Pondering for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the Last Week after the Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39:

Proverbs 30:1-4,24-33; Philippians 3:1-11; John 18:28-38:

“Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?” (John 18: 38)

Our former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverent Rowan Williams, said, this question from Pontius Pilate about what is truth is the most profound question in the New Testament.  I too have found that many of the most profound statements in scriptures, come from the lips of people who are less than holy but none the less raise the most interesting subjects to ponder.

When I mentor Education for Ministry, I often have to remind participants that we should look for truth, not facts, as we ponder the scriptures and other readings. The truth is that there is a God and that God created all things and loves what is being created.  Some of our so-called facts were that this earth was created in six days, and that it is flat, and that it is the center of the universe, in which the sun moved around the earth: this is not the truth.  Our so-called historic, even educated facts are not the truth in all situations.  We should look for truths.

There is truth in the history of the world that God Incarnate walked among us to experience what it is like to be one of us. Often what separates truth from fact is when it happened.  So-called facts tend to have happened in the past, recent or long ago. Truth, on the other hand is ongoing and now, eternal (God loves us). 

For me, I thrive on the now.  God loves us.  We all have history. Some good, and some not so good, but God loves us anyway. More often than not, we are treated by one another based on what we believe to be facts (whether criminal or heroic).  It is only ourselves and God Almighty that knows our truth.  Our Lord Jesus standing before Pilot knew the Truth. Pilot did not.  And yet our Lord Jesus was being tried on alleged facts.  But our Lord Jesus tells of another way, the truth.  In truth (not in fact) he proclaims that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). 

Facts in a court of law tend to exist in the evidence, be it from a microscope, or forensics for the purpose of prosecution.  Truth, on the other hand, resides in our heart and in the universal love of God. Who you love is the truth.  No matter what we have done in this life, God is beyond our facts, God measures our hearts.  Thank you Lord Jesus for you are the Truth.

Today we remember Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr (February 16, 1977) and information about him may be found at: Janani, Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda.

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 those we Love (BCP p. 831)

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, February 16, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the Last Week after the Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 25; Evening,  Psalm 9 and 15;

Proverbs  27:1 to 6 and10 to 12; Philippians  2:1 to 13; John 18:15 to 18 and 25-27:

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth – a stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)

This is a primary election year, so every day we will hear more and more of the rhetoric of political candidates telling us how good they are and how unfit their competitors are for that same office.

If I were running for an elected office I would want my campaign manager, or those who want me to run for an elected position to boast about my fitness for the office, and not myself.  But this is the way of the world today.  Even in the election of a Bishop for a Diocese in our Episcopal Church, each candidate priest is presented with an opportunity to say how good he or she is for the office. However, and to their credit, such priests do not put down their competitors, thank God. For politicians however, we encourage narcissism rather than the instruction of humility as taught in our Proverbs reading for today.

Perhaps it would be better if computers did the hard work of tabulating information and then recommend candidates best suited for office based on experience, education and history.  After a short list, candidates are identified, “sponsors” can then promote their person of choice for the office. In this way all persons interested in a future elected position will have to do, is do the best they can every day, so that the computer collecting the information can put the best qualified person’s names forth for nomination and election.

In any case, those who want a certain person to be in an elected office should be the ones boasting about how their choice is best suited for the position, not the person him, or herself. We all should be doing the best we can in everyday life.  While education and experience carry a lot of weight, one’s history of doing good in their respective community and party affiliation is probably the most valuable marker of what kind of person a candidate is.

Wait a minute! Isn’t collecting our life’s moral information what God is doing now? All we have to do is be the best we can be every day. God sees us and nothing else matters.

Today we remember Charles Todd Quintard, Bishop of Tennessee, (1898) and information about him may be found at: Charles Quintard.  (I struggled with whether or not to submit this but decided to do so after reading some of the additional attachments).

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: A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, February 15, 2026

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Last Sunday After the Epiphany: Year A

Matthew 17:1-9

“As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:9)

Peter, James and John are picked to go up the mountain with our Lord Jesus. These three were called out from the others to go to spend a special time with Jesus.

I’m guessing they were informed by the Holy Spirit about who Moses and Elijah were, given that that both were historic figures and there were no “photographs” of them.  This was a revelation given to them by the Cloud of all knowing.

And after the experience of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus, the revelation Cloud of all knowing using the voice of God, being told to not tell anyone, was asking a lot. But in hindsight, we can see why these stories were actually written much later and in a different language (Greek).

