onewhoponders

Pondering for Sunday, March 22, 2026

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 5^th Sunday in Lent: Year A

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 and 26)

To this question Martha answers, “yes Lord, I believe.” But does she really? After her sister Mary comes out and the same statements were said by her, to which, Jesus responds differently, Martha returns again. There is a crowd around him at the tomb.

“Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11: 39 and 40)

Many of us are like Martha, we tell Jesus what we think Jesus wants to hear. But deep down, we still are not truthful to ourselves, or to Jesus. We must learn to listen and trust. Let go and let God.

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the darkness of death as Jesus will call all who believe in the same way. To truly believe gives Jesus the grip he needs to pull us out of the darkness of death into everlasting life. Amen.

There is a real and relevant point to be made here. All of us do that which we think is necessary to stay alive. We take our meds, we have surgical procedures, we stay out of harm’s way as much as we think we can. But our Lord Jesus informs us that all we have to do is believe. And if we do, even if we die, we will live. Thank You Lord Jesus. I believe.

So Jesus says to all Christians today; “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. So I ask my readers, “Do you believe this?”

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: Fifth Sunday in Lent (BCP p. 219)

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, March 21, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 4^th week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 107:33 to 43; Evening, Psalm 108:1-6(7-13); 33;

Exodus 2:23 to 3:15; 1^st Corinthians 13:1 to 13; Mark 9:14 to 29:

“He said to them, ‘This kind can come out only through prayer.” (Mark 9:29)

I feel like not enough Christian effort is applied in prayer today, even as it was lacking back as Jesus witnessed when He walked among us. By this I mean the “sit-in-your-room-alone – prayer.” After the disciples of our Lord Jesus failed to cast out the evil spirit by whatever means they were using, Jesus himself interviewed the father of the boy about how long this has been happening. Then Jesus told the evil presence not only to come out of the boy, but also to never enter him again. Our Lord Jesus later explains about needing to pray more. He says that “This kind can come out only through prayer.” This is still what we need today.

We have suffered as a planet from Covid and even some clergy, Christian clergy, have gone along with secular instruction to establish and maintain physical (social) distancing. And that has worked, but perhaps during our time (alone) and distancing, we should also be praying, pray without ceasing. We’re pretty much out of it now but it has left its mark and some parishes are still trying to fully come to the place we were before Covid.

Perhaps this physical distancing was good advice for the physical self. How about our spiritual selves? Sooner or later we will all stand before the One for whom nothing is impossible. What response will we give for not coming to our Lord for help? Our former Presiding Bishop (the Most Reverend Micheal Curry) once said the most important prayer we can pray is one word, and that word is; “Help.”

Folks, we must have faith and believe. Our Lord Jesus took issue with the father who showed some doubt when he ask, “if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us” (Mark 9: 22). To this Jesus responds, “‘If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes” (Mark 9: 23). My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, we must never underestimate the power of our faith in God and the power of prayer. Prayer brings to an end whatever troubles us. God will either take the trouble away from us or bring us out of the trouble. God loves us so much that God can’t refuse whatever we ask, but we must trust and ask. And we ask for the benefit of one another everywhere. We don’t ask just for ourselves, our family, or our Church or our Country, but for humankind all over the planet.

Today we remember Thomas Ken, Bishop and Non-Juror (March 21, 1711), and his information may be found at: Thomas Ken

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Most holy and all powerful creating and loving Spirit, please hear our prayers of praise, confession, thanksgiving, intersession, and personal needs. Remind us daily Dear Lord that prayer is our best connection to you, and that we should pray daily. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, March 20, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 4^th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 102; Evening, Psalm 107:1 to 32;

Exodus 2:1 to 22; 1^st Corinthians 12:27 to 13:3; Mark 9:2 to 13:

“He said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Invite him to break bread.” (Exodus 2: 20)

Moses has killed an Egyptian and has been exposed by an angry Hebrew man, maybe even the same Hebrew man whom he spared the beating. He is on the run. Just as he got in trouble for saving a man from a beating, he later defends women from bullying shepherds. Perhaps these are the traits that God saw in Moses and therefore called him to the Burning Bush, and thus enlisted Moses to do more work. I’m just pondering here.

