John Thomas Frazier

Pondering for Thursday, August 7, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 13: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 34; Evening, Psalms 85 and 86;
2^nd Samuel 11:1 to 27; Acts 19:11 to 20; Mark 9:2 to 13:

“In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. In the letter he wrote, ‘Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die:” (2^nd Samuel 11:14 and 15)

What an evil sandwich this is. Because of the lust he had for a woman, and her subsequent pregnancy, the almost honorable David, king of all Israel, has stooped to the betrayal and murder of one of his own.

And, if this was not bad enough, he has enlisted the aid of Joab his commander, to assist him in this sinful act. In this case, the bottom and top pieces of bread for this sandwich are the evil parts. In the center, between the bread, is the honorable lamb, Uriah, who would not comfort himself while Joab and all his military peers were waging war and sleeping when, and where they could, on the ground. I have to say, as a U. S. Marine, a military man of thirty active years, I have the utmost respect and admiration for Uriah. And I recall from this scripture, they were fighting for God’s desires as they understood it.

I can remember when President Bush (41) was told by someone during the Liberation of Kuwait, that “God was on our side”: the President responded, “I pray that we are on God’s side.” I don’t think David was on God’s side in his self-serving lust and sinful murder of Uriah. I also hold Joab equally as guilty for his participation in the killing of Uriah. It’s too late for me now, but I pray that if I had any ungodly proposition presented to me while in uniform, I would do the honorable thing, and also, that if witnessing immoral and ungodly acts, that I would give it all up for the sake of decency and morality. As far as I can recall, no such dilemmas occurred with me during the time and places I served.

There is heavy sadness in this story. Uriah is given his own death certificate unknowingly. I ponder if any eye-contact was made between Joab and Uriah as Joab read the letter ordering him to leave Uriah unprotected. What kind of sick allegiance would have Joab follow this sinful betrayal of his subordinate? Did he not love his troops as he did his king? Real love forbids such acts of betrayal. I hope that if I was in Joab’s place, I would have hidden the letter and later faced David with it. The Love for those placed in our charge must be a greater priority than the love of those in whose charge we have been placed. We must love down in order to be lifted up.

Today we remember John Mason Neale, Priest, Scholar and Translator (August 7, 1866) and his information may be found at John Mason Neale. We also remember Catherine Winkworth, Poet (August 7, 1878) and her information may be found at: Catherine Winkworth.

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: Let us confess our own sins against God and our neighbor. (BCP p.358)

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Eucharistic Readings for the Transfiguration August 6

Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:13-21; Luke 9:28-36

“Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35)

This Gospel reading tells us that Jesus takes with him Peter, James and John up a mountain and is Transfigured before them. They got to see the reality of who Jesus is. They got to see Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets, stand before Jesus, God Incarnate.

Peter is so moved by this experience that he speaks out of his hysteria about making booths to represent the three of them, Moses, Elijah and Jesus. The Presence of God touched all of their senses. The cloud overshadowed them causing them to breathe in God as well as touch their skin. The vision of what was taking place pierced their eyes making an indelible mark on their minds. And finally, the very voice of God spoke, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

Peter never forgot this event. Even though he would claim not to know Jesus at the arrest of Jesus, but the knowledge of who Jesus is was never forgotten. Later, in his second letter, Peter would write, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16 – 18)

The Gospels of Matthew (Mt. 3:17) and Mark (Mk. 1:11) also carry the words “You are my Son in whom I am well pleased,” but the words seem to be directed at Jesus only. In any case, we have the additional words today of “Listen to him.” This “listen to him” is understood to be “obey” him in the Hebrew context and I might add, ours as well.

This validation of who Jesus is has been handed down to you and me. This Gospel always comes up on the last Sunday of Epiphany as a segue into Lent regardless of the Year (Matthew 17:1 -19; Mk. 9:2 – 9; and Lk. 9: 28 – 36). For many years I preached the “Pilot Light” sermon leading into Lent wherein I told of the cleaning of an old gas stove used in my mother’s restaurant in the 1950’s. In this restaurant we catered mostly to college students from Fisk and Tennessee State, (A&I) then. There was always a Summer slowdown when school was out. This was a time for cleaning the old stove.

