On the Way to Wonder

Prelude: Break Thou the Bread of Life, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQpj4TSe-Ec

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.                   Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.  Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen

 Gathering Hymn: ELW 641 All Are Welcome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlnVLP0qFEo

 Greetings: The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day: Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: ELW 715 Christ, Be Our Light https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJq3bhdgQoc

HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

¹Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.
⁶And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,
and hold fast my covenant—
⁷these I will bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.
⁸Thus says the Lord God,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.

Psalm: Psalm 67

¹May God be merciful to us and bless us;
may the light of God’s face shine upon us.
²Let your way be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations.
³Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
⁴Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth. 
⁵Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
⁶The earth has brought forth its increase;
God, our own God, has blessed us.
⁷May God give us blessing,
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe. 

Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

[Paul writes:] ¹I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ^2aGod has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
²⁹For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. ³⁰Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, ³¹so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. ³²For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom* and cured every sickness among the people. Alleluia. (Matt. 4:23)

Gospel: Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28

¹⁰[Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand:¹¹it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” ¹²Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” ¹³He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. ¹⁴Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” ¹⁵But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” ¹⁶Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? ¹⁸But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. ¹⁹For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]
²¹Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²²Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ²³But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” ²⁴He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Children’s Sermon: Here is a picture of an apple. What’s wrong with it? (It is rotten and a worm is eating through it.)   How did it happen?

SERMON

Last week we pondered Jesus walking across the stormy sea, to meet the exhausted disciples madly rowing and despairing of life. They think he’s a ghost and Peter says, IF you are who you say you are, ask me to come to you. Jesus says “Come.” Today we will look more closely at who is invited to “come.”   Our text for today is found in the next chapter, chapter 15 of Matthew. Jesus starts: “Listen and understand.” Those are pretty strong words for starting a sermon. It throws me to two Sundays ago and the image of Jesus saying to the crowd of 5000+ – sit. Can you just see that little puppy dog, butt wiggling on the ground as the tail flaps, ears at attention, eyes focused on the master just waiting for the next word or command. For sure a treat is in the owner’s pocket. We are seated today but are we listening?

The introduction to the story that Matthew shares today is a lecture by Jesus on defilement, about rotten apples. What makes us defiled, spoiled, rotten? Jesus is standing in the presence of the Pharisees, (who want to be fair-you-see), and he is being grilled yet again about following the laws of Judaism, washing of hands before eating. Jesus looks at his disciples and us and says: Listen and understand. The purpose of the mouth is to eat, to breathe, to take in – and so food enters, gets digested and is pooped out. Eating food that is turning rotten while disgusting is not defiling. Eating with dirty hands while disgusting is not defiling. In Kenya as women talked, one of our favorite conversations was about what is good to eat. Every culture has dietary likes and dislikes, sanitation dos and don’ts. When we went to Kenya, the famine relief camp, and tried building a little cardboard house like the people so we could learn language, I was cooking over an open fire and Malcolm would exit the house and sit with our son, soooo offended by the smoke. When we had to eat matumbo – stomache, we almost lost one translator – not me. I would sift the wevils out of my flour and my houseworker would take them home to feed his family. For the Rendilli stomache and brain are super special food for super special occasions. Food is not what defiles us. As you can see Malcolm and I are here today and we did not have Montazuma’s revenge!

Jesus continues, it’s what comes out of our heart that shows how we have been defiled. How so? Let’s go back to our rotten apple. Why is that apple rotten? It has been left too long unattended, forgotten in the back of the refrigerator or at the bottom of the fruit bowl. Perhaps a worm has infested it. Perhaps it is sitting next to a rotten apple that has spread its rottenness. What’s our adage, “It only takes one rotten apple to spoil the barrel.” I would maintain that what defiles us does not come in by our mouth but comes in by our eyes or our ears, by other senses.

Do you hear our little friend on the shoulder whispering doubt into our minds and hearts? We focus on those seeds of jealousy, anger, envy, hurt and allow those things to fester in our souls. When we do not forgive, when we harbor hurt, there is a tendency, for me anyway, to say that cutting remark in an unguarded moment. I know you wouldn’t do it, but again, when I am tired and discouraged, something pops out of my mouth that I would prefer not be repeated and that I wish I could retract.

Our text goes on to share a scenario. Jesus and disciples go to a new area, non-Jewish where a foreigner, a Canaanite woman, pesters them with shouts for help for her daughter whom she believes is demon possessed. Jesus is confronted with someone the Jews would consider “defiles” through interaction. In this year of political elections, politicians make a big show of being friendly to everyone ie to people like you and me. They relate to all classes of society and brag about their ability to please everyone. In Jesus’ day it was not like that. No handshaking with lepers, with women, with…. It defiles. The disciples urge Jesus to move on and send her away. Do not defile yourself Jesus!