Moses is invited to “Break Bread” in the home of Reuel and later marries his daughter (Zipporah). Some translations say he was invited to a meal. I like the term “Break Bread.” I also like, and admire, the courage of Moses. He continues in his way of courage even though he is on the run because of his troubles in Egypt. God notices his courage and righteousness and will make good use of his character for the benefit of the enslaved Israelites.

The father of the girls also recognized the goodness of Moses and wanted to welcome him into his home. Moses possessed traits the father hadn’t seen in the local men who would rather bully women at the well. Moses didn’t back down when trouble came, be it his Hebrew kin, the Egyptians, except for the pharaoh himself who could have him killed, or even the mean spirited shepherds in a foreign land. With Moses, there was a difference between right and wrong. So the same should be with us as well. When we see an injustice happening, we have a moral obligation to intervene.

Today we remember Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Bishop and Missionary (March 20, 687), and his information may be found at: Cuthbert

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom.

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

O God, the Author of justice and peace, incline our hearts and wills to stand in the breach where we witness injustice taking place. Give us the courage to stand with those who cannot defend themselves. As we partner with the vulnerable, let their oppressors see your presence at work in us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 4^th Week in Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 69: Evening, Psalm 73;

Exodus 1:6 to 22; 1^st Corinthians 12:12 to 26; Mark 8:27 to 9:1:

“He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29)

Our Lord Jesus had already asked his close followers, “who do the people say that I am?” And rumors abound. There were all kinds of responses. Then he let the dust settle and he asked those who closely followed him “who do YOU say that I am?”

The same question applies to us today, we who profess to be followers of our Lord Jesus as Christians. We hear all the time who people, (including some professed Christians), say who they think Jesus is.

Some folk are so misinformed that they don’t keep the history of our Lord Jesus in New Testament only, when they speak of Him. Some will have him in, and out of the Bible, anywhere from Adam and Eve in the garden, to being aboard the Mayflower as it came to the Americas. And some even say that he is a figment of our imagination. Fine for them, but who do YOU (reading this blog), say that our Lord Jesus is? And please, say who he is in your deeds rather than just your words, even as we struggle to love all people.

Say who He is in prayers and deeds as you do not return evil for evil. Say who He is as you bless those who curse you. For this is who our Lord Jesus is, and how we live out our lives is the only way we can truly say who He is; He is the Messiah! He is the source of eternal life. He is God revealed in human form for the benefit of eternal life for all human beings.

Today we remember Joseph, guardian of our Lord, 19 March, NT), and his information may be found at: St. Joseph, and Bible Browser : Matthew 1:18-25. I consider Joseph to be the patron saint of fatherhood.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

O Lord Jesus, you are the source of all life through whom all creation came into being. And you set the example for those of us who believe in you to follow. Help us we pray, to say who you are by the way we conduct ourselves in daily life, that in following your example we may teach the world about your unconditional love and abiding peace. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 4^th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 101 and 109; Evening, Psalm 119:121 to 144;

Genesis 50:15 to 26; 1^st Corinthians 12:1 to 11; Mark 8:11-26:

“Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die; but God will surely come to you, and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” So Joseph made the Israelites swear, saying, “When God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here.” And Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old; he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.” (Genesis 50:24 to 26)

I love re-reading our ancient stories. In the ending of Genesis, Joseph tells us how God can, and will, bring good out of what was intended to be evil. There is a lot of crying with Joseph and his brothers about their sad history, but there is forgiveness with new understanding about what God has done, and is doing.

Joseph tells them that God will come to them and bring them up out of Egypt. He doesn’t say when, or how, or in whom, God will do this. And, after many, many generations of Hebrew families, and many kings of Egypt, we will get Moses. He is the second Hebrew-born, Egyptian-raised person to lead the Hebrews. God’s action is played out in the person of Moses as it was with Joseph.

As the Book of Genesis ends we again have God identified as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. While God does not change, our knowledge of God evolves. We always have goodness first and then comes some sinister human action requiring mercy. This has happened throughout human history and is still happening today. But know this, God wins every time.