The stove had to be disassembled to make a thorough cleaning. I was young then but I was shown the “Pilot Light.” I was amazed that from this little flicker of light that resembled a small candle burning in a cave, made possible the cooking of all the foods for the whole year for students who came from two universities. It was during the cleansing and the de-greasing of that stove that the light was carried to start other flames in order that they might do their work. How appropriate for coming to Lent. Also, how appropriate to see who Jesus really is, the Light revealed. I like singing, “This Little Light of Mine,” when I use this sermon. Let us then listen to him and obey him. Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

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. 243) The Transfiguration August 6

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 13: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;
2^nd Samuel 7:18 to 29; Acts 18:12 to 28; Mark 8:22 to 33

“Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John:” (Acts 18: 24 and 25).

My initial thought about Apollos’ baptism of John is that that is the only baptism that Jesus himself knew. Now John the Baptist did talk of a baptism by fire and the Holy Spirit by Jesus, but there is no record of any baptism by Jesus himself, although he did set the example for all who choose to follow him by being baptized.

It was the 17^th Century Anglican Priest, Richard Hooker, who said as Anglicans we have Scripture, Tradition, and Reason as our three-legged stool. And, unlike other Christian traditions of faith, we acknowledge that if any one of the three legs were missing, the stool would topple. Not only that, each leg must be the same length or there is unbalance.

Baptism breaches the line between Scripture and Church Tradition. It is Scripture that has been interpreted by the Church in many different ways depending on one’s particular Christian faith tradition. While everyone in the Bible were consenting adults, at least the individuals we read about, there are occasions where like with Lydia’s “household” being baptized, we don’t know the makeup of such households. Such households could include children, even babies. There are other cases where “households” were moved to being baptized due to miraculous signs by the apostles. It is the Acts of the Apostles that really begins our Christian Church no matter what stripe we are. Baptism is the making of the Christian.

We must acknowledge however, that Apollos, in our Acts reading for today, “was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures.” And, he was baptized. So as far as he was concerned, he had done everything right.

The Acts story continues, “[Apollos] 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:” (Acts 18: 27). This still happens today. People move around from Church to Church as they grow in the faith. Apollos listened to Priscilla and Aquila and their teaching made sense to him. He already had the gifts, gifts that needed to be focused. Later, he greatly helped those who, through grace, had become believers. Grace then is the love component poured on us 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: (BCP p. 819)

O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of your servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, August 4, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 13: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;
2 Samuel 7:1-17; Acts 18:1-11; Mark 8:11-21:

“I commune with my heart in the night; I ponder and search my mind. (Psalm 77: 6)

As most all of my readers know, my ponderings are reflections derived from the Daily Office readings of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. My ponderings are theological and meant to share for the theological enhancement of all who may read what I share.

Rarely do I attempt to connect a theme with all the readings for a given day. But today is an exception. For some reason I think I see something of the nature of God. I’m just pondering.

I am moved by the number of repeats in our different readings for today. Let me give you some examples. In our first Psalm recommended for the morning, Psalm 80, we read, “Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved:” (Psalm 80: 3 times this is said). We do need the light of God’s countenance. And it is only with it that we will be saved.

In Psalm 77 recommended for the evening I catch the repeated “pondering” that goes on. We read, “I think of God, I am restless, I ponder, and my spirit faints. (Psalm 77:3). And again, “I commune with my heart in the night; I ponder and search my mind. (Psalm 77: 6). And once more, “I will meditate on all your acts and ponder your mighty deeds:” (Psalm 77:12).

Our God seems to be and “outdoorsy” kind of God. God is with us in tents in 2^nd Samuel and with tent makers in the Acts of the Apostles. In our 2^nd Samuel reading, God doesn’t seem to want a house but then says later that God does want one, but it will be built by an ancestor of David. This is thought to be Solomon. But what if, I ponder, the house is not one built with hands, but a house of faith, eternal in the heavens. Eternal in the heavens, now that’s very outdoorsy.

Paul is outdoors during most of his preaching and teaching. It is revealed that he never loses his vocation of tent making. I like that. I have always felt the those of us who teach and preach for God should also carry their own weight in community occupations like everybody else. Ironic that while Paul’s preaching and teaching is mostly outdoors, his vocation is one of covering people with tents. It’s okay, he’s got us covered in more ways than one.

