Homily – 4th Sunday of Easter and Accompanying Materials during this time of Pandemic

May 2, 2020 / kredig

Dear Friends, again we are separated when we would wish to be together–we are a community in spirit as well as in body and let us pray for each other and all that may be on our hearts–of concern. Peace and love to each of you–Pastor Kathy

P. S. And of course, if there are ways that I can be of help, individually, do let me know–krredig@hbci.com or 507-429-3616.

Entrance Antiphon

The earth is full of the goodness of our loving God; by the Word of God the heavens were made, Alleluia!

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

Loving and Ever-Living God, though we walk in the valley of darkness, no evil should we fear; for we follow in faith the call of the Good Shepherd whom you have sent for our hope and strength. Attune our minds to the sound of Jesus’ voice, lead our steps in the path he has shown, that we may know the strength of his outstretched arm and enjoy the light of your presence forever. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Brother and Friend and with the Spirit, who is with us, God, living and loving us, forever and ever, Amen.

Readings:

Acts 2:14, 36-41
1 Peter 2: 20-25
John 10: 1-10–as a response to the readings, you might want to sing the refrain–“Shepherd Me O God, Beyond my Wants, Beyond my Fears, From Death into Life.”

Homily

I begin today with a story as it serves well, I think, as a fine example of what we are each to be as Jesus’ followers: A person stopped for the yellow light, and the person who was tailgating, furiously honked because they missed their chance to get through the intersection. Still in mid-rant, that person heard a tap on the window. The officer ordered the person to exit the car with hands up, was ultimately taken to the station, searched, finger-printed, photographed and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a police officer escorted the would-be criminal back to the booking desk and the arresting officer who said, “I am very sorry for the mistake, but I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, and giving the person in front of you the finger. I noticed the “What Would Jesus Do?” bumper sticker, the “Choose Life” license plate holder, “Follow Me to Sunday School” bumper sticker and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally I assumed you had stolen the car.

Good to remember that people are watching!

With this story as a backdrop; we can move into today’s main theme, which is clearly about a God who “shepherds” the beloved sheep—who, in fact, is a pastor. This is Good Shepherd Sunday and John’s gospel lays out for us what a “good” shepherd is. Now being that most of us have no notion of what being a physical shepherd of sheep is all about, a bit of explanation for us 21^st Century Christians as to how 1^st Century Christians would have heard Jesus’ words is in order.

Large sheepfolds were generally constructed outside of town and several flocks would be kept in one sheepfold. Someone would be hired to look after the sheep. There was one gate to enter the enclosure. Those who would be about the good—the welfare of the flock, entered through the gate. Anyone else, a thief, would sneak in another way. When the owner of a particular flock came to retrieve their sheep, the owner would call their sheep in a distinctive way that only they would recognize, and come. Many shepherds knew their sheep as individuals and called them by name. It is this same kind of care and attention that each of us is promised by our God and that Jesus had in mind when he said, “I came that you might have life and have it to the full.”

With that much of a prelude to today’s readings; I would like to turn to a piece of news shared this week through the National Catholic Reporter (NCR). It seems that the president of the United States reached out to Catholic male leaders, “princes of the church,” some would say—bishops, that is, this past Saturday, via conference call. Originally, there was to be a few key, so-called leaders talking with the president and when all was said and done, it turned out that 600 individuals were on the call!

Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York was a key figure on this call and it was reported that he gushed over the president and at one point, said that the president was “a great gentleman.”

And you might wonder why a “supposed” man of the Church would so prostitute himself, with regard to the personal record of this president in any number of human issues, and the answer is simple—for the president’s so-called support on the issue of abortion. The cardinal was also looking for monies for Catholic education, but his primary issue was abortion.

The staff writers for the NCR have spoken of the bishops thusly in regard to this call: “They [the bishops] lack credibility in this issue of abortion—an absolute rule for women from an all-male culture that has shown itself quite adept at accommodating a level of violence against already-born children, covering it up and wishing to move beyond the facts and the wrecked lives of thousands of victims and their families. Their own behavior over decades of covering up abuse puts the lie to the sanctimonious posturing about the absolute dignity of every person.”

Now, it would be one thing for the bishops to claim their pro-life stance, if indeed it went beyond the one issue of abortion, but this same group doesn’t seem to be able to publicly call attention to their own abuses of children and the subsequent coverup, or the abuses of this president that they are cozying up to, with regard to his abuse of immigrants and their children, people of color, the poor, or his total disregard for women except for how they may bring him pleasure! These bishops who fail to speak up against this president and his actions that are devoid of anything we would name as “Christian” simply to get his so-called support for one human life issue, ignoring the rest, is abhorrent! These bishops and their followers are simply abdicating their morality that allows themselves to say that they are Jesus’ followers! It must be remembered and history proves it, that this president was for abortion before he discovered that it was more advantageous to him to be against it!

