onewhoponders

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 6^th Sunday of Easter: Year A

John 14:15-21

“This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” (John 14:17)

Later in the Gospel of John, Pontius Pilot asked Jesus, “What is Truth.” To this, Rowan Williams (Former Arch Bishop of Canterbury), remarked that this was the most profound question in the whole of the New Testament. This former Archbishop of Canterbury, a very learned and respected theologian, lifts this question up from the lips of a Roman governor as the most profound question of the New Testament.  The truth is so powerful and yet our Lord Jesus proclaims that the truth is part of who he is. He says of himself, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

Jesus promised us the Spirit of Truth. But Jesus also says that sometimes we are not able to hear the truth, that the truth is more than we can bear.  This reminds me of Jack Nicholson in the movie, “A Few Good Men” where he protests, “You can’t handle the truth.”  The Church too has had difficulty handling the truth.

Early in the history the Church we supported the idea that the earth was flat. A little later, the church refused to believe that the earth was not the center of the universe, and we also refused to believe that the earth revolved around the sun.  The Church accepted the notion that the sun was the little light that rose in the East and sat in the West as God had appointed it. Early astronomers, who taught differently, were condemned by the Church as heretics. It was hard for the Church to believe the truth that we were not the center of the universe.

What truths are we faced with now that we are not ready for, or, “can’t handle?”  Do you believe in God the Father?; Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?; Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?  These are truths that we Christians hold dear to our hearts. It is good to know that if we don’t believe in these doctrines today, our Church will not persecute us.

Within our Baptismal Covenant are also the words that tell of Jesus being born of Mary. Mary is the woman hand-picked by God to give birth to, and raise, our Lord Jesus. Today is Mother’s Day! All mothers, regardless of faith, are gifted by God to get human life started and then nurtured.  Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there.

We believe in our Lord Jesus because he abides with us.  And we know the truth about him because he is in us. Jesus also says that he has more to tell us but we aren’t ready yet, (We  still can’t handle the truth). This is 2026.  Perhaps we ought to be getting ready for a major shift in human existence. We need to prepare ourselves for, not only a new normal, but also, to receive more truth.

Jesus says it is the Spirit of Truth that we will receive, and that we know him because he abides in us, and we in Him.

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: Sixth Sunday of Easter, (BCP p.225)

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 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 the 5^th Week of Easter: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;

Leviticus 23:23 to 44; 2^nd Thessalonians 3:1 to 18; Matthew 7:13 to 21:

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easythat leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.  For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  (Matthew 7:13- 14)

I often remind my congregation that Christianity is not for the faint of heart.  It’s hard work, a narrow gate, if you will.  If you have ever been in line to get through a narrow door, or even in heavy traffic where one lane is closed and drivers must merge or “zipper” into a single lane, you have some idea about the need for patience.  Also, the road is difficult.  Christians must undergo some uncomfortable experiences and often stand with those who are overwhelmed.

Our Congregation as been downsized due to COVID 19.  Many Christians of “Mega” churches have also been downsized.  However, in the beginning of the Jesus Movement, we assembled in the homes of believers (in secret).  We were small groups around a table. Those who brought the Word, themselves worked jobs only to show that they were not trying to profit from the Gospel, rather, they were prophets of the Gospel.

In our 2^nd Thessalonians reading for today, we read, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you,  and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.”  (2 Thessalonians 3: 7 – 10)

I am one of those clergy who believes that I should have a regular job as I study and prepare to preach the Gospel.  Not a lot of Clergy agree with me, and that’s fine.  In my way of understanding the clergy role. it should be the bishop whose sole focus should be his or her diocese. The argument will be raised, “Who wants to go to three years of seminary only to work as a part-time priest?”  Our  Gospel reading says, “For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” As I look back now I regret not having worked a secular vocation when I was a rector. Yet, I still live and learn. I am still a work in progress. Thank You Jesus.

Today we remember Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop and Theologian (May 9, 389) and his information may be found at: Gregory of Nazianzus.

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, You guide us through rough times and narrow gates but You never abandon us. Fortify us with Your Spirit in order that we are better enabled to overcome human created norms, and do what is sometimes difficult, but pleasing in Your sight, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 5^th Week of Easter: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 71; Evening, Psalm 74;

Leviticus 19: 26 to 37;  2^nd Thessalonians 1:1 to 12; Matthew 6:25 to 34:

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)

I am a champion worrier.  And I realize that the worrying itself (in most cases), does more harm to my wellbeing than the issue I am worrying about. I think worrying is somehow related to fear. They must be cousins if not parent and child, fear then, giving birth to worry, or the other way roud.  I heard in a movie once that basically fear is a deep concern about some event that has not happened yet, and may not happen at all. And yet here we are, ready to give up, or worse yet, do something regrettable because of it.

Our Lord Jesus makes the point that worrying really can’t help us, only hurt us.  Our Lord Jesus tells us regarding things we worry about that, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6: 32 – 33)

I also ponder about the next verse and how God’s time might apply here.  Our Lord Jesus says, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today, (Matthew 6:34).  So, I fear that I worry too much still. But I’m still a work in progress.

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, You know what we need before we do, and well before we began to worry about what badness could happen to us. Create and sustain a path in us to Your calmness whereby we might settle ourselves down and be more at peace when we get anxious. Please God, in Your most holy Name. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 5^th Week of Easter: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73 to 96;

Leviticus 19:1 to18; 1^st Thessalonians 5:12 to 28; Matthew 6:19 to 24:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  (Matthew 6:21)

I think of this verse, in reverse. I think that I first consider what my heart desires and then realize that my heart’s desire is my treasure. Treasure is often thought of as money. We can’t eat money. Money is our community currency that has a long shelf life – longer than wheat, or live stock, or anything we could use to trade with. Money, therefore, is a tool for trade and commerce, nothing more.

