onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 4: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalms  8 and 84

Ecclesiastes 3:16 to 4:3; Galatians 3:1 to 14; Matthew 14:13 to 21:

“Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:6 – 7)

Above all identifiers of who I am, I consider myself first and foremost a believing descendant of Abraham.  Biologically, Abraham (son of Terah of Ur: Genesis 11: 26 – 32) was from what we now call Iraq.  I claim no genetic relationship to him. This faith-based believing relationship is more important to me than being African American or any descriptor of human biological identification. What I claim is a spiritual and believing relationship to Abraham in the Holy Spirit of God.  We underestimate the power of faith, and particularly, the power of believing.

Believing is everything to me.  This doesn’t mean that I never drift off course.  Sadly, I have in times past.  But even in my waywardness I believed.  It’s funny how different Bible verses over the years take on more importance as I grow stronger in the faith.  So, what stands out for me now is John 14:1, where Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me.” These are comforting words.  Abraham too, had stressful days, but he always believed in God. Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds us that as believing descendants of Abraham we have a most important heritage. “So, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham.”

After a war in Chapter 14 of Genesis, Melchizedek, High Priest of God, brought bread and wine and with this first Communion, he blessed Abram/Abraham.  The term “Blood is thicker than water” is the shortened version of “The blood of the Covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Today, we hold this blood Covenant through the Body and Blood of Jesus and through Abraham. Therefore, I believe we believers of today are “spiritual” descendants of Abraham through Jesus of Nazareth. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember John XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli) Bishop of Rome, 1963), and his information may be found at:  John XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli)

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. 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 Tuesday of Proper 4: Year 2

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

Ecclesiastes. 2:16 to 26; Galatians 1:18 to 2:10; Matthew 13:53 to 58:

“And when James the brother of Jesus and Cephas [Simon Peter] and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.  They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do,” (Galatians 2: 9 and 10)

In my studies I have found that response to the poor changes as money comes into the world.  In the earliest days people who owned farmland were instructed by God to leave some of their crops for the needy and not to go back and take up the last of everything.

However, with the coming of money, we now have “the poor.” With money we have the haves and the have-nots. With the haves, we create scarcity for the have-nots. Scarcity ranges over time: it can be the coins of currency in antiquity to even toilet paper during the midst of our Covid pandemic. One person’s greed, causes another person’s need.  But no matter what the need, we are instructed, as was Paul was, to remember the poor.  And with that remembrance also comes our response. This is a testament of real faith.

James reminds us that our response is so important.  He writes, “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith,” (James 2:18).  So, remembering the poor really is about responding to their needs.  It is the one thing that the early followers of our Lord Jesus asks of us still today.  Are we, like Paul, actually eager to do so?

Today we remember Blandina and her Companions, The Martyrs of Lyons (June 2, 177) and her information may be found at: Martyrs of Lyons

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

Let us pray:

Most Holy Lord Jesus, you have blessed us who believe in you in order that we might be a blessing to those who have yet come to believe.  As we bask in your blessing keep us ever mindful of all in need, not only of money, but also with companionship, or just someone to listen to them. Teach us to respect the dignity of every human being Oh Lord by the way we live in community. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 4: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41 and 52; Evening, Psalm 44;
Ecclesiastes. 2:1 to 15; Galatians 1:1 to 17; Matthew 13:44 to 52;

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

This is the first of three “The kingdom of heaven is like:” parables from Jesus in this Matthew passage. At least one point is that when we see or feel the kingdom of heaven, we must let go of what we have to obtain it. Likewise, we must let go of this body to enter the new one prepared for us in the next life.

Sometimes there is a greed in us that says, “both/ and,” instead of, “either/ or.” We must choose the life we want to live.  We can’t live two lives. I think the key to living in the kingdom of heaven is simplification. The less we have, the easier life becomes. Likewise, the less we are doing, the easier life becomes. I know this to be true because I am way too busy.

The simple life might be the gateway into the kingdom of heaven. All we have to do is let go of some of what we have; and some of what we are doing, and enjoy the kingdom. So therefore, in the end, we must let go of this body to enter the new one prepared for us in the next life, in the kingdom. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Normally May 31) and her information may be found at: The Visitation 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:

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to let go of things unnecessary while finding the kingdom of heaven. Lead us and guide us in ways of simple pleasures already with us now. Teach us to want and need less as we seek the kingdom. Show us dear Lord Jesus that peace and tranquility which surpasses all understanding and which is the essence of the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 3

Morning, Psalm 30 and 32; Evening, Psalm 42 and 43;
Proverbs 25:15 to 28; 1^st Timothy 6:6 to 21; Matthew 13:36 to 43:

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ (Matthew 13:36)

While it is interesting to follow Jesus into the house to hear the explanation of the parable about who the good seeds are, and who the gatherers are, and so forth; I find it informative that the disciples knew that they needed to get Jesus away from the people, and to be with only themselves. They needed some private Jesus-time.

This is true for us today. Sometimes we just need to ponder alone, or with a few inquisitive learners in order to more fully understand something better. I am a member, and retired Priest, of the Episcopal Church. We are a Church where you can ask a question, and question the answer.

