John Thomas Frazier

Pondering for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany: Year A

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.” (Matthew 3: 15)

So Jesus comes to John to be baptized and John has second thoughts. But Baptism is in many ways like crucifixion, you must be handed over into the hands of others for it to be done to you. One does not baptize one’s self. It is in this way we are communal. We need and must have others in whom we place ourselves. This then, according to our Lord Jesus, fulfills all righteousness.

“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. (Matthew 3: 16) This coming up out of the water has been interpreted in many ways. It could mean that as he was pushed beneath the surface of the water (full emersion) and that his face being brought back above the surface on the way up; or , it could mean as he was stepping back up on the bank, out of the water where he knelt while John took water in his hands and lifted it over Jesus’ head. Either way, baptism is baptism. My most memorable baptism was also in the Jordan where 49 Christian clergy were on tour to the Holy Land. That water was really cold! Below is a picture of me being baptized in February of 2018 by a pastor from California. This was my third baptism, the first one I was unaware of, (only discovered it through school transcripts from St. Vincent DePaul Catholic School; the second I received of my own desire. This 3^rd Baptism in the Jordan river of Israel, was because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be baptized where Jesus Himself was baptized.

In Matthew’s Gospel we hear the voice of God speaking to us, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”” (Matthew 3: 17)

The voice doesn’t say “You” as if speaking to Jesus directly. The voice informs us that this is our Lord Jesus and that God is so pleased with him. Baptism is one of two Holy Sacraments for Christians, the other being Holy Communion. In accordance with the Canons of our Church one must be baptized before receiving Communion. This makes One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins the preeminent sacrament. I personally believe that even after the water stops moving over us, the Holy Spirit continues moving over us always. We who have been baptized must keep in mind that the Holy Spirit of God is at work in us and that God will be well pleased with us if we continue in our Baptismal Covenant and its Confirmation.

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: First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord (BCP p. 214)
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, January 10, 2026

Daily Office Readings for Saturday after the Epiphany; Epiphany; Year 2

Morning, Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Evening, Psalm 147:

Jeremiah 23:1-8; Colossians 2:8-23; John 10:7-17

“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)

Our Lord Jesus informs them (and us) that there is more than one path to the Jesus movement. While Christianity is good, it is necessary for all Christians to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Several times in this Gospel reading our Lord Jesus identifies Himself as the I AM. He says I AM the Gate. And He says I AM the Good Shepherd. Our Lord Jesus is both the Way in, and the Way out, of this world. He is this as the Gate to eternal life.

But also, Our Lord Jesus is our Guide as the Good Shepherd. Our Lord Jesus leads us through the difficulties of life. He does not always remove them or get rid of them, but rather He accompanies us through them. My dad used to tell me that when the going gets rough, the rough get going. Jesus is rough enough to get us to and through the rough places in our lives. And He does this in all loving paths of the life of faith.

There are many Christian denominations. But one Jesus. And more than that, Jesus may be including all believers, even of non-Christian walks. Nothing is impossible for God. And if God wants to bring to Himself Buddhist, and Muslims, and Jews, and Hindus, so what? God loves all people, no exceptions. We Christians do not own God, or even God in Christ Jesus, in any Christian denomination. We just find our own path to God in, and through Jesus, and also try as hard as we can to love other sheep in whatever fold they are in. Again, Jesus says, “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.”

Today we remember William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury (January 10, 1645), and his information may be found at: William Laud

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 Future of the Human Race (BCP p. 828)

O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, January 9, 2026

Daily office Readings for Friday, January 9: Epiphany Year 2

Morning, Psalms 121, 122, 123; Evening, Psalms 131, 132:
Isaiah 45:14-19; Colossians 1:24-2:7; John 8:12-19:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (The opening of Psalm 121).

Our parish Bible Study uses this Psalm to open our Weekly Wednesday Bible study. We probably know it by heart now. Yet it reassures us weekly that we can, and should, count on God always, and especially when we are troubled.

We might have many friends who say that we can count on them, and they mean well. But they are not God. We need the love and care of the Creator of the universe who has decided to take special care of us who believe and accept Him who caused us to be and then walked among us.

God never forgets us or forsakes us as some of our friends might. All of us are precious in His sight. Even if some of our human loved ones want to rescue us, they may not have the ability or the means to do so. God does. It makes no difference if our need is finance, health, victimization, storm, or hopelessness; God will save. Our never-failing help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. We however, must be a people of prayer. We must pray to God always, and more especially in our time of real need. God is real and prayer works.

Today we remember Julia Chester Emery, Lay Leader and Missionary, January 9, 1922, and her information may be found at: Julia Chester Emery

“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. 826)

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, January 8, 2026

Daily Office Readings for January 8: Epiphany Year 2

Morning, Psalm 117 and 118; Evening, Psalm 112 and 113;
Exodus 17:1 to 7; Colossians 1:15 to 23; John 7:37 to 52:

“They 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: 52)

The “they,” in this exchange are the Pharisees. They are jumping on Nicodemus for asking, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” The Pharisees did not know the whole story of our Lord Jesus. He in fact, was born in Bethlehem. But I say even beyond his birthplace, they should have taken into consideration his compassion and His deeds of power. Sometimes they, and we, often have our minds so fixed on what we want to think God is doing that we don’t leave room for what God is really doing.

