Epiphany 47

Lord and God,

You are God of gods, who sits in judgment over what are called gods. To us, they are powerful, terrible, seductive. To you, they are mere mortals, whom you will judge and issue sentence. You warned us through Moses not to fall into the habits of those around us, to go after their gods and the ways of their gods. Serving and worshiping you only is right, yet you gave us another reason: that it may go well with us.

The gods want blood. They ask and take everything, even our children. Yet, how different is he who gave his own son, he who takes the life and blood of sacrifice upon himself, he who takes away our guilt rather than multiplies it? As Jesus showed himself powerful over the powers of nature, show yourself both gracious and powerful to us again. We ask for no signs, like the twisted generation, but for the quiet whisper of your Spirit, the gentle power of faith you work in us. Let us wonder again: who is this that even the wind and the sea obey him? Who is this who sits in judgment over the gods? The kingdom, glory, and power belong to you who inherits the nations.