I mentor or facilitate a spiritual formation session during the week where we breakdown and go deeper into biblical readings and even the news of the day. These sessions are so enlightening. God feeds us through one another. We should enter such sessions with prayer, open minds and hearts, being ready to be found in error, or having a misunderstanding about a topic. It serves us no good to only share with like-minded people. We should be seasoned with different points of view. Such sessions are private Jesus-times.

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, You are the Source of both love and understanding. Help us we pray, to soften our hearts and minds and pride so that we might more fully love, understand, and humble ourselves to Your call on our lives. And we say Thank You Lord Jesus, knowing that You are always doing more for us than we can ever ask or imagine. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 3: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31: Evening, Psalm 35:

Proverbs 23:19 to 21 and 29 to 24:2: 1^st Timothy 5: 17 to 25: Matthew 13: 31 to 35.

“He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

The plan for the mustard seed was not just for the seed, or the tree that it will become, it includes potential housing for the birds of the air and sustenance for the wellbeing of other lives . So too, God’s plan for each of us is not for us only, but for our neighbors, and our planet. As believers, we must learn to think “outside the box.”

I think it was Albert Einstine who said, “All things are relative.” I think he was on to something. Given that the same God made all things, all matter of life are related through that same God. Therefore, all life is here for the benefit of life beyond itself.

As our scripture for today informs us, this is only one of many parables Jesus spoke of to the crowd. “Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing:” (Matthew 13:34). Though our souls may be the smallest of seeds, as our souls grow and develop, they, with our help, continue to do God’s plan.

“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 Conservation of Natural Resources (BCP p.827)

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 3: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 37:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 37:19 to 42;
Proverbs 21:30  to 22:6; 1^st Timothy 4:1 to 16; Matthew 13:24 to 30:

“Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1^st Timothy 4:7 and 8)

Paul’s words to Timothy are encouraging, especially for clergy, or any good teacher for that matter.  I like physical training as well as spiritual practice. I realize that my physical self will eventually close down. But I also believe that my spiritual self will continue on.

In this passage that we have for today, Paul also says, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers;” (1^st Timothy 4:16). This is living the example. We must pay close attention to ourselves and develop good habits and practices remembering that someone is always watching us. We are teaching even when we don’t know it. We are more than the food we eat, we are the habits we keep.

Today (May 28) we remember Mechtild of Magdeburg (c. 1207 – c. 1282/1294) who may be found at Mechtild of Magdeburg; and also, John Calvin (1564) who may be found at: John Calvin

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 God, You are always watching us and guiding us. Help us, we pray, to be better people by monitoring our own behavior and habits. Guide us dear God in ways of godliness that is valuable in every way, holding promise for both this present life and the life to come. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 3: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 38; Evening,  Psalm 119:25-48:
Proverbs 17:1 to 20; 1^st Tim. 3:1 to 16; Matthew 12:43to 50:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50)

I consider biological family to be like culture; we are born into it without choice. However, as we live, grow, love and learn, we can modify, add to, adapt and transform both family and culture.

As I have served in the military for 30 years, I have become a part of the U.S. military culture and many of my retired friends are family to me. So too, the members of the Episcopal Church are family to me. This newfound family of mine also includes my brothers in freemasonry. We Masons are family because we are God-fearing men who live to do the will of God. This in no way means that I reject my biological family. It simply means that the family and culture of my choosing is as dear to me as those I was born into without choice. My time now with my biological brother is wonderful and I am thankful to God for him.

We can have it both ways. We can have our birth family and we can also have our “grown-into” families, just as Jesus did. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Bertha and Ethelbert, Queen and King of Kent, (616) and their information may be found at: Bertha & Ethelbert of Kent

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 Brother Lord Jesus, we give you thanks for connecting us to our eternal Father and true Parent. We pray that you bring to all of us as we live, grow, love and learn, a clearer understanding of what real, loving family means, that is, those who do the will of our Father. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 3, Year 2:

Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39:
Proverbs 15:16 to 33; 1^st Timothy 1:18 to 2:8; Matthew 12:33 to 42:

“The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure.” (Matthew 12:35)

This Matthew reading for today has two interesting observations.  First, it seems to be more about things we have said rather than the deeds we have done. I would like to think that action speaks louder than words. But in either, we will be held accountable. Which leads to the second observation, those who have gone before us are the ones who might judge and accept, or condemn us.

In His response to the scribes Jesus speaks of the people of Nineveh listening to Jonah; and then Candice, or “The queen of the South,” listening to the words of Solomon. In each case Jesus says that those who repented, or learned from listening to the goodness of prophetic wisdom, will not only be saved, but will sit in judgment on us (this generation).

I imagined walking around in my after-life and seeing people from the Bible coming together to sit in judgment on me. There would be Abraham and his son and grandson, along with Sarah, Rebecca and Leah and Rachael. And there would be Elijah, there would also be the apostles; and of course, Jesus himself sitting as Chief Judge. What would this panel have to say about how well I listened, and then behaved? You and I still have time to have only a good treasure inside us from which to bring good gifts.

Today we remember Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop and Missionary (May 26, 605) and his information may be found at: Augustine of Canterbury

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, help us to listen with the ears of our hearts in order that we may think, say, and do, those things that are pleasing in your sight and brings forth only good gifts. In your most holy Name, we pray. Amen.