August 22, 2021

Liturgy, Reflection and Benediction 2021.08.22

Liturgy

Beloved family of God: our lives are carried
like leaves on the current of our weeks.
We arrive in this place burdened by so much
that saturates us to the verge of sinking.

Surround us, God of compassion.
Reach into the waves, Son of Man,
Fill us, Spirit of the Living God,
Give us the patience to await calm.

Beloved family of God: let us proclaim
together that our feelings are not the truth.
Let us proclaim that our sleepless nights
and restless days do not change the sun
that shines above the clouds.

Surround us, God of compassion.
Reach into the waves, Son of Man,
Fill us, Spirit of the Living God,
Give us the wisdom to await calm.

Beloved family of God: let us take heart
in the promises of our Redeemer, in the
one whose hands broke bread before they
themselves were broken, in the one with
whom our fears were finally buried.

Surround us, God of compassion.
Reach into the waves, Son of Man,
Fill us, Spirit of the Living God,
Give us the courage to await calm.

We pray to our God in community, holy in One, amen.

(Luke Helm)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of John 6:51-69.

Jesus said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I
will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” When many of his
disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can
accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were
complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you?

Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where
he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless.
The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among
you there are some who do not believe.”

For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not
believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he
said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come
to me unless it is granted by the Father.”

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer
went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish
to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go?
You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know
that you are the Holy One of God.”

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.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – The Bread Come Down from Heaven 08.22.2021

What is the difference between the Manna in the desert, and what Jesus offers in the Eucharist?

Do Jesus’ words scandalize you?

How do you understand “coming to be persuaded” that Jesus is the Holy one of God?

Benediction

God has invited us to open up our tension,
suffering, and ambivalence this morning.
As you leave, continue to allow God
to hold those spaces with you.

Throughout the week, practice the presence and compassion
of God toward your vulnerable parts, and invite others to do
the same, for together, we find meaning in community.

God has already prepared these tender moments
for us and is waiting to meet us there.

Go and meet with God authentically this week
in the love of the Father,
of the Risen Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
amen.

(Lauryn Williams)

Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find belonging and community this week.

[Photo by Hector Falcon]

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