When Jesus speaks to the Pharisees, it is easy for us to identify as the good guys. We all know the Pharisees are the bad guys. But now Jesus has brought this discussion to the level of the disciples, his followers. Ummmm guys, I think that is us. Today we are challenged to ponder what or who it is that we feel defies us. Let’s look at this woman.

First, I note she is the wrong ethnicity, a foreigner but Jesus is in her territory. She is a woman that in those days made her second class. And she is being irritating, not following social protocol but shouting out for attention. But I also note she is not shouting out for temporary financial help, for things that do not satisfy but she is shouting out for mercy. “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David.” She is not pleading for food for her mouth but help for her soul. She is not pleading for a miracle. She is asking for mercy. Perhaps she feels she is guilty of something and blaming herself for her daughter’s plight? In any case, what is the cry of our heart today? Money, health, relationships or mercy?

She kneels at the foot of Jesus in total humility and respect. “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David.” Jesus is not just one of the many places she seeks help but she acknowledges his identity as Lord and as a son of David. Prayer is not just the routine she goes through at the start of her day, if it works – good – if not then no harm in trying. Jesus is her last and only resort because she acknowledges that he IS the voice that counts. Is Jesus our first box to tick or our only box?

Thirdly, Jesus points out the culturally accepted idea that this nameless woman is no more than a dog, unworthy to sit and eat with the disciples. Ouch! We would not like to hear that said today and I can see the protest groups forming. Today’s atmosphere would defend her humanity and her rights. She does not. She works the insult. Even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters’ table. We now add humility to her request. She seeks mercy respectfully and humbly, acknowledging and honoring Jesus. Jesus sums it up by honoring her faith and her prayer.

The woman while being everything that we might think would defile us in a social interaction, like spoiled food, in fact goes to the heart of God and from his mouth does not come condemnation and rejection but admiration and healing. She who has no name, who is considered a dog, goes down in history as someone who moved God’s heart and experienced his blessing personally.

I think this text challenges us to ask what we are putting in our souls today. What are we eating? Are we allowing old hurts and grudges to fester in our hearts? Are we listening to political commentaries centered on hate? Are we associating with things that bring rot to our attitudes? Perhaps we disguise it as just trying to help Jesus not be bothered, but the truth is that pride hurts as much as hate. The disciples were only trying to help Jesus. This woman challenges us to look at what we are seeking – mercy by persistent prayer, the improvement of our beloved neighbors or protecting our image, honoring God as God of all people who we are subject of his mercy. Are we willing to accept a crumb from his table believing that is truly enough or do we want the whole meal? Those are hard questions. Jesus saw this little lady being shuffled to the side. Jesus used her to teach us, the disciples. And Jesus honored her faith.

May our faith not be like that rotten apple, forgotten in the back of the refrigerator of our life, allowed to be eaten up by the worms of hurts and prejudice, nor infected with the bitterness of others. May we humbly cry out in our need, “Lord, son of David, have mercy on us.”

Hymn of Day: ELW 612 Healer of Our Every Ill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzWBXsVaejY

The Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,  was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On   the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at  the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of  saints, the forgiveness of sIns, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

Lord, you gather the church to be part of your mission as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. As Jesus acknowledged the great faith of a woman from outside his people, help your church discover and find blessing in the faith of people we might reject. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have blessed us with the bounty of the earth. Grant your grace to all your creatures, that the earth will flourish. Relieve waters choked by garbage, renew soils stripped of nutrients, and refresh the air all creatures need to live. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You call the nations to be glad and sing for joy. Let your way be known among all the nations of the world, now divided by competing interests, contending alliances, and consumed by enormous worry. Bless us and make your face shine upon all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You show unexpected mercy, kindness, and generosity. We pray for those who do not have enough, for outcasts in our villages, cities, and town, and for those who need your healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In you we live and move and have our being. Grant our congregation grace to find our life refreshed in you. Accompany us in the rhythms of late summer. Give us rest and renewal, and strengthen us for mission in your name. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Your eternal promises are more than we could ever imagine. As you gather all the saints, join us also with them on the great day of your salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion: God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 THE SENDING

Blessing: Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: ELW 886 Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3DXMkyj7Q

Dismissal: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prelude: A Mighty Fortress is our God, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4EoLm3_luM

August 9, 2020
Pentecost 10

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

               Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen

 Gathering Hymn: ELW 516 Almighty God, Your Word is Cast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c2mjT5schA

 Greetings: The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day: Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: ELW When Peace Like a River https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6NMlFoaESM

God’s word

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18

⁹At [Horeb, the mount of God,][Elijah] came to a cave, and spent the night there.
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
¹¹He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; ¹²and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. ¹³When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” ¹⁵Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. ¹⁶Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. ¹⁷Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. ¹⁸Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Psalm: Psalm 85:8-13

⁸I will listen to what the Lord God is saying;
for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.
⁹Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,
that your glory may dwell in our land. 
¹⁰Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
¹¹Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
¹²The Lord will indeed grant prosperity,
and our land will yield its increase.
¹³Righteousness shall go before the Lord
and shall prepare for God a pathway. 

Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15

⁵Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” ⁶But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. ¹¹The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” ¹²For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. ¹³For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
¹⁴But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? ¹⁵And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. I wait for you, O Lord; in your word is my hope. Alleluia. (Ps. 130:5)

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

²²[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Children’s Sermon: My daughter showed me a cute cartoon last night. Two penguins ware walking together, a husband and wife. One has the Bible open. They are walking across the ice. One says to the other, “I don’t know what the big deal is about walking on water. We do it all the time!” Like those penguins we need the water to be frozen to walk on it!

SERMON

Our text today picks up from last week. Jesus and the disciples have had a full day. Jesus, hearing his cousin was beheaded by a corrupt government, seeks alone time but is met with the needs of 5000 plus sick and hurting people. He heals, he preaches and to the disciples amazement, feeds 5000 men plus women and children with two fish and five loaves of bread. That’s about 500 plus people per disciple. I’ve worked over the open fire feeding the masses for a wedding or a funeral in Kenya. I was young and we were a crew of women. I was learning to carve cooking tools from boards for fire and how to use the ash to wash the pots afterwards. It was exciting. We were a crew serving the masses and even though it was work, we chattered together. “Many hands make light work.” Task done, time for rest. Perhaps the disciples felt that way. An evening on the open water sounded refreshing.

Jesus has sent the disciples ahead across the lake while he gets that alone time he sought and they head out at the beginning of the day. I bet the disciples were emotionally pumped to tackle the world. Isn’t it interesting that after the mountain top experience, we invariably hit a valley, a low trying moment. By the end of the honeymoon Malcolm and I had a proper fight. We stopped in Death Valley to visit some historical site, house, and he climbed over the chords directing traffic because he wanted to get a more proper look. I was horrified, totally embarrassed and questioned what had I got myself into? After the high comes the low. For most of us the seas of life are not frozen and flat for us to walk on but water with waves.

Jesus has not forgotten his cousin. Perhaps a busy day put the grief on the back burner of his mind and heart but he needed to aloneness. Grief is legitimate. That’s all I have time to say today. Duty calls, he is on land and his disciples are struggling at the oars in the midst of a storm. I wonder what those disciples were thinking. That little voice that is always whispering in my ear would not respect my exhaustion nor my elation.   I can hear that little voice whispering, “Too bad you don’t have a car like …”, “When will you ever have money for a bigger boat following Jesus?” “ gosh, wouldn’t it be nice if someone appreciated your advice, your efforts.” The evil ones just does not respect age or exhaustion or education or wealth. The battle is real. The disciples are battling the storm.

At the end of this long, exhausting day two more miracles happen.

Jesus walks on water. Guys, Jesus to this point has turned water to wine, has healed the sick, has cast out demons, has removed fevers, but walk on water. That is really weird. Matthew must have been watching too much Alfred Hitchcock. Again, I would like you to note how God is so able to work outside the box, outside our experience, outside our expectations, and meet us at our point of need but often we do not recognize his hand at work in our lives. Did I see what I thought I saw? Did that politician really say THAT? Did the doctor really mean I need surgery or is there a herb or new medication? Officer, I’m sure I wasn’t going that fast! In the face of the unexpected, it is easy to be terrified and doubt our senses, doubt our experience and to cry out in fear.

Miracle One: Jesus comes walking on water and we do not recognize him. We fear the worst. When we are exhausted and at the end of our resources, we often collapse in fear. Our faith shrinks to the size of a mustard seed, to our last spoon of yeast, to a treasure hidden in our soul and we think we’ve caught a bad fish. BUT, our doubts, our fears, our inability to access our faith does not stop Jesus. Jesus speaks into our need, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Jesus does not play hide and seek with the disciples. He doesn’t play peek-a-boo like we do with little children. He does not diminish Peter or us nor belittle us. “Come unto me all ye who are weary and I will give you rest.” Don’t be afraid, I am with you – these are some of my favorite words in the Bible. It is so easy for me to fear but God comes and says, do not be afraid.

