onewhoponders

Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 24: Year A

Matthew 22:15-22

“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)

Back in the days of antiquity the tax was needed to pay the wages of Roman troops as well as Roman government workers. The same is true today for all governments, including our own United States government.  Caring for the poor used to be the primary work of the Church. And, the Church still does.  But now it should be the responsibility of all governments to care for their citizens, in particular those citizens who cannot take care of themselves, like single mothers with children and the alone elderly and the infirmed.  And yet, there will be people, that is, not so good citizens, “gaming the system.”  I believe it is better to lose some money to fraud for the sake of trying to do the right thing than to neglect those in real need.  The tax takes care of the needy and provides the needed services we all need.

Our tax money still goes to the payment of our military, police, firefighters, prison guards, sanitation workers, and elected officials, from the local water resource officer to the President of our country. This is how we have chosen to live in safety with some comfort and protection at our local, state, and national levels.  This is giving to the emperor that which is the emperor’s.

God however, takes care of everybody, the great and the small, including those who game the system. God provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, although the latter is often collected and sold or rationed in our money systems. And most importantly, our very souls.  But let us not forget, it all comes from God.

So when Jesus says “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” it means we live as citizens of faith. We do in fact pay our tax as it does provide the social needs and protections needed in civil society. But our society is temporal. Our higher loyalty is to that Supreme Emperor to Whom we all must inevitably come before for judgment and reconciliation. When we stand before the Supreme Emperor, it is forever and ever, not temporal as it is for us now. We must look at the big picture, the “forever” picture.

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 24 The Sunday closest to October 19, BCP p. 235).

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper23: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 16 and 17; Evening, Psalm 22;

Ecclesiasticus 1:1to10 and18to 27; Acts 28:1to16; Luke 9:28to 36

“For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline, fidelity and humility are his delight.” (Ecclesiasticus 1:27)

This book from the Apocrypha is the Ecclesiasticus, or Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach; not to be confused with Jesus, Son of God.  This is a Wisdom writing.  It did not make the canon, which are the traditionally accepted books of the Bible, but is nonetheless an important teaching tool for the Church.  In this book, there is a close association between wisdom and seeking the will of God.

Perhaps a better word for the word “fear” in this sense is the word respect or trust in the Lord.  For it is in believing in God and trusting in God that we are enlightened.  God reveals to those who trust and believe in God.  Many people refuse to believe because they cannot prove God exists.  But, on the other hand, they cannot prove that God does not exist.  Art is proof of the Artist. Creation is proof of the Creator.  Nothing is happenstance.

For many of us today, frustrations abound.  But “Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment, and then cheerfulness comes back to them” (Ecclesiasticus 1:23).  Patience is key here.  We have to prayerfully wait things out. We have to ponder all things as a people of prayer.  The writer of Ecclesiasticus says of such a people, “They hold back their words until the right moment; then the lips of many tell of their good sense (Ecclesiasticus 1:24).  I like to use the term DUST or “Don’t Unnecessarily Share Thoughts.”  Too quickly sharing of thoughts, even if not meant, or fully developed yet by the speaker, have gotten people fired from their jobs.  All they had to do was keep it to themselves for just a little bit longer.  Again, those who are patient stay calm until the right moment.

In our practice of discipline, fidelity and humility, we should try to DUST ourselves. Holding back our hostile thoughts will give us time to ponder about what truly bothers us. It will lead us to better outcomes and we will have fewer regrets. We need to calm ourselves and seek the Creator.

Today we remember Hugh Latimer, Bishop and Martyr (15 October 1555); Nicholas Ridley, Bishop and Martyr, (16 October, 1555): and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr, (21 March 1556). And their information may be found at: Hugh Latimer & Nicholas Ridley.

