Liturgy
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak:
Heavenly Parent,
Lord Above,
Call us into the conflicts we are afraid to face.
We are here to soften & listen.
We begin here in the name of the Creator,
The blood of the Savior,
And the Promise of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(-Praying by Mary Oliver)
Scripture
We invite you to hear from the Gospel according to Luke 6:27-30, 35b-36
27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to
those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who
mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also,
and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your
shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away
what is yours, do not ask for it back again.
35b Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High,
for God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as our
Lord is merciful.
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 & Reflection
Podcast: Resisting Oppression with Repentance
How might you lean into the creativity of a third way when you are caught in the either/or thinking of shrinking or fighting as you encounter systematic oppression?
When you encounter dissonance, how open are you to repentance as a move toward greater freedom and strength in relationships and community?
How compassionate are you toward yourself when you make missteps in your pursuit of justice and right relationship?
Benediction
Your anger is a blessing,
Here to remind your heart
It’s safe to wake up now.
We were not meant to carry on this work alone,
We will shoulder it together.
Your softness is a strength
That can redeem nations
And topple kings.
We were not meant to judge one another,
We will seek to love our kindred’s face.
Your heart is God’s work on Earth,
Never too much,
Always capable,
A beacon to others in the storm.
We were meant to serve the Kingdom Most High,
We will cherish every lesson.
We go forth held fast in the Love of our Creator,
The Redemption of our Savior,
And the Guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(Vox Prayer Team)
[Photo by Marek Studzinski]