WEBVTT 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:02.960 Good morning. 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:11.039 I'm Alex Montes Bella, and I'm one of the missioners for Congregation of Vitality in the Diocese, so I'm really happy to be here with you this morning. 00:03:11.199 --> 00:03:14.400 I felt welcome at 8 o'clock, and I'm feeling welcome right now. 00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:17.280 So thank you for being here this morning. 00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:21.039 Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:03:25.919 --> 00:03:27.520 Let us pray together. 00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:31.360 Almighty God, to you all hearts are open. 00:03:31.680 --> 00:03:33.039 All desights are open. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:35.439 And to you, you know, secretly. 00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:48.960 Clean the thoughts of our hearts by the inspirations of your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love you and worth it by your holy name through Christ our Lord. 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:53.680 Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says. 00:03:54.400 --> 00:04:00.800 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 00:04:01.520 --> 00:04:04.000 This is the first and greatest commitment. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:06.560 And the second is like unto it. 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:09.520 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:15.360 On these two commitments hang all the law and the prophets. 00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:47.360 Let us pray. 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:52.000 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy. 00:04:52.720 --> 00:05:14.800 Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your word, Jesus Christ, your son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God forever and ever. 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:17.279 You may be seated. 00:05:17.439 --> 00:05:21.680 If there's any children, they're invited to go with Miss Williams this morning. 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:04.399 Do not be afraid, Abram. 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:05.920 I am your shield. 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:08.399 Your reward shall be very great. 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:12.319 But Abram said, Oh Lord God, what will you give me? 00:06:12.639 --> 00:06:17.680 For I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:24.079 And Abram said, You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir. 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:32.000 But the word of the Lord came to him, This man shall not be your heir, no one but your very own issue shall be your heir. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:38.399 He brought him outside and said, Look toward the heaven and count the stars if you are able to count them. 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:42.399 Then he said to him, So shall your descendants be. 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:46.800 And he believed the Lord, and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:54.399 Then he said to him, I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess. 00:06:54.720 --> 00:06:58.720 But he said, Oh Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it? 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:09.759 He said to him, Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle dove, and a young pigeon. 00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:16.319 He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other. 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:18.720 But he did not cut the birds in two. 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:23.439 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:31.600 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:39.360 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:50.160 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. 00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:54.000 Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people. 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:06.959 We will read responsibly by the half verse. 00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:26.959 When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries should be stumbled and fell. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:33.120 Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid. 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:39.200 And though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in the Lord. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:43.600 One thing I seek. 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:53.440 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek God in the temple. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:09:00.080 For in the day of trouble the Lord shall shelter me in safety. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:06.639 The Lord shall hide me in the secret seat of the holy place and set me high upon the rock. 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:09.840 Even now the Lord lifts up my head. 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:12.720 Above my enemies round about me. 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:18.480 Therefore I will offer the holy place an oblation with sounds of great gladness. 00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:21.679 I will sing and make music to the Lord. 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:25.200 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:28.080 Have mercy on me and answer me. 00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:31.600 You speak in my heart and say, Seek my face. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:34.559 Your face, O Lord, will I seek you. 00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:37.039 Hide not your face from me. 00:09:37.679 --> 00:09:40.559 Nor turn away your servant into the pleasure. 00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:42.559 You have been my helper. 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:44.320 Cast me not away. