onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 18: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:49 to 72, Evening, Psalm  49;   

Job 29:1 and30:1 to 2 and16 to 31; Acts 14:19 to 28; John 11:1 to 16

“Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)

I am so glad that I get to bring you this passage for its own use.  I often have to make it an aside when talking about Thomas not being a doubter. Thomas is willing to give his life to follow Jesus.  Jesus requires no less from us today.

The good news for us (in addition to the Good News of the Gospel itself), is that we don’t follow Jesus to a real and painful cross.  We dedicate our lives to our Lord Jesus by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.

When we are baptized, we are baptized into the death of Christ.  This always needs an explanation when baptizing an infant.  Death maybe the last thing on the mind of parents and family of the baby.  But death is the unavoidable path of all life in creation. However, being baptized into the Death of Jesus we are raised into the Resurrection of Christ as well (Romans 6:3 and 4).  The one brings about the other.

We cannot ransom our lives.  We all are destined for death. But in death life is not ended, life is changed. “For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.” (BCP 382)

There are many martyrs in our Church history.  These were people who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel of God in the Name of Jesus Christ.  Thomas was willing to give his life by following Jesus, even to the cross.  How about you and me?  Let’s start by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.

Today we remember The Martyrs of Memphis and their information may be found at: Constance & Her Companions.

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, You are the source of all courage and strength; strengthen us and give us the courage of St. Thomas to follow our Savior wherever he leads us in the knowledge and assurance that our mortal deaths are not the end, but that our lives continue with you for all eternity. We pray this to You O God our Creator and Sustainer, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 18: Year 2

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

Job 29:1 to 20; Acts 14:1 to18; John 10:31 to 42

“When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, ‘Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”  (Acts 14: 14 and 15)

In today’s John Reading, as well as this Acts passage above, people witnessing God’s work are misreading what they see.  In the Gospel of John people are upset because they say that since Jesus is only a human being, how can he say that he is God (John 10:33).  The truth is, Jesus is not only human. Jesus is both human and God.  In the Acts passage, people see what Paul and Barnabas are doing and want to worship them as gods. However, they both truly are human only.  In both cases the people who see what God is doing want to focus on the instrument of God rather than God.  They forget that it is God who is at work.

The same is true today.  God works through us to do the will of God. But God mostly works through people of faith to do this work. Miracles still happen!  People are miraculously healed.  People miss having accidents through no foresight of their own.  Such events are not coincidental. They are the will of God. I have seen where God also works through people of little or no faith for the benefit of a community. In such cases the people used by God are unaware of God using them.

Our experiences are all about what God is doing.  If we don’t like what God is doing, or think the person who God is working through is undeserving, as in the John passage, we should calm down and ponder the greater benefit to our community.  If we really like what we see God doing in someone, a doctor or teacher or pastor, or anyone, we need to realize that in most cases, such a person has allowed themselves to be used by God through faith. Or, God has decided that our need can’t wait for faith and the benefit needs to happen regardless.  If we want to honor a person for some good deed, we should honor their obedience to God’s call on his or her life and their willingness to obey.

God is good, all the time.  And God is at work, all the time.  The only thing that God wants in order to help us is our faith.  If we believe in God and submit to the will of God, God’s will, will be done.  God uses us, to fix us.  All we have to do is be faithful, user friendly, and thankful.

Today we remember the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and this information may be found at: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

Let us pray: 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.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper18: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41 and 52, Evening, Psalm  44;  

Job 32:1 to 28; Acts 13:44 to 52; John 10:19 to 30:

“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers.  Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.  But the [Temple authorities] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region.  So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium.  And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13: 48 to 52)

We just can’t please everybody.  The Temple authorities took offense at the message of Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their region.  Today, too many of us still do not want to sit and listen to people who disagree with us.  We only want to win, even if winning our way is not the best outcome for all concerned.

We must pay attention to the words that say, “devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city” were incited by smooth talkers.  We must ponder about the words we hear.  From social media to politics and religion, we sometimes lose the purpose of what we are excited about and are only concerned about our side winning. We need to stop letting ourselves be manipulated and follow the advice of Blaise Pascal who said, “All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” 

Today we remember Hannah Moew, Religious Writer and Philanthropist (September 7, 1883) and her information may be found at: Hannah More.

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 and Sustainer of all life, teach each of us to first consult the Burning Bush of our own solitude before listening to, and being talked-in-to, participating in actions not pleasing in your sight. For without your divine counsel we cannot receive the joy of the Holy Spirit you want us to have. In Your most Holy Name we pray: Amen.

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 18: Year A

Matthew 18:15to20

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Our Lord Jesus lived out this idea of 2 or 3.  His own favorite three were Simon Peter, John and James.  He took only them with him to heal Jairus’ daughter; to the Mount of Transfiguration; and in the garden when he went to pray the night he was arrested.  You might say that Peter, John and James were his “executive counsel.”  They were all simple men, fishermen by trade.

