The 3rd Sunday of Pentecost in pandemic and protest
This Sunday we take up the gospel instruction to proclaim in the light from housetops everywhere, but Matthew's difficult words that Jesus came not to bring peace (on earth), but a sword. What are we to make of that in a time of pandemic with the twin viruses of Covid-19 and the ongoing virus of racism in America?
But how do we do that when virus and hate fill the air? One meditation puts it this way: Don't think Jesus came to make your life cozy. He wants us to get our priorities straight, to love our neighbor who doesn't look like us, vote like us, talk like us, worship like us. To love our neighbors--no exceptions.
And so we ask for a Spirit of love to transform us, that nothing divide the work or reconciliation and justice. Yes we are to proclaim from rooftops, but also in the streets and at capitols the requirement to love those not like us. The Psalm asks God to watch over our lives and to gladden our souls.
And so we pray for our President and Governor and elected officials to work for the common good and to confront each other without bitterness. We work for a better day, not because it is easy, but because it is so necessary right now.
May the Spirit stir us up to love ever more compassionately, to do things for others, every more kindly, and to bring justice and love into the world ever more completely.
The Rev. Tom Garrison will lead our service of Morning Prayer June 21st at 9:30 a.m., followed by a group discussion of the gospel. The service is available each week on Zoom. Contact us in advance of Sunday to receive the link.
The Washington National Cathedral has worship services online throughout the week and every Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central). The Episcopal House of Prayer in Minnesota also offers a contemplative prayer service every Wednesday at 5:30 PM via Zoom.
We hope you have a good week, and may + the blessings of Christ go with you this day, and always.
Special Notice: Church Online Today
Just to let you know, Ss. Martha & Mary is not having Sunday church services in-person right now. We are doing our part to help combat the spread of Corona Virus/Covid-19, a rapidly spreading and harmful respiratory illness characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Just because we are not gathering together, does not mean we are not having church. It is important for us to continue to minister to you.
First off, we want to hear your prayers concerns and special requests at www.mandm.org.
And each week we offer a service of Morning Prayer. Members, please check your email for details and access to our online service of Morning Prayer at 9:30 AM. Not a member? Contact us by emailing our church webmaster. If you cannot join us, the Washington National Cathedral regularly offers an online service at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time). Simply go to https://cathedral.org to watch it. Be the church where you are, and God's peace go with you this day and always.
What We Stand For
The four pillars of Episcopal belief are Scripture, Reason, Tradition & Experience. We believe we are called to love everyone, with no exceptions. Our's is an ancient faith, but a modern one too.
Scripture
Each week we have readings from the Bible and we listen for the inspired Word of God. Sermons (homilies) are based on the weekly scripture readings, but because the Good Book was written by humans we draw on knowledge and reason to interpret the Bible’s meaning—and not literal interpretation of every word.
From Bishop-Elect Craig Loya
