onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 16: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 1, 2 and 3,  Evening, Psalms  4 and7; 

Job 4:1,5:1 to 11 and 17 to 21,26 to 27; Acts 9:19 to 31; John 6:52 to 59:

“The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’”  (John 6:52)

Again, the term, “the Jews,” simply means the temple authorities, for Jesus and all his followers were also Jews. Another point to bring out is that the use of this metaphor regarding the eating of his flesh is that Jesus was not suggesting cannibalism.  He was inviting his followers to partake of holy food and drink that was taken by our Lord Jesus, blessed by our Lord Jesus and then divided up and shared with them.  He took, blessed, broke and gave.

The last interesting part of this John passage is this: while the Synoptic Gospel accounts walk us through the Great Thanksgiving, or the Lord’s Supper, John’s Gospel story mentions being at the table only as an aside from the foot washing.  However, much of the language of the Gospel of John speaks of the “Bread of Life.”

The Bible, specifically the Gospels, must be studied in prayer with people educated in the language and culture of the day of our Lord Jesus. Also, it needs to be understood that as we read this Gospel account according to John, it is assumed that the Synoptic Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) were already read and understood.  Most scholars believe that John’s Gospel was the last written.  Therefore, the Gospel according to John filled in other details. 

Jesus went on to say, “Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me” (John 6: 57).   This means for you to be filled with our Lord Jesus so that Jesus works in you, and through you. In Church, at the Holy Eucharist, we believe that the Holy Spirit of Christ has come together with the bread and wine.  You then, are not doing what you think you alone ought to do, but rather, you are the “host” of Jesus who is working in you and through you. That is, you are the host (wafer or bread), that you just consumed. When we receive Holy Communion, all we need to do is get out of the way and let our Lord Jesus do his work through us. As the Gospel according to John points out, He will be in us and we in Him.

Today we remember Bartholomew the Apostle, (August 24,) and   his information may be found at: St. Bartholomew the Apostle.

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:

Come Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus and be in us as we receive your prescious Body and Blood each week and have us to think, pray, say, and do, only that that is pleasing in your sight, Amen.

Eucahristic Gospel for Sunday of Proper 16: Year A  Matthew 16:13-20

“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  (Matthew 16:15)

Jesus has asked his followers who to the people say that he is.  And they answered with various responses.

Then he asked them, who do they, his followers, say that he is. And again Peter speaks for the group, “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon ^lBarjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16 and 17).

And so it is with us today.  We do not figure God or Jesus out.  We pray and hope for Revelation, Revelation from on High.  And then we live the rest of our lives in accordance with this Revelation.

It has occurred to me that our Biblical Book, the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John (otherwise known as “Revelation”) is the last book of our Bible.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it may be God’s way of hinting to us that Revelation supersedes all that comes before it; not so much its content, but that Revelation itself should be what we pray for. Blessed are we if we receive Revelation from the Eternal manifestation of our Lord.

So, how do we followers of Christ say who Jesus is today? As Christians, we should be saying who Jesus is by the way in which we conduct ourselves.  We should be emulating what we have learned and studied about our Lord Jesus.  We are not to return evil for evil. We should do all we can to heal the sick and feed the hungry; and every now and then, finding a quiet place to pray, pray for revelation. Revelation may have been what Solomon was praying for in order to lead the Israelites, but we later understood it to be wisdom.

Any non Christian historian can write and publish about who he or she thinks Jesus was.  But we as Christians must answer the all important question of who we say Jesus is (not was), by our belief in Jesus, not just what we have studied about him, but also benefiting from the Revelation of the Holy Spirit.  We say what we believe and understand, by living out the two Commandments He gave us: to love God and to love our neighbor; understanding that all people are our neighbors.

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 16 The Sunday closest to August 24, (BCP p. 232)

O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; Contemporary 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 Saturday of Proper 15: Year 2

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

Job 3:1 to 26; Acts 9:10-19; John 6:41 to 51:

“They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?” (John 6: 42)

If we are to really be people of faith, faith in a God who can do all things, with anything or anybody, then we ought to be looking for such a God doing what God does in all aspects of life, and in any person, all the time.

The leaders of Jesus’ old community decided that because they knew Jesus and his earthly parents, there was no way he could be the bread, come down from heaven as he purports to be.  They never considered what God might be doing in their midst.  They never considered that God might be acting in human form, regardless of what they thought they knew about Jesus (or God).

This is also demonstrated in our Acts reading for today.  The Risen Lord reveals the plan for Saul or Paul, to Ananias.   Ananias knew of Saul and wanted nothing to do with him.  But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15).  I believe this is another characteristic of God.  When God sends us to someone, God is with us, and with that someone we are sent to, in order that they might be open to receive the message.

Yes, our Lord Jesus was, and is, the primary host for God participating in our human life.  And while it is our life, it is God’s world.  And God is working God’s purposes out.  And God can, and will, do this work with, or without you; around you, or through you.

Anytime we say that because we know him or her (or ourselves), and in our opinion, God would not use him or her (or me); what we are really saying is that we know what God will do, or who God will use.  And that’s just not true.  Nobody, knows what God will do, or who God will use.  God uses who God chooses. And yes, this includes you. Let’s just be blessed and thankful.

