prayers of the people – proper 20 year a

September 7, 2011
by rick
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Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for September 18th, based on the lessons from Proper 20 Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Epistle Lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day.

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

O God, we pray for the church throughout the world, that her members, ministers, and ministries may live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation and our leaders, that like in the days of old, you would rain your grace from heaven.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer. Read More

crazy talk grace – Matthew 20:1-16

September 5, 2011
by rick
comments 6
Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament
Zoe at Jamestown

My daughter Zoe several years ago sitting on an ancient wall at Jamestown, Virginia.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 20:1-16, the Gospel lesson appointed for September 18th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 19, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Epistle lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

Jesus asks, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

The honest, human, answer to the first question, is, of course: Well, yes. We suppose. But, please don’t do anything too rash…

And to the second question: Yes. Uncategorically. Read More

a privileged faith – philippians 1:21-30

September 4, 2011
by rick
comment 1
Epistles / Lectionary / New Testament / Paul
The gates

The iron choir screen (ca. 1764) in the Medieval gallery of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Rick Morley. Processed in Instagram.

The following is a reflection on Philippians 1:21-30, the Epistle lesson appointed for September 18th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 19, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

“And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well.”

I’m struck by two things here. First, obviously, the notion of suffering as privilege is borderline crazy-talk. I mean don’t we as a culture do everything we possibly can to avoid suffering? Don’t we as a culture lower the bar on suffering, claiming that even the most trite inconveniences are tantamount to agony? Read More

confessions of an inconsistent peacenik – a reflection on Matthew 18:21-35

August 31, 2011
by rick
comments 12
Current Affairs / Gospels / Lectionary
Window

Window as seen from The High Line in New York City. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 18:21-35, the Gospel lesson assigned for September 11th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also:
• A reflection on the Hebrew Bible lesson for the same day;
• A version of the Prayers of the People based on the lessons of the day, and
• A longer litany-style prayer written for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Generally, I’m a peacenik. I’m generally anti-war, anti-death-penalty, anti-retributive justice, and anti-violence of all sorts.

But, I confess that I wasn’t in those first few days after September 11th.

I vividly recall driving by myself from the north Georgia mountains back to our home in Atlanta and listening to the radio reports of the first military strikes in Afghanistan. I listened with a lump in my throat, and I must admit, a fair degree of national pride that we were hitting back against those who had struck us.

I certainly experienced some degree of cognitive dissonance, but at the time I was willing to shrug it off.

As I reflect nearly ten years later on Matthew 18:21-35, and quite frankly on most of the teachings of Jesus, the cognitive dissonance grows beyond discomfort. Read More

lighting up the night – Exodus 14:19-31

August 30, 2011
by rick
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Current Affairs / Exodus / Lectionary / Old Testament / Pentateuch
Thundercloud over Curacao

An ominous thundercloud heading out to sea. Taken on Curacao. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Exodus 14:19-31, the Hebrew Bible lesson assigned for September 11th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also:
• A reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day;
• A version of the Prayers of the People based on the lessons of the day, and
• A longer litany-style prayer written for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

This year we’ll all be telling the stories again. Where we were. What we did. How we felt.

When the terrorists struck a decade ago, I was in seminary–at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. I was in my class on Paul’s Letter to the Romans when a professor’s aid came in to tell us that something had happened–something about airplanes in New York–and that the Dean was canceling classes for the day. It was early enough in the semester that we were still on the first chapter of Romans.

I remember that a student raised her hand to ask a detailed question about Paul’s discussion on homosexual activity in Romans 1, and we had to wait for the professor to respond (which he did at length), before we could leave and figure out what was going on.

My wife worked on campus, and I went over to her office, with very little expectations on this “emergency” that we had briefly heard about. When I saw my wife, she had a hollow look in her eyes. She said that airplanes had brought down the World Trade Center.

