Luke 15:1-10 Sermon image - Proper 19

image courtesy of www.wordle.net

Luke 15:1-10 ... sermon prep

Luke 15:1-10 is full of lost and found images.  The sheep who is lost, is sought after, and is found.  The coin that is lost, is sought after, and is found.  The shepherd is a male image, and the one who loses the coin is a female image.  Each of these parables prepare the way for the parable of the "lost" son story which follows after Luke 15:10...the story we know (too) well and we call the parable of the "prodigal" son.  What is lost, is sought after with great effort in the first two stories, and when the lost is found there is great rejoicing.  Are we the lost, or are we the found?  Are we to do as the shepherd/woman does and search diligently for those who are lost?  Or, are we to just be more hospitable and loving to those who we might deem as "lost"...?  Hmmm.  Lots to play with here...but first, how about a few versions of "Amazing Grace" via youtube....?

~The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Elvis Presley



Mahalia Jackson



Willie Nelson

Commemorating 9/11

Here is the reflection I wrote in 2007, commemorating September 11, 2001, and below is the wonderful prayer, "Life is short."

Life is short,
And we do not have much time
To gladden the hearts of those
Who travel the way with us.
So be swift to be kind,
And as we go,
May the blessing, the love,
the joy, and the peace
Of the Holy One
Who is in the midst of us
Be among you and remain with you
Always.
Amen

(adapted from the French Poet Henri Amiel)

Commemorating September 11, 2001

God the compassionate one, whose loving care extends to all the world, we remember this day your children of many nations and many faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Console those who continue to suffer and grieve, and give them comfort and hope as they look to the future. Out of what we have endured, give us the grace to examine our relationships with those who perceive us as the enemy, and show our leaders the way to use our power to serve the good of all for the healing of the nations. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who, in reconciling love, was lifted up from the earth that he might draw all things to himself. Amen.


~ Prepared by The Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church, USA, for September 11 anniversary observances.

Advice from Gandhi...

from Gandhi:

"I will give you a talisman.

Whenever you are in doubt or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test.

Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.

Will he gain anything by it?

Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny?

In other words, will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?

Then you will find your doubts and yourself melting away."

Mahatma Gandhi, 1947

a guide from beyond...

The Guest House 

This being human is a guest house. 

Every morning a new arrival. 

A joy, a depression, a meanness, 

some momentary awareness comes 

as an unexpected visitor. 

Welcome and entertain them all! 

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, 

who violently sweep your house 

empty of its furniture, 

still, treat each guest honorably. 

He may be clearing you out 

for some new delight. 

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, 

meet them at the door laughing, 

and invite them in. 

Be grateful for whoever comes, 

because each has been sent 

as a guide from beyond.

 

~ Rumi

 

 

(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)