Now if our bishops were to show the same concern for life once these babies are here, “the Seamless Garment,” as Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, former archbishop of Chicago spoke of all life issues, that would be an entirely different thing, but, as it is, these bishops, headed up by Timothy Dolan, are, in the words of the NCR, “lacking credibility.”

For now, it suffices to say that the issue of “abortion” in our Church is a very polarizing one and if truth be told, no one wants to get an abortion, but are many times forced down that road, because if one wants to be “a good Catholic” what options are given, that are acceptable? If Church fathers want to rule women’s lives, then it behooves them to give women something to prevent the need for abortions. Facts show that where viable birth control measures are available to assist couples in spacing their children, abortion numbers go down. Another fact to keep in mind is that 2.6 million children die each year of malnutrition—that is, 7,200 a day, or, 300 every hour of every day! Yet, we hear no bishops decrying that fact and these are fully-formed, born children.

A final point would be to say that most modern-day women resent being told by a group of so-called, celibate men who clearly have no regard for their well-being, how they are to live their lives, by legislating rules for women without any input of women’s stories or how they are affected by their black and white decisions. And again, I know there are differing views among the hearers of this homily, but until our Church, in its hierarchy, moves to a more even and just way for us, as women and men to be Christ in our world, such a one-sided answer to a very complex problem, really has no merit. And it further has no merit when these same men are being duplicitous in their own actions as named above.

The reading from Peter today as well as the gospel from John speak of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, one who knows his own and calls them by name—who has “put up with suffering [for us] for doing what is right” and only asks that we try and do the same. If our stance toward our world is going to be one of “pastoring” as opposed to that of “legislating,” we will have to see our world through a lens that is often more gray as opposed to black and white.

And with that idea in mind, it would be much better if the leaders of our Church would more consistently follow their brother Joseph advocating the “Seamless Garment” approach to life issues because it hardly makes much sense to be vocal on saving babies in the womb and then ignoring them, or worse, abusing them, once they are here.

I began this homily with a story that asked us to consider if we merely “proclaim” our Christianity or actually “show it” through our actions. Only we can determine how that will be for us. Only we can determine if we will live, as Jesus did—trying to understand, giving a response and action that is reflective of justice, mercy and love for each other, or not. Amen? Amen!

Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, in your risen state, be our guide to live out your loving example toward all people, especially, the least among us, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, Good Shepherd, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the strength and grace to be people of peace, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, Good Shepherd, you who left the 99 in search of the one lost, instill in us the faith to know that you will always be there to support us in every way, especially now, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, Good Shepherd, grant each of us a renewed faith during this Easter Season to remain true to you, living our lives in truth, justice and love, as we learn ever more clearly, what that means during this time of pandemic, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, Good Shepherd, guide us to see our world as a gift to everyone—help each of us to share in all ways that we can, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

6. Jesus, Good Shepherd, be with the president and Congress of this great nation—be their light, we pray, to work as colleagues for the good of your people, especially now—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

7. Jesus, Good Shepherd, help us to see you every day in the faces of all we meet—help us to see your face in all the ordinary events of our life , we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

Jesus, Good Shepherd, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us in this time of pandemic into new ways to be “community,” we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

9. Jesus, Good Shepherd, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially those dying from Covid 19—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their grief, we pray—Response: “Good Shepherd, hear us.”

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts—(pause) we pray, then response

Let Us Pray

Jesus, Good Shepherd, be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Give us the strength and grace to do what we can to make our world better—especially now during this pandemic—help us to be the change we want to see—let the lessons of this time not be lost on us with regard to homelessness, and other issues that show the disparity between the rich and the poor. Let us always remember your never-failing love for each person. Give us strength to live with the criticisms that may come due to answering your call of service for the People of God. Help us to remember that you were many times received in like manner. We ask all of this of you, our Savior, Brother and Friend, with the Creator and your steadfast Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray (Again, we remember, especially during this time of pandemic, that Jesus is always with us and for a time, we must be aware of his presence in a different way. Do share the “bread” with others in all ways that you can this week).

Prayer after Communion

The Good Shepherd knows each one of us and we know his voice—pray that we would each take time every day to listen for his voice in our lives, guiding us along right paths—we ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

Homily and Accompanying Materials for the 3rd Sunday of Easter in a time of Pandemic

April 25, 2020 / kredig

Dear Friends,

Once again, we are kept apart, but I hope you feel, as do I, that we remain a community whether we can physically be together or not. I pray for you that you will stay safe and well–please be in touch, at, krredig@hbci.com or 507-429-3616 if I can be of any help during this time. Peace and love, Pastor Kathy

Entrance Antiphon

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy; proclaim God’s glorious praise, Alleluia!