Ole Peter, though, our favorite foot-in-the-mouth disciple, voices the word we all long to say, “IF…” I hear God’s words but my heart is pounding and I am exhausted, immobilized by anxiety. Peter says, IF you are real, then ask me to do that which I know I can’t. “Command me to come to you on the water.” I think that can be translated – God, help me come to you in the middle of this impossible challenge – this cancer, this Alzheimer diagnosis, this bankruptcy, this death, this Covid-19. Let me come to you in the midst of my trial.   That is the prayer of all of us, I suspect, Lord in the midst of the seas of life and its trials, call me to you. Do I hear an AMEN! Call me to you!

I note Jesus does not say that Peter’s faith must be equal to the challenge before him. Peter’s miracle does not depend on practice and experience. It does not need a college degree. It does not need the proper formula and expression. Jesus simply says, “Come..” In the midst of whatever trial you are facing, God says, Do not be afraid, come.

Miracle two: Peter walks on water! OK, he started walking. I think of Bruce Almighty whom God, played by Morgan Freeman, lends his powers to Bruce while he goes on a vacation. Bruce leaves God’s office and walks on water, actually across a puddle he had grumbled about before meeting God. Bruce is elated until he faces all the problems and dynamics of being God. He cannot manipulate his girlfriend’s love. Bruce and Peter look at the wind. As you know, wind cannot be seen, only the effects of wind. Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and refocuses on the storm. We stop looking at God and start listening to the little voice, the voice of doubt. Did God really say? Does God really want you to have to….?   Isn’t there an easier way? We doubt God’s word, God’s will, and God’s way just like Eve in the Garden of Eden. We begin to sink. We loose that attitude of gratitude and we begin to worry about tomorrow, the “what ifs.”

I’m not sure if the second miracle is Peter walking on the water or the amazing truth that Jesus does not abandon Peter. In response to Peter’s cry, “Lord save me,” Jesus reaches out and rescues Peter. Now that’s grace! Peter has done nothing that deserves outstanding recognition. He has questioned, “IF”, he has obeyed – stepped out, sunk and cried for help. Jesus though has come during the dark night of the soul, identified himself and assured the disciples, welcomed Peter, and rescued him. That is a beautiful picture of grace.

The other thought I would add is that It might be significant that Peter as a lone ranger on the seas of life, has trouble keeping his focus on Jesus. Jesus calls him into an adventure, true, but it is also true that Peter acts as a lone ranger. I would like to put in a plug for the value of the body of Christ. We live our adventures and trials in relationship with God and his call to us but we also find advice, support and comfort in the body of Christ. I may be an eye and am charged with seeing which the hand cannot do but without the hand, I struggle. When Peter returns to the boat, to the community, he stabilizes. The wind ceases when we are in community and Christ is with us. Community without the realization of a God present struggles with the challenges of life but with a dynamic awareness of God’s presence, is able to row to shore.

How do the disciples respond? Worship!

So let’s step back. We are in Pentecost when we look through the lens of the difference Christ makes in our lives. I see:

• The storms of life do not mean we are out of God’s will. Jesus sent the disciples onto the sea.
• God’s silence does not mean disapproval or distancing or unawareness of our plights. Jesus walked on water to make the disciples aware of his presence.
• In the midst of a trial we need not fear. God is with us.
• Our doubts of “if” may best be handled by stepping into the challenge at God’s command.
• God does not punish us for doubting.
• Community helps us face the challenges.
• Our appropriate response is worship!

Wow, that’s a long list. Faith does make a difference as we face political instability in our country, the ever present disease that scares, and not to mention our own challenges. Remember, Jesus said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amen!

Hymn of Day: ELW 400 God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwTsC8WfUvU

The Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,       was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On   the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at      the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and   the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of        saints, the forgiveness of sIns, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

For your whole church throughout the world. Give courage in the midst of storms, so that we see and hear Jesus calling: “Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid.” May we follow Christ wherever he leads. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the well-being of your creation. Protect waterways, forests, lands, and wildlife from exploitation and abuse. Help the human family endeavor to sustain and be sustained by the resources of your hand. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations and their leaders. In you, steadfast love and faithfulness meet, and righteousness and peace kiss. May nations in conflict know the peace that is the fruit of justice, and the justice that is the path to peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those in need. Everyone who calls upon your name will be saved. Accompany all who are lonely, hear the voices of those who cry out in anguish, and support those who are frustrated in their search for an affordable place to live. We pray for those suffering this day. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our congregation. You have gathered us here today as your people and we thank you for this gift. We pray for those who are new to this community, for students and teachers preparing for a new school year, and for those struggling with unexpected hardship. Supply us generously with your grace for our life together. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We give you thanks, O God, for the saints of the whole church from all times and places, and for the saints in our lives and in our community whom you have gathered to yourself. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion: God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 THE SENDING

Blessing: Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: ELW 763 My Life Flows on in Endless Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENecZfjFUxU

Dismissal: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.