Through Mud and Water

Son of Man
like Wisdom herself
You seek us out
we who are deaf and blind
to reshape us
in the mud of new creation
to be washed in the waters of the Sent One.


This reckless dispensation of mercy You offer
reconnects us to the Life Source itself
Through mud and water
we are made whole again
able to see again
the uncreated light dwelling within all
even our imperfect selves.


Through mud and water
You send us out on mission
to tell the simple truth
that an injustice to one
is an injustice to all.


So let us ring the bells
that still can ring
forget your perfect offerings
for there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
that's how the light gets out
shines.

Opening Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday

Suffering Love is a Choice

Good people

most royal green redundancy

rooted in the sun

you shine with radiant light.

In this circle of earthly existence

you shine so finely

it surpasses understanding.

God hugs you.

You are encircled by the arms

of the mystery of God.

Hildegard Von Bingen

O Transfiguring God of the cloud and the fire,

we are a people who love and are fearful

                  of the light of your face

the glow of your healing countenance

                  a face so afire

                                             that it blinds

and shines us into wholeness.

We come again this morning to experience your light

your radiance is confirmation that suffering love

is a divine choice

We need to remember this as we approach this time

of ashes

and wilderness

         of the Via Dolorosa

We need to remember this

when we die to old ways of being

are lost and tempted

 in pain

on our own road of suffering

Need to remember suffering love is a choice

we can choose not to drink from the cup

share the broken body, the bread

We are each called to climb the mountain

alone or with friends

The mountaintop is a place of power

it is a “thin place” where the veil is lifted

         where the holy can be glimpsed

                  where you can be changed

                           transformed

so the first question is

can you see it?

If you see it, are you afraid? or

do you want to just stay there?

The second question is

are you ready to be a light bearer yourself?

         become a home for the holy?

The third question is

         are you able to see this light in others?

                  honor and hold it as holy

                           as yourself

                                    of the same divine source?

Transfiguring God of the cloud and the fire

         you have revealed your glory and presence

                  transform us

                           so we can choose a love that suffers

                                    so we can become your radiant presence

                                             so we can honor it in others.

March 2, 2014