Being told not to talk about something gives one time to process what happened. Today we say that the introvert processes quietly while the extrovert processes by “talking it out.”  This might be the reason for taking these three, but then there is Peter. Peter can’t hold back even in the midst of the Transfiguration.  Peter said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4) 

So Jesus took with him both the extrovert and the introverts. Jesus takes with him both you and me.  We are invited to see God Incarnate who is the fulfillment of the Law (Moses), and the Prophets (Elijah).  Moses didn’t want to go back to Egypt but was sent anyway.  Elijah was all in, even taunting the prophets of Baal, “At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”  (1 Kings 18:27)  Elijah mocked the prophets.

God calls any of us to do the Lord’s work.  Be attentive therefore, Our Lord will call you also to have that mountain top experience.  Dr Martin Luther King Jr. says that he experienced it in his kitchen after a hateful phone call.  This mountain top experience can happen anywhere. When it happens, it is life changing. The place where it happens has nothing to do with the time God chooses. God is everywhere, all the time.  Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907 to 1972 was internationally known as a scholar, activist, and theologian. He was Professor of Ethics and Mysticism that the Jewish Theological Seminary of America), says in his book, The Sabbath, that it is not the event that makes time significant, but rather, the time that makes an event significant, it is the time that an event happens that makes the place significant.  Jesus could have taken these followers out on a boat ride, or in a cave or a barn.  He just needed time to be alone with them.

Jesus can be transformed in your presence today; anywhere, and any time of God’s choosing. And may still ask you not to tell anyone about what you have experienced; just live out what has been revealed to you in word and deed.

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: Last Sunday after the Epiphany (BCP p. 217. This Proper is always used on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday)

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, February 14, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 87 and 90; Evening,  Psalm 136:
Genesis 29:1 to 20; Romans 14:1 to 23; John 8:47 to 59:

“The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve.” (Romans 14:22)

Some of us believe in God based on what our faith leaders have taught us. Some of us believe in God based on our own interpretation of our reading the Bible, or other ancient writings. And, some believe in God based on both, that is, our faith leaders have instructed us in how we should understand or interpret what our ancient writings mean.

But there are some of us who believe in God based on our God-given reflective pondering and God’s revelation to us. This latter group, of which I am proud to be a member, also reads our Holy Words but are guided by God in our interpretation of them. In my walk and sitting with God, I stand almost alone in my convictions that there is no such thing as race, and that God uses both male and female humans in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. These are only two that I feel called to share at this time.

While Paul used dietary habits to explain his theological conviction, his words work for me as I continue to sit with God, day by day. I am always learning and evolving in what I believe and then trying to live it accordingly.  I think we should take into consideration our holy writings and sound teachings from well informed teachers. But we have a personal responsibility to sit with God in prayer and revelation regularly, while forming our own personal (albeit evolving) conviction. Paul says to us, “The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve.”  This evening concludes our Sabbath time from God (yet another conviction of mine). Our Lord Jesus never changed that. Sit quietly today and ponder about what God is saying to you.

Today we remember Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs (February 14, 869) and his information may be found at:  Cyril & Methodius

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 139 verses 1 through 16, and 22 and 23: (BCP p. 794)

“Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways. Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O Lord, know it altogether. You press upon me behind and before and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it. Where can I go then from your Spirit? where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will thank you because I am marvelously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well. My body was not hidden from you, while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them. How deep I find your thoughts, O God! how great is the sum of them!”   “Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. Look well whether there be any wickedness in me and lead me in the way that is everlasting.” Amen.

Pondering for Friday, February 13, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the FifthWeek of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91and 92:   

Genesis 27:46 to chapter28:4 and10 to22; Romans 13:1 to 14; John 8:33 to 47;

Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”  (John 8: 42)

All of the reports of the Gospel, from all four of its sources, complement each other.  From Matthew’s account we read, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Those of us who insist on peace are truly children of God.  And as our Lord Jesus says, “If God is our Father we would love him,” and not only him, but all people.

Loving people does not necessarily mean agreeing with them. We can come away from an issue with different concerns about how things should be done.  However, there should be some fairness and reasonable decency on both sides without harm or detriment to anyone; just different interests. Love bridges differences. 

Love makes room for forgiving even when harm is done. If we are the victim, we pray for the strength to overcome what has happened. And, with God’s help, we can.  If we are the perpetrator we pray for the strength to repent, acknowledge the wrong we’ve done and be accountable for what we have done.  And we face those we have hurt. I believe it is the perpetrator’s soul that is most damaged when sinful acts are done.  Repenting is truly an act of sincere love, and thus, soul repair.