“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:

Dear Lord God Almighty, Creator and Lover of all souls, please help each of us to discipline ourselves with respect, for ourselves and others, as we are created in Your Image. And help us to maintain integrity in all that we do and to come to You in prayer with patience in all of our earthly concerns. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 23: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 5 and 6; Evening, Psalms 10 and 11;

Jonah 1:1to17; Acts 26:24to27:8; Luke 8:40to56

“But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” (Luke 8:46)

In my Thursday morning Cursillo Reunion Group the gathered group is well aware that I, John, am not a fan of “unexpected opportunities.”  During our sessions the question always comes up, “With what unexpected opportunities has the Lord accomplished through you…” I am a strong “J” on the Myers Briggs personality tests. While this “J” stands for judgment it more readily relates to the “need-to-know” outcomes.  I am so “off the chart” in this category that I will wait until someone has seen a movie that I want to see and then ask them to tell me about it in detail.  If pushed, I would probably pay for them to see the movie so that they can tell me about it.  I know this is bad but I really don’t like surprises. And I don’t think “opportunity” and “unexpected” should be used in the same sentence,, especially with “unexpected” used as an adjective for “opportunity.”

Having said all this, I now learn from our Lord Jesus as he was in route to do a good work when an unexpected opportunity occurs. While on his way to attend to a dying twelve year old girl, a woman, bleeding for 12 years, guided by her faith, touches the garment of Jesus.  She is instantly healed. Jesus realizes that someone’s faith has made use of his healing power.  He has unknowingly participated in an unexpected opportunity.

I have heard that the reward for hard work is more hard work.  Perhaps the same is true of good opportunities.  That is, the rewards for good opportunities are more good, and even, unexpected, opportunities. This healing is further evidence that Jesus takes the faith in us already, and uses it to heal us.  After the woman was healed, He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8: 48)

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 God, so open our hearts to expect the unexpected opportunities You put before us in order that we might do such good works as are pleasing in Your sight through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 23: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 1, 2 and 3; Evening, Psalms 4 and 7: 

Micah 7:1to7; Acts 26:1to23; Luke 8:26to39

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8: 38 and 39)

It seems that the many demons in the man only needed a biological host in order to live.  So they asked permission to pass from the man to the pigs.  Jesus grants them the permission.  When they entered the pigs they immediately made the pigs go into the lake (Lake Galilee).  This is the same body of water from which the fishermen caught their fish.  Could not the spiritual demons then go into the fish?  This then would be their cycle of life. For they would go right back to the people who caught the fish and it starts all over again.  This is just my pondering.

I try to keep up with the actual accounts of Jesus actually inviting followers to follow him. I have 5: Simon and Andrew – Matthew 4:18 – 20; John and James – Matthew 4: 21 – 22; Matthew (A-K-A, Levi) Matthew 9:9.  I know we try to claim the twelve as it matches the twelve tribes of Israel.  But we don’t have the actual recorded words of “come, follow me” for the remaining seven.  There is also the Rich young man in Mark 10:21 -22 who was told to “come follow me,” but he rejected Jesus’ invitation because he wanted to keep his wealth.

Now we have one who asks to follow Jesus but Jesus says no. Jesus wants him to go back among his people and show what God can, and will, do. Of course, he “went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much “Jesus” had done for him;” the point being made that “Jesus” and “God” are synonymous.  We don’t get to follow this man as he proclaims our Lord Jesus among non-Jews. But Jesus leaves hints about what’s going on. Jesus says in the Gospel of John “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) 

The power and love of our Lord Jesus is witnessed by Jew, and Gentile alike.  All report in their communities about Jesus being Lord of all, those seen, and the unseen (like demons). Jesus himself will return to his spiritual nature for all eternity.  But he does not abandon us.  The Spirit of our Lord Jesus is with us, leads us and guides us.  Jesus still asks us to “come, follow Him” or, to “declare how much God has done for you”

Today we remember Edith Cavell, Nurse, October 12, 1915 and her information may be found at: Edith Cavell.

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 Mission of the Church (BCP p. 816)

Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 23: Year A

Matthew 22:1to14

Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:10)

We have again the message of the original Hebrew people called by God and then the latter people, those who follow Jesus of Nazareth, because the original people became complacent or lazy. This is expressed many ways in our Christian scripture. But we must remember, all who followed Jesus were also in fact Jewish Israelites. They were fishermen and a tax collector and such, but they were all Hebrew people.

In this parable from our Lord Jesus, the king (a metaphor for God) has deemed the original guests as unworthy and has now (scraped the barrel, so to speak), for anybody and everybody that could be found to attend the wedding banquet. Then why be intolerant of one who can’t afford or just doesn’t have a proper robe, unless of course, one was offered but then refused? In every case of God’s calling, there is some effort required of us, some action we must put forth.

