Third Sunday After Epiphany
Called to Serve
A Meditation By Pastor Neil
We should never underestimate God’s ability to work with the material he has at hand. Adam was made of plain dirt, Eve from God’s harvesting one of Adam’s ribs. With regard to Jonah the prophet, Jonah wasn’t at all interested in God’s call. As we learned way back in Sunday school Jonah tried to escape from God, was thrown overboard by the sailors on the boat he’d hitched a ride on, and ended up in the belly of a giant fish, only to be regurgitated on a beach near Ninevah—right at the point God was trying to drag Jonah all along. You’d think Jonah would have given up trying to thwart the will of God, right there.
But no. Indeed, God commanded, and then Jonah went into the city and prophesized that God would destroy the city if it did not repent. The citizens discerned that Jonah was telling the truth, and they immediately reformed, donned sackcloth and ashes, fasted, and said prayers of self-recrimination, sorrow, and commitment to live a godly life. You’d think Jonah would have been happy at seeing the fulfillment of this task for God.
But no. Jonah was hopping mad. Like a teenage boy, his appetite was whetted for destruction as if in an ancient video game, gleefully anticipating God’s terrible vengeance on the city and its land. God instead was thrilled by the turn of events, forgave the city, and welcomed its citizens back into his embrace. You’d think that Jonah would have seen where all this was going, and got with God’s program.
But no. Jonah continued to sulk and pout. He could not take joy in another’s change of heart and commitment to do right, and God’s majestic mercy. He also had no fellow-feeling for other persons. He couldn’t rise to the occasion. Yet God did not desert Jonah in his recalcitrance, no matter what.
All that is a backdrop in Jesus’ calling the first disciples to follow him. Jesus went for a long walk, the heart of which was enlisting people to follow him. He didn’t go into much detail of what he was asking. In another of the gospels, when they inquired, Jesus just answered cryptically, “Come and see.” It was a modest beginning, almost as modest as the dirt from which God fashioned humanity. God has a habit of w0rking with what he has and turning it into something golden. But, gracious God—yes.
Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem
“The Hill We Climb”
When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry,
a sea we must wade.
We’ve braved the belly of the beast,
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace,
and the norms and notions
of what just is
isn’t always justice.
And yet the dawn is ours
before we knew it.
Somehow we do it.
Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed
a nation that isn’t broken,
but simply unfinished.
We the successors of a country and a time
where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by a single mother
can dream of becoming president
only to find herself reciting for one.
And yes we are far from polished.
Far from pristine.
But that doesn’t mean we are
striving to form a union that is perfect.
We are striving to forge a union with purpose,
to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and
conditions of man.
And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us,
but what stands before us.
We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,
we must first put our differences aside.
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all.
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true,
that even as we grieved, we grew,
that even as we hurt, we hoped,
that even as we tired, we tried,
that we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat,
but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision
that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree
and no one shall make them afraid.
If we’re to live up to our own time,
then victory won’t lie in the blade.
But in all the bridges we’ve made,
that is the promise to glade,
the hill we climb.
If only we dare.
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit,
it’s the past we step into
and how we repair it.
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation
rather than share it.
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
And this effort very nearly succeeded.
But while democracy can be periodically delayed,
it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth,
in this faith we trust.
For while we have our eyes on the future,
history has its eyes on us.
This is the era of just redemption
we feared at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs
of such a terrifying hour
but within it we found the power
to author a new chapter.
To offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So while once we asked,
how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?
Now we assert,
How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was,
but move to what shall be.
A country that is bruised but whole,
benevolent but bold,
fierce and free.
We will not be turned around
or interrupted by intimidation,
because we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain,
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy,
and change our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country
better than the one we were left with.
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest,
we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west.
We will rise from the windswept northeast,
where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states.
We will rise from the sunbaked south.
We will rebuild, reconcile and recover.
And every known nook of our nation and
every corner called our country,
our people diverse and beautiful will emerge,
battered and beautiful.