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

Creator God, author of all truth, a people once in darkness has listened to your word and followed your Son as he rose from the tomb. Hear the prayer of this newborn people and strengthen your Church to answer your call. May we rise and come forth into the light of day, to stand in your presence until eternity dawns. We ask this of you, in Jesus wonderful name and with the Spirit, one God, who lives and loves us forever and ever. Amen.

Readings:

Acts 2: 14, 22-28
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24: 13-35

Homily

Friends, I am going to “cut to the chase” this weekend which brings us to the 3^rd week of Easter, in a time of pandemic and say very simply and succinctly that the message we all should reflect on as we ponder today’s readings is—“It’s all about love!”

Now that having been said, next; we need to understand that to truly love is a most challenging activity! It calls us—“this loving” to be our very best selves. It calls us in our present-day world to somehow get past ignorant statements in place of leadership, selfishness when merciful governing is called for, and move toward those who are truly leading in our Congress and State houses, keeping our eyes on their reflections—witnessing that while, difficult, are what is best for our nation and our world.

Today’s gospel from Luke lifts up the fact that in the strange, fearful, yet hope-filled times after Jesus’ rising to new life, people, like those disciples on the way to Emmaus didn’t know Jesus until he did “something that was familiar to them.” Scripture says, “Their eyes were opened” when he “broke the bread.” This action of, “breaking the bread,” we must remember, is sign and symbol of Jesus’ own “breaking open” of his entire life—for all of creation, showing us how to truly live.

In this time of pandemic—something that most of us alive today, have never witnessed until now; we must move beyond the present chaos, a virus that has brought our world to a standstill, and ask, “What is it now that truly “breaks our hearts open” and as the disciples on the way to Emmaus, makes those same hearts, “burn within us?”

“Being our best selves” in these times that calls for nothing less, will help us to understand the truth when we hear it—truth that works for the good of all, as opposed to lies that are simply—self-serving and many times, dangerous. Only a self-serving, so-called leader would suggest that people be injected with disinfectants on the outside chance that it might kill a virus! On the other hand, our hearts “break open and burn within us” when we hear the head of the United Nations Food Program share the truth that even before the onset of the coronavirus, millions of people in this world were on a trajectory toward starvation! That number is doubled now, he informed the PBS News Hour, with Covid 19.

Last week we talked about what perhaps needs to be “resurrected” within each of us to make Jesus’ resurrection complete. For me, it comes down to, listening with a heart truly broken open to what our God is trying to tell us, now, in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, that if we were to do nothing could utterly destroy us—poor and rich alike.

This pandemic, like the call of our brother Jesus, is all about rising to the occasion and becoming all that we can be. Being OK with the fact that more than half of the people in this world live on less than $10,000 a year is not being our best. Being OK with the fact that even before the coronavirus, millions of people were headed toward starvation if not for the United Nations feeding them weekly is not being our best selves. Being OK with the fact that poor and dark-skinned people in this world are hardest hit by a pandemic is not being our best selves and should call us to make some long-term changes if we manage to come through the other side of this thing.

And you might say—well, Pastor, I’m not OK with any of this! And even though it hurts me to say it, because I indict myself as well, if we don’t actively work to change the present disparity between the rich and the poor in our world, we ARE OK with it!

All of the readings this Sunday speak to the idea of “being on a journey.” In the 1^st reading from Luke in Acts; we hear that God “sent” Jesus with “miracles and signs”—which [show us], “the path to life.” Psalm 16 confirms this notion, “You will show me the path that leads to life.” Peter, in the 2^nd reading, consuls, that we should, “conduct ourselves reverently during our sojourn in a strange land.” The gospel, also from Luke speaks of disciples, “on their way to Emmaus.”

This past week, our world celebrated Earth Day plus 50 years. We have been on a long journey trying to save our planet these past 50 years—there have been ups and downs on this journey. The “ups” are reflective of the “reverencing” that Peter speaks of today—the literal, breaking open of our hearts at our earthly home’s beauty, so much so that we have been willing to be about initiatives with the countries of the world to save our planet from global warming. The “downs” of course, are reflective of a lack of that same “reverencing.”

Sometimes my friends, the concerns of our daily lives are all, it seems, that we can handle and that notion is reflective of my life as it is of yours. A time of pandemic that threatens all of our lives if we don’t take it seriously is a time that must call all of us to see a bigger picture—we are all connected in this world—this pandemic levels the “playing field.”

An illness that has no cure at present is a wake-up call for us all because while it is true that a pandemic will take the most vulnerable first; the poor, the already sick, the elderly, the homeless—it will eventually take us all if we don’t work together for the good of us all.

We are all on a unique journey together—all belief systems have a sense of this, and this journey is toward an existence greater than this one; where all people—no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, financial status, or any other, perceived impediment, will be welcomed.

