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Prayer: To the Home of Peace
Chant: God Invites Us
An Expression of the Universe
By John Philip Newell
As we bring to our spirituality a posture of listening, listening to the essential oneness of the universe, placing our ear close to the heart of the earth and the heart of the human soul, what is it we will hear? Julian of Norwich, the fourteenth-century mystic, says that we are not simply made by God. We are made “of God.” This simple but radical statement holds enormous implications. It means that we are not fashioned by a distant Creator, made out of nothing from afar, as it were. Rather we are born from the womb of the One, made of the substance of oneness. This is why Julian likes to refer to God as Mother, as well as Father, because she sees us and all things as coming forth from the heart of the One, as carrying within ourselves the essence of our Source.
"We are not an exception to the universe. We are an expression of the universe."
What does it mean to say that we are made of God rather than simply by God? In part it is to say that holy wisdom is deep within us, deeper than the ignorance of what we have done. Sacred creativity is at the core of our being, deeper than any barrenness in our lives or relationships. The divine passion for what is just and right is our true heart’s desire, deeper than the apathies and falsenesses that have disabled us. And above all else it is to say, as Julian does, that the “love-longing” of God is at the core of our being, deeper than any fear or hatred that holds us in separation.
We are made of the One. Deep within us, amid our differentiations as individuals and nations and species, is the desire for oneness. This holy longing is found not only in the human soul but in the soul of the universe, at the heart of everything that has being. We are not an exception to the universe. We are an expression of the universe. Our longings are a unique manifestation of the universe’s longings. In listening to the depths of life, within our lives and within every life, we will hear the longings of the One that are deeper than the fears that divide us.
–A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul, 2011
Prayers of intentions
We hold in our hearts the hope for peace for ourselves and all living beings
Amen
We hold in our hearts the intention to live our call to be an expression of the Holy One in our world
Amen
We hold in our hearts all those who suffer with illness or dis-ease of mind , body or spirit
Amen
We hold in our hearts all those intentions that are known to us and God alone
Amen
Closing Blessing
By John O’Donohue
May you be blessed with good friends
May you learn to be a good friend to yourself
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling and forgiveness
May this change you
May it transfigure that which is negative, distant or cold in you
May you be brought into the real passion, kinship and affinity of belonging
May you treasure your friends
May you be good to them and may you be there for them
May they bring you all the blessing, challenges, truth and light that you need for your journey
Welcome everyone, to our Sunday morning zoom liturgy. Our theme today is teasing out what St. Francis said: Preach the Gospel and sometimes use words;” or maybe what Mother Teresa taught us “do small things with great love.” Either way our actions often speak with more love than our words.
Presider 1: Opening Prayer: Abba God-----Allow us to keep asking you for your help in the path to "saving our world from destruction, fighting this pandemic, and in stamping out racism and injustices we see every day. Remind us not to think that we are "bothering" God when we ask. Jesus promised us that anything we ask you, in his name, would be granted. Let us be "bold" like the Gentile woman in this Gospel. Let our voices become loud and persistent. Amen
A reading from A Parable, The Woman and the Homeless Man
For a long time, she has been attending to the persons on corners who are asking for handouts. She often has small bags ready to give each one with $5, socks and a granola bar. This has been one of her ministries since I have known her.
Last week she was getting ready to leave for work and she and her husband had a “spat” about a missing document that was sorely needed. The woman left for work upset with herself, for not being able to find it, and doing what we all often do when we are upset, berating ourselves for “messing up.”
As she was getting off her exit for work she saw him. The man standing with his sign, “homeless and hungry”. As always, she stopped, gave him $5, asked his name, “Damien” he said. The woman asked Damien to pray for her.
Damien asked her “what was goin’ on?” Damien made the woman feel like whatever her problems were at that moment were worthy of him forgetting his and focusing on her. Damien’s concern touched her heart. The woman told him she needed some prayers that morning and she knew he was beloved by God.
Damien walked over to the car, laid his hands on the hood and prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to look out over this woman. Please bless her and comfort her. Bless and comfort those who care for her. Help her with what worries her…” The woman drove away teary eyed, blessed, refreshed, and remembered she too is loved and worthy of that love. (adapted with permission by KR)
These are the inspired words of a woman disciple, beloved of the Holy One.
