onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper19: Year 2

 Morning, Psalms 56 and 57; Evening, Psalms 64 and 65;

Job 40:1 to 24; Acts15:36 to 16:5; John 11:55 to 12:8:

“Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)”  (John 12: 3 to 6)

This is what happens when we look at each other around Jesus instead of “through” Jesus.  Judas, who the evangelist informs us, is less than honorable and gazes upon Mary with contempt. This looking around Jesus is also reported in the Gospel of Luke. I think it was at the same time, with the same people, in the same room, but seeing from a different point of view.  “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things.”  (Luke 10: 38 to 41)

My point in both of these passages is that Judas, in the first reading, and Martha in the second, move their eyes off of our Lord Jesus to look directly at Mary.  When we look around Jesus, instead of through Jesus, we see others through our human lens rather than through how God sees them.  If we take the time to see family, or the stranger through the eyes of our Lord, we would see them with love. If we look around Jesus instead of through him, we tend to see people with contempt, disdain, disrespect, and sometimes, if they are different than us, with hate. Let’s not see people in this way. Try to always look upon another through the eyes of our loving Lord.

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 our God, you taught us through Jesus what it means to love unconditionally, and we struggle. Stay with us Most Holy Spirit and enable us to see one another through your divine and loving lens in order that we might see each other as the infants we were when we were born, and the people we were born to be, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 18: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 55; Evening, Psalms 138 and 139:1to 17;

Job 38:1to17; Acts 15:22 to 35; and John 11:45 to 54

“We have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.” (Acts 15: 25 to 27)

So, four disciples (Barnabas, Paul, Silas and Judas (also called Barsabbas) went to Antioch to give “word of mouth” testimony about how the believers should behave.  I am as concerned about  the method of delivery as I am about the content of the message.

There is something very meaningful about hearing the word directly from human lips that we can see as well as hear.  While I know that many hearing-challenged people rely on reading lips, I think we all do a little of the same as a way of affirming what we think we hear.  It is word of mouth. It is the ancient way of spreading the Gospel.  Remember that, in the beginning was the Word, not the book or the print.

Many times in the Bible we are directed to “Hear O Israel.”  Most notably these words appear in Deuteronomy 6:4. This directive entails the receiving and retelling of our dedication to God and it is done by word of mouth.  This instruction to hear is found throughout the Bible and is meant to be read aloud in the hearing of the people.  Letters, read out loud was the way our forbearers received the Gospel and the letters of Peter, Paul, John, James and the preacher to the Hebrews.  We are a word-of-mouth people.  This word of mouth is spoken through us, the saints of God. So, when the opportunity presents itself, and it will,  be a speaker of the Good News of the Gospel, that “We are all loved by God and there is always hope, no matter what.” First, listen to yourself say these words, and then deliver them to someone else by word of mouth.

Today we remember Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Re-newer of Society (August 12, 1910) and her information may be found at Florence Nightingale

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 18: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalms 93 and 96; 

Job 29:1 and 31:1to 23; Acts 15:1 to 11; John 11:17 to 29

“After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us’” (Acts 15: 7 and 8).

I often converse with others who study the scriptures who argue that Paul is the designated carrier of the Gospel to the Gentiles, that is, to the non-Jewish nations.  However, there is much evidence to show that Peter is also, perhaps the first, to do the same. So both are sent.  It’s okay. Peter knew, and walked with the living Jesus.  Peter was invited to “come and follow Jesus.” Peter was a married man but left family to do the will of God. My point here is that Peter, while often over bearing and outspoken, was an original follower of our Lord Jesus who showed us how to carry the Gospel to those who have yet to know about it. He did this work in both word and deed.

We are not required to be educated theologians to carry the Gospel to others.  All who believe are theologians at some level. Paul was a professional theologian.  He was a Pharisee, although misguided before the risen Lord changed his path while on his way to Damascus.  Peter was a fisherman.  The message here is that God does not call the qualified, God qualifies the called.

While both Paul and Peter appear to be downplaying the requirement to be circumcised, it was Peter who stood up and reminded his listeners, and us, about God knowing the human heart no matter who we are. And this is the most important message; God knows our hearts and minds.  No matter what our walk in life is, educated, gifted, or basic laborer, the only important quality about us is whether or not we have love for God and others.

