Pondering for Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 121, 122, 123; Evening, Psalms 124, 125, 126;

Exodus 5:1-6:1; 1st Corinthians 14:20 to 33 and 39 to 40; Mark 9:42 to 50:

 “Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me?”  (Exodus 5:22)

Moses is caught between the rock and the hard place.  His demanding of Pharaoh to release the people of Israel in order that they may go and worship God has caused Pharaoh to be even more severe with the Israelites. Now he will not provide for them the material for making the bricks but also holding the same expectation of quantity of bricks as before. Moses feels trapped. And now Pharaoh’s army is coming for them after letting them go.

God has not changed.  Today God will engage us in activities that will inconvenience us and cost us time, and often money.  But like with Moses, God will not abandon us.  People who don’t know or can’t sense God in their lives will only hold you responsible for what is happening (or not happening).  They don’t want to hear our “God-talk.”  They want us to get out of their way.  But we must endure no matter the costs.

I often tell people this is how we know a path is from God.  First, it is inconvenient. Second, God takes you out of your comfort zone.  Third, there is the issue of time and or money (often both). And fourth, the act is for the benefit of someone else, not you. Hey, God has not changed. Just ask Moses.  God is unchangeable. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. But know this, God will not abandon you, in this life, or the next.

Today we remember Osscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, and the Martyrs of El Salvador (March 24, 1980),  and his information may be found at: Oscar Romero

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:

Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that is, we give you thanks and praise for your continual love and providence for us, and over us. You walk with us and guide us into right actions for the benefit of the whole human race and for all creation. Help us we pray, to be steadfast in our faith like Moses as we often encounter resistance to your loving ways.  This dear God, we ask in your most Holy Name, Amen.

Pondering for Monday, March 23, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 5th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31; Evening, Psalm 35;

Exodus 4:10 to31; 1st Corinthians 14:1 to 19; Mark 9:30-41:

“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” (Mark 9: 38)

Earlier, in this same chapter, Jesus has told them that he was going to be handed over to those who will have him killed and this is what he came into the world to do. This was Jesus’ lot in his life.  But sadly they were arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest in their own lives, forgetting that our Lord Jesus was sacrificing himself, not promotng himself.  They were so off track.  Now they are confused about someone outside of themselves, doing good works in Jesus’ Name, but because they did not know the person, they tried to stop him.  I wonder if they even listened to themselves. Our Lord Jesus sure has a lot of patience. I’m glad he does.  Lord knows, I am always in need of the Patience of Jesus. How about you?

If we don’t learn anything else from the original followers of our Lord Jesus, let us at least learn that we are always learning.  We don’t know it all, and the beautiful part is, nobody else knows it all either.  We are free to go about life in the comfort of knowing that all humanity is trying to figure out life together. We can’t do it apart from one another, not successfully anyway. The more of us that use our Lord Jesus’ name, the better.  Perhaps the best we can do is learn from others who have also followed Jesus in their own way.  This is why I am  always reading from the writings of the saints.  I call them my heroes. They were still learning right up to the day they departed this life.

Today we remember Gregory the Illuminator, Apostle to Armenia (March 23, 332),  and his information may be found at: Gregory the Illuminator

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:

Lord Jesus, while we believe that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life, we also know that there are many Christian paths learning from your teachings. Give us tolerance Lord Christ as we witness your mighty works made manifest in believers we have not met. Let us be compassionate rather than competitive when we witness your hand at work in others, You O Christ, who works through the faith of all believers for the sake of all people. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, March 22, 2026

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 5th Sunday in Lent: Year A

John 11:1-45

 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 and 26)

To this question Martha answers, “yes Lord, I believe.”  But does she really?  After her sister Mary comes out and the same statements were said by her, to which, Jesus responds differently, Martha returns again. There is a crowd around him at the tomb.

“Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”  (John 11: 39 and 40)

Many of us are like Martha, we tell Jesus what we think Jesus wants to hear. But deep down, we still are not truthful to ourselves, or to Jesus. We must learn to listen and trust. Let go and let God.

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the darkness of death as Jesus will call all who believe in the same way. To truly believe gives Jesus the grip he needs to pull us out of the darkness of death into everlasting life. Amen.