I began this homily with the statement that basically, “it is all about love” and the challenge that to truly love, is no small task. I would like to conclude with some words from a ballad by local, singer-songwriter, John Smith, entitled, “Love’s Not through With Me Yet!”

I included mention of this ballad three years ago in a homily and I know that in the past, I have thought of its sentiment in a somewhat negative way, thinking that, “love is not through with me yet, because I am not yet doing it right. But this go-around finds me thinking more positively: John Smith very poetically asks, “Can you love without needing?”—which speaks to the notion that “love” is bigger than just about me. And again, he asks, “Can you love without bleeding?” which is all about the “reverencing” that we must show toward our earth and its people. And if you can do these things, than basically, there is hope for our world, because, indeed, “love isn’t through with us yet!”

After the resurrection, Mary of Magdala and the disciples on the way to Emmaus knew Jesus when he did something, “familiar”—“calling her by name” and “breaking bread” with them. Let us know and realize, that as Jesus’ followers, what others should recognize in us as, “familiar” is doing the “good” and the “right” in our world and for its people. Amen? Amen!

Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, in your risen state, open a space in us to see you more often in those you send into our lives, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

2. O Risen Jesus, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the words and deeds of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, risen Savior, you who were a healer in every way, freeing people’s minds, hearts and bodies of illness of every kind, grant us health in these same ways, especially now during this time of pandemic, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

4. Risen Jesus, you who have said, you will never leave us—help us to truly believe this and feel the strength and peace of having you journey with us in our lives, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, our brother and friend, give hope to those who are suffering in any way due to a lack in the material basics of life, brought on by the coronavirus, and help us to do all we can to share what we have, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

6. Risen Jesus, let your Spirit be with all world leaders that they would strive to bring peace to our world through communication, especially now, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, in your new, resurrected life, continue to be our constant model of one who lived very simply upon the earth, and show us how to do the same—let the lessons of this pandemic not be lost on us, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

8. Risen Jesus, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us to remain a community during this time of social distancing, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially due to Covid 19—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their

grief, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts—(pause) we pray, then response

Let Us Pray

Jesus, you have truly risen! Alleluia! Be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Open our eyes, ears and hearts to your people that we may see you in them and act then, accordingly. Give us understanding minds and hearts for those that we find hard to love—help us to remember that we have been much loved and accepted in our lives for our less than perfect ways. We ask all of this of you, our loving Savior and with the Creator and your loving Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray

Prayer after Communion–again we remember that in the absence of the physical bread, that our brother Jesus is always with us and wants us to share “this bread” with our world.

Loving God, look on your people with kindness and by these Easter mysteries bring us to the glory of the resurrection. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen

Homily – 2nd Weekend of Easter and Accompanying Materials

April 18, 2020 / kredig

Dear Friends,

Once again, we are separated): But we are resilient, Christians, Minnesotans, Wisconsinites, Iowans, and all other states where this homily and all are sent to. We are the “bread,” The Body of Christ in our midst if we choose to be! We are called today in this Easter Season to “resurrect” all that is good in each one of us and when did our world need this more?! Blessings on all and every one of you—Pastor Kathy

P.S. If we could meet, it would be today, as this would be our monthly Saturday Mass at 4:30 P.M. And whether you can look at this today, or tomorrow, remember that others are praying with you from All Are One!

Entrance Antiphon

Like newborn children, we should thirst for milk, on which our spirits can grow in strength, Alleluia!

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Creator and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive! From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, and with the Spirit, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Readings:

Acts 2: 42-47
1 Peter 1: 3-9
John 20: 19-31

Homily—2^nd Weekend of Easter

April 18, 2020

My friends, each week seems to draw us even deeper into the mystery of what this time of pandemic is really all about—what it may be calling us to, what, perhaps, we are to learn…

Theologians tell us that when we contemplate the Resurrection of our brother Jesus, the Christ; we shouldn’t just see this wonder, one-dimensionally, but on another dimension that truly asks the question, “What does this really mean for me, in 2020? Is there something that needs to “resurrect” in me?

We know from Scriptures that “resurrection” is a different phenomenon than “resuscitation.” When Jesus raised his friend, Lazarus, what happened in that instance was resuscitation—Lazarus was dead and then he was alive again! When he came out of the tomb, he needed to be, “unwrapped.”

We marvel in the Easter accounts of Mary of Magdala not knowing Jesus at first—not until he, “said her name, Mary,” did she know him. The same was true for the disciples on the way to Emmaus—they didn’t know him until he did something familiar—“breaking bread with them.” What was different between Lazarus and Jesus? Jesus had gone through death and rose whereas Lazarus had died, but would die again.

So if we follow the thought that, “resurrection changes us”—we are not the same, we do not look the same, then, what might need to be “resurrected” or changed in us, here and now, to truly be followers of our brother, Jesus? We must remember that he came to show us the way to live, to die, and ultimately, to rise—we have the hope of rising like him, one day!

