onewhoponders

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

Morning, Psalms 61 and 62; Evening, Psalm 68;

Genesis 21:1 to 21; Hebrews 11:13 to 22; John 6:41 to 51:

 “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day.” (John 6: 44)

Maybe not everybody is called to follow our Lord Jesus Christ or even to be a Christian.  Jesus says that “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me.”  God sends certain people to our Lord Jesus. This was evident with the star that led the (non Christian) wise men to the child Jesus in Mathew’s Gospel; it was true for Simeon who was called to the Temple when Jesus was taken there at his Presentation; it was true when people like Andrew and  Philip and others brought their relatives or friends to Jesus.  In my own life, a Marine friend brought me to Jesus at St Anne’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee more than forty years ago.

Now having said all that, I don’t believe only Christians are saved.  I think God uses us Christians to assist in the saving action of God.  Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Ruth, and David and Elijah and Elisha and others were saved and none of them were Christians. This saving includes some non-Christian, New Testament folk as well, because the term Christian was not put into use until the teachings about our Lord Jesus was taught in Antioch. We read, “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:25 – 26)

We Christians are like volunteer flight attendants making passengers comfortable and safe during the flight. While real flight attendants assist passengers in their travel, they do not recruit passengers to come and work for the airlines. And neither should we Christians try to force people into being Christians.  Another thing I have noticed about flight crews is that while passengers prepare to board the plane, flight attendents get a pass to go right on board.  So too, we have a pass to be raised up on the last day. God loves all people and we Christians are here to help even nonbelievers on their journey. God’s kingdom is not about us or them; it is about all of us together.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

I accidently sent Anskar’s day yesterday but it is today, sorry. Today, we remember Anskar, Bishop and Missionary to Denmark and Sweden (February 3, 865) and his information may be found at:   Anskar.

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 Human Family (BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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

Genesis 19:1 to 29; Hebrews 11:1 to 12; John 6:27 to 40:

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”  (Hebrews 11:6)

I don’t care much for the idea of reward seeking, but rather, just participating with God.

When we believe that there is a God, a loving God who has created, and is still creating, all life, we then have choices to make.  We can just sit back and enjoy the good works that God is doing, or through some antisocial twist of mind, work against the works of God.  Or, we can be a part of what God is doing by participating in the beauty and health and love of God’s works.

God wants to co-create and maintain creation with us.  And God will meet us if we take steps toward God. From our Hebrew reading we learn that there is a “response,” (rather than reward), to us as we seek God.  That response is more than we can ever ask or imagine.  Because we believe that God exists and that God is good, the sweat-equity we apply in our belief simultaneously invigorates us.  I think we should just do good for goodness sake. This then is not looking forward to some specific award, or rewards, that once accomplished, tends to encourage us to stop and bask in our accomplishments.  No, I believe that as we approach the will of God, we are pleased more and more by each step that we take. 

I saw a cartoon in the paper once where the child in the Charlie Brown Peanuts series who plays the piano, was asked by the little girl, who I believe has a crush on him that,  “What if he practiced for twenty years and never became rich or famous?”  To which he replied “The joy is in the playing.” And she responded, somewhat upset, “Really?”  This really captures how I feel about our approach to God.  The joy is in the approach. The joy is in the journey, really.

Today we remember Anskar, Bishop and Missionary to Denmark and Sweden (February 3, 865) and his information may be found at  Anskar.

Today we also remember The Dorchester Chaplains;  Lieutenant George Fox, Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode, Lieutenant Clark V. Poling, Lieutenant John P. Washington, 1943: and their information may be found at: The Dorchester Chaplains

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 Guidance (BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

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

Genesis 18:1 to 16; Hebrews 10:26 to 39; John 6:16 to 27:

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it. Where can I go then from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”  (Psalm 139)

While I don’t agree with all of Psalm 139, at least not the “hate” parts, the all-knowing acceptance about who God is, I totally do agree with.   From my previous ponderings I have come to understand that God is “being”, is “existence”, is “thinking”, and therefore, is living “pondering,” This is the AM of the “I AM” of God.  It is not God was, or God will be.  No. this is God Is.  So, there are two points to note here.  First, God is fulfilled in God is Love.  All creation, including you and me, are made manifest in love, God’s love.

Second, from the Psalmist, God is everywhere. Wow!  There is no place we can go that God is not there and this includes to the rest room (location), or in a coma (your state of being). And, no matter where you go or what your state of being is, God has always been there and will always be there.  God is in our history, in our present, and in our future.  God’s will is an option in our decisions and our emotions.  God does not always like our decisions or the outcomes of what we decide to do, but God, the God of love, is still very present.

