Liturgy

God of the mourning, meek and merciful,
the poor and the persecuted

Teach us to savor
how the simplicity of our siblings
brings out the God-flavors
of our earthy lives

God of the reviled and those ravenous for justice,
the pure of heart and the peacemakers

Teach us to glimpse
how the generosity of these good troublemakers
brings out the holy hues
of God’s color wheel in our world

God of the outsider and the overlooked,
the despised and discarded

Teach us to marvel
how what others devalue
God’s Kin-dom delights in
What this world often shames
God shows off

We give thanks and praise in the name of,

Giving God, who made this whole world good,
Reconciling Jesus, who makes us kin
and Sacred Spirit, who mentors us
in perceiving and partnering
with God’s Liberating Reign
Amen.

(Christopher Mack)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the gospel of Matthew 5:13-20

13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass away from the law until all is accomplished.”

19 “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The Word 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 – Embodying Our Identity 2.05.2023

How can we participate and collaborate in God´s work around us?

Where are the injustices we are invited to reveal and uncover?

How might we engage scripture as a journey to wisdom?

Benediction

Let us close with a benediction.

In a world that is always asking us to become
something, someone, some success story,

In this place we say:
don’t become,
be who you already are.

Don’t become light – be the light
you already are – this is what
God anciently placed in you.

Don’t become salt – be the salt
you already are – it is in this way
you are known to God.

For from these elements: Salt and
Light, God uniquely crafted you.

Don’t become anything – be who you are,
discover the One who loves you, and join
in Christ’s collective invitation toward love
and justice around you.

We pray in the name
of our God,
of our Savior,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
May you find community and belonging.
See you throughout the week.

[ Photo by Juan Gomez ]