2 days ago

**Seventh Sunday of Easter**

**May 16, 2021**



*Acts 1: 21-26*

So one of the followers who have accompanied us during

all the time that Jesus went in and out among us,

beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us

—one of these must become a witness with us to Christ’s resurrection.”

So they proposed two,

Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus,

and Matthias.

Then they prayed and said,

“God, you know everyone’s heart.

Show us which one of these two you have chosen

to take the place] in this ministry and apostleship

from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

And they cast lots for them,

and the lot fell on Matthias;

and he was added to the eleven apostles.

*Prayer*

Sometimes, O God, it feels as if fate is decided arbitrarily,

that life is decided by casting lots,

that we are destiny’s children, and

that this is one big crap shoot.

Creator of the Universe,

why are some born with silver spoons,

and others are beaten with wooden ones?

Holy Mystery,

why do some escape poverty and war in rickety row boats,

and others sail through life privileged and unscathed?

Source of Love,

why do some exist in peaceful, pastoral bliss,

and others fall victim to a mass shooting?

Architect of Life,

why are some able to cope happily with COVID,

and others are overwhelmed and descend into anxiety and sadness?

My God, my God,

why does the colour of one’s skin determine, in so many cases,

expectations, outcomes, and interactions?

Creator, Mystery, Source of Love, Architect of Life, our God,

you call us to make responsible choices in the face of so much suffering and sorrow.

And so, we pray,

looking for guidance,

hoping for clear direction,

longing for grounded wisdom.

Help us to acknowledge our blessings with humble thanksgiving.

Lead us outside ourselves and our circles with active intercession.

Enable us to discern right choices that address injustices.

Empower us to listen and learn and love. … See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

Tomorrow — May 10 — DOTAC hosts the second in our Seminar Series on Diakonia — Mondays in May. Dr. Sister Dottie Almoney will present on “Reclaiming the “D” Word — Diakonia in the Church” 1 PM Central Daylight Time
If you aren’t yet on the list, send an email to teddodd@live.com to be added and receive the Zoom link. … See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021

John 15: 9-17
As God has loved me, so I have loved you;
abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love,
just as I have kept God’s commandments and abide in God’s love.
I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing;
but I have called you friends,
because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from God.
You did not choose me but I chose you.
And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last,
so that the Creator will give you whatever you ask in my name.
I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Prayer
God, Source of Love,
Christ, Embodiment of Love,
Spirit, who unites us in Love,
you call us friends,
and in your sure, strong voice,
you command us to love one another.

Your call to love is not:
a dreamy euphoria,
a superficial emotion,
a mere tolerance,
a naïve flight of fancy.
Your call is to a powerful, resilient, passionate love, which
demands work and discipline,
envisions accompaniment and solidarity,
requires clear-eyed acknowledgement,
and forceful response,
to the realities of this world.

So in the face of
the brokenness of socio-pollical polarities,
the exclusion of injustice and colonial history,
the oppression of empire and poverty and racism,
guide us to love the world in imaginative and creative and sustainable ways.

In the midst of
the alienation of anxiety and isolation,
the challenge of communities in conflict,
the stress in many relationships,
lead us to a love that encourages,
hospitality and welcome,
care and concern,
respect and dignity.

In this work,
may we abide in your love.
In this discipleship,
may your joy be in us.
In this living,
may your abundance bear fruit. … See MoreSee Less