onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 25: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:49-72; Evening, Psalm 49;
Ecclesiasticus 28:14to26; Revelation 12:1-6; Luke 11:37to52

“As you fence in your property with thorns, so make a door and a bolt for your mouth.  As you lock up your silver and gold, so make balances and scales for your words. Take care not to err with your tongue, and fall victim to one lying in wait.”  (Ecclesiasticus 28:24to 26)

This reading from Ecclesiasticus for today begins with the destruction that slander can cause.  Slander is a weapon of the tongue.  And as we can see, this passage ends back with the warning of the tongue, that is, the mouth and the hurtful words our mouths can produce.

There are other places in the Bible that caution us about the harm that the tongue can cause.  Most notable for Christians is the letter of James where he writes,  “For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.”  (James 3:7 to 9)                                                                 

How often we might say something we really don’t mean, or, say something in a heated moment from which we have moved on, and feel differently later. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be heated, it is just what we thought or believed at the time. I tell my listeners all the time that what they think or feel today, if we are open to evolve, we could move closer to the Truth as we spiritually mature. Therefore, we must respect where others are on their journeys and also realize we too could change as we learn. We should guard against what we might say, always. I use a personal mantra to help me remember not to speak too freely. I call it dust, and it stands for, “Don’t Unnecessarily Share Thoughts.” If I remember to use this word management tool it prevents me from saying something I may regret later. Feel free to use DUST for yourself.

Today we remember Simon and Jude, Apostles, New Testament (October 28) and their information may be found at: St. Simon and St. Jude.

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 attributed to St. Francis: (BCP p. 833)
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 25: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 45; Evening, Psalms 47 and 48
Ecclesiasticus 24:1to12; Revelation 11:14to19; Luke 11:27to36

“While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” (Luke 11: 27 and 28)

This verse above sounds like content for praying the Rosary. “Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.”  Also, in her words she advocates for the mother’s role in God’s salvation plan. However, as far as blessings go, Jesus points to those of us who hear, and more importantly, obey, the will of God.

Jesus was teaching and preaching to the crowds. And, “When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.  For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation,” (Luke 11: 29 and 30).  Could Jesus be using this old Hebrew story as an analogy about his salvation purpose for our life today?  Could our Lord Jesus be saying that just being able to quote a Bible chapter and verse is nothing if we don’t learn from it and live our lives according to its lesson?  I think so.

Jesus will go on to tell them (and us) that, “The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because while they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here for us today!” (Luke 11: 32)

Jesus walked among us as an example of how to live a loving life in harmony with one another. As I have noticed our Lord Jesus in his travels, other than teaching and preaching, he was healing and feeding.  God, in Christ Jesus, in his human form, was a nurturer. Nurturing is not just a role for mothers. It is not only pleasing to God for mothers and non-mothers to be considerate and compassionate, it is who God in Christ Jesus made us all to be, men and women, just like the example he himself set for us. In this way, we bless one another as we are blessed by God.

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 Guidance (BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 25: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41and 52; Evening, Psalm 44:
Ecclesiasticus 19:4to17; Revelation 11:1to14; Luke 11:14to26

“But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Luke 11:15)

Jesus was casting out demons and putting people back in their right minds.  And instead of being thankful, some in the crowds wanted to be critical of the source of Jesus’ ability. It can be disheartening when we struggle to do something good and then are accused of doing the good work for self-serving or self-glorification purposes. 

In our faith history, the scriptures, in particular Ezra, is recorded good works done by two kings of Persia who were not Hebrews but by the power of God, Cyrus and Darius, assisted the Hebrew people in the re-establishment of Jerusalem (Ezra, chapters 1 through 6). These kings gained nothing from these godly acts.  But both believed that God Almighty wanted them to do this good work. They did it not for themselves, but because it pleased God.

Our Lord Jesus also informs His critics to understand that God works in mysterious ways. He said to them about his casting out the demon, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Luke 11:20).

God is all about good and holy works. God does good works through our faith. Let us not be confused about the real source of the good works that we do.  The finger of God is still at work in this world because the kingdom of God has come to us.

Today we remember Alfred The Great, King of the West Saxons (October 26, 899), and his information may be found at; Alfred the Great.

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 All Sorts and Conditions of Men: (BCP p. 814).

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 25: Year A

Matthew 22:34-46

“He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  (Matthew 22: 37 to 40)

I will address this Gospel reading from the end to the first part.