Their important qualities were, and are, a good and loving heart, and a strong faith. Even though they all had flaws. Peter was an ego-centric extrovert. John and James wanted to prearrange a position of glory for themselves in the kingdom. But notice that our Lord Jesus held onto them for his inner circle even with their imperfections. 

The other side of this lesson is that we ourselves, may be indeed the one that two or three come to for listening and reconciliation. In such a case, we must not harden our hearts in denial and resistance to admitting our own faults.

Is there a lesson in this example of these three for us? In the passage from our Gospel lesson for this Sunday Jesus moves from a one-on-one situation to the whole Church.  But in the middle, he asks us to select one or two others to bear witness of our troubling situations.  Can you pick two or three people from your faith community to stand by you in difficult times?  Find 2, and you will make three, and Jesus is with thee.

As we listen to Jesus’ final words in this reading he says, “If the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector:” Matthew 18:17. But as we look at how Jesus treats those outside of Israel, we see that he accepts them and helps them as if they were Israelites. He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman in Matthew Chapter 15; and brings Matthew, a Tax Collector, in as part of the 12, whose words we are reading today. So, we treat outsiders and tax collectors no different. Thank you Jesus.

The truthful message of Jesus is to love everybody, no exceptions, even if there is conflict. Try to resolve it, but when all is said and done, let love prevail.

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 18 The Sunday closest to September 7 (BCP p.234)

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 17: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 30, 32, Evening, Psalms 42, and 43:

Job 22:1 to 4 and verse 21 to chapter 23 to verse7; Acts 13:26 to 43; John 10:1 to 18

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”  (John 10: 16)

This is an undeniable ecumenical statement by our Lord Jesus. In spite of this pronouncement John will come and say to Jesus that he tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not following Jesus in their group.  But Jesus rebuked him and said do not stop him, (Luke 9:49)

We Christians often get wrapped around the axel when it comes to denominations.  All Christians are on the path that best suits them. Given this, I do feel that some experimentation is necessary. Christianity is not “one size fits all.”  Our former Presiding Bishop of our Episcopal Church (The Most Reverend Michael Curry) says that we are on the Episcopal path of the Jesus movement.  I like that explanation.

Pretty much any path is better than no path.  But even if we encounter someone on no religious path we are still called to love them as if they shared a pew with us. Christianity is about our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus and that faith is demonstrated in how we love and treat others without regard to what they believe or do not believe.

Much good work is being done through ecumenical organizations.  It saves precious resources when we don’t try to build and maintain staffing networks to feed the poor or provide health care when many good Christian organizations already have it in place, right? 

As an Episcopal priest, my most ecumenically challenged time is when I am asked to conduct a marriage between a couple of different denominations (or even different religious affiliations).  I am thankful that they have a faith path but really wish they were the same.  My Prayer Book only requires that at least one of them be baptized.  However, I want more.  Please don’t judge me.  I’m still a work in progress.  Besides, later on, according to our Lord Jesus, there will be one flock and one Shepherd.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Katharina Zell, Church Reformer and Writer (1562) and her information may be found at: Katharina Zell

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: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 17: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31, Evening, Psalm  35; 

Job 19:1 to 7 and 14 to 27; Acts 13:13 to 25; and John 9:18 to 41

“Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.”  (John 9:32)

I think the operative word here is “born” blind.  Our Lord Jesus did not restore the man’s sight as he has done for others.  Jesus gave him something he has never had, his ability to see for the very first time.

There is more than one kind of blindness.  When we are made to see our lives in only one sad way, we are blind to the realities and love of the world.  It is almost like being color blind. 

Being born into a world in which you are told that you are less valued than others makes you blind to all the potential God has placed in you.  In my own story, I feel that I was mismanaged twice by an elementary school teacher.  I was told that I was stupid and hopeless.  This was not a race issue.  It was an issue of family hatred that I only found out about later in life. In fact, it was a combination of joining the Marines, taking psychology courses and joining the Church, that made me aware that I was not stupid or less valued than anybody else. 

In this way, joining the Church was coming to Jesus in my early thirties, and was in fact being able to see my true self for the first time.  Sometimes we lose sight of who we are.  But sometimes we never had sight of who we are.  It is a very big deal to see who we are for the very first time.  Far too many people, of all walks of life, never really see who they are and what God wants for them.  I suggest finding the Lord and let God open your eyes for the first time.  And please know this, it is never too late. In all the world, only our Lord Jesus can give sight where there was none, ever. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today let us remember Hannah More, Religious Writer and philanthropist (1883); her bio can be found at: Hannah More.

“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:

Thank You Lord Jesus for opening our eyes to the limitless possibilities you have set before us. Your vision for us is seen in love for one another and for our Creator. Help us daily we pray, to share your vision of love, and live in global love for God, and all humanity together, Amem.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 17: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 38; Evening, Psalm 119:25 to 48;

Job 12:1 and 14:1to 22; Acts 12:18 to 25; John 8:47 to 59

“If mortals die, will they live again?”  (Job 14: 14)

Job, I’m betting on living again. The writing of the story of Job gives a wonderful account of a tree dying. “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease.  Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth branches like a young plant,” (Job 14: 7 to 9) 

So how about humans, that is, mortals?  Can we sprout shoots?  And if the stump of us dies, will the shoots of us retain who we are? 