Each year during the Easter Season, we marvel when we read Luke’s, Acts of the Apostles, at how these first Christians lived in community. And even though we know that over time, they couldn’t sustain the goodness that we read about in the first reading today, but begin to quarrel among themselves instead, it is good to know that for a time, they were, as Scripture says, “devoted” to each other, to hearing the apostles’ instructions, to the communal life—breaking bread together, sharing all things in common and dividing everything on the basis of need. But this is the human condition; we are flawed, which is the definition of being human and must continually go back to our source—Jesus, to see how we are doing.

Now, just like in the time of these first followers of Jesus, there are many poor and disadvantaged among us. In fact, during this time of pandemic; we have become aware of how it unfairly hits those who are poor. We are told to practice social-distancing and wash our hands—how does one do that when you are homeless and have no soap? There was a reason in Jesus’ time for him teaching his would-be followers, “to divide everything on basis of need.” If we wish to follow him, we can hardly do less!

The reading this week from Acts also tells us that, “a reverent fear overtook them because of signs and wonders being performed by the apostles.” Stories abound in our time as well of the over-the-top love being expressed by our sisters and brothers around our world for those suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually from the coronavirus.

We have seen nurses and doctors putting their lives on the line to serve their patients, often without the protective equipment needed to keep them safe.

One nurse from New York shared this week on the evening news that he felt badly because, even when the protective equipment is available, it limits his ability to truly and humanely care for his patients because the proper equipment is so cumbersome to work in. I got the sense from listening to him that much is being called forth to be “resurrected”—changed within him to be the type of nurse that these times call for.

Then there are the patients themselves and their families who must be separated without the comfort of each other at such a scary time, even unto death—alone, except for their caregivers. We can only imagine what is being called to, “resurrect,” to be changed within each of them. What will we all learn from this pandemic?

The Scriptures of the Easter Season call us believers to, in many ways look at the “perishable” versus the “imperishable” in our lives, whether we choose to or not. This time of pandemic calls us to the same. “What is it that lasts?” Peter asks in today’s second reading.

If we look at living our physical lives for whatever time we are given, and then one day facing our mortal deaths, with the hope of resurrection and a new life, merely with our minds, reasoning all that out with our faith, which causes us to believe in something we can’t see nor fully understand; we can perhaps accept it as inevitable. But what seems to be the case for many of us, even if we say we believe, is that we simply don’t know and when we are sick, tired, frustrated, depressed, or alone, or any combination of the above, then is when our ability to believe and to hope, far above our human condition to do either, is truly tested.

Sister Joan Chittister, this past week had somewhat of an answer to these times of doubt: “I have discovered, over time, [she says] that the cross is supposed to take its toll on us. It forms us to find God in the shadows of life. Ironically enough, it is the cross that teaches us to hope.”

I find the truth of what Sister Joan says in the stories that are shared on the nightly news on all of the major networks. They are stories of “crosses” people are bearing, “because it is their job,” “because these are their kids and that is what a good parent does,” “to those who die without their families ,” “to families who know their loved one died alone and must come to terms with that.”

I also, though, am hearing the stories of hope, after the fact of, “the cross” that was born that demonstrate a new appreciation for life, a desire to uplift the good, the beauty of creation, the realization that when people work together for a common good; we are all better—we are resurrecting” in us what is best—what each of us is called, by our Creator, to show our world in the time that we are given.

The gospel selection from John this weekend is a very hopeful one—I lift up just two of Jesus’ instructions for all of us before he physically left the earth. First, “peace be with you”—he didn’t want us to fear, letting us know that he would be with us. Secondly, he said, “I am sending you!” This is our calling card as his followers—our great responsibility and challenge! Jesus will only live in our world if we allow him to live through us! Amen? Amen!

Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, in your risen state, be our guide to live out your loving example toward all people, especially the least among us—let them be foremost in our minds and hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

2. O Risen Jesus, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the strength and grace to be people of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

3. Jesus, risen Savior, you who were a healer in every way, freeing people’s minds, hearts and bodies of illness of every kind, grant us health in these same ways, especially now, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, you who have said, you will never leave us—help us to desire a close relationship with you and strive to form that closeness by taking time each day to communicate in our own way, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, our brother and friend, give hope to those who are suffering now due to job loss in these uncertain times due to Covid 19—show them the way through this painful time, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

6. Risen Jesus, help us to be alleluia people and resurrect in our lives that piece that is ours to give our world, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Risen Jesus, in your new, resurrected life, continue to be our constant model of one who lived very simply upon the earth, and teach us to do the same, as we reverence our beautiful planet, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

8. Risen Jesus, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us, especially during this time of separation, and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us to always make a place of welcome at our table, but more importantly, in our hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially due to the coronavirus—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their grief, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts (pause) we pray, then response

Let Us Pray

Jesus, you have truly risen! Alleluia! Be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Give us the strength and grace to do what we can to make our world better—help us to be the change we want to see. Let us truly be Easter people of joy, knowing that because you rose, we will too one day. We ask all of this of you, our Savior and with the Creator and your Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray

Prayer after Communion (again, friends, we must remember that in the absence of physical bread—the Body of Christ, Jesus our brother is with us—always! And we must share him with our world—be “bread” for all that we meet!)