There is a real and relevant point to be made here.  All of us do that which we think is necessary to stay alive. We take our meds, we have surgical procedures, we stay out of harm’s way as much as we think we can. But our Lord Jesus informs us that all we have to do is believe. And if we do, even if we die, we will live.  Thank You Lord Jesus. I believe.

So Jesus says to all Christians today; “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. So I ask my readers, “Do you believe this?”

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: Fifth Sunday in Lent (BCP p. 219)

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, March 21, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 4th week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 107:33 to 43; Evening,  Psalm 108:1-6(7-13); 33;

Exodus 2:23 to 3:15; 1st Corinthians 13:1 to 13; Mark 9:14 to 29:

“He said to them, ‘This kind can come out only through prayer.” (Mark 9:29)

I feel like not enough Christian effort is applied in prayer today, even as it was lacking back as Jesus witnessed when He walked among us. By this I mean the “sit-in-your-room-alone – prayer.” After the disciples of our Lord Jesus failed to cast out the evil spirit by whatever means they were using, Jesus himself interviewed the father of the boy about how long this has been happening. Then Jesus told the evil presence not only to come out of the boy, but also to never enter him again. Our Lord Jesus later explains about needing to pray more. He says that “This kind can come out only through prayer.”  This is still what we need today.

We have suffered as a planet from Covid and even some clergy, Christian clergy, have gone along with secular instruction to establish and maintain physical (social) distancing. And that has worked, but perhaps during our time (alone) and distancing, we should also be praying, pray without ceasing.  We’re pretty much out of it now but it has left its mark and some parishes are still trying to fully come to the place we were before Covid.

Perhaps this physical distancing was good advice for the physical self. How about our spiritual selves?  Sooner or later we will all stand before the One  for whom nothing is impossible.  What response will we give for not coming to our Lord for help?  Our former Presiding Bishop (the Most Reverend Micheal Curry) once said the most important prayer we can pray is one word, and that word is; “Help.”

Folks, we must have faith and believe. Our Lord Jesus took issue with the father who showed some doubt when he ask, “if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us” (Mark 9: 22).  To this Jesus responds, “‘If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes” (Mark 9: 23).  My brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, we must never underestimate the power of our faith in God and the power of prayer. Prayer brings to an end whatever troubles us. God will either take the trouble away from us or bring us out of the trouble. God loves us so much that God can’t refuse whatever we ask, but we must trust and ask. And we ask for the benefit of one another everywhere. We don’t ask just for ourselves, our family, or our Church or our Country, but for humankind all over the planet.

Today we remember Thomas Ken, Bishop and Non-Juror (March 21, 1711),  and his information may be found at: Thomas Ken

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:

Most holy and all powerful creating and loving Spirit, please hear our prayers of praise, confession, thanksgiving, intersession, and personal needs. Remind us daily Dear Lord that prayer is our best connection to you, and that we should pray daily. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, March 20, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 102; Evening,  Psalm 107:1 to 32;

Exodus 2:1 to 22; 1st Corinthians 12:27 to 13:3; Mark 9:2 to 13:

“He said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Invite him to break bread.”  (Exodus 2: 20)

Moses has killed an Egyptian and has been exposed by an angry Hebrew man, maybe even the same Hebrew man whom he spared the beating. He is on the run. Just as he got in trouble for saving a man from a beating, he later defends women from bullying shepherds.  Perhaps these are the traits that God saw in Moses and therefore called him to the Burning Bush, and thus enlisted Moses to do more work.  I’m just pondering here. 

Moses is invited to “Break Bread” in the home of Reuel and later marries his daughter (Zipporah).  Some translations say he was invited to a meal.  I like the term “Break Bread.”  I also like, and admire, the courage of Moses. He continues in his way of courage even though he is on the run because of his troubles in Egypt.  God notices his courage and righteousness and will make good use of his character for the benefit of the enslaved Israelites.

The father of the girls also recognized the goodness of Moses and wanted to welcome him into his home. Moses possessed traits the father hadn’t seen in the local men who would rather bully women at the well. Moses didn’t back down when trouble came, be it his Hebrew kin, the Egyptians, except for the pharaoh himself who could have him killed, or even the mean spirited shepherds in a foreign land.  With Moses, there was a difference between right and wrong. So the same should be with us as well. When we see an injustice happening, we have a moral obligation to intervene.

