Liturgy

Vox, we gather at this time around our television,
phone, and computer screens to experience
God and connect with each other.
But to connect requires participation.

Just as easily, we distract and disconnect
from the world using the same screens.

As individuals and inhabitants of this world,
we share the mysterious, unique, and
complex experience of being human.

Through this shared experience
we are never alone, always connected,
and forever loved.

May we participate, Vox, and engage in this good life.

Let us open our weary eyes and hardened hearts
to receive in the name of
God, Creator of all that is,
Jesus, Love Incarnate,
and the Holy Spirit, alive in all of creation.
Amen.

(Gabriella Charissa Cruz)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from a reading in Matthew 13:33.

33 [Jesus] told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven
is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures
of flour until all of it was leavened.”

The Good News of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 7.26.20 – The Expansion of Love

How has love matured you in the last 5 years?

Where do you sense love wanting to work in your life in this season?

Benediction

Lift up your eyes to receive the benediction.

One seed from God is a banquet of love yearning
to materialize. Today, you have received that seed.
What then will you do, people of Vox?

Will you plant it deeply within, let it root and give it time to grow?
Will you reap and mill the harvest to make good food?

Will you partake and share the bounty to nourish
not only yourself, but the world as your community?

Time and patience are part of the Lord’s grand design
as he daily waits for us to sow the seeds of love and life.

I wonder, Vox, when will you fully allow the
love of God to grow and heal your soul?

This week, may we bless the mystery
of slow and patient love, in the name of
our Gardener, the Father,
our Healer, Jesus Christ,
and our nourishment, the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(Gabriella Charissa Cruz)

Go in peace and live the church.
May you find safety and rest throughout the week.

[Photo by Anaïs Duvert @ Flickr]