the process of divesting our financial interest in fossil
fuels. Most recently our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, joined
Native Americans at Standing Rock in their effort to protect their water and
their sacred land. Numerous other Episcopal Church leaders have likewise
traveled to Standing Rock.
Our respect for our
government leaders and our reverence for the earth as God’s creation impel us
to write you to express our dismay about your selection of Scott Pruitt to head
the Environmental Protection Agency. We wonder why a person who has
consistently and adamantly opposed all laws and policies that provide even
minimal “protection” to the environment should be entrusted with leading such
an agency.
President-elect Trump, you
have promised economic development. Like you, we value a stable and prosperous
economy. However, a thriving economy depends on a healthy environment.
The more we weaken and dismantle the E.P.A.’s vital protections of our natural
world, the more we threaten the common good.
You have also promised to
strengthen our national defense. Like you, we value national security.
However, our country’s top military intelligence have concluded that climate
change is a “threat multiplier” that is already creating instability around the
world and will likely create significant security challenges in the years
ahead. If someone who casts doubt on the reality of climate change
becomes the head of the E.P.A., our national security will be compromised.
As citizens of this beloved
country, we intend to write our members of Congress, urging them to block the
nomination of Scott Pruitt to lead the E.P.A. We will pray for a better choice.
And we will continue to pray
for you as you assume this office of tremendous responsibility for the good of
all.
Respectfully,
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J.
Fisher, Bishop Diocesan of Western Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates,
Bishop Diocesan of Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris,
Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. Barbara C.
Harris, Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts (retired)
The Rt. Rev. Roy F.
Cederholm, Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts (retired)
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