Today we remember Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Bishop and Missionary (March 20, 687),  and his information may be found at: Cuthbert

“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:

O God, the Author of justice and peace, incline our hearts and wills to stand in the breach where we witness injustice taking place. Give us the courage to stand with those who cannot defend themselves. As we partner with the vulnerable, let their oppressors see your presence at work in us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 4th Week in Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 69: Evening,  Psalm 73;

Exodus 1:6 to 22; 1st  Corinthians 12:12 to 26; Mark 8:27 to 9:1:

“He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29)

Our Lord Jesus had already asked his close followers, “who do the people say that I am?”   And rumors abound.  There were all kinds of responses.  Then he let the dust settle and he asked those who closely followed him “who do YOU say that I am?” 

The same question applies to us today, we who profess to be followers of our Lord Jesus as Christians. We hear all the time who people, (including some professed Christians), say who they think Jesus is. 

Some folk are so misinformed that they don’t keep the history of our Lord Jesus in New Testament only, when they speak of Him. Some will have him in, and out of the Bible, anywhere from Adam and Eve in the garden, to being aboard the Mayflower as it came to the Americas. And some even say that he is a figment of our imagination.  Fine for them, but who do YOU (reading this blog), say that our Lord Jesus is?  And please, say who he is in your deeds rather than just your words, even as we struggle to love all people.

Say who He is in prayers and deeds as you do not return evil for evil.  Say who He is as you bless those who curse you. For this is who our Lord Jesus is, and how we live out our lives is the only way we can truly say who He is; He is the Messiah! He is the source of eternal life. He is God revealed in human form for the benefit of eternal life for all human beings.

Today we remember Joseph, guardian of our Lord, 19 March, NT),  and his information may be found at: St. Joseph, and Bible Browser : Matthew 1:18-25. I consider Joseph to be the patron saint of fatherhood.

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 Jesus, you are the source of all life through whom all creation came into being. And you set the example for those of us who believe in you to follow. Help us we pray, to say who you are by the way we conduct ourselves in daily life, that in following your example we may teach the world about your unconditional love and abiding peace. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 101 and 109; Evening, Psalm 119:121 to 144;

Genesis 50:15 to 26; 1st Corinthians 12:1 to 11; Mark 8:11-26:

“Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die; but God will surely come to you, and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” So Joseph made the Israelites swear, saying, “When God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here.” And Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old; he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.” (Genesis 50:24 to 26)

I love re-reading our ancient stories. In the ending of Genesis, Joseph tells us how God can, and will, bring good out of what was intended to be evil. There is a lot of crying with Joseph and his brothers about their sad history, but there is forgiveness with new understanding about what God has done, and is doing.

Joseph tells them that God will come to them and bring them up out of Egypt. He doesn’t say when, or how, or in whom, God will do this. And, after many, many generations of Hebrew families, and many kings of Egypt, we will get Moses. He is the second Hebrew-born, Egyptian-raised person to lead the Hebrews.  God’s action is played out in the person of Moses as it was with Joseph.

As the Book of Genesis ends we again have God identified as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. While God does not change, our knowledge of God evolves. We always have goodness first and then comes some sinister human action requiring mercy. This has happened throughout human history and is still happening today. But know this, God wins every time.

Today we remember Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and theologian (March 18, 386),  and his information may be found at: Cyril of Jerusalem

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 of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob, continue to be with us still, as we often fail to maintain the proper path that you have set before us in the person of Jesus Christ. Lead us and guide us to that promised land where dwells eternal life for all who believe in you. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

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

Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening,  Psalm 94:

Genesis 49:29 to 50:14; 1st Corinthians 11:17 to 34; Mark 8:1 to 10:

“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1Corinthians 11:23 – 24)

In the Synoptic Gospels we learn about how our Lord Jesus wants us to remember Him, as well as here in 1st Corinthians, where Paul reports how our Lord Jesus gives us the image of how he wants us to remember Him: by the bread and the cup.

It was the bread and wine, the body and blood, that was missing by not being able to attend Church during the onset of Covid sis years ago. I never thought I, or anybody, would lose Church attendance for Lent, but we did. I missed it as did as did all of our flock.  As we began to come back to Church, we did so without Holy Communion. Later we resumed with bread only. Then, even later we returned with both kinds but there is a difference now. Now we come to the rail to receive the bread and then some elect to receive wine by intinction (dipping of the bread into the cup) while others receive directly from the chalice, each as they are comfortable. It makes no difference, at least we have it back.