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:48.399 Do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. 00:09:48.799 --> 00:09:54.000 Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will sustain me. 00:09:54.320 --> 00:09:56.480 Show me your way, O Lord. 00:09:56.799 --> 00:10:00.399 Lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:04.320 Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:10.559 For all witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak my house. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:14.639 What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord? 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:23.120 O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure, and be strong, and the Lord shall comfort your heart. 00:10:46.399 --> 00:10:54.559 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:58.559 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:03.039 I've often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.960 Their minds are set on earthly things. 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:22.720 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:34.720 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory by the power that also enables us him to make all things subject to himself. 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:45.039 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:50.080 Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people. 00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:43.840 Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:48.399 He said to them, Go and tell that fox for me. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:54.639 Listen, I am casting out deep for cures today and tomorrow. 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:57.279 And on the third day I finished my work. 00:12:57.759 --> 00:13:02.080 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I must be on my way. 00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:06.960 Is it possible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem? 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:14.639 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:22.480 How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings? 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:24.320 And you were not willing. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:28.399 See, all is left to you. 00:14:07.759 --> 00:14:08.960 Good morning, everyone. 00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:09.679 I'm excited. 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:11.120 I love it. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:12.799 A lot more lightly than our eight o'clock. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:15.120 I love our eight o'clockers, but I like the response. 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:18.639 I'm excited to be back with you all up here in the front. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:23.039 Usually you can find me in the back hanging out with our children's chapel kiddos. 00:14:23.279 --> 00:14:24.559 I hope they're okay without me. 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.519 I'm sure they are. 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:28.240 I know they just love hanging out with me. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:30.720 Um, but I'm excited to be back here. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:36.240 Uh Mike is away this week spending time with family in New York, and so I'm here with Alex, the Alex Duo. 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:39.759 Um, probably the best Alex duo around, so don't question it. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:41.600 Um we are excited to be here. 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:42.720 I'm excited to be doing this. 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:53.200 Um I have to admit though, it's starting uh first of all, I have to admit, this microphone doesn't fit my ear as well as Mike's does, so it's gonna fall off about 40 times during this time together. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:15:08.240 Um but I also have to admit that uh this is starting to feel like a running joke slash um hazing from Mike about the sermons and gospels he gives me to preach on that make me go, what? 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:11.279 How do I huh? 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:12.320 Say that again? 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:14.639 I'm gonna have to Google a lot of stuff. 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:24.879 Uh but I love the challenge, and I'm excited to be here and to interpret the scripture and try and convey what I think is happening here in the scripture. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:32.240 So, um, but next time I would definitely enjoy a Jesus heals the blind, a little more straightforward gospel. 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:35.360 Um but uh but I kid, of course. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:41.840 Um today we find ourselves in the early um stages of Lent. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:45.120 The second Sunday in Lent, to be precise. 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:48.960 And so begins our season of preparation. 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:56.080 The preparation for what awaits us on Easter Sunday and all that comes before it as well. 00:15:57.039 --> 00:16:00.559 I find Lent to be a very fascinating time. 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:14.399 Not only are we preparing ourselves for the resurrection of Jesus and the joy that comes with that, but also his death and the sadness that comes with that. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:21.120 The sadness that we hold in our hearts for what Jesus is going to go through. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:29.919 But in our gospel today, we are actually given a glimpse into the sadness that Jesus has for us. 00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:36.480 We glimpse a side of Jesus that literally cries out to us. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.720 And it's a lot. 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:41.600 So let's talk about it. 