Scriptures: Jeremiah 20:7-13; Psalm 69: 8-11, (12-17), 18-20; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39
Reflection by Nancy Jo Bleier, Worship Leader
Reflection June 21, 2026 4 Pentecost
Today Chip Camden had planned on coming to Sitka for the weekend and he was going to give the Reflection/sermon and help in this service. Unfortunately his sister’s husband, Jerry Cann in Virginia died and he needed to be with her and family. We continue to send our prayers for comfort to Chip and family and the repose of Jerry Cann’s soul.
I started thinking about our readings a couple of weeks ago. I was stymied. So I went to read what Rev. Noah Van Niel, Rector at Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA, wrote for Sermons That Work about today’s reading from Matthew.
Rev. Noah expressed that Jesus is trying to offer reassurance to the disciples that God continues to care for them even when they are going to be maligned for following him. That there will be “ruptures” in their families. Rev. Noah relates Jesus saying: “‘Look, if you are going to follow, you need to understand this is not a part-time thing, it is not a convenient thing, it is not an easy thing. It is going to cost something…it’s going to cost because it will lay claim to every part of your life—your relationships, your passions, your very self.’”
Wanda White suggested I look over the readings on how they relate to hymns in our Hymnal 1982. This was over tea and cookies. Kit gave me the hymn list for this 4 Pentecost Sunday. So I have chosen three different hymns to read to you today.
Each hymn has so much meaning as we read the words. It is poetry in motion using old English with “thy and thee”. Our hymnal is richly divided up into categories. From The Christian Responsibility section comes an old favorite I have heard since I was a child. If you want to read along as I read this out-loud turn to page 595 in the red hymnal. Think about how when we commit to following Jesus things are going to change and we need to be prepared.
“God of grace and God of glory on thy people pour thy power; crown thine ancient Church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways! From the fears that long have bound us free our hearts to faith and praise: grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
Cure thy children’s warring madness, bend our pride to thy control; shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the gift of thy salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore.“ ( Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick).
Rev. Noah says “if our encounters with God in Jesus Christ do not alter the trajectory of our life, do not transform our understanding of ourselves and how the world is meant to operate, if we walk out of the doors of our church the same as we walked into them then we’re doing it wrong. Being a disciple costs something. And it asks us to seek and embrace being changed. That is what discipleship looks like.”
Please turn to page 660 in the Christian Life section as I read another old nugget:
“O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free; tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong,
in hope that sends a shining ray far down the futures broadening way, in peace that only thou canst give, with thee, O Master, let me live.” ( Words: Washington Gladden)
As we follow Jesus, Rev. Noah relates “we radiate the peace and strength and love that come from being in tune with the great heartbeat of the universe, even when it makes life more difficult. When we choose to follow Jesus it makes us more like Jesus, which in turn makes the world more like the one Jesus called us to create.”
That’s what I think makes it wonderful to have a community of believers to help one, as myself and each of you, get through the trials and tribulations of life. A community that is strong and cherishes the love of God for one another.
My last hymn today is a blessing to you from Lift Every Voice and Sing, page 158. Let us pray:
“Out in the highways and by-ways of life, many are weary and sad; carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, out of my life may Jesus shine; make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love, tell of his power to forgive; others will trust Him if only you prove true, every moment you live. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, out of my life may Jesus shine; make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as ’twas given to you in your need, love as the Master loved you; be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, out of my life may Jesus shine; make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, make me a blessing to someone today.” AMEN. ( Words: Ira B. Wilson)
Nancy Jo Bleier, Worship Leader