Yielding to change for the sake of safety makes sense. We again receive the body and blood as commanded by our Lord Jesus. But we are using reason, one of the legs of the three-legged stool (of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason) as introduced by Richard Hooker, the 17th Century Anglican Priest. We are a reasonable people who find ways to fulfill our Christ-given destiny of eternal life.

Today we remember Patrick of Ireland, (March 17, 461),  and his information may be found at:  St. Patrick

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, as you are made known to us in the bread and wine consecrated in remembrance of you, be in us each week as we then are in you. Let our weekly intake of you sustain us to do those things that are pleasing in your sight, that, fortified by your body and blood, we will walk in your ways always.  Amen.

Pondering for Monday, March 16, 2026

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

Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;

Genesis 49:1to 28; 1st Corinthians 10:14 to 11:1; Mark 7:24 to 37:

“But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’” (Mark 7: 28)

And with this response from the Syrophoenician mother, our Lord Jesus yielded to her faith.  Some say that this event happened so that we could see God’s inclusive love for all people. Some have even said that this happened as our Lord Jesus was still learning who he was and the nature of his mission with us.  I prefer the first. 

As Jesus intentionally went to lands outside of Israel to heal and teach, it is doubtful that he would not care about this woman’s daughter.  Also, the Syrophoenician mother shows that anyone bringing their problem to our Lord Jesus, if their faith is genuine, they will not be turned away. This is especially true for intercessory prayer.

It is one thing to pray for ourselves and what we might think we need. But God really pays attention to our plea for the needs of others. Also, in the experience, Jesus shows us that He does not have to be physically present where He is needed, moreover, He also knows who we are talking about through our own heart without us having to specifically name or identify them. God reaches through us to comfort and heal those we care about. or those we are asked to pray for, who are unknown to us personally. God is love and moves through love, from one person to another, healing along the way.

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:

Lord Jesus, healing Word of God through Whom all creation came into being, we ask for the healing of those we love in your Name Lord Jesus, because you promised that whatever we ask in your Name it will be done for us. Please walk through our hearts of faith to those we love with your healing powers and restore those we love to health of body mind and spirit. Again, in your Name we pray: Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, March 15, 2026

Eucharist Gospel Reading for the Forth Sunday of Lent: Year A

John 9:1 to 41:

“But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” (John 9:10 – 11)

Each line above in our Gospel reading can be the basis of a homily. The man called Jesus, (through whom all things were made) made mud, put it on my eyes (used God’s earth to cure those made of God’s earth) and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash (which is like Go, and be baptized), he was given a responsibility to co-create with God. He said further, “I washed and received my sight,” sight he never had before, ever!  And because of our Lord Jesus, we too now see as we have never seen before.

Often those who refuse to see and understand what they witness right before them, are hard-hearted in their stubbornness.  You and I can’t fix hard-hearted stubbornness. Many people of our modern world will not let themselves have real sight today.  They want you to hear their story over and over again and do not want to open their eyes to see yours, remaining blind to your reality. We can’t fix them. We can only acknowledge what God in Christ Jesus is doing.

The man said, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.”

In a way, I was born blind. I was taught from my childhood to see the world in a certain way, through race, upper and lower class people, and all without regular church attendance, (that in my neighborhood might not have changed anything). I was blind as far as what God was showing me, save my time at Catholic School. And believe it or not, Marine Corps Basic Training where we were told there was no black or white, we were all green.

Continuing with the Gospel, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”  This man who was given his sight (for the first time) told them off.  But they rebutted with insecurity: “They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out;” (John 9:33 and 34). Frankly, I would rather be driven out than to stay among self-serving unbelievers.

The Incarnate Word through whom all things were made, made medicine, applied it to his eyes, ordered the man to go and rinse with water as in baptism, requiring his participation in healing. Our Lord Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Yes, there are many little homilies in this passage. All are very important lessons.  We too must believe, ask, accept, obey with our own participation, and receive joy.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

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: Fourth Sunday in Lent (BCP p.219)

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.