onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 21: Year 2

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

Hosea 2:14 to 23; Acts 20:17 to 38; Luke 5:1 to 11

“You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions.”  (Acts 20:34)

I think Paul sets a good example for all people in any ministry with these words, that is, to work a regular job and still study and educate people in the Way of the Lord and in the teachings of the Gospel.  This message is not just for ordained persons, it is for any of us who feed the homeless; for those of us who weave prayer shawls; for those of us who have a ministry of driving people to pick up their meds; for those of us who teach Sunday School, and yes, for those of us who are also ordained clergy. I am aware that in a large, main-line Christian denomination, parishioners as well as the clergy themselves, insist on being steadfast in their vocation as pastor.  When I told my spiritual advisor, while still in seminary, that I desired to be a “working priest” he honestly told me that if he was on a search committee he would not even consider me for a clergy position.  That was in 2004.

Today, as the Episcopal Church is reinventing itself, the idea of the working priest, or “bi-vocational” priest is definitely on the table for consideration, especially for our smaller parishes.  There are more benefits to this idea than one might think.  How nice it is to stand before people on Sunday morning conducting the service and your congregants are well aware that you too have worked the whole week just as they have.  And, that working priest then demonstrates pledging and giving to the poor as well.  Paul also says in our reading for today, “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:36)

I think that people who work in needed secular occupations enhance their lives by also participating in various faith ministries.  It should not be one in place of the other.  This should be both/and, not either/or.  Perhaps the only exception should be a bishop who is the chief pastor of a diocese which by its size and nature becomes his or her primary vocation.  But even to this occupation such clergy might be inclined to teach a Christian Education class as a side contribution. We all should work in community for the maintenance of that community.  A smart person once told me that “everybody can’t be in the cart, somebody is going to have to get out and help push.” Paul says, “You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions.”  I think these two messages are the same.  Proclaiming the Word should be in addition to work, not instead of work.

Today we remember Paula and Eustochium, Monastics and Scholars, 404 and 419 respectively, and their information may be found at:  Paula & Eustochium

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:

All mighty God, as you have created us to support one another and to teach one another about your loving grace and mercy, sustain us dear Lord to do both in humble loyalty to your love for us as we follow the examples of Jesus the carpenter, Simon Peter the fisherman, and Paul the tentmaker. Teach us to both make bread and then to break bread together in your Name; Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 21: Year A

Matthew 21:23-32

“Which of the two did the will of the father? (Matthew 21:31).

As we open and unpack our Gospel reading we see the difference between the supposed prophets of God who are supposed to proclaim God’s love for God’s people.  And, we see this new-comer John the Baptist proclaiming a Baptism of repentance. The question quickly becomes the Baptism itself: was it from God or John himself?  If John is actually doing the work of God then what were the chief priests and the elders of the people doing? They said they were doing the Lord’s work, but were they? Thus, we have the parable of the two sons.

As I ponder about these two sons I try to be as objective as I can, even in spite of the heavy influence by the evangelist.  Matthew says the first son, changed his mind and did the work he said he would not do.  For the second son the evangelist implies that he just lied about his intentions and never really intended to do the work in the first place.

As baptism is about repentance, which is change, perhaps we should look more closely at the son who changed his mind and did the work the Father requested. Hidden in this parable of Jesus is a lesson for the chief priests and the elders of the people to, change their minds, and begin doing the work they were called to do instead of fearing their own governing body by not listening to, and following John the Baptist. By their own admission they knew that the people saw John as a prophet of God.

The bottom line here, no matter which way we look at it, is, “Which of the two actually did the will of the father?”   I have a quote from Mark Twain where he says “Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.”  I really do believe we speak more accurately with our actions. 

So which son did the will of the Father? The one who changed his mind. Let us not be so determined in our own way that we refuse to see the Way and Will, of God, and our own misdirection right in front of us. Let us ponder about our own words and then fulfill them with our actions.

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 21, The Sunday closest to September 28 (BCP p. 234)

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; 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 Proper 20:Year 2

Morning, Psalm 87 and 90; Evening,  Psalm 136

Hosea 1:1to 2:1; Acts 20:1 to 16; Luke 4:38to 44:

“After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; and after encouraging them and saying farewell, he left for Macedonia.  When he had gone through those regions and had given the believers much encouragement, he came to Greece” (Acts 20:1 and 2).

To encourage a person is to build their self-esteem.  It is to make them confident in their vocation, occupation, faith, and civic duty. In this reading Paul encourages his disciples and others as he travels. First, he encourages his disciples, and then he encourages the people of Macedonia.  He is full of the “lifting up” language.

We have so many people around us everywhere today that need encouragement.  This encouragement does not mean only saying nice things to people who agree with you.  It means giving hopeless people hope.  I am again reminded of a poor woman who came to our parish while I was leading a meeting.  I excused myself to let the woman know that I couldn’t see her at the moment but shortly I would be able to attend to her.  In her urgency, she asked me “has this church ever “hoped” anyone.”  I was confused at first.  I then realized that she was using an improper past tense of the word “help.”  She wanted to know if we had ever helped anyone before. Apparently she didn’t want to wait for me if we didn’t intend to help, particularly financially.  As it turned out she did not stay.  But her word did stay with me.