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:50.000 First things first, Jesus calls King Herod a fox. 00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:54.559 And at first, I thought this was a very comical insult. 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:56.799 Jesus was just dishing out. 00:16:57.200 --> 00:17:02.559 You go tell that fox! And I was just like, yeah, Jesus, you tell him. 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:16.720 But come divine, it was not just an insult, yet a very well-thought-out metaphor that comes all the way back around at the end of the scripture. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:39.920 Because as we move forward in the reading, we hear Jesus weep and cry out to Jerusalem, who has basically rejected him at this point, and say, How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing. 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:51.920 This whole thing may sound odd at first, but when you remember that Jesus loves to talk in metaphors and parables, it starts to make a little more sense. 00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:58.960 Jesus' use of the word fox was not just a fun insult as I had originally thought. 00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:13.839 However, I'm going to definitely be using it as such moving forward, but more so as a metaphor that fit into this concept of a hen gathering her brood or her chicks under her wing. 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:23.920 A metaphorical fox that represents those things in life that will keep us from gathering under the wings of Jesus. 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:32.160 For foxes, as I found out after Googling it, will kill and eat hens and their chicks. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:37.680 It took me a lot longer than I care to admit to put this metaphor together. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:47.920 But when I did, I realized Jesus is not just spitting insults when he references Herod as a fox. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:51.599 But yet he is spitting wisdom. 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:57.839 For there are things in this world that are going to try and keep us from the arms of Jesus. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:19:01.519 Things that are going to try and take us away. 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:06.720 Things that if I get a vote, we need to start referencing as foxes. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:14.799 For foxes strive to keep you far from the cries of Jesus, who only wants to hold us in his arms. 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:19.759 To love us with a love that knows no bounds. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.720 And will always cry out for us. 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:35.839 This gospel metaphor reminds me of a children's song I hear way too often being the father of a two-year-old who watches YouTube and all the music you could ever imagine. 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:41.119 The song in particular I am reminded of today is the Five Little Ducks song. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:45.119 And for those of you who don't know that song, it sounds a little something like this. 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:48.400 I printed my lyrics so I don't forget them. 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.359 Oh, I moved them. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.839 That's okay. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:56.079 It goes, Five little ducks went out one day, over the hill and far away. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:20:02.160 Mother duck said, quack, quack, quack, quack, and only four little ducks came back. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:02.799 Right? 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:05.599 And the song goes on so on and so forth until there's only one. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:08.480 And then it goes so on and so forth and so forth until there's none. 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:15.519 And then the song ends with the mother duck being sad one day, quack, quack, quack, and then all the ducks come back. 00:20:16.799 --> 00:20:21.519 And this song, when I talk to my sweet Evie, it's a very sweet song. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.279 We like this song. 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:34.480 But in reality, that is, unless you listen to the lyrics, once you truly listen to it, it becomes a very kind of sad song. 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:41.440 A mother duck keeps losing her little ducks one by one, and they don't come back till the very end. 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:48.799 It also sounds very familiar to the gospel we are reading today and the metaphor used within it. 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:55.039 Jesus compares himself to a hen, which, for the sake of the song, we can switch to duck. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:21:04.000 The song is meant to convey how much the mother duck loves her little ducks and how much it makes her sad each time one gets lost. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:11.200 Much in the same way, Jesus is saddened and weeped at the rejection he feels from Jerusalem. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:17.839 This mother duck is a lot like the metaphorical hen Jesus portrays in the story. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:24.319 A hen willing to have all of her chicks under her wing, though they are unwilling. 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:36.640 Even with Jerusalem, unwilling to accept Jesus, he wept for them, longing to hold them under his wing to show them a love and grace that only God can provide. 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:51.519 Too often in my own life do I find myself being the little duck, the brood or the chick, who is swept away by the foxes of life. 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:59.440 Too often do I find myself being influenced by the Herods of my time, and much like Jerusalem, find myself. 00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:01.920 Rejecting God in some way. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:10.640 Whether that be in the form of questioning my faith, chasing worldly desires, or generally just doubting God's love for me. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:17.839 And I ultimately end up thinking myself not worthy enough to find my way back to the mother hand. 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:21.519 Back into the fold with Jesus. 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:26.880 Essentially being eaten or taken away by the fox. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:31.759 I'm sure we have all felt this way at some point. 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:46.799 And it is here that I am reminded of another song that is near and dear to my heart and came to me at a very particular low point in my life when I was feeling exactly this way, surrounded by the foxes. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:52.799 And no, this time the song is not Mother Duck and Sweet Little Melodies. 00:22:53.359 --> 00:22:55.519 This song is called Times. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:23:04.079 And within the song is written many beautiful lyrics that remind me of the struggles and sadness that we are talking about today. 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:11.519 The song starts off from the perspective of humanity and all the questions and doubts that we have. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:23.839 But the song beautifully ends from the perspective of God and how he might respond to those questions and doubts if we could hear him directly. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:28.640 What it might sound like to hear God cry out to us. 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:34.079 How he would remind us of how powerful his love is. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:38.480 The words are, my love is over. 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:41.039 It's underneath. 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:46.240 And it's in between. 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:51.039 The times of confusion, chaos, and pain. 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:56.319 I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame. 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:58.720 I'm there through your heartache. 00:23:58.880 --> 00:24:00.799 I'm there through your storm. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:05.279 My love, I will keep you by my power alone. 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:10.559 I don't care where you have fallen or where you have been. 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:13.599 I'll never forsake you. 00:24:13.920 --> 00:24:16.000 My love never ends. 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:20.079 I'll never forsake you. 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:22.480 My love never ends. 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:29.920 No matter where I have fallen or where I have been, because Jesus, I have been to a lot of places. 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:34.160 And I have fallen hard and fast over and over. 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:42.160 Jesus says, my love never ends still. 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:45.039 It changed my life. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:47.759 It continues to change my life. 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:51.599 And it continues to still be relevant as we see here today. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:57.680 Jesus is literally rejected by the people he so longs to love. 00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:08.640 And yet he still promises to never forsake them. 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:11.440 To never forsake us. 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:18.960 Jesus literally causes to come back under his wing to remind us that his love is over. 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:21.119 It's underneath. 00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:22.640 It's inside. 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:24.799 It's in between. 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.799 All the times. 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:37.359 This passage reminds us not only does Jesus weep and call out to us, but that his love will always be there for us. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:52.319 As we draw nearer to the death of Jesus, we are reminded that not only is this sad for us, but it is also sad for Jesus. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:55.039 But not for the same reasons. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:26:02.240 Jesus' heart breaks for us knowing that all we need is to accept his love. 00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:06.480 He literally cries out on the cross, forgive them. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:08.480 They know not what they do. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:15.519 Even in dying, Jesus is loving us beyond anything we could ever understand. 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:21.359 God's love for us knows no bounds and has no end. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:26.480 No matter how far we have fallen, no matter where we have been. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:56.480 So continue through this season of preparation, remembering that not only does Jesus weep and long for you, but he continues to call out to you, to bring you back under his wing and to love you with a love that passes all understanding. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:26.640 With the words of the Nicene Creed. 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:32.559 We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:57.200 We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, the eternal God of the Father, God from God, life from life, true God and true God, begotten of man, one being with the Father, through whom all things were made. 00:27:57.519 --> 00:28:01.920 For us, for our salvation, he became death from heaven. 