The community affirms these words with AMEN
Alleluia
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Heir to the House of David, have pity on me! My daughter is horribly demon-possessed.” Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” Jesus turned to the woman and said, “My mission is only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” But the woman prostrated herself saying, “Help me Rabbi.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” “True Rabbi” she replied, “but even the dogs get to eat the scraps that fall from the table.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “Woman, you have great faith! Your wish will come to pass.” At that very moment her daughter was healed.
A reading from Matthew, a disciple of Jesus.
The community affirms these words with AMEN
(pause)
Homily
We just heard the gospel and the surprising, no, shocking way Jesus spoke to this Canaanite woman. Ann found a commentary suggesting Jesus may have been evolving in his understanding of his mission. Mary Theresa said something very similar to me when we were talking about this gospel passage. The idea of Jesus evolving and “growing in wisdom” is comforting. After all, we have said many times, here in our community, anything Jesus does we can do. But still this harshness from Jesus is disquieting.
The Jesus Seminar theologians concluded that Jesus did not say these words but the words were put in his mouth by followers of Peter to reinforce their theory that Jesus came specifically for the Jewish nation.
There is much here to reflect on, but for a moment let’s put aside what Jesus allegedly said, or not, and look at his actions.
This gospel passage starts with Jesus heading to Tyre and Sidon. Tyre and Sidon are 40 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and 120 miles from Jerusalem. Why would Jesus schlepp 40 miles in the opposite direction of his now known destination of Jerusalem? Tyre and Sidon were Roman Seaports, filled with Gentiles, and pagan temples. There must have been something, someone, some good reason to walk an extra 40 miles. Perhaps Jesus heard an inner call to go to Tyre. We can only guess. Has that ever happened to you? You go somewhere, maybe not really wanting to go, you go anyway and you meet someone, help someone, and in the end, you are the better for it.
Let’s look at the Canaanite woman for a minute. She is a pagan, an outsider, and the disciples see her as a nuisance. This unnamed woman’s actions tell us so much more about her. At that time women certainly did not speak to men in this manner. She approached Jesus out of desperation-her daughter- “please heal my daughter.” This woman was strong and bold, she dared to risk herself for the sake of her daughter. She held Jesus’ feet to the fire, she did not let him get away with the “party line.” She cajoled, argued, debated with Jesus. Maybe best of all, she challenged Jesus to not just speak words of love but to act in love. Jesus was better for the meeting with this woman. He grew that day. Do we too have the courage to be a nuisance in order to heal those in need?
This brings us back to the first reading, a simple everyday story. The interchange between the homeless man and the woman changed them both. We know the woman grew that day because she told us her story. Will any one of us see a homeless person again and not remember this story? I believe her sharing changed me, perhaps this story changed all of us. Can we grow in humility and wisdom enough to see that even as we strive to serve, we must also be willing to be served by “the least among us?”
Shared Reflections
Statement of Faith
We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery beyond all definition and rational understanding, the heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or that ever will exist.
We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's prophets, mystics, and saints.
We believe that We are called to follow Jesus as a vehicle of divine love, a source of wisdom and truth, and an instrument of peace in the world.
We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, the life that is our innermost life, the breath moving in our being, the depth living in each of us.
We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, and hands to make it happen.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Presider 2: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to the table our prayers and intentions: (Ann read the intentions.)
We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen.
Presider 3: With open hearts and hands let us pray our Eucharistic prayer in one voice:
O Great Love, thank you for living and loving in us and through us as we set our hearts on belonging to you. May all that we do flow from our deep connection with you and all creation.
You know our limitations and our essential goodness and you love us as we are. You beckon us to your compassionate heart and inspire us to see the good in others and forgive their limitations. Acknowledging your presence in each other and in all of creation, we sing:
Presider 3: Guiding Spirit, when opposing forces in us tug and pull and we are caught in the tension of choices, inspire us to make wise decisions toward what is good.
We thank you for our brother, Jesus, and for all our sisters and brothers who have modeled for us a way to live and love in challenging times. Inspired by them, we choose life over death, we choose to be light in dark times.
Presider 1: Please extend your hands in blessing.
We are ever aware of your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table and we are grateful for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.