We are children of God as we make peace and have love for one another as our Lord Jesus has taught us. We have the Holy Spirit of God within us.  This Spirit is trying to lead us and guide us.  All we have to do is listen and follow. We should really look at every person we are with and understand that they too are saying that “if we are God’s child, we would love them.”  This is what the Holy Spirit of God is teaching us.  We need to listen and do likewise.

Today we remember Absalom Jones, Priest (February 13, 1818) and his information may be found at:  Absalom Jones

“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: (BCP p. 214)

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, February 12, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm  146; Evening,  Psalms 85 and 86;
Genesis 27:30 to 45; Romans 12:9 to 21; John 8:21 to 32:

“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free:” (John 8: 31 and 32).

The reality is that we can change the word “Jews,” to “those” who believed in him. Because all of us who believe in our Lord Jesus and continue in His word are truly His disciples. The person of Jesus was more than just another human being. He was, and is, God almighty. He came among us to model what it means to live out our lives as God’s beloved creation. To follow in Jesus’ word means to love God back and to love each other. It ain’t easy folks.

To know the truth is to know about the reality of God among us in Spirit and in truth. When we move beyond just believing, to knowing, we live differently. We don’t succumb to small temporal things and self-serving ideas. As we come to know the truth about God among us, we are indeed free to live eternally even now in this life, where our earthly death will not hold us, but is overcome by our Lord Jesus who has defeated death for us and makes us free. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Theodora, Empress, (c. 867), and her information may be found at: Theodora; And we also remember Charles Freer Abndrews, Priest and Friend of the Poor in India, (1940), and his information may be found at: Charles Freer Andrews.

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. 833)                                              

O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:97 to 120; Evening,  Psalms 81 and 82;
Genesis 27:1 to 29; Romans 12:1 to 8; John 8:12 to 20:

“Now therefore, my son, obey my word as I command you.  Go to the flock, and get me two choice kids, so that I may prepare from them savory food for your father, such as he likes; and you shall take it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies. (Genesis 27:8 to 10) 

These are Rebecca’s words to her son Jacob after overhearing Isaac talking with Esau. I think most of us today would judge Rebecca as untruthful and deceptive.  However, God is pleased to have Jacob rather than Esau as the keeper of the Promise and to become Father Israel from whom the twelve tribes will come.  We can never guess what God will approve of.

I will say this about my observation of the scriptural writers about God, God preferred Able over Cain, that is the younger over the elder brother.  And God will prefer Joseph over his older brothers born of Jacob. God will also choose the youngest son of Jesse, David, over his older brothers. Does God favor those who have bad examples to proceed them as a lesson in right behavior? That is to say, “don’t do as my elder did.”  I don’t know.  All I know is that God often favors the only child, or the last child. This is not good news for me as I am the older son of my mother.  However, I must admit that Joseph was not the last son of his mother, Benjamin was.  None the less, God will select who God will select. God will judge us, we will not be our own final judge.

Our call is to live the best, most caring life we can regardless of which child we are, knowing that we will one day stand in God’s judgment.  The only consolation we have is in knowing that God is loving and merciful. Love and mercy are not to be taken for granted, but rather, it is to be humbly received, even now in this life, and then shared by us on those we are with everyday. I pray that we too may be as Rebecca, that is, that the outward looking, untruthful and deceptive acts that we do, may be what God wants. But this only happens if we are listening to the Holy Spirit of God.

Today we remember The Consecration of Barbara Clementine Harris, February 11, 1989) and her information may be found at:  Consecration of Barbara C. Harris. And we remember Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Van Alstyne Crosby, 1915): and her information may be found at: Fanny Crosby.

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: A Collect for Guidance (BCP p. 100)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;

Genesis 26:1 to 6 and 12 to 33; Hebrews 13:17 to 25; John 7:53 to 8:11:

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you.” (Hebrews 13: 17)

I believe we all are led by another person or persons.  From our president down to the least followed person on the planet.  Sometimes our leaders are a group of people as in a council or a cabinet, or vestry or board of directors. The reason we have this body of leadership is because in, and of themselves individually, leaders often can’t figure out the next best move. And, not many leaders today are concerned about our souls. I think perhaps the Hebrew writer was referring to the clergy of his day.

As we care about the spiritual and physical health of our leaders we should keep them in prayer, asking God to aid and assist them in good thoughts and right actions for the welfare of their charge.  Whether our leaders are one person or a group, they are not outside of the influence of God.  Even if we don’t like our leader, it would be all the more reason to pray to God for him or her.  God will make them who they need to be in order that they “keep watch over our souls.”