Let me say also that if we feel we don’t have this kind of love, the next thing to ponder is, “do we even want this kind of love?”  Sadly, if we don’t want to love others, we won’t.  If we do want to have love for others but feel we can’t, we need to ask God for help. Nothing is impossible for God.

Today we remember Alexander Crummell, Priest, Missionary, and Educator, (September 10, 1898) and his information may be found at: Alexander Crummell’

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: (BCP p.355)

 “Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 18: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:49 to 72, Evening, Psalm  49;   

Job 29:1 and30:1 to 2 and16 to 31; Acts 14:19 to 28; John 11:1 to 16

“Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)

I am so glad that I get to bring you this passage for its own use.  I often have to make it an aside when talking about Thomas not being a doubter. Thomas is willing to give his life to follow Jesus.  Jesus requires no less from us today.

The good news for us (in addition to the Good News of the Gospel itself), is that we don’t follow Jesus to a real and painful cross.  We dedicate our lives to our Lord Jesus by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.

When we are baptized, we are baptized into the death of Christ.  This always needs an explanation when baptizing an infant.  Death maybe the last thing on the mind of parents and family of the baby.  But death is the unavoidable path of all life in creation. However, being baptized into the Death of Jesus we are raised into the Resurrection of Christ as well (Romans 6:3 and 4).  The one brings about the other.

We cannot ransom our lives.  We all are destined for death. But in death life is not ended, life is changed. “For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.” (BCP 382)

There are many martyrs in our Church history.  These were people who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel of God in the Name of Jesus Christ.  Thomas was willing to give his life by following Jesus, even to the cross.  How about you and me?  Let’s start by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.

Today we remember The Martyrs of Memphis and their information may be found at: Constance & Her Companions.

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, You are the source of all courage and strength; strengthen us and give us the courage of St. Thomas to follow our Savior wherever he leads us in the knowledge and assurance that our mortal deaths are not the end, but that our lives continue with you for all eternity. We pray this to You O God our Creator and Sustainer, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 18: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 45; Evening, Psalms  47 and 48;  

Job 29:1 to 20; Acts 14:1 to18; John 10:31 to 42

“When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, ‘Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”  (Acts 14: 14 and 15)

In today’s John Reading, as well as this Acts passage above, people witnessing God’s work are misreading what they see.  In the Gospel of John people are upset because they say that since Jesus is only a human being, how can he say that he is God (John 10:33).  The truth is, Jesus is not only human. Jesus is both human and God.  In the Acts passage, people see what Paul and Barnabas are doing and want to worship them as gods. However, they both truly are human only.  In both cases the people who see what God is doing want to focus on the instrument of God rather than God.  They forget that it is God who is at work.

The same is true today.  God works through us to do the will of God. But God mostly works through people of faith to do this work. Miracles still happen!  People are miraculously healed.  People miss having accidents through no foresight of their own.  Such events are not coincidental. They are the will of God. I have seen where God also works through people of little or no faith for the benefit of a community. In such cases the people used by God are unaware of God using them.

Our experiences are all about what God is doing.  If we don’t like what God is doing, or think the person who God is working through is undeserving, as in the John passage, we should calm down and ponder the greater benefit to our community.  If we really like what we see God doing in someone, a doctor or teacher or pastor, or anyone, we need to realize that in most cases, such a person has allowed themselves to be used by God through faith. Or, God has decided that our need can’t wait for faith and the benefit needs to happen regardless.  If we want to honor a person for some good deed, we should honor their obedience to God’s call on his or her life and their willingness to obey.

God is good, all the time.  And God is at work, all the time.  The only thing that God wants in order to help us is our faith.  If we believe in God and submit to the will of God, God’s will, will be done.  God uses us, to fix us.  All we have to do is be faithful, user friendly, and thankful.

Today we remember the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and this information may be found at: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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: A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper18: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41 and 52, Evening, Psalm  44;  

Job 32:1 to 28; Acts 13:44 to 52; John 10:19 to 30:

“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers.  Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.  But the [Temple authorities] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region.  So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium.  And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13: 48 to 52)

We just can’t please everybody.  The Temple authorities took offense at the message of Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their region.  Today, too many of us still do not want to sit and listen to people who disagree with us.  We only want to win, even if winning our way is not the best outcome for all concerned.