Jesus invites the Pharisees to answer the question of Who the Messiah is. Specifically, whose son is he? Knowing that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, he pushes the Pharisees to see that the Messiah cannot be the son of a mortal. The Messiah is the Son of God, and God only.

We are children of God by adoption through the Messiah and the only way we can truly love one another is to first love our adopted Parent, God. Once we learn to love God, we are equipped to love one another. Such love is demonstrated by the way we relate to one another.

There was a traveler who asked an old Rabbi, “Sir, could you explain the whole of the Torah while standing on one foot?”  To which the Rabbi answered, “What you don’t like done to you, do not do to anyone else.”  Our Christian Golden Rule is the flip side of the same coin. “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you, for this sums up all of the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

In the Hebrew Testament there are six hundred and thirteen laws; many of which are outdated and not relevant in today’s societies.  And we Christians have adopted the Ten Commandments as part of our own code of conduct.  However, in today’s Eucharistic Gospel, we see where our Lord Jesus makes it easier for us with only two Commandments. 

It is indeed easier to remember only two Commandments.  Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself.  Loving God must come first.  Love God, and then we are better enabled to love others through the love we have for God. 

It is also very important that we love ourselves also. It does us no good to love others as we love ourselves if in fact, we don’t love ourselves. God loves us. Therefore, we too must love ourselves. God finds us worthy of God’s love. So, we cannot, not love ourselves. After this, we stretch out to our neighbors, and all souls on earth are our neighbors. While it sounds impossible, nothing is impossible through God.

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. Amen.

Let us pray: Proper 25; The Sunday closest to October 26.

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; 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 Friday of Proper 24: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31; Evening, Psalm 35;

Ecclesiasticus 11:2 to 20; Revelation 9:13 to 21; Luke 10:38 to 42

“Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.”  (Psalm 31:5)

This reading of Psalm 31, and in particular, this verse, stands out for me.  I have conducted many “Last Rite” services in my priesthood.  Almost every time that I close, or, shortly thereafter, the dying person will at some point, open their eyes and gaze at a presence in the room with joy and acceptance. I am absolutely convinced that at that point, whether in a hospital room or in a private home, we are all standing on Holy Ground. God sends for us with the saints and the angels of heaven.

This was an experience that occurred with the mother of a parishioner while at Chapel Hill University Hospital, North Carolina six years ago. I had been a regular minister and spiritual guide for her for over a year and had grown to know and love her very much.  While she was not a regular visitor to our Parish at Saint Paul’s in the Pines, I got regular reports from her daughter who is a dedicated and faithful member. Her sick mother was not a citizen of the United States but is a full citizen of the family of saints of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

When I was told by her daughter that she, (her mother), opened her eyes as if to focus on something in the hospital room, I was filled with joy! I knew then that Our Lord Jesus had received her into his heavenly realm. Her body might have been still keeping its heartbeat and labored breathing rhythms, but her soul had already been placed into the hands of our Savior. I thanked God that I knew this and I pass this on to all who read this blog. So also, Christel Smith says, “Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.” Thank You Lord Jesus. And thank you for Christel in our lives. Amen.

Today we remember James of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr, (23 October NT) and his information may be found at: St. James of Jerusalem.

“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: A Prayer for a Person near Death (BCP p. 462)

Almighty God, look upon your servants, lying in great weakness, and comfort them with the promise of life everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 24: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus 7:4-14; Revelation 8:1-13; Luke 10:17to24

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

As I read this good news for the 70 “others” who just returned, I ponder who they were.  Jesus has previously sent out the twelve apostles on a similar mission among whom was Judas Iscariot who would betray Jesus later.  So, who among these seventy others were also not so honorable?  Was Jesus prematurely handing out passage into heaven?

As a priest I see my ministry as one who coaches people into heaven.  I want them to be the best people they can possibly be.  I also need people to know and understand that, should they make a mistake later in life, our God is a merciful God.  This comes with a caution however.

As we enter the company of saints in heaven we can’t be upset about Judas and others we know who may be present there.  We are not to judge, only love.  This love, not judge idea, must start now, in this life. Jealousy, vengeance, retaliation and all such feelings are toxic to our hearts and could work against our own entry into heaven.