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:08.720 By the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man. 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:15.519 For our sake he was crucified in the conscious father, he suffered death from the Spirit. 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:25.200 On the third day he rose again, and the words of the scriptures, he is ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:31.759 He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:39.359 We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. 00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:43.279 With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified. 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:45.839 He has spoken through the prophets. 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:50.000 We believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:54.000 We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:59.119 We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. 00:28:59.599 --> 00:29:00.240 Amen. 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:13.759 The prayers of the people. 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:28.319 Hear us, for it is your spirit who speaks through us as we pray. 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:34.960 Gracious God, you created the heavens and the earth. 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:39.920 Bless the produce of our land and the works of our hands. 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:42.000 Lord hear us. 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:46.720 Gracious God, you created us in your own image. 00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:50.240 Teach us to honor all of your children. 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:52.079 Lord hear us. 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:57.839 Gracious God, in your steadfast love, you provide for your creation. 00:29:58.240 --> 00:30:01.279 Grant good rains for our crops. 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:07.519 Gracious God, you inspired the prophets of old. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:13.440 Grant that your church may faithfully proclaim your truth to the world. 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:15.359 Lord hear us. 00:30:15.920 --> 00:30:20.160 Gracious God, you sent your Son into the world. 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:24.559 Reveal him to others through his life and us. 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:26.960 Lord hear us. 00:30:27.680 --> 00:30:33.359 Lord Jesus, you sent your apostles to make disciples of all nations. 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:38.480 Bless the clergy and laity of our diocese and church. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:31:04.000 Together with Andy, Hector, Jeff and Kay, our bishops, in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, Epiphany Calvert, Holy Innocence, Madisonville, Saint Andrew's, Bryan, and Saint Bartholomew's Hempstead, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Michael, our presiding bishop. 00:31:06.640 --> 00:31:12.640 Lord Jesus, for your sake, men and women forsook all and followed you. 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:20.000 Call many to serve you in religious communities and in the ordained ministry of your church. 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:26.880 Lord Jesus, you called your disciples to take up the cross. 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:31.119 Deepen in each of us a sense of vocation. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:36.880 You prayed for your church to be one. 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:41.440 Unite all Christians that the world may believe. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:50.480 Bring us all to penitence and reconciliation. 00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:56.400 You broke down the walls that divide us. 00:31:57.119 --> 00:32:02.480 Bring the people of this world to live in peace and concord. 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:11.279 You taught us through Paul, your apostle, to pray for kings and rulers. 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:14.480 Bless and guide all in authority. 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:20.720 You were rich, yet for our sake became poor. 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:26.720 Move those who have wealth to share generously with those who are poor. 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:33.279 You sat among the learned, listening and asking them questions. 00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:37.440 Inspire all who teach and all who learn. 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:42.640 You cured by your healing touch and word. 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:47.680 Heal the sick and bless those who minister to them. 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:53.759 You were unjustly condemned by Pontius Pilate. 00:32:54.079 --> 00:33:01.119 Strengthen our brothers and sisters who are unjustly suffering violence and persecution. 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:06.480 You lived as an exile in Egypt. 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:10.480 Protect and comfort all refugees. 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:16.640 You knew the love and care of an earthly home. 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:23.839 May your presence and protection be made known to migrant workers and their families. 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:29.119 You open, and none can shut. 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:35.519 Open the gates of your kingdom to those who have died without hearing your gospel. 00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:45.200 You have been glorified in the lives of innumerable saints, especially Saint Thomas. 00:33:45.519 --> 00:33:49.279 Give us strength to follow in their footsteps. 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:59.200 Holy Spirit, you help us in our weakness and intercede for us when we cannot. 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:17.360 Remember our petitions and thanksgivings before God, especially Chris, Ken, Nancy, Amber, Christina, and Patrick, and enhance our vision to see your presence in them. 00:34:20.559 --> 00:34:28.320 The congregation is invited to name their own celebration or petitions silently or aloud. 