God in Christ Jesus is with us in boats in our Gospel for today. But if we care to notice, much of our Lord Jesus’ activity is in, or around, boats. Jesus reveals the outdoorsy nature of God. I ponder that maybe being outside might often bring us closer to God as we are saved by the light of God’s countenance, in a tent or in a boat; but mostly, in the ponderings of our outdoorsy minds.

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. 828)

O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what thou givest, that men and women everywhere may give thee thanks; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, August 3, 2025

Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 13: Year C

Luke 12:13-21

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.” (Luke 12:20)

This passage is taken from the parable of the “Rich Fool.” This parable is used by Jesus to show a younger brother that his desire for wealth made wealth his idol. Moreover, he would do well to not worry about material things but rather the kingdom of heaven.

To be clear the rich man in the parable that Jesus uses to teach from is not an evil man. He has not cheated his workers or stolen anything. However, he has benefited from the sun, the soil, and the rains in due season. Because of this tri-fecta of blessings he obtained wealth. And this wealth becomes his god and begins to own him. It has him talking to himself. It has him planning for himself only. It has him living for himself only. And finally, it even has him congratulating himself. Where is the Creating, Redeeming and Sanctifying God in his plan, his life, his living and his praise?

Jesus comes into the world after money comes into the world. Before the coins of currency, time was a big issue. People had to trade before crops spoiled. And there was great dependence on God for tomorrow’s sustenance. Money begins to avert our dependence on God. Money then became a god.

All around the rich fool were the poor. But apparently it never occurred to him to share his stores with them. I know people who don’t have much. And by the way they distribute what little they do have, they probably never will. But they give to the needy, They give to the children of the poor. They give to their church. They are rich in the Kingdom of God! Instead of being rich fools, they are the holy saints of heaven that will dwell in light eternal. Because they are looking after the poor and lonely in this world, God will take care of them in the next.

I have worked with families who fought bitterly over wealth at the time of the death of an older family member. It is not pretty. I think what is saddest about it is the concern and energy put into wanting the money and property of the deceased. I have also seen the property fights regarding divorce settlements, again, not pretty. Instead of thinking about what we need, we think about what we can get.

We should focus our desire on the Kingdom of heaven and go back in our corporate spiritual ancestry and learn to re-trust in God for tomorrow’s sustenance. God is God before time began. God was God when we depended on the short life of crops and livestock. That same God is our God today. Just because we have coins, currency, credit cards, stocks and bonds we are not out from under the domain of God. This is the God before time. This is the God before money. This is the God of now. And, this is the God that always will be. This God is watching how we use our borrowed resources during the little time we are here. We should not want to be so much concerned with who will get what remains of our wealth after we are gone. Rather, we want to be concerned with where our soul remains after we are gone. This very night our life could be demanded of us. Let us seek ye first the Kingdom of 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: (BCP p. 232)

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, August 2, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
2^nd Samuel 5:22 to 6:11; Acts 17:16 to 34; Mark 8:1 to 10:

“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)

These words above seem to refute our 2^nd Samuel reading where the Presence of God was dwelling in a work of art made by human hands. The 2^nd Samuel reading says, “David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. (2^nd Samuel:” 6:2)

As a Christian I believe that God truly did dwell among us but not in any work of art that we made. No, The Great Creator was pleased to dwell in the person of our Lord Jesus. And since then the continuing words of Paul ring true:“For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” (Acts 17:28)

I recall roughly the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in his book The Sabbath. He basically said, “it is not places or things that are holy, but rather we have holy times:” (not a word for word quote but the meaning is exact). Rabbi Heschel was talking about the importance of the Sabbath (today). But within his words we learn that while we have precious jewelry and crafts, and beautiful stained glass windows, and Icons, and even our Bibles and Prayer Books, the Presence of God does not reside in them. All of these are the works of human hands by which we humans may direct our prayers and worship to God. We do not pray to them, we pray through them. The time we spend with such objects is more holy than the objects themselves.

I spend time daily with scripture, Christian music, and faith groups. In these times I pray and try to connect to God in prayer. God is Good, all the time. While I am aware that I am still a work in progress, it is progress. I am gaining more insight as I slowly move along. Faith in the One in whom we live and move and have our being is life saving and sustaining. My message to everyone of us is to find something that puts you in a spiritual mood, and then find a place that is soothing and comfortable for you, and at the junction of thing and place and within the time you have made there, God will visit you through your efforts.