The experience the seventy received was life changing.  The same is true for us today.  Have you realized any miracles in your life?  I will tell you that I have, several times. They have occurred in your life as well, but you may not have realized it.  I can never see where God is, but I can easily see where God “was” in my life.  And I am thankful. 

Rejoice when you realize that God has acted in your life. I do.  But be even happier that because God is present with you now, you will be present with God for all eternity, even with some folk you didn’t care so much for in this life. We can’t say who will not be in heaven.  That’s God’s job. We just need to work on ourselves, and our less than loving feelings toward some people we have come to know.  Some people in high-human positions miss this opportunity.  Jesus said to the seventy, “For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it;” (Luke 10:24).  Let go of ill wills. Just let go and let God. God is tricky.  Sometimes God will send you out to find your own “inner self.”

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: Prayers for the Social Order (BCP p. 823).

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 24: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus 6:5to17; Revelation 7:9to17; Luke 10:1to16

“After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go” (Luke 10:1)

So our Lord Jesus sent his followers out to places where he himself intended to go.  It is important to note here that Jesus sent them out in pairs.  There are many faith traditions today that follow this example of evangelism. I think there is something about the integrity of two. Also, the two usually consist of a leader and a learner.

This idea of pairing appears in the Hebrew Testament as well.  Some examples are Abraham and Sarah, or Abraham and Lot; Ruth and Naomi; Moses and Aaron; David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha.  There are others as well.  Partnering, either with one’s spouse or significant other; or a vocational missioner; partnering, is how God designed us to be, and the way God wants us to go about our lives. This is why God, in Christ Jesus, sends us out in twos.

When pairing with a partner for Bible Study or building a shed, one of the two needs to be well informed about whatever the undertaking is, the other needs to agree to follow his or her lead. The other piece about partnering is that often such relationships aren’t permanent and are not intended to be applied to other vocations.  Using the example above, one of the two teaching Bible study should have some kind of biblical education.  For building a shed, one of the two should have experience in carpentry.

Partner relationships evolve.  As we learn and grow we often gravitate to other partners.  In this way we develop greater skills and move on to new and different areas of interests or missions.  Whether we are pondering about our personal spirituality or wanting to learn a new language, there is always someone we can seek out whom we can emulate.  Someone once told me that if you see who you want to be in another person, you can copy him or her. But first, you have to see it. This is the master and protégé or apprentice concept. It still works today.  God made us to copy one another. However, we must choose wisely.  Therefore, you must seek out those who are themselves walking humbly before our Lord and traveling to all the places where Jesus himself intends to go.  Partner with such people and listen to them, learn from them, love, live and then finally, you yourself, will also lead a learner, a protégé or apprentice.

Today we remember Cornelius The Centurion (October 20, New Testament); and his information may be found at: Cornelius the Centurion

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 Guidance (BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 24: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus. 4:20-5:7; Revelation. 7:1to8; Luke 9:51to 62

“Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9:62)

Let’s go deeper using this agricultural metaphor.  If we are plowing a field, we can’t look back and tell where we are going, only where we have been. Once we set out to churn up the soil we must stay focused on where we are going and how the tiller is working.

Just so, as we carry the message of love into the world we must stay focused on the challenges that lie in front of us.  We can’t keep looking back at the places where we succumbed to selfishness, jealousy or hate. We must keep our eyes fixed on the new path ahead.  And like the rows of earth being created by the tiller, the road we are on is often being created by us as we walk it.  Jesus is often sending people out ahead of himself to prepare the Way as he did with John the Baptist.

The path we try to build is not always successful. As we read, “he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them.” (Luke 9: 52 to 55} Apparently John and James had some power and wanted to use it. But revenge and retaliation is not the Jesus Way.

For me, this means that we do what we can do, where we can do it, in the Name of our Lord Jesus.  Where we can’t, we move on. We don’t stay and bring down a fire and brimstone arguments about rejection.  We must keep our eyes on the potentially fertile field ahead. Once we set out to churn up the soil we must stay focused on where we are going and how the tiller is working.  Go forth then my beloved of the Lord, stay focused and do good work.

Today we remember Luke the Evangelist, (October 18, New Testament; Transferred due to Sunday); and his information may be found at: St. Luke the Evangelist.

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, King of the Universe who made humanity to be loving and social creatures, help us we pray, to stay focused on the work ahead, that work that binds us together in loving relationships and is pleasing in your sight, making us fit for your kingdom forever, Amen.