Liturgy

God, we thank you for reprieve – a long exhale and rich silence,
For electricity and warmth and good neighbors.
We pray for those around the world who do not have these gifts
And ask that you sustain them and care for them.
Be their rock and refuge.
Lord, have mercy.

God, we thank you for our closest people – lit-up faces as we approach,
For listening ears and gentle touches.
We pray for those who feel alone and abandoned
And ask that you comfort and hold them.
Tuck them under your wings.
Lord, have mercy.

God, we thank you for your healing work,
For the ways you repair our relationships.
We pray for those who are at war or at odds with each other
And ask that you bring peace.
Bind up their wounds.
Lord, have mercy.

God, we pray all this knowing that we are sometimes the ones without what we need, without connection, without reconciliation.
And we are sometimes the ones who do not offer these to others.
Lord, have mercy.

Make space for us now to both receive and give as you sustain us, comfort us, and bring us peace.
In the name of our provider God, our reconciler Christ, and the healing Spirit.
Amen.

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the gospel of Matthew 5:21-24

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.

23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”

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 – What Does It Mean To Be Reconciled? 2.12.2023

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.

May God give us clarity about God’s trustworthiness
So we feel safe in the Divine arms.
May He be our fortress and strong tower,
Not so that we can wage war,
But so we can be prepared to reach out
And connect with those around us.

May God give us wisdom about others,
To know how close is safe.
May we know when to seek warmth,
When to offer vulnerability,
When to wear protective armor.
May God give us courage to hold uncertainty
When we risk hurt for the sake of healing.

May God give us ways to know ourselves
That we would start here
And be connected within.
May we learn to notice what we feel
In all our different parts.
May God give us compassion for our own selves
That flows outward to the rest of the world.

In the name of God the protector, Christ the redeemer, and Spirit the counselor.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
May you find community and belonging.
See you throughout the week.

[ Photo by Alina Sofia ]