I looked at her with an “oh, isn’t she cute” roll of the eyes, and I solemnly explained just how big the World Trade Center towers were, and that that couldn’t possibly happen. She took me in the next room where there was a television, and she promptly showed me the first of countless replays I would see of the first World Trade Center tower falling. Read More

a litany for the tenth anniversary 9/11

August 29, 2011
by rick
comments 16
Current Affairs / Prayers of the People

The following is a litany—based on the Great Litany (page 148 of The Book of Common Prayer)—composed for the occasion of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
• You’ll also find on this site another set of prayers modeled on the traditional Prayers of the People format, and
• A reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day;
• A reflection on Exodus 14:19-31, the Hebrew Bible lesson

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth,
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again,
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,
Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,
Have mercy upon us. Read More

before you unfriend – Matthew 18:15-20

August 23, 2011
by rick
comments 5
Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament
Detail from a blacktopper

Detail from an asphalt laying machine. (We just had the church driveway done!) Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Matthew 18:15-20, the Gospel lesson properly appointed for September 4th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 18, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

If another member of the church sins against you…just talk about them behind their back.

If another member of the church sins against you…just call a bunch of people in the church to complain about them. You may even want to start a letter-writing campaign against them.

If another member of the church sins against you…just send them a nasty email. Copy the clergy. And, while you’re at it, CC the bishop.

If another member of the church sins against you…don’t say anything. Just avoid them. Un-friend them on Facebook. And, if you can’t avoid them on Sundays, then just leave the church.

…No. Read More

prayers of the people – proper 18 year a

August 23, 2011
by rick
comment 1
Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for September 4th, based on the occasion of Labor Day Weekend and the lessons from Proper 18 Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day.

Let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

O God, we pray for the church throughout the world, that her members, ministers, and ministries may be agents of your forgiveness and grace.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation, our leaders, and all who labor to make this country free, and a haven of blessing, justice, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the world, that you would pass through our lands and once again bring freedom and life for all your children.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for our brothers and sisters in this community, and especially those who celebrate this week; those celebrating birthdays _________, and those celebrating anniversaries __________.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, the suffering, the fearful, and all who live in the wake of terror, especially __________.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for the faithful departed, that now wearing the armor of light they may rest forever in your peace and Presence.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we give thanks for work, and for the many works you have given us to do. Hear our prayers on this day of rest, and strengthen us for the week ahead. We pray that you would be present with those who work by day, and those who work by night; those who work near, and those whose work carries them far away; and we pray for those who in this uncertain time have no job. We pray all of this knowing that your labors on our behalf never cease, and that your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. Amen.

dinner and a do-over – Exodus 12:1-14

August 22, 2011
by rick
comments 4
Exodus / Lectionary / Old Testament / Pentateuch
Lamb from the Billings Farm

Lamb from the historic Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vermont. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Exodus 12:1-14, the Hebrew Bible lesson properly appointed for September 4th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 18, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and
• a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day.

Can you imagine the logistical nightmare that Moses was handed?

He had to tell the entire nation of Israel that they each had to 1) take a perfect year-old lamb, 2) on the 10th of the month, 3) and slaughter it on the 14th of the month at twilight, 4) roast it with bitter herbs, 5) don’t have any leftovers, 6) and eat with sandals and staff, 7) hurriedly.

Oh, and by-the-way don’t forget to put some of the lamb’s blood on your doorpost—or the angel of death with snuff you out. Read More

God’s curiosity, and ours – exodus 3:1-15

August 18, 2011
by rick
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Exodus / Lectionary / Old Testament / Pentateuch
The Quechee Gorge

The Quechee Gorge at Quechee, Vermont. Photo by Rick Morley.

The following is a reflection on Exodus 3:1-15, the Old Testament lesson for August 28, 2011, according to the Revised Common Lectionary (Proper 17).
• Also check out a reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day .

When Moses saw a bush that was burning, but not being consumed, his curiosity was piqued. He needed to know more. He needed to take a closer look.

And so, he took the time to go and see this wondrous sight. Read More