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:46.000 In your infinite compassion, compassionate God, make your healing and peaceful presence known to the world. 00:34:46.320 --> 00:34:57.840 Comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life. 00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:06.079 Father, we know that you are good and that you hear all those who call upon you. 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:21.199 Give to us and all people what is best for us, that we may glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is alive and reigns through you and the Holy Spirit now and forever. 00:35:26.960 --> 00:35:30.400 Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:42.400 Holy God, Creator of all that is, donor of grace, and giver of all. 00:35:47.599 --> 00:35:51.920 Deep voices separate us from one another and from you. 00:35:52.480 --> 00:36:02.960 We can also be allowed those things to grow, for fear of winning our heart and separation, for fear of being rejected when we reach out. 00:36:03.840 --> 00:36:11.679 You call us to a work and solid life, to heal relationships, to hold us with each other and with you. 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:21.039 In his name we pray. 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:22.000 Amen. 00:36:24.800 --> 00:36:26.559 Hear this good news. 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:29.360 The love of God is beyond measure. 00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:31.920 And you are included in that love. 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:37.599 Know that you are forgiven and thus free to love and serve. 00:36:38.320 --> 00:36:38.960 Amen. 00:36:40.079 --> 00:36:42.480 The peace of the Lord be always with you. 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:57.360 Thanks for watching. 00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:14.400 Oops, sorry. 00:37:14.639 --> 00:37:17.440 Sorry, there are the uh people that are watching us. 00:37:19.840 --> 00:37:24.480 I'm grateful for the invitation by Father Mike to come and be with you this morning. 00:37:24.639 --> 00:37:26.960 I thank you for Alex and your sermon. 00:37:27.199 --> 00:37:33.519 Uh and uh my position is, as I've mentioned before, is Missionary for Congregational Vitality. 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:36.960 We're a team of missioners that are part of a team. 00:37:37.039 --> 00:37:39.440 It's called the Mission Amplification Team. 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:47.440 And our work is to walk along communities, congregations, uh, in discerning what God is calling them to do. 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:51.039 And to point them and connect them to resources. 00:37:51.440 --> 00:38:24.960 And again, like we visiting different congregations to discover the gifts that are available in all these congregations, 57 counties that we cover as the diocese of Texas, and seeing for some congregations may be very well, doing very well something, and others that need some help and connecting them to be able to encourage one another and to share what they have learned, so that not only one congregation can be vital, but the whole diocese can be vital, so that the gospel of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed all over the 57 counties of our diocese. 00:38:25.199 --> 00:38:30.079 So again, thank you for your hospitality and I'm grateful to be here this morning. 00:38:30.400 --> 00:38:33.519 Oh, I just moved to Houston this past week. 00:38:33.599 --> 00:38:43.119 I've been in this position for six months since September of last year, but yesterday it seemed like a uh this past week almost like the um like sprinting. 00:38:43.440 --> 00:38:45.599 Sprinting so much that I hit myself on my head. 00:38:45.679 --> 00:38:51.119 So if you see there's a mark in my head, it's not because of Ash Wednesday that something happened when they were putting the ashes. 00:38:51.360 --> 00:38:55.440 It was really I hit the uh attic's uh ladder. 00:38:56.159 --> 00:38:59.119 It didn't move when I commanded it to move. 00:38:59.360 --> 00:39:06.000 It just it left a mark that I'll probably remember for the rest of my life and remember this time of Lent. 00:39:06.880 --> 00:39:08.159 Thank you again. 00:39:11.760 --> 00:39:13.199 And I'm back. 00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:14.239 Did you miss me? 00:39:14.400 --> 00:39:18.000 Um announcements real quick um before we jump into comedian. 00:39:18.159 --> 00:39:26.559 Um, first of all, we had our um our our food drive out here this past um, not this yesterday, but the Saturday before, very successful. 00:39:26.719 --> 00:39:33.440 It was also a busy Saturday because we have Boy Scouts and some of our personers out here cleaning up the um the beautiful um gardens. 00:39:33.519 --> 00:39:37.679 So if you walk around and it feels springy and it feels nice and clean, that's intentional. 00:39:37.760 --> 00:39:40.159 Um so we did a really wonderful job with that. 00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:43.039 Uh a couple of things, and I gotta make sure I can read my handwriting. 00:39:43.119 --> 00:39:45.119 Uh, Mail New is now reopened. 00:39:45.199 --> 00:39:49.440 It's a it's our it's our ministry organization um down the street here. 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:53.360 Uh so if you ever get an opportunity to go down there and visit, you should go ahead and do that. 00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:58.639 Um we have a Thursday morning Bible study for women if you'd like to join with that. 00:39:58.800 --> 00:40:02.480 Um we are this was added last night to the announcements by Mike. 00:40:02.639 --> 00:40:08.800 We are um our partner, ministry partner Lots, Lord of the Streets, is looking for water bottles. 00:40:08.960 --> 00:40:14.559 They are in need of water bottles, so um, we are going to try and collect some water bottles here in Christ Hall. 00:40:14.639 --> 00:40:25.920 Um, so that is if you just want to go to Walmart or a store, pick up a pack of water bottles, bring it here, we'll put in Christ Hall, and then Mike and I will put a uh caravan together of loaded cars and we'll take it down to Lord of the Street. 