Merciful God, may this Easter sacrament that we have received live forever in our hearts and minds. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

Homily and Other Materials for Easter Sunday

April 11, 2020 / kredig

My friends, as Easter Sunday dawns on us, we still find ourselves in that new and strange place, living with the coronavirus in our midst—a nasty bug that has the power to kill, literally, and at a time when we would choose to be with each other; we must separate ourselves to keep each other safe!

This pandemic has called for each of us to be creative as we attempt to stay connected. You may have done the type of “fasting” during these Lenten days that called forth the best in you, in the form of reaching out to others who may have needed a call, an email, a card—from YOU! And if you didn’t do any of those things yet, there are six weeks of Easter time still coming! 🙂

Entrance Antiphon

Jesus has indeed risen, Alleluia! Glory be his forever and ever! Alleluia!

Opening Prayer

Loving God, Creator of all, today is the day of Easter joy. This is the morning on which Jesus appeared to the people who had begun to lose hope and opened their eyes to what the Scriptures foretold: That first he must die and then he would rise and ascend into his Abba’s glorious presence. May the risen Jesus breathe on our minds and open our eyes that we may know him in the breaking of bread and follow him in his risen life. Grant this through Jesus, the Christ, the Only Begotten, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit—one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Readings:

Acts 10: 34, 37-43 Psalm 118–“This is the day our God has made, let us rejoice and be glad!”
1 Corinthians 5: 6-8
John 20: 1-18

Homily:

As you know, our parish each year at this time celebrates either the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass, depending on when our monthly Saturday Mass falls. Had we been able to meet this year, it would have been on Easter Sunday and so I decided to use parts of both the Easter Vigil and the Easter Sunday readings to give us a focus for this beautiful day that apparently, before day’s end, here in Minnesota, is supposed to be a full-blown, wintery storm!

Many of the readings from the Easter Vigil are what some might call, “salvation history,” but I would like to call it, the story of our God’s love for creation, culminating in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, our brother. I will simply lift up a line or two from the readings that I would have used for this service for us to hold on our hearts:

In the creation story from Genesis; we hear that God looked on all of creation and said that it was very good. For that reason; I chose not to speak about another of the choices for the Vigil, that of the story of Moses fleeing the Egyptians and God drowning them in the Red Sea. It seems that as the prophets become more involved in the story of the Israelite people, God becomes a much more loving figure and certainly the God of Jesus, was.
In the reading from the prophet Isaiah, we hear, “come to the water, all who are thirsty.” This is a good image for us to think of during this time of pandemic when we so “thirst” for normalcy—which includes companionship with others who we need now, strangely, to separate from in order to protect each other.
And in the reading from Ezekiel, we hear, “You will be my people and I will be your God.” A thought that comes to me in this regard is the knowledge that our loving God stands with us at this time, more than ever.
We see the compassion of God expressed in the gospel selection from Matthew in the Vigil Service, as twice we hear, first from angels and then from Jesus, “Don’t be afraid.” I like to ponder these words, especially from Jesus as we find ourselves afraid at times in new ways now, more than ever before, as we encounter something that we don’t understand and for the time being, can’t really fix.
The epistle from Paul to the Romans speaks in a somewhat cloaked fashion of sin and the truth about being Jesus’ followers—simply that it will mean we have to leave sinful ways behind, striving to be our best selves.

But that will come soon enough—now is the time for joy in the fact that Jesus is still with us. That he is truly risen! Let us hold on to that thought—that Jesus is truly, “still with us” as this will support us through this time of unknowing.

We move then to the readings of Easter Sunday to complete our thoughts for this glorious day. The Easter gospel comes from John 20:1-9, but I think it is important not to stop after verse 9 but to continue on to verse 18 as it includes the beautiful encounter between Mary of Magdala and Jesus in the garden. The reading shouldn’t stop after verse 9 as the story simply isn’t complete at that point! The reading for the Easter Vigil stops short too and that is why I always add verses 8-10 to that reading.

It is significant that these faithful women who stood by the cross to the very end would be the first to see Jesus in his risen state and I think that only an all-male hierarchy would set up the readings in this way, completely discounting the women!

