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"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

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  Photo by Melyna Valle on Unsplash Holy God, may we remember those who have gone before us, that you say they are Blessed in ways in which the world may scorn, we pray that we may do your will and be counted as a saint, blessed be in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. One of the movies my family has watched over and over is The Princess Bride.  In one of the scenes, a kidnapper of the princess repeatedly mutters: Inconceivable . Inconceivable. Another man responds:  "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." That’s my common thought when I see t-shirts and wall icons and decals on the back of vehicles proudly stating, I am Blessed.  We are indeed fortunate if we have a warm place to sleep, we have food to eat, and our family is not under a threat of violence, but Jesus doesn’t promise us that security. And we should be thankful. However, being blessed is not some sort of litmus test to tell us and...
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Trick or Treat

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  Photo by Conner Baker on Unsplash Good and Gracious God, may we remember to love you with all of our heart, soul, and mind, may we also remember to love our neighbors as ourselves, in the name of the creator, redeemer, and comforter. Amen. My daughter, Glyn, has a favorite prayer from the Scottish tradition. It seems an appropriate way to start today .  From ghoulies and ghosties. And long-leggedy beasties. And things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us! Amen. Next weekend combines All Hallow’s Eve, which we call Halloween, and the feast of All Saint’s Day on Sunday. They both are Christian holidays. Let me repeat that. They are both Christian holidays.   Regardless of that social media post you saw or that story your well-meaning neighbor shared about paganism, the All Hallows Eve Vigil  and All Hallows Day were placed into the Christian tradition in the 7th Century by Pope Boniface IV.  Hallow means ‘holy,’ so we are celebrating the holy p...
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A Poem, The River Flows Never Ceasing, October 21, 2020

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Gulls along the Mississippi in Muscatine, Iowa The River Flows Never Ceasing The river flows never ceasing Fifty degrees, sun in the sky By the river, ring billed gulls on the shore A lone fisherman in a boat Checking to see what is biting  The mighty river flows by Pulling the water downhill Towards the Gulf of Mexico This river has been moving For millions of years How many have come before? Settlers moving west Hunters moving east How many have stood on it's shore? With water at their feet Creatures of all types Some never to be seen again The river flows never ceasing A mallard laments that The summer is ending And the snow and ice Will be here soon The river flows never ceasing Through summer heat And winter cold The gulls stand in a line waiting They know the mystery The river flows never ceasing
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Malice and Mercy

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  Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash Dear God, thank you for all that you do for us as your people, provide for those who are suffering, especially those who are having to deal with the coronavirus, we pray for those in the hospital, give skill to their caregivers, we also pray for those who have died, may you comfort their family and friends in their grief.  In your name, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. It’s only a few days until the election, and that gives me hope. I for one, am always grateful when the last ad airs on whatever video platform you use:  network, cable, internet video, or social media. A steady diet of half-truths, nasty attacks, and bitter language does not unite us.  It’s a cycle of outrage that splits us into for and against camps on the issue of your choice. That sets the stage for today’s Gospel.  Jesus has been hammering the point, again and again, that being employed in the Temple should not be a for...
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