I visited Galilee in February of 2018. I loved Galilee more than Jerusalem and Judea. Galilee is where our Lord Jesus began his ministry. Galilee is where our Lord Jesus called his disciples to follow him. Capernaum is the first place Jesus went of his own free will and accord. He was born in Bethlehem, taken to Egypt as a baby, and then taken to Nazareth where he was raised to adulthood. But of his own choice he went to Capernaum where he met fishermen.

The Pharisees want to accuse even the temple police of being deceived. They refused to see the truth. Nicodemus will be seen again at the end of this Gospel account bringing ointment for the dead body of Jesus. Nicodemus was a closet disciple of Jesus. Many of us today are as well. I pray that we come out of the closet of denial and stand boldly in the faith, the faith that proclaims Christ as Lord and God’s salvation plan for us all.

Today we remember Harriet Bedell, Deaconess and Missionary (January 8, 1969) and her information may be found at: Harriet Bedell

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 Heavenly Creator, help us to not be so certain in our minds about anything that we sadly close our minds to ultimate Truth. Teach us, we pray, to be open to the love and compassion presented before us by those who demonstrate it, and to proclaim it openly with boldness and love. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Daily Office Readings for January 7: Epiphany; Year 2

Morning, Psalm 103:Evening, Psalms 114 and 115:

Deuteronomy 8:1 to 3: Colossians 1:1 to 14: John 6:30 to 33 and 48 to 51

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:51)

From the Gospel according to John we learn of God’s plan for us through Jesus of Nazareth who is to give us eternal life through a human body which is the very Word of God, and where the Holy Spirit of God is pleased to dwell in His human body. It sounds confusing.

Perhaps this fulfills the prophetic word of our Deuteronomy reading for today where we are told, “He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

So we must feed on the material food of this world to fortify our material bodies. But this material world is a temporary world, not an eternal one. Jesus, born into our created material world through a human mother whose pregnancy was made manifest by the eternal Holy Spirit, makes possible our eternal life through that same Holy Spirit. Yes, it sounds confusing, but I want it. How about you? To get it we must first believe, and then live it out in our daily lives. Through the Body and Blood of Jesus of Nazareth received at our Holy Communion in the Way it has been handed down to us we are enabled to live past this life and into the eternity of God. Thank You Lord Jesus.

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

Let us pray: (BCP p. 834)

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Eucharistic Readings for the Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12:

This is a re-submit of Sunday’s blog because today is the Day of the Epiphany.

“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)

These travelers from some point East, have been called Wise Men or Magi (Magicians) and even kings. But further study by scholars have shown them to be Astrologers, or perhaps astronomers . They studied the heavens.

So in these words we hear the men of early science say that they are looking for a child born king of the Jews (not king of Israel). I find it interesting that this will also be the words placarded over his head on the cross, “Jesus king of the Jews.” So Jesus is king not of a specific land mass but of a One God faith – a faith that he invites all people to share – to be grafted into his very own body and blood. There is a specialness about this child.

The Astrologers say, “We observed his star.” Wait, What? He has a star? If a child or any person has a dedicated star, that child or person is recognized by the heavenly bodies as an entity unique in all creation. No one before, or since, has ever had a celestial body as an indicator of their being. From outside the child’s community, the specialness of this child is made known to those, even in far off lands, who study the heavens.

It takes a certain amount of acceptance to acknowledge not being the chosen people of God, and that a person from another culture has been chosen. But here is the deal, we have this blessed assurance, that whomever God picks, it is not just for that person, or group, or nation, or clan, or family only. Moses was blessed not for himself but for the liberation of Israelites. And in this particular case the Son of God is born for the salvation of all humanity.

If a celestial body bends down to identify its creator, who are we to ignore that same author of our own creation, we who live within that same creation? The astronomers put their own ethnicity, culture and race aside and looked at what the heavens were doing, and so should we. God’s plan is so much larger than any group of us. We too need to see the light.

Two additional notes: 1. I am reminded of the bumper sticker that says “Wise men still seek Him.” And 2. I advise all who read this blog for today to seek out the “Forward Day by Day” Daily Devotional for today written by David Sibley, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, Washington. It is worth the search and the pondering.

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, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, January 5, 2026

Today is the Twelfth (and last) Day of Christmas

Readings for Morning Prayer, December 5^th: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 2 and 110:1to5;
Joshua 2:2 to 9; Ephesians 6:10 to 20; John 11:17 to 27 and 38 to 44:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6: 14 to 17)

St Paul has placed many gifts under our Christmas Tree right before it’s taken down; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes for walking the Gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. Wow, he has given us many last day Christmas gifts.

