Listen

King Xerxes honored a man named Haman, elevating him and commanding all to kneel before him, but the Jewish man Mordecai would not kneel or pay Haman honor, which enraged Haman. So Haman convinced the King to issue a decree to destroy all the Jews — young and old, women and children.

When Mordecai learned of the decree, he tore his clothes, and went into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. There was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Queen Esther was in great distress. She ordered her attendant to find out what was troubling her uncle Mordecai and why.

Mordecai instructed her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. He said, “Who knows but that you are made for such a time as this?”

Esther replied, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Interpretation of Esther 3 & 4

Think

There is beauty in a community that envelops us with love reminding us of our beloved purpose. Courage doesn’t come easily to many of us. We often overthink the situations presented to us and have the worst-case scenario lined up before we even think of a successful outcome. In many ways, we respond similarly to Queen Esther and list the many excuses for not taking a step of courage. Fear overwhelms our minds. Doubt consumes us. Nevertheless, the God who loves and strengthens us puts people and communities in our life, like Mordecai in Esther’s story, who support, encourage, and remind us of God’s call.

The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) community will gather this summer after many years apart due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we gather again in a community where relationships are cultivated and embraced, let us wonder that perhaps God has called these resilient young people for such a time as this.

Today, as we remember our courageous calling, offer thanksgiving prayers for your family, church community, or friends that have helped you say yes to courage and remind you of God’s purpose in your life.

Marcia Quintanilla

Pray

Creator God, who empowers us in faith, be with us as we gather in a community of joy, comfort, and hope. Be with us as we celebrate our Regreso A Casa to a New Age of Faith. Let your spirit move through us to broaden our minds and open our hearts to one another. Send us from this place with your strength and courage to show the world your truth and accessibility so we may know our own dignity and belovedness. All this we ask through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Collect for #EYE23

Go

“We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are.” (Madeleine L’Engle)

Breathe in: God calls me by name
Breath out: I am never alone

adapted from @blackliturgies on Instagram
by Cole Arthur Riley

Go forth choosing courage, finding ways to live out the values of love in how you interact with yourself, your family, your school, and your community. And in your going, remember: perhaps you were made for such a time as this.