In the Gospel of John, the persecutors of our Lord Jesus addressed Jesus with hatred, and wanted to show his words to be false and blasphemous. But Jesus stood his ground.  He said to them, “Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad” (John 8: 56). The accusers around Jesus wanted to discredit him by looking at his human age, (not yet fifty).  “Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am,” (John 8: 58). I don’t think they caught the, “I Am” part”. “I Am,” was God’s identifier to Moses.  That statement however, was more than they could bear.  They wanted to kill him on the spot.  But as God would have it, His time for dying had not yet come.

So Father Abraham died a human death but was still around, in some manner of being, to witness our Lord Jesus come into this world, and he (Abraham) rejoiced!  Let us also rejoice in our risen Lord who defeated death for himself, for Abraham, for the prophets, and for all of us, so that mortals will indeed live again!  Hallelujah! Thank You Lord Jesus.

The only point to ponder about the afterlife is how we are living in this life.  All of us should be decent with one another.  There is no reason to treat people mean or disrespectfully.  I believe there will be an accounting in our next existence.  But even if there is no accounting, why should we have to have all in the next life be a witness to how we mistreated others in this life?  Be kind always.  And be good for goodness sake.

Today we remember The Martyrs of New Guinea, (September 1, 1942) and their information may be found at: Martyrs of New Guinea

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 Jesus, as you have defeated death for all who trust in you, so lead us and guide us in this life in order that we may come to your very real presence after this life. In your most Holy Name we pray, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper17:Year 2

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

Job 12:1 and13; 3 to17 and 21 to 27; Acts 12:1 to 17; and John 8:33 to 47

“While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.” (Acts 12:5)

This Church was assembled in the home of Mary, mother of John Mark and James the latter who had been killed with a sword by order of Herod. What I really want to get to is the Church praying for a miracle and getting it!  It was so surprising that the maid left Peter at the door knocking and, “When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.  On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.” (Acts 12: 13 and 14)

Interesting that Rhoda “recognized” his voice!  Recognizing his voice is the same evidence that identified Peter when Jesus was arrested.  “After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.”  (Matthew 26:73)  Apparently Peter’s voice is very distinct, like a Morgan Freeman or a James Earl Jones.

But it was the voices of the Church that got him freed. They asked for a miracle and then couldn’t believe it when it happened.  The same is true for us today.  When we were in the midst of a pandemic the Church prayed for relief.  And we are getting it.

Between Peter standing at the gate here, and having the spiritual keys to the church, many Christians assume that it will be St. Peter whom we will meet in the Resurrection standing at the pearly gates.  Who knows?  I just hope to get to the gates of heaven.  In the mean time, we, the Church, need to be praying for whatever our collective needs are for today.

Today we remember David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon and Missionary (September 1, 1931) and his information may be found at: David Pendleton Oakerhater

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 a Person (or Persons) in Trouble or Bereavement (BCP p. 831)

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of people: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 17: Year 2

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

Job 12:1to 6, and 13 to 25; Acts 11:19 to 30; and John 8:21 to 32:

“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians,” (Acts 11: 25 and 26).

Like everybody else in the world, Christians did not name themselves, thus; they were called Christians by non-Christians, and it stuck.

So who are we really?  We Christians are still disciples. We are students. We are learners.  Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and he rejoiced when he saw how people had been changed for the better.  Ironically, this was a time of the persecution of Christians and was right after the time of the stoning of Stephen.  Christians were afraid for their lives. The Church was scattered, and for the most part, a secret society. It seems that it is under such conditions that the Church thrives.  Christians grow their faith, first and foremost, in their homes with prayer and supplication, and then with study and service. We are not so much recruiters as we are seekers of greater love and understanding and compassion and empathy.  We strive to learn the Way of Jesus Christ. This is who we really are.

While many joined the Christian movement in Antioch, it was something they sought after, not something they were corralled into.  It is when we individually stop and ponder about the meaning of life that we evolve in good ways. Blaise Pascal said, “All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”                                                                                                     

Sitting quietly in a room alone can be scary. Our Lord Jesus might actually speak to you!  Before one can really be prepared to be called a Christian, a student or disciple; he or she must first be prepared in their hearts.  For where your heart is, there will your treasure be also.  I invite you to start this practice.  Find some time to sit quietly alone and ponder about what it means to you to be a follower of Jesus.

Today our Church remembers Aidan, and his information may be found at: Aidan.

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 everpresent Lord Jesus, as you are the Christ, the Anointed One, we who follow and learn from you are called Christians. Continue to teach us as we strive to always learn. You are the light of the world. Lead us to walk in the light of your love and to the honor of the name Christian, Amen.