This is also yet another way to show that we all will come to the Resurrection, the good and the bad. However, eternal life is not guaranteed with the Resurrection. We are invited, but we may not be able to stay if not fully prepared.

In the midst of the COVID crisis most communities required people gathered to wear masks.  If they didn’t have one, quite often the host will offer one.  If the guests still refused to wear it, they were asked to leave; where there “might” be, weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

The point is, if we look at justice, kindness and humility as we are taught in our Bible, both Hebrew and Christian, we will see that insisting on our own way of being and refusing to adhere to the details of God’s call, whatever that might be, could endanger a vulnerable person, thus denying them justice, and not being very kind, which shows arrogance, rather than humility.

It is so easy to slip into unintended behavior.  All are invited into the company of God if we would just wear His garment of faith which will guide our thoughts, words and actions which leads to eternal life at the Resurrection.

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 23 The Sunday closest to October 12 (BCP p. 234)

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; 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 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 137 and 144; Evening, Psalm  104;

 Micah 5:1to 4,10 to 15; Acts 25:13 to27; Luke 8:16to 25

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16)

Light is often used as a metaphor for moral enlightenment.  When some of us learn about better ways to live harmoniously in community, we model this higher morality, thus extending this light to others.  Morality is like money or food stores, it is not meant to be hoarded.  There are plenty of people in need of such learning; of such light; the more, the further, the better.

Every village, community or parish, has those in their midst who are above the fray of challenged relationships.  These are sometimes quiet people who are easy to get along with.  But some are not so quiet. Nonetheless, they are upbeat and positive. Either way, quiet or engaging, these people of the light seem to be the few among us who bring in the light of love and share it with all present. 

From them we need to light our own torches from their loving and inclusive light and continue to carry it deeper into this dark world.  Such light illumines our negative tendency to be self-righteous, self-centered and challenging, when there is no reason to be this way. 

Sometimes the light does not show us where to go, but rather, where not to go.  It’s like having my flashlight with me when I take the dog out at night.  The light does not show me where to step, but rather, where not to step. Remember, the dog was here last night also.  The light of morality works as a guard on our lips and hands and feet.  This moral lamp, from a shared lamp stand, helps us to avoid trouble and move closer towards the glory of God. My beloved of the Lord, walk in the light, and then carry the light for others so that they too, might see.  We must seek light, then more light, and finally, further light.  Let those with the ears of the faithful craftsmen hear what is being said.

Today we remember Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for peace  (10 October 1954); and her information may be found at: Vida Dutton Scudder.

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: Psalm 119:105 to 107

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 140 and 142; Evening, Psalms 141and 143:1 to12;

Micah 3:9to4:5; Acts 24:24to 25:12; Luke 8:1to15

“He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.”  (Micah 4:3 to 5)

The prophet Micah speaks of a distant peace.  He speaks of a time when we will no longer need a military to go up against another nation; and maybe not even police because all people will honor the laws of their God. I know it sounds radical; maybe even impossible.  And, it is an especially strange concept since it seems so much like we are going in the other direction these days.  Our swords and spears are going more and more into nuclear weaponry rather than instruments of agriculture, food and medicines for the world.  If we only focused our resources towards the care of others instead of the threat of others.  What a wonderful world we would be.

How do we get to this radical way of living?  If we prayed more in private, and worshiped more earnestly in community, we would be a planet where all people in every walk of life would sit in their own planted gardens in peace while being thankful to God.  What a beautiful sight that would be. All people will walk with their God, as they understand God in their worship communities, regardless of how God is named in that community, and live in peace.  Be we Muslims, Jews or Christians, we ought to see God as a God of love and peace.  We are not competing.  We need to understand, for whatever reason, God is made manifest to different peoples in different ways.  However, the characteristics of love and compassion for the stranger and those who are different must be appreciated and respected.  There should be no manifestation of hate in any understanding of God since the beginning of creation.

Today we remember Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln October 9, 1253; and his information may be found at: Robert Grosseteste.

“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: 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.