We must pay attention to the words that say, “devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city” were incited by smooth talkers.  We must ponder about the words we hear.  From social media to politics and religion, we sometimes lose the purpose of what we are excited about and are only concerned about our side winning. We need to stop letting ourselves be manipulated and follow the advice of Blaise Pascal who said, “All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” 

Today we remember Hannah Moew, Religious Writer and Philanthropist (September 7, 1883) and her information may be found at: Hannah More.

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 God, Creator and Sustainer of all life, teach each of us to first consult the Burning Bush of our own solitude before listening to, and being talked-in-to, participating in actions not pleasing in your sight. For without your divine counsel we cannot receive the joy of the Holy Spirit you want us to have. In Your most Holy Name we pray: Amen.

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 18: Year A

Matthew 18:15to20

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Our Lord Jesus lived out this idea of 2 or 3.  His own favorite three were Simon Peter, John and James.  He took only them with him to heal Jairus’ daughter; to the Mount of Transfiguration; and in the garden when he went to pray the night he was arrested.  You might say that Peter, John and James were his “executive counsel.”  They were all simple men, fishermen by trade.

Their important qualities were, and are, a good and loving heart, and a strong faith. Even though they all had flaws. Peter was an ego-centric extrovert. John and James wanted to prearrange a position of glory for themselves in the kingdom. But notice that our Lord Jesus held onto them for his inner circle even with their imperfections. 

The other side of this lesson is that we ourselves, may be indeed the one that two or three come to for listening and reconciliation. In such a case, we must not harden our hearts in denial and resistance to admitting our own faults.

Is there a lesson in this example of these three for us? In the passage from our Gospel lesson for this Sunday Jesus moves from a one-on-one situation to the whole Church.  But in the middle, he asks us to select one or two others to bear witness of our troubling situations.  Can you pick two or three people from your faith community to stand by you in difficult times?  Find 2, and you will make three, and Jesus is with thee.

As we listen to Jesus’ final words in this reading he says, “If the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector:” Matthew 18:17. But as we look at how Jesus treats those outside of Israel, we see that he accepts them and helps them as if they were Israelites. He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman in Matthew Chapter 15; and brings Matthew, a Tax Collector, in as part of the 12, whose words we are reading today. So, we treat outsiders and tax collectors no different. Thank you Jesus.

The truthful message of Jesus is to love everybody, no exceptions, even if there is conflict. Try to resolve it, but when all is said and done, let love prevail.

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: Proper 18 The Sunday closest to September 7 (BCP p.234)

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 17: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 30, 32, Evening, Psalms 42, and 43:

Job 22:1 to 4 and verse 21 to chapter 23 to verse7; Acts 13:26 to 43; John 10:1 to 18

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”  (John 10: 16)

This is an undeniable ecumenical statement by our Lord Jesus. In spite of this pronouncement John will come and say to Jesus that he tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not following Jesus in their group.  But Jesus rebuked him and said do not stop him, (Luke 9:49)

We Christians often get wrapped around the axel when it comes to denominations.  All Christians are on the path that best suits them. Given this, I do feel that some experimentation is necessary. Christianity is not “one size fits all.”  Our former Presiding Bishop of our Episcopal Church (The Most Reverend Michael Curry) says that we are on the Episcopal path of the Jesus movement.  I like that explanation.

Pretty much any path is better than no path.  But even if we encounter someone on no religious path we are still called to love them as if they shared a pew with us. Christianity is about our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus and that faith is demonstrated in how we love and treat others without regard to what they believe or do not believe.

Much good work is being done through ecumenical organizations.  It saves precious resources when we don’t try to build and maintain staffing networks to feed the poor or provide health care when many good Christian organizations already have it in place, right? 

As an Episcopal priest, my most ecumenically challenged time is when I am asked to conduct a marriage between a couple of different denominations (or even different religious affiliations).  I am thankful that they have a faith path but really wish they were the same.  My Prayer Book only requires that at least one of them be baptized.  However, I want more.  Please don’t judge me.  I’m still a work in progress.  Besides, later on, according to our Lord Jesus, there will be one flock and one Shepherd.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Katharina Zell, Church Reformer and Writer (1562) and her information may be found at: Katharina Zell

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: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.