00:40:26.079 --> 00:40:28.159 So if you would like to help with that, please do. 00:40:28.320 --> 00:40:31.440 Um we have the auction uh for the school. 00:40:31.599 --> 00:40:42.960 The school auction fundraiser is April 2nd, on that's a Saturday, and it's going to be at um, oh goodness gracious, just the coffee shop, Java Al here across the street. 00:40:43.039 --> 00:40:44.880 Um, or I say, I keep saying across the street. 00:40:45.039 --> 00:40:47.760 It feels like it's across the street, it's a little ways, but it's very close. 00:40:47.840 --> 00:40:51.039 Um so please join us for that supporting the school if you can. 00:40:51.280 --> 00:40:59.039 Uh we also have an art exhibition, and opening night is starting on March 25th, and then after that, you'll see the art in the hallway. 00:40:59.119 --> 00:41:02.000 So please be looking out for that and the beautiful art we're gonna have. 00:41:02.159 --> 00:41:06.320 Um and lastly, there are visitor cards in front of you. 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:10.400 If you're a visitor and you want us to have your information, please fill it out and let us know. 00:41:10.559 --> 00:41:14.880 We also have the weekly email that has all this information in it that gets sent out to you. 00:41:14.960 --> 00:41:20.559 Right now, you're probably getting a lot from us as you're you're also getting Father Mike's um theory Lent. 00:41:20.639 --> 00:41:25.039 He sends out lots of um good devotions um weekly, so you're getting those as well. 00:41:25.119 --> 00:41:31.199 So if you need to be if you need to be added to that list, please let myself or Ellen know, and we'll add you to that happily. 00:41:31.280 --> 00:41:33.760 So thank you, and that's all of our announcements. 00:44:00.000 --> 00:44:01.199 Tuollainen. 00:44:46.880 --> 00:44:48.320 Please stand with me. 00:44:51.519 --> 00:44:53.679 All things come from you, Lord. 00:44:57.679 --> 00:45:03.119 This is a table, not of the church, but of Jesus Christ. 00:45:03.519 --> 00:45:08.239 It is made ready for those who love Him and who want to love Him more. 00:45:08.800 --> 00:45:14.639 So come, you who have much faith, and you have who have little faith. 00:45:16.000 --> 00:45:22.159 You who have been here often, and you who have not been for a long time or ever before. 00:45:22.480 --> 00:45:27.039 You who have tried to follow, and you who have failed. 00:45:27.519 --> 00:45:30.639 Come, not because of the church invites you. 00:45:30.960 --> 00:45:35.440 It is Christ and He invites you to meet Him here. 00:45:47.119 --> 00:45:49.920 Lift up your hearts. 00:46:09.039 --> 00:46:23.599 It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere, to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. 00:46:23.920 --> 00:46:33.679 By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again. 00:46:33.920 --> 00:46:44.719 Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven who forever sinned this Him to proclaim the glory of your name. 00:47:55.760 --> 00:48:13.280 And when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you in your mercy, Saint Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. 00:48:13.760 --> 00:48:22.559 He stretched out his arms upon the cross and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. 00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:29.840 On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread. 00:48:30.480 --> 00:48:32.159 I mean he had given thanks to you. 00:48:32.400 --> 00:48:37.360 He broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, Take, eat. 00:48:38.000 --> 00:48:40.079 This is my body which is given for you. 00:48:40.639 --> 00:48:43.519 Do this for the remembrance of me. 00:48:48.400 --> 00:48:55.599 After supper, he took the cup of wine and we had given thanks, he gave it to them and said, Drink this, all of you. 00:48:56.320 --> 00:49:01.519 This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. 00:49:02.159 --> 00:49:06.719 Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. 00:49:12.559 --> 00:49:15.519 Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith. 00:49:16.000 --> 00:49:17.599 Christ has died. 00:49:17.920 --> 00:49:19.360 Christ is risen. 00:49:19.679 --> 00:49:21.119 Christ will come again. 00:49:21.679 --> 00:49:25.039 We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father. 00:49:25.199 --> 00:49:33.920 In this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. 00:49:34.880 --> 00:49:45.119 Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the body and blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and an ending life in Him. 00:49:46.159 --> 00:49:55.039 Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy sacrament and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace. 00:49:55.360 --> 00:50:00.880 And at the last day, bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. 00:50:01.119 --> 00:50:14.079 All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ, by Him and with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. 00:50:14.880 --> 00:50:15.519 Amen. 00:50:18.800 --> 00:50:34.960 And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we're above to say, our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, that kingdom come, that will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:50:35.360 --> 00:50:43.599 Give us this day our delivered, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 00:50:44.000 --> 00:50:48.320 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:50:48.639 --> 00:50:54.079 For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. 00:50:54.559 --> 00:50:55.199 Amen. 00:51:01.440 --> 00:51:04.719 Christ, our Passover is sacrifice for us. 00:51:12.480 --> 00:51:22.000 The gifts of God for the people of God, take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart by faith with Thanksgiving. 00:58:33.199 --> 00:58:44.000 Loving God, we give you that for your heart for virtual food in the sacrament of our love of love. 00:58:52.719 --> 00:58:56.639 And continue in the real life of our Savior. 00:58:57.119 --> 00:58:57.599 Amen. 00:58:59.519 --> 00:59:03.760 Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. 00:59:04.079 --> 00:59:05.440 All things break. 00:59:06.000 --> 00:59:07.840 And all things can be amended. 00:59:08.639 --> 00:59:12.239 Not with time, as they say, but with intention. 00:59:13.199 --> 00:59:18.880 So go, love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. 00:59:19.519 --> 00:59:21.280 The broken would waits. 00:59:22.000 --> 00:59:25.840