God can, and will, also have our leadership be joyful in doing the good works pleasing in God’s sight.  As one who served in the Marines for thirty years under all kinds of leaders, and now being led by a faithful bishop and a loving parish vestry, I know firsthand that prayer for leaders work.

Leaders (including myself) are often conflicted about how priorities should be set, but prayer to God for right judgment always helps.  I can say to you honestly that praying for leaders makes a good and positive difference.  The big thing to overcome is that we must really “want” leadership to be better, to do good works for the people they serve.  We can’t hold grudges or wish ill upon them.  But rather, work with God for their improvement. If we didn’t have societies we wouldn’t need leaders.  So it is really for our parish, community, and nation, that we are praying. And when (not if) the leader improves, relish in the pride of working with God that changed him or her. And you know what?  They didn’t even see it coming. Bless their hearts.

Today we remember Scholastica of Nursia, Monastic, (543) and her information may be found at:  Scholastica

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 Local Government (BCP p. 822)

Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town,) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, February 9, 2026

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

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;

Genesis 25:19 to 34; Hebrews 13:1 to 16; John 7:37 to 52:

“Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ 52They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”  (John 7:50 – 52)

So this is Nicodemus who first went out to Jesus in darkness (Chapter 3 of this Gospel according to John), perhaps so as not to be seen.  But the darkness could also be used to describe the darkness of ignorance.  Albeit he now pushes for some level of fairness for Jesus. And what happens?  His colleagues immediately turn on him.  They have that mentality that says if you are not with me, then you are against me.

Nicodemus took a risk for Jesus whom he knew in his heart was a good man and at least a prophet sent from God.  His friends want to use our Lord Jesus’ current home town as a way to say he cannot be sent from God. Now even they will admit that God can do whatever God wants to do.  And one thing is for sure; God does not depend on “the way it’s always been.” 

Neither should we use our own history as a locked-out boundary that will suppress any hope of evolving, or growing spiritually.  When writings get old, somehow they become sacred text that suggests that the people who wrote them were in some way, smarter or more holy than we are today. This kind of misguided idea, be it the Bible or our Constitution, becomes our new god.  But they are not God.  They are writings by people, all of whom had faults and misunderstandings like us of today.  While Jesus did not originate in Galilee as they thought, it really makes no difference.  God, the real God, can, and does do, whatever God wants to do.  God is always doing something new.  

How many of us today are still where we are originally from, (geographically, intellectually and spiritually)?  Some of us might be, but I’ll bet most of us are not. Either way, it makes no difference. God is present at our beginning, in our present and will receive us when we close. Nicodemus was right, we all deserve a hearing, and God, the real God, listens.  We too should listen to one another with compassion.  Remember, listening leads to learning, which leads to loving, which can lead to outright leading others.

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.

Pondering for Sunday, February 8, 2026

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Year A

Matthew 5:13-20

  “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13)

This salt of the earth is a good metaphor for our call to be peacemakers and thus, Children of God. Then Jesus goes on to say, according to Matthew; “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13 – 16)

Being a true Southerner, I love grits. But I don’t want anyone who doesn’t like grits to cook them for me.  You have to know the value of salt.  Without salt, grits for me, aren’t fit to eat.  Salt is a seasoning that makes many foods palatable. 

The “you” that Jesus uses in the Matthew verses above is the plural form.  This grit-eating Southerner would say “Y’all.”  The “y’all” that our Lord Jesus uses applies to the Church.  That means our Christian Church. So when our Lord Jesus says that you are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, he is telling us the we, the Church, are the salt and light of the world.

Salt is that property of the Church that seasons the people of the earth.  It brings forth peace and harmony.  It blends us together. It does not make us one, it’s not supposed to.  And that’s where light comes in.

With light we can see, and appreciate, the differences between us.  We are like a bowl of vegetable soup.  We, the people of the earth, are seasoned with the salt of the church and brought into harmonious relationship with one another.  However, with the light of the Church we can still see the different textures of one another.  It is like looking at green beans, and corn, and carrots and a few potatoes and some cabbage all brought to a piping hot dish and seasoned to perfection with a little salt to make it a very delicious meal.

The people of the world need to live in harmony with each other, and at the same time, recognize and honor the distinctive differences we bring to the bowl. Some have used the salad metaphor; fine. Whatever works. We just need to respect each other’s humanity and spiritual presence.

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 after the Epiphany (BCP p. 216)


Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.