Given that all these gifts are items that we wear, this is what it truly means to dress for spiritual success. And unlike our Christmas tree, this spiritual suit is ongoing. It says to the world who we are. Just as we might (rightly or wrongly) judge others by what they choose to wear, we too are judged by what we choose to wear. In a more literal clothing sense, I prefer the western or cowboy look for its comfort and freedom to work hard if necessary. I am often seen in clergy collar or suits for special occasions. All can identify who I am. Our material clothing says something about who we are, or what we choose to look like to others, Our spiritual clothing however, speaks to God and informs God of the path we are taking to heaven. This earthly covering is temporary; our spiritual garb is forever.

Above all, let us take the Word of God as our guiding light forever. Merry Christmas: Day 12

Today we remember Sarah, Theodora, and Syncletica of Egypt: “Desert Mothers” (4^th and 5^th Century) and their information may be found at: Sarah, Theodora & Syncletica: Thde Desert Mothers

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

Let us pray:

Oh Lord God Almighty, Help us to clothe ourselves with what is necessary to preserve our faith and enable us to pass on the learned practices of true and meaningful piety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, January 4, 2026

This is the 11^th Day of Christmas

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Week Epiphany Begins

Matthew 2:1-12:

“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)

These travelers from some point East, have been called Wise Men or Magi (Magicians) and even kings. But further study by scholars have shown them to be Astrologers. They studied the heavens.

So in these words we hear the Astrologers say that they are looking for a child born king of the Jews (not king of Israel). I find it interesting that this will also be the words placarded over Jesus’ head on the cross, “Jesus king of the Jews.” So Jesus is king not of a specific land mass but of a One God faith people – a faith that he invites all people to share – to be grafted into his very own body and blood. There is a specialness about this child.

The Astrologers say, “We observed his star.” Wait, What? He has a star?!!! If a child, or any person, has a dedicated star, that child or person is recognized by the heavenly bodies as an entity unique in all creation. No one before, or since, has ever had a celestial body as an indicator of their being. From outside the child’s community, the specialness of this child is made known to those, even in far off lands, who study the heavens.

It takes a certain amount of acceptance to acknowledge not being the (thought-to-be) chosen people of God, and that a person from another culture has been chosen. But here is the deal, we have this blessed assurance, that whomever God picks, it is not just for that person, or group, or nation, or clan, or family only. Moses was blessed not for himself but for the liberation of Israelites. And in this particular case, the Son of God is born for the salvation of all humanity.

If a celestial body bends down to identify its creator, who are we to ignore that same author of our own creation, we who live within that same creation?

The Astrologers put their own ethnicity, culture and race aside and looked at what the heavens were doing, and so should we. God’s plan is so much larger than any group of us. We too need to see the light. Mery Christmas, Day 11.

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)

Pondering for Saturday, January 3, 2026

Today is the Tenth Day of Christmas

Daily Office Readings for Saturday, January 3^rd: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 68; Evening, Psalm 72;

1^st Kings 19:9 to 18; Ephesians 4:17 to 32; John 6:15 to 27:

“So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

Paul reminds the Church in Ephesus (and us today) that we have moved on from the old ways of looking at life, as he says “Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart:” (Ephesians 4:17 to 18).

We too should want to let go of old ways that do not build up loving and caring relationships. Personally, I have had to let go of some parental teachings that no longer fit the narrative I am living in Christ Jesus. I no longer believe in race. I know the world does, the Gentiles that they are. I do believe in culture. We can choose the culture that best suits us, can’t we? I now consider myself to be an Anglican Cowboy after being raised a Southern Colored boy in the 1950’s. The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion has taught me much about life and it only required me to listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to me. This Church has become my second parent. It may not be the best fit for everyone, but everyone should find a fit.

Each of us should find a path through listening to God’s call on our lives. We should start with the bridge of listening. Listening leads to learning; learning leads to loving; and loving eradicates ignorance and hardness of heart.

Let us always listen, learn, love and lead with the mind of Christ. Merry Christmas: Day 10

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.

Pondering for Friday, January 2, 2026

This is the Ninth Day of Christmas

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the Second Week of Christmas: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 34; Evening, Psalm 33:
1 Kings 19:1-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:1-14

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them and delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

I have a saying that “God’s ears, hears tears.” Perhaps this is not correct grammar but it expresses my belief that whoever cries, they are also praying without knowing it. God has encoded in every human an alarm that signals God of our distress. And God responds to us as God sees fit.

I know people who cry often. And, often they are not sure of their faith. But it doesn’t matter. If we cry, God hears us and will attend to us. In the Bible, from Hagar with her son Ishmael, to Mary Magdalene at the grave of Jesus, God is with those who cry even as he was with David at the loss of his son Absalom. Emanuel, God is with us.

Therefore, if you are distressed but don’t have words, don’t worry just “let the tears flow, and God will know.” God will feel your pain and attend to you. God engineered us this way. Merry Christmas: Day 9

“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: For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience (BCP p. 823)

O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.