We Christians are to “hope” the hopeless.  Hope is not a verb, at least in its normal use.  But I would like to change that.  Can we not “hope” people?  By this I mean encourage people; give people hope.  Remember, we should not look only for like-minded people. Let’s move our encouragement to all those who are human, created in the Image of God, regardless of their political or religious belief . Let’s lift them up, encourage them, and give them hope, let’s “hope” them. Amen.

Today our Church remembers Lancelot Andrewes; Bishop and Scholar (September 26, 1626). His information may be found at: Lancelot Andrewes. I will say more about him on next Thursday as it is a more fitting day of the week.

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 who Influence Public Opinion (BCP p. 827)

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 20: Year 2

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

 Esther 8:1 to  8, and 15 to 17; or Judith 13:1 to 20; Acts 19:21to 41; and  Luke 4:31 to 37

“If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another. If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly. For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.’ When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.”  (Acts 19: 38 to 41)

The unnamed “town clerk” calls for order and rational conduct in accordance with established protocols. Perhaps he is concerned for people and their property on both sides of the argument.  Where is our town clerk of today?

The better question should be, where are our clergy?  Hey!, that’s me.  Like the town clerk, clergy are called to be outside of the political fray and seek order and peaceful resolutions. Clergy must also remember, and be an advocate for all sides of human oppression or discrimination.  Sure, let us be there for minorities and women, but we must also advocate for white men and police persons too.  Too often in our zeal for corrective action we allow the pendulum to swing too far to the other side. 

Maybe more attention should also be given to scientific evidence regarding climate change.  This subject should not be considered a political agenda, but rather, an earth agenda. The town clerk in our Acts reading is one of their own but takes a stand in order to calm things down.  Today, in America, people are protesting, which too often morphs into rioting that destroys family businesses.  The town clerk tells his own people that “we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.”  Maybe I should be doing more of this kind of work. Town clerk or town clergy, more of us need to step up and take a stand against rioting and vandalism. As I write these words I will ponder more deeply what the Holy Spirit of God is saying to me about these matters. I invite you (clergy or not) to do the same.

Today we remember Sergius of Radonezh, Abbot of Holy Trinity (September 25, 1392) and his information may be found at: Sergius.

“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: In Times of Conflict (BCP p. 824)

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 20: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:97 to 120;and  Evening, Psalms 81and 82;

Esther 6:1 to 14; or Judith 10:1 to 23; Acts 19:1 to 10;  Luke 4:1 to 13

“He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” (Acts 19: 8 and 9)

Paul shows that there are some people that just won’t believe. And we know that this is still true today. The only thing we can do in such a situation is leave.  I would add that we should still keep them in prayer, and they don’t have to know it.  Also, it must be remembered that God loves them even if they don’t believe the way we do. But it serves no good purpose to stay and argue for the sake of arguing.

This type of arguing brings up another important problem to deal with.  And that is, the “speaking evil of,” about the Way.  I think it is okay to, “not agree,” but why do people then have to demean those whom they don’t agree with?  I think it was Patrick Henry or Evelyn Beatrice Hall, who said, “I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”  Regardless of who first said it, the greater point is the respect of the speaker without a sense of contempt for the speaker.  I often tell my listeners that whatever they believe, it is what it is for right now.  In an hour, or a decade, it could change or evolve.  It has, and continues to be so, for me.  We are all a work in progress. We must be patient and respectful of one another.  We are all created in the same Image of God. 

Like Paul and his disciples, we can take our words elsewhere and continue. I really like being a citizen of these United States. Sometimes I forget that we are a country of fifty different but United States. That means that different states have different values and priorities.  And even those priorities and values change over time.  We can stay where we are and strive for incremental change and improvement, or we can move to where like-minded people already live.  We are a free country under one federal system where our vote rules.  We elect our state Governors, representatives and senators based on the majority of our values and then continue to argue for an even better life.  We don’t all agree on any particular issue but hopefully, we don’t, (or will stop), lowering ourselves to demeaning those who differ from us.  We must be open to God appearing in them, and in their words also.

Today we remember Thecla of Iconium (70) and her information may be found at: Thecla                                                                                             .

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 who Influence Public Opinion (BCP p. 827)

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 20: Year 2

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

Esther 5:1 to14 or Judith 8:9 to17, 9:1, 9 to7 to 10; Acts 18:12 to 28; Luke 3:15 to 22:

“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.  And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.” (Acts 18: 26 to 28)

Apollos spoke boldly in the synagogue but with limited and often incomplete understanding.  However, he was smart enough to listen to good counsel. We all could benefit from the example of Apollos.  If we think we know it all and are opposed to listening to others, we could err in our speaking and in some cases, do more harm than good.

Perhaps the best way to practice our faith is to live a life of life-long learning.  I know that for me, seminary showed me how much I did not know. Since seminary I have continued my theological studies.  Education for Ministry (EfM), a program of study from the School of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, continues to be a good source of Christian education for me. While EfM is a four year program, I am an EfM mentor and therefore I continue to learn every year as I mentor participants in the program. Also, clergy conferences, and Bible studies as well as one on one dialogue with people who God puts in my path, helps me to learn more and more. 