When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid,
the new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Sign of the Cross
Celebrant We gather together, as we live, …
People ☩ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Celebrant Blessed be God.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name.
People Amen.
Opening Proclamation
Celebrant Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy, which will come to all the people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10, 11) The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Collect of the Day
Celebrant Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Opening Dialogue
Celebrant Great and wonderful are your deeds, O Lord God the almighty.
People Just and true are your ways, O Sovereign of the nations.
Celebrant Who shall not revere and praise your name, O Lord, for you alone are holy.
People All nations shall come and worship in your presence for your just dealings have been revealed.
Celebrant To the One who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb,
People Be blessing and honor, glory, and might, forever and ever. Amen.
Confession
Celebrant Now we shall turn our hearts and minds to God, praying for mercy.
People If we claim to be sinless, we are self-deceived and strangers to the truth. If we confess our sins, God is just and may be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every kind of wrong.
(silence for reflection)
Celebrant Spirit of God, search our hearts. (pause) We must love one another for love is of God, and whoever loves is born of God and knows God. (pause) Spirit of God, search our hearts.
People God of mercy, we have sinned against you and against others. We have sinned in what we have done, and in what we have failed to do. We are truly sorry. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins, forgive us all that is past and raise us to newness of life. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God, who pardons all who truly repent, forgive us our sin, strengthen us by the Holy Spirit, and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
People Amen.
Steadfast Love
Celebrant The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: God’s mercies never come to an end.
People They are new every morning; your faithfulness, O Lord, is great.
Celebrant You are all that I have, and therefore I will wait for you.
People You, O Lord, are good to those who wait for you, to all who seek you.
Celebrant It is good to wait in patience for the salvation of the Lord.
People Glory to the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.
A Reading from Acts from Johan at the 3rd Chapter
God Keelhauls a Prophet and Nurtures Him
Reader A Reading from Jonah
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So, Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.”
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Reader From Psalm 62, proclaimed responsively
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
A Reading from the Gospel of Mark, at the 1st chapter
He Called Them as if He Knew Them—Because He Did
Celebrant The holy gospel according to Mark
People Glory to you, O Lord.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Meditation Pastor Neil
Psalm 34 said responsively
I will bless the LORD at all times;
God’s praise shall continuously be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt God’s name together.
I sought the LORD, and God answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to God, and be radiant; so, your face shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear God and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
On Behalf of The People of God
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, praise him, and highly exalt him forever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, praise him and highly exalt him forever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, praise him and highly exalt him forever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, praise him, and highly exalt him forever.
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; praise him and highly exalt him forever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, praise him, and highly exalt him forever.
Glory to God Gloria in Excelsis
Celebrant and People
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffrages
Celebrant Show us your mercy, O Lord;
People And grant us your salvation.
Celebrant Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
People Let your people sing with joy.
Celebrant Give peace, O Lord, to all the world;
People For only in you can we live in safety.
Celebrant Lord, keep this nation and world under your care;
People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Celebrant Let your way be known upon earth;
People Your saving health among all nations.
Celebrant Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
People Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Celebrant Create in us clean hearts, O God;
People And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
Collects
Celebrant Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray to you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you and may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Celebrant O ruler of earth and nations, guide our country under the leadership of a new president and vice-president, as well as many other offices of public service, that require wisdom and responsibility. Make all of us discerning of your will, and give the strength necessary to make our earthly kingdoms a reflection of your heavenly Kingdom of God. Lead us to the place we need to be, most particularly when we yearn to go in the wrong direction and stumble in the dark. Amen.
Celebrant O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The General Thanksgiving
Celebrant and People
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
Celebrant Let us bless the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Blessing
Celebrant Sisters and brothers, we go out into the world in peace. We live and walk as part of God’s beloved community. May God help us all to be of good courage, to hold on to what is good, and to return to no one an evil for an evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, aid the suffering, do justice and hope, honor all people, and let our gentleness be known by everyone. May God, who raised our Lord Jesus from death, lift us up and restore us to wholeness. And may God bless us all, ☩ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Celebrant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
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