On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at supper with his companions and friends. He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet.
Community lifts their plates
When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:
Take and eat, this is my very self.
(pause) Community consumes the bread
Community lifts the cup
Presider 2: Then he took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:
Take and drink.
Whenever you remember me like this,
I am among you.
(pause) Community drinks from the cup
We share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.
Presider 3: Holy One, your transforming energy is within us and we join our hearts with all who are working for a just world. We pray for wise leaders in our religious communities. We pray for courageous and compassionate leaders in our world communities.
We pray for all of us gathered here and like Jesus, we open ourselves up to your Spirit, for it is through living as he lived that we awaken to your Spirit within,
moving us to glorify you, at this time and all ways. Amen
Presider 1: Let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Holy One, you are within, around and among us. We celebrate your many names. Your wisdom come; your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us. Each day you give us all that we need. You remind us of our limits and we let go. You support us in our power, and we act with courage. For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever, Amen.
Loving source of our being, you call us to live the gospel of peace and justice. We choose to live justly, love tenderly, and walk with integrity in your presence.
BLESSING
Presider 2: Please extend your hands in our final blessing.
May the Fire of Love ignite our hearts and radiate through us.
May the Spirit truth and justice burn within us.
May we continue to be the face of the Holy One, and
Opening Prayer: Holy One, every day we have opportunities to act in love. Some days we love better than others. We tend to remember our non-loving moments more than the memory of acts of love. May the awareness of Your loving presence be our strength today and every day. May we continue to learn to love as you love us. Amen.
A reading from Matthew (25:34-40)
Come you blessed of my Abba God. Inherit the kin-dom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me. Then these just ones will ask, “When did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or clothe you in your nakedness? When did we see you ill or in imprison and come to visit you? The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.
Silent Reflection
Intentions
We pray for continued blessings on all peacemakers, on leaders who value peace, and on everyone who promotes nonviolent solutions to conflict. We pray for a speedy end to all violence and warfare around the world.
We pray for the strength of heart and mind to look beyond ourselves and address the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world; for the rural and urban poor; for the rebuilding of our communities; and for an end to the cycles of violence that threaten our future.
We pray for all nations, that they may live in unity, peace, and concord; and that all people may know justice and enjoy the freedom of living in peace.
We pray for an end to the growing disparity between the rich and poor; and for the grace and courage to strive for economic justice.
We pray for all immigrants, refugees, and pilgrims from around the world, that they may be welcomed in our midst and be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
We pray for an end to prejudice throughout our country and the world; that we will respect all people as precious children of God; and that racism, sexism, and all other forms of discrimination will be forever banished from our hearts, our society, and our laws.
We pray for all children and families, and particularly for the orphaned, neglected, abused, and those who live in fear of violence or disease; that they may be relieved and protected.
We pray for a reverence of creation; that we use our skills and the will to conserve it; that we will use its bountiful resources in the service of others; and that we will become better stewards of all that has been entrusted to us.
Adapted from the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
Closing Prayer: Dearest Holy One, we pray for so many things. We ask you for more and more. We are a needy people. And yet you have gently, repeatedly, taught us we are in need of only one thing: to love one another as you love us. May it be so, gently and repeatedly. Amen
Upper Room Liturgy – August 9, 2020 – 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Welcome and Theme
Presider 1: Welcome everyone, – The theme for today is “Our future is in our hands, WE are the help that is needed.” Today we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The horror of that moment in time continues as innocent people lose their lives in terrorist acts, school shootings, drug wars, etc. The list goes on and on.
I think we can all agree that we need help both individually and as a society.
Last week, Jesus put the feeding of crowds into the hands of the disciples; they didn’t know what to do... we don’t know what to do either. We are being asked to trust God and one another. Easier said than done. We pray for wisdom.
Opening Prayer
Presider 2: Breath of All that is, preserve us from our own madness. Direct us away from dealing destruction to others, a path which leads to the ruin of ourselves and our world. Help us to hear You. Show us your precious face in all others. You in us, and we in each other, from all places. Teach us how to lower our defenses. You call us, in our minds, in our world, and through each other. Speak to us. Speak through us. Light in us the fire of Your Love. Amen.