Another point in this gospel that is most significant especially for those who may find it hard to believe in the resurrection and might say, “The body was simply stolen will find an answer in the way John describes the scene at the tomb. [Simon Peter] observed “the linen wrappings lying on the ground and saw the piece of cloth that had covered Jesus’ head lying not with the wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.” Exegetes tell us that if one’s intent was to steal a body, you would hardly unwrap it first and certainly not take the time to fold up a piece of cloth covering the head!

John also gives us another interesting tidbit in his account of the resurrection—when Mary of Magdala first encounters Jesus, now risen, in the garden—she doesn’t recognize him! We might ask—how can this be? Again, exegetes tell us that one apparently doesn’t appear the same in resurrected form as they would, if they were merely sleep and awakened.

The same phenomenon seems to be true in Luke’s account of Jesus joining the disciples the next day on the way to Emmaus. Just as Mary didn’t recognize Jesus until he did something familiar—saying her name, the disciples on the road didn’t know him either until he likewise did something familiar—when he broke bread with them.

So, my good friends, hopefully, these few thoughts you can carry on your hearts on this Easter morn as we all think anew on what it means to be an Easter people! Hopefully, before too very long, we can again unite and sing our Alleluias with each other! A peace-filled and joyful Easter to each of you!

Prayers of the Faithful–response–“Hear us O Risen Jesus”

Jesus, in your risen state, be our guide to live out your loving example toward all people, especially the least among us—let them be foremost in our minds and hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus”

O Risen Jesus, let peace reign in our hearts and give us the strength and grace to be people of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

3. Jesus, risen Savior, you who were a healer in every way, freeing people’s minds, hearts and bodies of illness of every kind, grant us health in these same ways, and most especially now as our city, country and world struggle with the coronavirus, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

4. Risen Jesus, you who have said, you will never leave us—help us to desire a close relationship with you and strive to form that closeness by taking time each day to communicate in our own way, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Risen Jesus, our brother and friend, give hope to those who are suffering now due to the virus, from illness, grief in loss, the economy—show us all the way through this painful time, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

6. Risen Jesus, help us to throw out the “old yeast” in our lives and replace it with the new bread of justice and compassion for all, we pray—

Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Risen Jesus, in your new, resurrected life, continue to be our constant model of one who lived very simply upon the earth, and show us new ways to live likewise going forward, we pray— Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

8. Risen Jesus, you who never turned anyone away, be with our community, All Are One—continue to bless us and assist us to be open to all of your people and guide us to always make a place of welcome at our table, but more importantly, in our hearts, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially as a result of Covid19—give them your peace, and help them to find their way through their grief, we pray—Response: “Hear us O Risen Jesus.”

***Let us pray for your particular needs—you may say them aloud, we pray, then response

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts—pause—we pray, then response

Let us pray:

Jesus, you have truly risen! Alleluia! Be the strength we need each day to be people of the resurrection—true to our calling to be people of peace and of love. Let us never falter in our commitment to you and your world. Give us the strength and grace to do what we can to make our world better—help us to be the change we want to see. Let us truly be Easter people of joy, compelled to live justly, with mercy and goodness in our daily lives. We ask all of this of you, our loving Savior, Creator and Spirit— all, one God, living and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

Let Us Pray

Prayer after Communion (Again, let us remember that in the absence of the physical bread, we indeed are “bread” and we must share that with others)

God of Love, watch over your Church and bring us to the day of the resurrection promised by this Easter sacrament. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen.

Homily for Good Friday and Other Materials for your Meditation and Prayer

April 10, 2020 / kredig

Hello Friends,

Here is a series of things that you may find helpful for today, Good Friday. I would suggest Franco Zeffirelli’s film Jesus of Nazareth for viewing over these next days–it is several hours of viewing, but so very well done–you can find it, I think, on Netflix. Have peace these days in the knowledge that our God loves us so much! –Pastor Kathy

Friends, the following document is what I would use to preside so that you will have all the prayers–

Good Friday Service

prostrate—in silence as we begin before the cross

Opening Prayer—Loving Creator, today we remember with gratitude Jesus’ suffering and death for us. He was willing to give the final measure because of his love for us. Give us the strength and deep love necessary to be his instruments for peace, justice, mercy, goodness and love in our world. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, with you and the Spirit, One God, living and loving us forever and ever—Amen.

Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 52:13—53:7

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5: 7-9

Passion Reading—John 18:1—19:42

Homily

Friends, if we were together today in our liturgical space, we could hardly miss the starkness of this day—the space would cry out with the bareness—no candles, no altar coverings, no liturgical drapes. We are truly a bereft people on this day that marks the earthly, physical death of our brother, Jesus. This is the way that any of us feels when a loved one dies—bereft, sad—somewhat lost, even though we have come to call the Memorial Services we do for deceased, loved ones, “Celebrations of Life.” The Church asks us to hold off on the celebration for a day or two and steep ourselves for a bit on what it is like to be without Jesus in our lives.