Knowing myself the way I do, I think my heart’s desire is peace. I always cringe at the onset of any kind of hostility. I loathe domestic violence, bullying, and all hate initiated behavior.  Therefore peace is my treasure.

I think for me, strongly connected with peace is eternal life, which I believe is ultimate peace. I hope, pray and trust that joining Christ in paradise will be the eternal place of peace where there will be no more crying, forever. This then is my ultimate treasure. And it is my heart’s desire.

Today we remember George of Lydda, Soldier and Martyr (c. 304)) and his information may be found at: St. George.

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, Creator of love and harmony, create in each of us loving desires as our treasures that in seeking such treasures, we will think, say, and do those things pleasing in your sight. Make each of us instruments of your peace, now and forever. Amen.

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

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

 Leviticus 16:20-34; 1^st Thessalonians 5:1 to 11; Matthew 6:7 to 15:

“For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.  For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1st Thessalonians 5:7 – 9)

I like thinking of myself mostly as a day creature.  I rise before the sun comes up and go to bed shortly after it sets.  However, as I take a distant look of our solar system through space cameras or art, I realize that during the day the earth is facing inward toward the sun. But at night, our view is toward the universe, that vast expanse of interstellar space.  Hey, I’m “pondering” here, ok?  Our nighttime view is one of taking in the stars and planets, the universe that God created. I have become familiar with the “Big Dipper” and “Orion’s Belt,” the occasional visitation of Venus and Mars and other planets and constellations as they make their journeys in their God-given paths

So, for me, night is more than just a time for sleep, it is also a time of wonder. As a Christian, I agree with Bishop Kallistos Ware who says, “It is not the task of Christianity to provide easy answers to every question, but to make us progressively aware of a mystery. God is not so much the object of our knowledge as the cause of our wonder.”

We do not see evil in the night sky, only the good rotations and movements throughout the year as they make their way on their God-given paths. God has destined them for such. And God has also destined us for the same goodness through our Lord Jesus.  “For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1st Thessalonians 5:9). Therefore, in pondering reflection, I think we are both day and night creatures.  We are on our own God-given path to salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us come together then and stop evil from happening. We need to stop the evil some people do and stop world violence and just be good as God has made us to be.

Today we remember the Martyrs of the Reformation Era, and this information may be found at Martyrs of the Reformation Era. This was a horrible time in Christianity. How could we do violence in Jesus’ Name?

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 Lord God, the Grand Designer of all creation, we pray You guide us as you guide the stars above. Help us to remove or avoid any, and all thoughts of evil towards our brothers and sisters. Help us also to see You clearly in each other now in our present days, and to ponder about You in our nights. We ask this of You, the Source of all goodness: Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 5^th Week of Easter: Year A

John 14:1-14:

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”  (John 14:2 – 3)

There are few things that can compare with a well thought-out plan. One of the lessons I am still learning is to have a place for things before I get them. It is really upsetting to order and have delivered a new gym apparatus and no where to put it in an already crowded garage.   I’ve gotten to the point that when I am asked to move something for someone, I ask where do you want me to move it to?  If there is something already occupying that space, then the question becomes, where does that item then go? and on and on.

For our eternal home, this work has already been done by our Lord Jesus. Jesus says he has gone to prepare a place for us. This “preparing” that Jesus speaks of, may even be to “create” a space for us. The good news is that there is a space, a dwelling place for us. You have heard that there should be a place for everything, and everything in its place, right?  We are co-creating a space in our eternal home right now as we go about believing in, and following our Lord Jesus.

In what I used to call my mancave were many photos, plaques, and memorabilia I have collected over the years. It’s not much, it’s just me. Jesus is decorating a room for you with the good works you have done, and hopefully, will do, as you await his call to your eternal home. So how about you my friends?  What personal souvenirs or memorabilia is our Lord Jesus preparing your space with? The good news is, if you are hearing these words now, you still have time to forward some good works or fruits of the spirit forward to our Lord Jesus as he prepares your space. For as he says, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” Let me be clear, this is not “works righteousness,” but rather, “living the dream.”

Jesus tells us to believe in God and to believe also in Him. As Christians we share the same good God who is the same God of other faith traditions. To this understanding we also recognize God walking with us in the person of Jesus, our Savior. All other traditions will admit that God can, and is able to do such a thing, we Christians however, proclaim that God has already done so.  We believe in God, we also believe in our 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: Fifth Sunday of Easter (BCP p.225)

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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

Morning,  Psalm 40 and 54; Evening, Psalm 51;

Exodus 34:18 to 35;  1^st  Thessalonians 3:1 to 13; Matthew 5:27 to 37:

“Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! there is none who can be compared with you.” (Psalm 40:5)

Psalm 40 is wonderful. While it does have some verses that try to move God to deal with problem people, most of it is giving thanks to God for God’s wonderful care of us.

I have been in tight spots where I didn’t see a good outcome. I don’t know if I consciously prayed during such times, but deep within me I was aware of the presence of God. While actively praying or not, God is aware of our situations, and the situations of our communities. “Great are God’s wonders and God’s plans for us.” We must always trust in the Lord and remember to be so thankful when God has acted. God is good, all the time.

Today we remember Philip and James, Apostles (May 1: NT), and their information may be found at Philip and James, Apostles

“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:

Oh, All mighty God, giver of all good gifts and graces, You know our needs before we ask and provide them for us when we need them. Your plans for us exceed anything we could ask or imagine. Dear Lord God, help each of us to be better participants in Your plan for humanity and this planet our island home. Teach us to be coworkers with You in Your divine plan as it pleases You. In Your most gracious Name we pray: Amen.