Opening Song
Presider 2: Please join in singing our centering song: Fire of Love
First Reading: Look with the Eyes of Compassion - A Meditation by Richard Rohr
The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926) is one of the world’s most influential spiritual teachers. During the Vietnam War, his work for peace brought him into friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thomas Merton, and other Christians who shared his belief that peace must be who we are, not just something we demand. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches:
This capacity of waking up, of being aware of what is going on in your feelings, in your body, in your perceptions, in the world, is called Buddha nature, the capacity of understanding and loving. . . . It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace.
Many of us worry about the world situation. We don’t know when the bombs will explode. We feel that we are on the edge of time. As individuals, we feel helpless, despairing. The situation is so dangerous, injustice is so widespread, the danger is so close. In this kind of situation, if we panic, things will only become worse. We need to remain calm, to see clearly. Meditation is to be aware, and to try to help.
I like to use the example of a small boat crossing the Gulf of Siam. In Vietnam, there are many people, called boat people, who leave the country in small boats. Often the boats are caught in rough seas or storms, the people may panic, and boats can sink. But if even one person aboard can remain calm, lucid, knowing what to do and what not to do, he or she can help the boat survive. His or her expression—face, voice—communicates clarity and calmness, and people have trust in that person. They will listen to what he or she says. One such person can save the lives of many.
Our world is something like a small boat. Compared with the cosmos, our planet is a very small boat. We are about to panic because our situation is no better than the situation of the small boat in the sea. . . . Humankind has become a very dangerous species. We need people who can sit still and be able to smile, who can walk peacefully. We need people like that in order to save us. Mahayana Buddhism says that you are that person. . . .
The root-word “budh” means to wake up, to know, to understand. A person who wakes up and understands is called a Buddha. It is as simple as that. The capacity to wake up, to understand, and to love is called Buddha nature. [Christians would call this Christ nature, the Christ self, or the mind of Christ.] . . .
When you understand, you cannot help but love. . . . To develop understanding, you have to practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion. When you understand, you love. And when you love, you naturally act in a way that can relieve the suffering of people.
These are the inspired words of Thich Nhat Hanh and Richard Rohr and we affirm them by saying, Amen.
Psalm Response: Psalm 85
Adapted from Nan Merrill’s Psalms for Praying
Response: You awaken us to love and peace.
O Beloved, how gracious you are to us.
You restore our souls time and time again.
You forgive our distractions when we wander far from You.
You give us new life.
You awaken our hearts to love.
Response: You awaken us to love and peace.
We cannot Live separate from You.
You are with us as we cast out the demons of fear, doubt, and illusion.
We listen to you in our hearts as you speak.
You guide our footsteps upon the path of peace
as we recognize with open hearts that You are our peace.
Response: You awaken us to love and peace.
Alleluia
Gospel: A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
MT 14:22-33
Translation From The Message – the Bible in contemporary language
As soon as the meal was finished, Jesus insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Teacher, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Teacher, save me!”
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, were in awe of Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
These are the inspired words of the Gospel writer known as Matthew and we affirm them by saying, Amen.
Shared Homily – Santa Orlando
For me today's gospel reading, the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, Richard Rohr and the commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki all intersected. We are all familiar with this gospel reading. The word in the gospel that continues to cry out to me is “terrified”. I always have trouble with language, so I acknowledge that the word terrified will enact many different emotions and mean different things to different people.
Over the years I can recall experiences where I was “terrified”, overwhelmed, stopped in my tracks when experiencing a graced moment that was drawing me closer to the Divine presence. At those times in my life I was unable or unwilling to fully trust and surrender.
In time, those feelings of being terrified turned into Awe. I wonder if the disciples in the boat discussed their experience with each other, to make sure it really happened; I’m pretty sure they also replaced the initial feeling of terror with Awe at this display of divine power.
I’m also terrified of what humankind is capable of. It’s difficult for me to watch films showing the Holocaust, genocide and mass destruction of our earth and its inhabitants. I’m terrified and unable to understand how society can turn innocent young children into adults who justify the poisoning of the earth and elimination of life for the illusion of possession and power.
Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe was present in Hiroshima with a fellow priest when the atomic bomb was dropped. This account is taken from the Youtube video Pedro Arrupe's Hiroshima diary: He experienced the blinding light and explosion that caused doors, windows and walls to crumple. As he looked upon the scene he said:
“We did the only thing that could be done in the presence of such mass slaughter. We fell to our knees and prayed for guidance as we were destitute of all human help.”
As Arupe watched burned survivors appear clinging to each other, HE became the help. His medical training allowed him to treat the survivors as best he could. The unimaginable destruction and terror that he must have initially felt did not prevent his humanitarian response, he was not paralyzed with fear; his trust, inner calm and love of neighbor triumphed to allow him to show love and compassion.
In these uncertain times I wonder if we have learned anything, I wonder if we can see each other as members of one human family, if we can take responsibility to keep each other safe. COVID 19, climate change and war are ravaging the planet. Can we emerge from this pandemic, from wars, from destruction of the earth knowing that all creation is sacred and interconnected? Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” We need to remain calm, trust and work together to move from terror to Awe. Our future is in our hands, WE are the help that is needed. These are my thoughts, what did you hear and feel?
Presider 2: Let pray together our statement of faith:
Statement of Faith:
We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery beyond all definition and rational understanding, the heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or that ever will exist. We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's prophets, mystics, and saints. We believe that We are called to follow Jesus as a vehicle of divine love, a source of wisdom and truth, and an instrument of peace in the world. We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, the life that is our innermost life, the breath moving in our being, the depth living in each of us. We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, and hands to make it happen.
Presider 1: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to this gathering our blessings, cares and concerns. (Dennis will read the intentions)
Presider 1 concludes with: We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presider 2: With open hands and hearts, let us pray our Eucharistic Prayer together:
All: O Holy One, the first passion of Jesus was his passion for you and for justice so that all may reap the beauty and bounty of Creation in equal measure. Jesus lived to incarnate your justice for all the world according to your covenant with Israel. In solidarity with Jesus, and with all the faithful men and women who have gone before us, we lift up our hearts and sing:
from the holy ground here in this place. Here in this place. (Repeat)
Holy One, we celebrate the life of your son and our brother, Jesus. He lived his life and walked forward to his death knowing that you were leading him. We walk forward in his pathway and follow his teaching.
We are standing in the right place with Jesus when we let go of money, possessions, pride and privilege, to become vulnerable and open to you, to accept poverty of spirit and reliance on you.
We are standing with You when we are compassionate for all human beings, and when we extend empathy and love to everyone, especially the poor, oppressed, and mournful. We remember all those who suffer and die each year from war, poverty and unjust disease. We mourn for them, and for all creatures we destroy, and for the earth itself.
We are blessed when we are gentle, nonviolent, courageous and humble, like your saints. We pray to grow in awareness of our unity with all of creation and co-create with You our earth as a sanctuary of peace.
We rejoice, O Holy One, as we join the lineage of Your prophets of justice and peace. We, Your daughters and sons, continue to work with Your grace as we arise and walk forward in the footsteps of our peace-loving brother, Jesus.
Presider 2: Please extend your hands in blessing.
All: We are ever aware of your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table and we are grateful for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.
On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at supper with his companions and friends. He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet.
Community lifts their plates
When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:
Take and eat, this is my very self.
(pause) Community consumes the bread
Community lifts the cup
Then he took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:
Take and drink.
Whenever you remember me like this,
I am among you.
(pause) Community drinks from the cup
We share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.
Presider: Holy One, we trust You to continue to share with us Your own Spirit, the Spirit that filled Jesus, for it is through his life and teaching, his loving and healing that all honor and glory is Yours. Amen.
Presider 2: Let us pray as Jesus taught us:
OHoly One, whois within, around and among us,
We celebrate your many names.
Your Wisdomcome.
Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us,
Each day you give us all we need;
You remind us of our limits, and we let go.
You support us in our power, and we act with courage.
For you are the dwelling place within us,
the empowerment around us,
and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen
(Miriam Therese Winter)
Blessing
Presider 1: Let us raise our hands and bless each other.
May we be blessed with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships.
May we seek truth boldly and love deeply.
May we continue to be the face of the Holy One, and
May our names be a blessing in our time.
Closing Song
Presider 2: Please join in singing our closing song: Circle Chant
