Pentecost Year A
Proper 20 - Ordinary Time 25- Pentecost +18
Based upon Matthew 20:1-16. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 2002.
A grueling day in the vineyards
bone weary
grateful for the waning sun
proud of the accomplishments
superior even.
Imagine the suprise
the last receives as the first
all compensate equally
not equitably.
How then is justice defined?
Is there no reward for the toil?
Haunting words are all that's left
an echo reverberating over time
"the last shall be first and the first shall be last"
Based upon Matthew 20:1-16 (with echos of Micah 6:8). Copyright Katherine Hawker.
Already overburdened with the demands
of work and leisure, family and friends,
we come to this place in search of rest.
May we find here the strengh to work for justice.
Forgiveness is elusive and anger is justified,
too often we settle for the sweet fleeting fruit of revenge.
May we find here the patience to embody mercy.
Deluded by the world in which we live
receiving power and prestige and money as just reward
missing the Spirit's call
to a life grounded in humble service.
May we find here the wisdom to walk in the Spirit.
Based upon the Parables. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 2002.
As sabers rattle in lands both close and distant
we confess that we are in pain,
fear has taken root in the souls of our being.
Even as we turn to the parables ,
familiar stories that we thought we loved,
we find troubling stories offering ever more questions .
Lord have mercy,
lord have mercy,
have mercy upon us.
We are loathe to take account of the many ways
in which we unwittingly profit
from the machinery of war and greed.
Still we read the parables of Jesus
which fly in the face of social convention
offending those who dare to listen.
Christ have mercy,
Christ have mercy,
have mercy upon us.
Believing that we are insignificant,
and at the same time fearful that we might become so,
we are timid to use our voices to speak truth to a world of war.
Now the parables of Jesus offer a new vision;
now the servants dine and the masters serve,
now the last becomes and the first becomes last.
Lord have mercy,
lord have mercy,
have mercy upon us.
Hear the good news of the Story
that no sheep is unworthy of rescue,
no coin too small to be missed.
Hear the good news
that love is stronger than hate
and that this power is alive within you
now and forever.
Amen.
Call to Worship
Based upon Exodus 16. Written for Evangelical United Church of Christ, September 1999. Copyright Katherine Hawker.
The promise land
just around the corner
dripping with milk and honey.
The promise land
sacrificing security
embracing the dream.
The promised land
milk and honey vaporize
as the dream comes alive.
The promised land
where faith meets hunger
and ideology gets personal.
The promised land
beckons
and taunts.
The promised land
just around the corner.
Prayer of Confession
Based upon the series of readings from Exodus. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1999.
The Pharaoh decrees death to the foreigner.
The power of fear and hate rage surround us.
In the face of evil
Forgive us our complacency.
The burning bush flickers beside us.
The presence of God invites us.
In the presence of the holy
Forgive us our lack of notice.
The Red Sea waters stand at attention.
The threshold of grace is breath-taking.
In the company of grace
Forgive us our reticence to embrace.
Invitation to Pardon
Based upon the series of readings from Exodus. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1999.
Hungry bellies and grumbling souls
are not the final word.
Manna and quail and water
fill the bellies and calm the souls.
The gifts of God reign
o’er the people of God.
Come for all things are ready.