We cannot attain to the level of God’s intellect.  We can try, and I think, we should try, even though we cannot.  Being made aware of this does not mean we shouldn’t try.  I am a life-long learner and life-long lover. So, I have modified the Sci-Fi  Vulcan greeting of “Live long and prosper.”  My version is: “Live long, learn and love.” You Star Trek fans out there will understand this. So, for all of us, let’s live long, learn, and love always to the last of our mortal days that living and learning might continue on into our immortal days as well. There is no escaping God. We can’t hide from God nor can we deny the good of God that is made manifest in our lives. And for that, Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Marcella of Rome, Monastic and Scholar, 410  and his information may be found at: Marcella of Rome.

Today we also remember Samuel Shoemaker, Priest and evangelist, 1963. More may be found about him at;  Samuel Shoemaker

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:

Oh Lord, as you have searched us out and known us; and as you know our sitting down and our rising up; and as you discern our thoughts from afar, be close to us we pray, that our wills will be Your wills for us, and that all may learn to live in harmony as Jesus of Nazareth has taught us to do. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalm 40 and 54; Evening, Psalm 51;
Genesis 17:15 to 27; Hebrews 10:11 to 25; John 6:1 to 15:

“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” (John: 6:14)

I find John’s language to be a little puzzling. The part about “Who is to come into the world,” is clearly a prophetical prophecy about an event that is yet to happen. Jesus, however being present with them, has just “taken” the food, “blessed” it, in giving thanks to God for it, and “divided” it up and “handed” it out, among the people whom he had seated.  This is the four-fold mark of take, bless, brake, and give, that is replicated in our Holy Eucharist liturgy. It is God’s Way of being with us and leading us. And, it has already happened, not “to come.” Wake up folks, He’s here!

While Philip, in our John reading for today, argues that they do not have enough to feed all the people even a little taste, Jesus commands him, (and us), to just be patient, and have them to sit down.  I have noticed that in some Church communion services, the sacrament is indeed brought to “seated” parishioners who then partake of the food and drink. Maybe there is a lesson here for us who are stuck in our way of having people come to the rail. Maybe this is our form of “Altar Call.”

I don’t know the answer to all this, but I do know that our Lord Jesus is still making His mark on us as He is the One who is still coming into our world. We would do well to be still, sit down and be patient, and remember, whatever we have, however little we might think it is, it will be enough, and maybe with some left over. We just need to develop the desire to be the servants of Christ. Wake up folks, He’s here! Thank You Lord Jesus.

“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: (BCP p. 834)

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalms 8 and 84;

Genesis 16:15 to 17:14; Hebrews 10:1 to 10; John 5:30 to 47:

“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram,but your name shall be Abraham;for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations.” (Genesis 17: 4 to 5)

This is our spiritual heritage.  We, yes even we Christians, are spiritual descendents of Abraham. The importance of who we are is not what our biology or ethnicity is.  None of that transcends this earthly life.  Only our spiritual selves ascend to the glory of eternity.

Given this information how does that impact how we should live while still in our physical selves?  For me it means a life of trying to establish and maintain a connection with the spiritual world while still in this one. It means often thinking about relatives and loved ones who have gone on but are perhaps, in some way, still aware of us as they are in their heavenly new world. It is the spirit and faith of Abraham that God treasures. And we are descendants of that same spirit – we are truly kindred spirits to Abraham.  We have a prayer in our Book of Common Prayer in the Easter Vigil that really speaks to this. I will close this page with that prayer.

We Christians are among the spiritual offspring of Abraham, and the inheritance of Israel, through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Lili Uokalani of Hawaii, queen and Hymnographer (November 11, 1917)  and her information may be found at: Lili’uokalani of Hawaii.

Today we also remember Andrei Rublev, Monk and Iconographer, 1430 and more may be found about him at;  Andrei Rublev.

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 289)

O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

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

Genesis 16:1 to 14; Hebrews 9:15 to 28; John 5:19 to 29:

“Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5: 21 – 24)

This lesson from our Lord Jesus says that God has “delegated” all next life invitations to our Lord Jesus.  One way to receive such an invitation is to believe this and live accordingly.

As a priest I often officiate at funerals.  The biggest message that people want to hear is the one about our being raised from the dead.  Sometimes it’s hard to connect the life of the deceased to his or her life of faith.  We preachers preach faith, that doesn’t mean we know the faith of others.  Only God knows the faith of a person regardless of the faith path they live.