Today we remember Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and theologian (March 18, 386), and his information may be found at: Cyril of Jerusalem

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

O God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob, continue to be with us still, as we often fail to maintain the proper path that you have set before us in the person of Jesus Christ. Lead us and guide us to that promised land where dwells eternal life for all who believe in you. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 4^th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94:

Genesis 49:29 to 50:14; 1^st Corinthians 11:17 to 34; Mark 8:1 to 10:

“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1Corinthians 11:23 – 24)

In the Synoptic Gospels we learn about how our Lord Jesus wants us to remember Him, as well as here in 1^st Corinthians, where Paul reports how our Lord Jesus gives us the image of how he wants us to remember Him: by the bread and the cup.

It was the bread and wine, the body and blood, that was missing by not being able to attend Church during the onset of Covid sis years ago. I never thought I, or anybody, would lose Church attendance for Lent, but we did. I missed it as did as did all of our flock. As we began to come back to Church, we did so without Holy Communion. Later we resumed with bread only. Then, even later we returned with both kinds but there is a difference now. Now we come to the rail to receive the bread and then some elect to receive wine by intinction (dipping of the bread into the cup) while others receive directly from the chalice, each as they are comfortable. It makes no difference, at least we have it back.

Yielding to change for the sake of safety makes sense. We again receive the body and blood as commanded by our Lord Jesus. But we are using reason, one of the legs of the three-legged stool (of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason) as introduced by Richard Hooker, the 17^th Century Anglican Priest. We are a reasonable people who find ways to fulfill our Christ-given destiny of eternal life.

Today we remember Patrick of Ireland, (March 17, 461), and his information may be found at: St. Patrick

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Dear Lord Jesus, as you are made known to us in the bread and wine consecrated in remembrance of you, be in us each week as we then are in you. Let our weekly intake of you sustain us to do those things that are pleasing in your sight, that, fortified by your body and blood, we will walk in your ways always. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, March 16, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 4^th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;

Genesis 49:1to 28; 1^st Corinthians 10:14 to 11:1; Mark 7:24 to 37:

“But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’” (Mark 7: 28)

And with this response from the Syrophoenician mother, our Lord Jesus yielded to her faith. Some say that this event happened so that we could see God’s inclusive love for all people. Some have even said that this happened as our Lord Jesus was still learning who he was and the nature of his mission with us. I prefer the first.

As Jesus intentionally went to lands outside of Israel to heal and teach, it is doubtful that he would not care about this woman’s daughter. Also, the Syrophoenician mother shows that anyone bringing their problem to our Lord Jesus, if their faith is genuine, they will not be turned away. This is especially true for intercessory prayer.

It is one thing to pray for ourselves and what we might think we need. But God really pays attention to our plea for the needs of others. Also, in the experience, Jesus shows us that He does not have to be physically present where He is needed, moreover, He also knows who we are talking about through our own heart without us having to specifically name or identify them. God reaches through us to comfort and heal those we care about. or those we are asked to pray for, who are unknown to us personally. God is love and moves through love, from one person to another, healing along the way.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, healing Word of God through Whom all creation came into being, we ask for the healing of those we love in your Name Lord Jesus, because you promised that whatever we ask in your Name it will be done for us. Please walk through our hearts of faith to those we love with your healing powers and restore those we love to health of body mind and spirit. Again, in your Name we pray: Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, March 15, 2026

Eucharist Gospel Reading for the Forth Sunday of Lent: Year A

John 9:1 to 41:

“But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” (John 9:10 – 11)

Each line above in our Gospel reading can be the basis of a homily. The man called Jesus, (through whom all things were made) made mud, put it on my eyes (used God’s earth to cure those made of God’s earth) and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash (which is like Go, and be baptized), he was given a responsibility to co-create with God. He said further, “I washed and received my sight,” sight he never had before, ever! And because of our Lord Jesus, we too now see as we have never seen before.

