Gathering
From the beginning,
through all the crises of our times,
Until the kingdom fully comes,
This world belongs to God!
Gospel Reading - The apologia of Jesus

44Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are really trusting God. 45For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness. 47If anyone hears me and doesn’t obey me, I am not his judge — for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the Day of Judgment by the truths I have spoken. 49For these are not my own ideas, but I have told you what the Father said to tell you. 50And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so whatever he tells me to say, I say!”
. . . . .John 12:44-50Confession
Yet as we consider our days, we confess:
Father, we fail to trust your goodness and might.
Jesus, we don’t live with you as our King.
Spirit, we doubt your work in this world.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Silence
God forgives us, God sustains us.
We are being transformed by love.
Peace and grace are here.
We walk on
We walk on together to more truth,
More justice, more love.
Your Kingdom come on earth as in heaven.
Amen.