Author: Leslie Scoopmire

“While some have interpreted Jesus as a gate being exclusionary, I am reminded that a gate works both ways. Jesus never excludes, but invites us into deeper fellowship, watching over us and encouraging us with his sheltering hand. As we have remained largely behind closed doors and gates these past many weeks, and for some time in the future, I also pray for those who do not have a door or gate to protect them.”

Long ago, the trees spoke to us,

and we listened,

and treasured their lore and wisdom. 

After all,

woods and forests are ancient places,

giving life to creatures both great and small,

and many trees live longer than any of us individually. 

“Yesterday was Earth Day, centered within what some of us call “Earth Week.” I am lucky to be on retreat right now, listening to bird song and woodpecker drumming and wind. Gratitude for this moment and the greening trees draws my heart closer to God to see wonders in the smallest budding leaf.”

“And that reminds us of our calling. We who are disciples— lay and ordained, doubting as we all are at one time or another—are tasked with carrying that witness out into the world. In last week’s passage from John 20, that was made explicit when Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them, which for us recalls our baptism. We are called to witness to when we have encountered the risen Christ in our midst, or in our hearts.”

“Love roots itself in our very being and transforms us. And we are still in need of that transformation, centuries later. In this time of pandemic, we are called to overcome the fears that might separate us, and instead some into a fuller understanding of our essential unity and interconnectedness.”

“This is precious balm for our souls as we ourselves are facing the surge of this illness. We are all only as healthy as the most ill person among us. This is not only a statement of enlightened self-interest. This is not only a goad for us to return to the ideals of the common good and civic virtue that has been in reality a far-too-elusive goal throughout our history.”

“Perhaps we can see this time as a precious reminder of our shared vulnerability, and as a reminder to be more gentle with each other. Perhaps we can come to see why making sure everyone has access to sick leave and health care is actually in our collective best interest.”

“For us right now, who face a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty in this time of global pandemic, being asked to shelter in place and remain out of gatherings of more than ten people, it is nonetheless vital for us to remember that we are all part of one large, beloved flock, under the loving gaze of the Lord Our Shepherd”

“Buried within our readings for this coming Sunday are stories that can lead us to re-examine the power of faith in each other, and the power of community to open our hearts to receive testimony to the truth, to the hope that is fed and watered by caring for one another, rather than the panic spread by rumors.”

“The Maker of heaven and earth loves me and tenderly cares for me: who can do me harm?”