Often those who refuse to see and understand what they witness right before them, are hard-hearted in their stubbornness. You and I can’t fix hard-hearted stubbornness. Many people of our modern world will not let themselves have real sight today. They want you to hear their story over and over again and do not want to open their eyes to see yours, remaining blind to your reality. We can’t fix them. We can only acknowledge what God in Christ Jesus is doing.

The man said, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.”

In a way, I was born blind. I was taught from my childhood to see the world in a certain way, through race, upper and lower class people, and all without regular church attendance, (that in my neighborhood might not have changed anything). I was blind as far as what God was showing me, save my time at Catholic School. And believe it or not, Marine Corps Basic Training where we were told there was no black or white, we were all green.

Continuing with the Gospel, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” This man who was given his sight (for the first time) told them off. But they rebutted with insecurity: “They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out;” (John 9:33 and 34). Frankly, I would rather be driven out than to stay among self-serving unbelievers.

The Incarnate Word through whom all things were made, made medicine, applied it to his eyes, ordered the man to go and rinse with water as in baptism, requiring his participation in healing. Our Lord Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Yes, there are many little homilies in this passage. All are very important lessons. We too must believe, ask, accept, obey with our own participation, and receive joy. Thank You Lord Jesus.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: Fourth Sunday in Lent (BCP p.219)

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, March 14, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the Third Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening, Psalm 136;

Genesis 47:27 to 48:7; 1^st Corinthians 10:1 to 13; Mark 7:1 to 23:

So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’ He said to them, ‘Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Mark 7: 5 and 6)

Many Christians talk a good talk but live a sad example of what it means to be a Christian. We are baptized into the service of others. Jesus himself said that he came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28)

It has been said that Saint Francis of Assisi is perhaps the most revered of all the saints but the least copied. He was about service to others. What it really means to be a Christian is right before us but our personal desires for our own wants feeds our hypocrisy and too many of us are reinterpreting what it means to be a Christian and what a Christian Church is all about.

Our Church should be places of organized service and teaching. And in the case of our Episcopal Church, our Church is our Diocese, led by our Bishop. Our Diocese is made up of many parishes which too many of us refer to as Churches (often me included). These parishes are houses of worship and learning for the greater good of the communities where they are. We are taught in our parishes to honor God both with our lips, and to keep our hearts close to God.

Our Church tradition must ensure that we follow what Jesus wants of us, and not just for the sake of the tradition that has always been. Our Church made a great transition when we moved to the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and Holy Communion became an every Sunday tradition rather than a once or twice monthly tradition which was handed down to us. We are still a work in progress. We are striving to honor God both with our lips, and to keep our hearts close to God.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: For the Diocese(BCP p. 817)

O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Rob and our Bishop Elect Sarah and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, March 13, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 3^rd Week in Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91 and 92;
Genesis 47:1 to 6; 1^st Corinthians 9:16 to 27; Mark 6:47 to 56:

“It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High” (Psalm 92:1)

Psalm 92 is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving. Reading it is a good way to start one’s day and indeed, one’s weekend. Giving sincere thanks requires some reflection. We must consider how blessed we are. Even in bad times, reflection will reveal how things could have been worse. And, if we are surviving difficult times, perhaps God has in store for us better times ahead.

This Psalm goes on to say that there are many ways to express thanks to God. We give thanks and praise to God “On the psaltery, and on the lyre, and to the melody of the harp.”( Psalm 92:3). As one learning to play various musical instruments, I particularly like this verse.

Instruments or not, we all can, and should, give praise and thanks to our Creator. We didn’t have to be at all. But here we are. Perhaps life is not good for all. This is when those of us who are doing well should look around and find ways to make life better for those who are not so well off.

Today we remember James Theodore Holly, Bishop of Haiti and Dominican Republic, (March 13, 1911), and his information may be found at: James Theodore Holly

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us Pray:

We give You thanks dear God for all You are blessing us with, the little that we are aware of, and the great abundance hidden from us until revealed later. You always treat us better than we deserve and are merciful towards us when we are sinful and neglect Your ways. You love us and bless us in spite of our shortfalls. For all this, and for all the good You give us that we can’t see, we give you thanks. From before the foundations of creation, You are God. Amen.