John’s gospel is always used on Good Friday because it gives us a different focus than the other accounts from Matthew, Mark and Luke. We remember from Palm Sunday and Luke’s passion account that his focus was placed not so much on the detail of the suffering, but more on its meaning for each of us as depicted in Paul’s reading to the Philippians—“his state was divine, yet he did not cling to it, but became as each one of us.”

In John’s account today, we simply heard Jesus say, in regard to his own personal needs, “I am thirsty.” His concern isn’t for himself but for his apostles—that they would be set free. When he does die, he simply, “gives up his spirit.” We very much get the impression that John is trying to give; of Jesus being in control of all that is happening to him. He had the power to avail himself to what would be asked of him and he accepted his fate with no complaint. As Isaiah said in the first reading; he did not cry out, even though he was badly abused.

Even with all the suffering Jesus was asked to bear, we see only the silence with which he carried himself, so the silence built into today’s service is very appropriate. Isaiah gives the truth to this notion as well—“You were like a lamb led to slaughter and didn’t open your mouth.” John’s account does not include the purely human moments of the Last Supper or the agony in the garden. John shows us Jesus as one who suffers, yes, but one who is truly the high priest spoken of today in the letter to the Hebrews—one who stands with us and loves us in all our weaknesses, continually calling us to more.

John’s purpose it would seem is to let us know that Jesus freely accepted his death and did not struggle against it—he lived his human existence constantly showing us how we must live and accepted the consequences in his time for living a life demanding justice for all.

The evangelist further tells us that because Jesus freely chooses death, he can just as freely choose life—the new life of the resurrection. This is our hope in Jesus— to one day do the same. In this spring-time of year, even though the snow insists on being with us!—the idea of resurrection is one we can get our hearts around—out of the cold and damp ground comes so much life.

The Holy Thursday liturgy talked about gratitude being our response to our God for loving us so much in Jesus and that really continues to be our response today. It calls to mind again, Paul’s letter to the Philippians—he was God, but did not hold onto that, but became human and took upon his shoulders our existence, for no other reason, but love. We can be sure that Jesus, our brother, during this time of crisis in our country and world, is very much walking with us!

And for that reason, one can hardly walk through Holy Week and not come out on the other side believing anything but that we are loved by God. We can all stand before our loving God unafraid because of Jesus—one who came among us and was so morally perfect, coming to be one with us, living by example what each of us is called to. He only asked that we would follow in his footsteps. Sometimes that can feel daunting, but we must always remember that we will not have to do it alone—Jesus will be with us and knowing that takes my fear away—I hope it does yours as well. After today—we begin walking toward Easter joy—this is our hope—because of Jesus; we all will have new and everlasting life.

Several from our community as well as others not from this community, but of our hearts have completed their life journeys this past year. Some reading this perhaps know of victims of Covid 19. May they all rest in peace now as we all look forward one day to that eternal life that Jesus opened up for each of us due to his life, death and resurrection. And we continue our prayers for all those who are completing their life journeys at this time and for their families. May they and each of us know peace and many blessings today and always. Amen? Amen!

General Prayers for the Church

Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For the Church—For our Church throughout the world that God, our Creator would guide it and gather it together so that we may praise God in peace and tranquility, we pray, Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For the Pope—For Francis, our pope that God may give him health and strength to guide and govern your holy people with truth, love, compassion and mercy, we pray, Response:

For the Clergy and Laity of the Church—For our bishops, Nancy and John and all bishops, priests and laity who minister to the People of God, we pray, Response:

For Those Preparing for Baptism—For those within our Church preparing for baptism that our Merciful God would make them responsive to Jesus’ love, let them be born again in the waters of new birth and give them life in Jesus, the Christ, our Brother and Friend, we pray, Response:

For the Unity of Christians—For all who profess belief in Jesus the Christ, ourselves included—teach us and show us the way Jesus to truly live your command, “that we would all be one,” we pray, Response:

“Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For our Jewish Brothers and Sisters—For our Jewish sisters and brothers, the first to hear the word of God, that they and we may continue to grow in the love of Jesus, himself a Jew, and that we may all grow in faithfulness to the covenants our God has made with us throughout time, we pray, Response:

For Those Who Do Not Believe in Christ—For those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Spirit may show them ways to fulfillment, we pray, Response:

For the Other Great Religions of the World—For those who belong to the other great religions of the world, that all would be inspired and brought to fulfillment, we pray, Response: “Because of Jesus, have mercy on us loving God.”

For All in Public Office—For all those in public office, that God may guide their minds and hearts, so that all people may live in true peace and freedom, we pray, Response:

For Those in Special Need—That our loving God may heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travelers, free those unjustly deprived of liberty, and rid the world of all abuse, hunger and disease. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble—give them your strength, peace, love and joy, we pray, Response:

Veneration of the Cross

“Were You There?”

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?