All of this informs my understanding of what God is doing in the world, and, in my own life.  I just have to follow Apollo’s’ example and listen to the people God sends to me.  How about you?

Today we remember Philander Chase, Bishop of Ohio and of Illinois, (September 22, 1852) and his information may be found at: Philander Chase

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 taught us daily as part of your ministry to us, keep us ever inquisitive about what we don’t know in order that we might still strive to learn more and more about how to love one another. Teach us still, dear Lord, as we journey through life, until we are with you in joy and peace, forever and ever, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 20:Year 2

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77:

Esther 4:4 to 17 or Judith 7:1to 7 and 19 to 32; Acts 18:1 to 11; and Luke (1:1-4),3:1-14

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness:” (Luke 3: 1 and 2).

 Wow!, Really? Look at all the prestigious titles of human achievement exhibited here.  We have the Emperor of Rome, Tiberius by name.  We have Pontius Pilate as Governor of all Judea. We have the puppet king Herod, a figure head, called the king of Galilee, and his brother Philip who lost his wife to his brother Herod as witnessed by John The Baptist.  Philip was the ruler of two small sections of the occupied Palestinian area of Judea; and we have Lysaniaas, ruler of Abilene.  In addition to these, self absorbed government rulers, we have the self absorbed clergy also, Annas and Caiaphas as high priests. 

Now, here is the striking part; The Word of God by-passes all of these self-absorbed men and goes to the selfless John hanging out in the wilderness sustaining himself on whatever the earth can provide.  He is the empty cup that God can fill because he has room to be filled.  The lesson here is that if we are full of ourselves, there is no room for God. So let us follow the example of John the Baptist and maintain room for God. And more than that, invite God in with prayer and thanksgiving.

Today we remember Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 21: New Testament) and his information may be found at: St. Matthew.

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.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 20:Year A

Matthew 20:1-16

“Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?” (Matthew 20: 14 and 15)

What puzzles me is, who were the early workers angry with, the landowner, or the late workers?  The landowner was correct in that it was his prerogative with what he would do with what is his. He kept his word with regard to the “daily wage.”  The daily wage was needed to pay the bills.

This is an old story about paying the last laborers the same as the first.  Perhaps the owner of the vineyard, (a stand-in for God in this metaphor by Jesus), is looking past the working men themselves.  Maybe the landowner is looking at the mothers and children whom the workingmen represent.  These mothers and children require the same rents and food as the families of the men who were hired early on.  Should mothers and children do without food and a roof over their heads only because the breadwinner couldn’t find work?  The Landowner found a way to care for poor families, and at the same time, give dignity to the men responsible for them. They still had to do something.

When we look at those who didn’t do as much as we did, nor for as long as we did, we tend to feel like they didn’t “earn” their reward. As if to think, we did. God wants more from some of us than God expects from others. God knows what we are capable of. Fairness has nothing to do with it. Some don’t have it to give, be it time or talents.

This was probably written to explain the Christian Church assuming the responsibility of teaching and preaching the Good News Gospel after some self-serving Hebrew leadership hit a dead end. Personally, I don’t believe all Hebrews hit a dead end. But God needed to keep the promise alive. God needs to keep the promise to Abram alive. God needs our Church to carry on.

Should the mothers and children of the men who weren’t hired early, suffer?  “Because no one has hired us;” (Matthew 20:7).  Again, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”  (James 1: 27)

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 20 The Sunday closest to September 21 (BCP p. 234)

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to
love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among
things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall
endure; 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 Proper 19; Year 2

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

Esther 2:5 to 8 and 15-23 or Judith 5:1 to 21; Acts 17:16 to 34; and  John 12:44 to 50

“The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.”  (Acts 17:24 and 25)

Paul explains to the people who believe in human created gods that there is only one real God, and the real God is unknown and not in need of human support or shelter. This means that if we humans did not exist, God is still God. God gives to us, not we to God.  Paul goes on to say “For In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Paul is speaking to an educated people. These are learned philosophers and people who strive to seek more knowledge. Paul also speaks about human ignorance. He says, “While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”  (Acts 17:30 and 31)

It is because of this Acts writing, and the understanding that the English word “believe” really has more to do with “trust,” that I crafted my own theological creed which is, “I Trust in the Creating Word through the Holy Spirit of the Incarnate Word, in whom we live and move and love and have our being, and to whom we must give an account.” 

We have a wonderful Nicene Creed in our Book of Common Prayer.  And I believe in it.  However, I needed something short that I could both easily recall as a guide for myself, and share quickly with someone while on an elevator if asked what I believe.  I ask you to do the same.  Use my own if you want.  But if you believe in a Supreme Being, write down a simple sentence that articulates your belief. We have the gift of words. Use this gift to help guide your relationship with our unknown, but very loving God, and with our neighbors.

Today we remember Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury (September 19, 690) and his information may be found at: Theodore of Tarsus

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.