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.372)

“Lord God of our Fathers; God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to [Your] Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. Let the grace of [Your] Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in [Your] Name,” Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 15: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:145-176; Evening, Psalms  128, 129 and 130;

Judges 18:16 to 31; Acts 8:14 to 25; John 6:1 to 15:

“Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.” (Acts 8:24)

This is Simon the magician who is trying to learn new tricks in order to make money.  He has money and therefore believes he can buy this new form of trickery.  But he finds out that God is not for sale.  “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”  (Acts 8: 18 and 19)

Simon thought it okay to buy this ability. “But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money!  You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God.  Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.  For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.”  (Acts 8: 20 to 23)

And repent he did.  “Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me” (Acts 8:24).  We don’t know much more about this Simon.  Perhaps the most important lesson is that once he realized that his heart was sailing in the wrong direction he requested a course change.  So should we, or at least ask our friends to pray for us.  I believe God really likes intercessory prayer.

As I have said before, money is a necessary and smart way to obtain the provisions we need in life.  But it can also be used to deny people, or groups of people, their needed food, shelter, clothing, transportation and communications. If we are not careful, money will alter the course of our hearts and have us sailing in a non-loving direction.  Let us always remember that at any time, any of us could find ourselves down and out.  We must both, help others when we see their need and are able, and we must accept help when we are in need and help is offered.  This mutual aid is God’s plan.  We can’t buy a gift from God but by God we can be a gift.

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 Monday of Proper 15: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 106; 1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 106; 19 to 48;

Judges 17:1 to 13; Acts 7:44 to 8:1a; John 5:19 to 29:

“Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”  (John 5:28 and 29)

We Christians believe that Jesus will be the judgment of God for all humanity as our Lord Jesus is God participating in human existence.  No matter what, there is a resurrection for each and every human being.  The outcome of our resurrection is determined by what we believe as it is made manifest by how we conduct ourselves commensurate with that belief.  That is, that we believe in the love of God. and live out that love in our relationships with our neighbors.

This resurrection belief  and accountability is made manifest in the last part of my personal creed which says.  “I Trust in the Creating Word through the Holy Spirit of the Incarnate Word, in whom we live and move and love and have our being, and to whom, we must give an account.”  The part that says “and to whom we must give an account” reflects the resurrection piece (or peace). 

My beloved of the Lord, we all will come before the judgment seat at the end of our days.  There is no getting around this fact.  However, being before the judgment seat does not necessarily mean a trial. Just as sure as death is to come for all people, so too is the resurrection to the afterlife.  I believe that on this side of our being some of us believe in Jesus as Lord.  On the resurrection side, all will more than just believe, we will all know that Jesus is Lord of both the living and the dead. 

But our Lord Jesus is also the Lord of love and mercy.  Where we mortals often want to hold a grudge against people who differ from us, our Lord Jesus just wants to love us, all of us. We do not belong to ourselves, we are the Lord’s.  How we live out our lives in relation to our fellow persons is crucial. If you take nothing away from this post but one thing, let it be this; “Love God and one another no matter what.”  This doesn’t mean to let others walk all over you, it simply means for us to recognize and respect their humanity and to refrain from quick judgment. Struggle to find love. It’s who we are created to be.  Love people, don’t judge their harmless differences. Your name will be called on the other side and you will find yourself before the throne.  And even as we come before the judgment seat, “Lord, do not bring us to the time of trial.” (Luke 11;4)

Today we remember The Baptisms of Manteo and Virginia Dare and their information may be found at: Baptisms of Manteo & Virginia Dare.

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 and confess our sins against God and our neighbor. (BCP p. 79)

“Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.”

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 15: Year A

Matthew 15: 10 to 28

“She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15: 27 and 28)

Prior to this incident (and part of our Gospel Reading for today) Jesus had just explained about what defiles a person.  He said it is not what goes into a person (certain foods considered unclean) but rather, it is what comes out of a person, sinful acts and words that defile a person.  I know for myself, when I have said or done something revengeful or retaliatory, I feel sad about it.  I am still a work in progress.  Pray for me please.

And then, we have this Canaanite woman with words of requests for her daughter’s cure coming out of her mouth.  This is intercessory prayer. What comes out of this mother’s mouth is the love she has for her daughter. This is coming to our Lord Jesus, whom she did not know, but whom she needed very much.  This is about Jesus himself learning truly who he is. (this part of the Gospel according to Matthew is only concerned with the people of Israel.) But here we are shown the world-wide intention of God’s Salvation.  God loves, and wants all people to be saved.

The very nature of God is inclusiveness, all people; period.  I know that all people are not baptized.  But we, who follow our Lord Jesus, continue to insist on this soul saving practice of grace. There is no exclusion from the love of God.  Canaanite or Israelite, black or white, rich or poor, democrat or republican, boy or girl, bald or with curls, Jesus loves the little children of the world. All are precious in his sight.

This is again, another example where Jesus informs us about the faith that is already in us; the faith of the mother was the source of her daughter’s healing. It is what came out of her that defines her.  So it is with us today.  But we must first believe.

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 15, The Sunday closest to August 17 (BCP p. 232)

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.