And God has left all decisions about eternal life to God Incarnate, our Lord Jesus. After closely studying the words from our John passage this morning I get the sense that believers already have eternal life.  Believers may not live what some of us consider the so called perfect “Christian” life but still believe that Jesus is Lord. Having faith is not necessarily about being in church all the time.  It is about one’s prayer life.  Prayer is not necessarily about audible words. It is about where your heart is.  It is sometimes about how much you cry.  Crying is praying. God’s ears hears tears.

For those among us who have not accepted our Lord Jesus, such people come under judgment.  I believe the language clearly says all people must pass again through our Lord Jesus (from Whom all creation came into being, John 1:3), to eternal life. Such non-believers come under judgment. The faithful believer does not. I don’t believe a loving God lays waste a life lived in love for fellow human beings, but instead, leaves that judgment up to our Lord Jesus, who is also our loving God; our  God, who loves all people. Judgment does not necessarily mean condemnation.  Some do not believe this all-inclusive love of God because of bad teaching and preaching.  Some don’t believe because they have never heard about our Lord Jesus and His loving and inclusive Way.  God in Christ Jesus will not let the lack of being informed separate us from eternal life.  This includes infants who never had a chance, to the so-called atheists who are trying to figure things out for themselves. God is love. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Thomas Aquinas, priest, Friar, and Theologian (January 28, 1274) and his information may be found at: Thomas Aquinas.

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 Human Family (BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 45; Evening,  Psalms 47 and 48:
Genesis 15:1-11 and17-21; Hebrews 9:1 to14; John 5:1 to 18:

“One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’”  (John 5: 5 and 6)

Our human minds are so adaptable.  This adaptability is also adjustable. We can train our minds, our muscle memory, and even our tongues to the foods we like to taste, to like and appreciate different foods over time.  The downside is, however, that we can allow our circumstances to dictate our comfort. The man at the Sheep-Gate pool fell into this situation. He was comfortable in his crippled state of being and even made-up excuses that supported his lack of willingness to even try to do better.  Jesus asks him (and us), “Do you want to be made well?”

We must want to be made well. It means never giving up and never creating excuses that give us false reasons for why we can’t do better. Today many of us hide behind limited physical ability that we never try to improve. I have seen some young persons with missing limbs participate in competitive sports like swimming and basketball and baseball, and they thrive!

Some of us try to use race as the reason we aren’t good enough or accepted in certain associations. If this kind of reason holds us back then we should start a new and more inclusive organization that better aligns with the will of God for who God made us to be. 

Speaking a different language, being born in another country, missing limbs, dark skin or same sex love notwithstanding, we must stand up and walk. Sometimes that walk also means cutting a new trail. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember John Chrysostom, Bishop of Antioch and of Constantinople, Preacher, Theologian, Liturgist; and his information may be found at: John Chrysostom.

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 Almighty, help us we pray to be uncomfortable with being comfortable in our self-imposed limitations. Enkindle in us the desire to want to be made well and then to fulfill Your plans for us joyfully through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany: Year A

Matthew 4:12-23

“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers” (Matthew 4:18)

Capernaum is the first place of choice for our Lord Jesus.  He was born in Bethlehem, Taken to Egypt, brought back to Bethlehem, Later taken to Nazareth, , and then taken to Jerusalem at least a couple of times to the Temple in Jerusalem, invited to a wedding in Cana, all according to accounts from the Gospel according to Luke and John.

To Capernaum, he goes of his own free will and accord.  And there he enlists two pairs of brothers. With Andrew and Peter, and John and James, our Lord Jesus lays the foundation of brotherly love.  Later when he sends them out 2 by 2, all will have experienced what it means to be brothers. 

I am a member of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew.  This order was founded to bring men to, or back to, the Church.  We pray at each meeting: “Almighty God, you gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (BCP 185 & the Brotherhood pamphlet)

The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is an organization devoted to Prayer, Study and Service.  We open with structure, conduct business and then do Bible Study.  It is great. We try hard to engage young men to come and be a brother among us because this is what Andrew did according to the Gospel of St John (John 1:40 – 42).  While it may seem that this contradicts the Matthew enlisting above, it doesn’t have to.  The walk on the beach could have happened a day or two later.  This is both- and, not either- or.

My point is that Jesus started his plan of evangelism with adopted blood brothers in order to make us all siblings with our Lord Jesus through the grafting of his body and blood into us all. I believe all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Special Note: Happy Birthday Saint Paul’s in the Pines Episcopal Church, sad that we cannot come to Church today due to inclement weather. But Happy Birthday still the same.

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: Third Sunday after the Epiphany (BCP p. 215)

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.