The story is normally titled the Resurrection of Lazarus,

but really it should be called the Resuscitation of Lazarus,

because that is what happens to Lazarus: 

he is physically resuscitated by Jesus.

According to Sam Weicker, he performed 10,725 ministerial acts at St. Mathews, including 3,745 baptisms, 3,374 confirmations, 1,681 funerals.

But rejoice: there are still faithful youth, and they are here and ready to worship, learn and meet, especially in a format that is geared to them.

Have you ever listened, really listened? 

To the sounds of the busy world; 

people walking, people talking, horns blowing,

 factories going, rushing, rushing, faster, faster.

 

Have you ever listened, really listened?

To leaves talking, as the wind whispers through the trees, 

to rain falling against a tin roof, or...

Two parts in today’s Gospel cause me to pause and reflect when I read this text about Jesus commissioning the twelve to go out into the world like missionaries to share God’s good news of healing and wholeness. 

The first point is, the twelve are not sent out alone to bare seeds of the kingdom. Jesus sends out the twelve in...

So today, in a lazy mid-Summer hot Sunday service,

we have the best, or perhaps worst, 

story of sex and violence in the New Testament,

a story which has inspired artwork and artistic interpretations throughout the ages, from painters like Lucas Cranach to composers like Richard Strauss:

“The Dance that caused the prophet’s death”

Do we keep our faith when miracle healings DON’T happen?

is our faith all in vain, when these intercessions don’t become reality?

What happens if the sick woman for whom I am praying dies?

We need to help refugees and to oppose policies that degrade human rights of refugees and immigrants (for example the current inhuman practices along the US-Mexican border, and the immoral and wicked separation of children and parents).

There is nothing to fear for we can call out: Mommy, Daddy to our heavenly parent, and God will listen to us and care for us.

I’d like you now to think about this:

who for you is wicked?

if you had to name somebody who is wicked, who would that be?

today, now, 

who is wicked?