Love is the most powerful force in the universe. And Guess what? God is love. If given the time, the love of God will transform you. It is written somewhere in scripture that the Altar is more holy than the things put on it to be blessed (Matthew 23:19). Our time is our personal Altar. What will you put on it (or in it) to be blessed?

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, August 1, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 69; Evening, Psalm 73;
2^nd Samuel 5:1to 12; Acts 17:1 to 15; Mark 7:24 to 37

“But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone:” (Mark 7: 28 to 30)

This is probably one of the greatest examples of humility in the Bible. The Gentile (Syrophoenician) woman and mother of a young possessed daughter will go to whomever she can in order to rid her daughter of a demon.

The lesson for us is to not boast about our ethnicity, race, culture or ancestry. I continue to preach that it is not what you are, that means anything, but rather, who you are. The only blood relationship that mattered to the Syrophoenician woman is her direct offspring; her daughter. Will her daughter appreciate her mother’s courage and devoted love for her when she is old enough to realize what her mother did to save her? Who knows?

I agree with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” It is the content of one’s character that determines who a person really is.

Our Lord Jesus felt the faith, love and humility of the Syrophoenician mother. Our Lord Jesus still feels the faith love and humility of each of us no matter our race, country of origin, language, or ancestry. We, all of us, are people brought forth in the spiritual image of the Creator.

We were brought forth by love, to love. All barriers set up by humankind such as race, language, nationality, and sexual orientation, have their origin in the desire to disrupt our God-given gift of love for one another. We are most especially gifted to love those who differ from us in looks and language. Too often, what a person looks like and, or, where they are from, makes us judge them harshly. This ought not to be. Let us look upon our brothers and sister as they express their joy in their vocations, their hobbies, their love of family, or their significant other. We should not want anybody to be sad or miserable. When our neighbor is joyful, we can share in their joy. Sharing in the healthy joy of others shows God the content of our character.

Today we remember Joseph of Arimathaea (August 1 NT) and his information may be found at Joseph of Arimathaea.

“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:

Dear Holy and ever-living and ever-loving God, in whom we trust with our very existence, help us we pray to put aside everything that divides us from one another in order that we may fully embrace real love for all people as did our Lord Jesus with His compassion and love, for Your mercy’s sake. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, July 31, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 71; Evening, Psalm 74;
2^nd Samuel 4:1 to 12; Acts 16:25 to 40; Mark 7:1 to 23:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them:” (Acts 16: 25).

Before I get to the holy habits of Paul and Silas and their systematic worship of prayer and song, let me remind us about the habits of David. He regularly killed those whom he felt wronged him, as can be seen from our 2^nd Samuel reading for today. He had sinful habits of “getting even.” I find this most ungodly. David killed, or had people killed who thought they were doing what he wanted them to do. I understand that it was a time of no communications technology and commander’s intent was not always known. Perhaps more effort could have been made to ensure his troops understood that he did not want everybody killed, but rather brought before him. Don’t get me wrong. I honor the contributions of David, especially the Psalms he wrote. But every biblical hero we have, had flaws, except our Lord Jesus.

Paul and Silas, who had been bound and whipped with rods, sang songs to God and they prayed when they could. I hope two things for myself. First, I hope I have the steadfast dedication to love, worship an honor God, even if only half as much as Paul and Silas did. Second, I really hope and pray that I am never tested like they were.

Saul, with the direction of the Risen Lord, was transformed from one who, like David of old, was moved from supporting having people killed to one who desired all to have hope for eternal life. As Paul and Silas sang and prayed, the prisoners around them listened and witnessed their inner strength. Hope was spread throughout the dark and dirty chamber of confinement. The men were transformed so much so that when the earthquake occurred and everyone’s chains were unfastened, they didn’t flee, as I think I would be inclined to do. But no, they were drawn to the light that Paul and Silas were illuminating. The prisoners as well as the jailer realized and experienced a power greater than the limitations of human life with its mortal hurts and pains. The jailer himself went from wanting to kill himself to having his whole household baptized.

Witnessing the power of our Lord Jesus is transformative. David was a man of writing Psalms and harp playing. Paul wrote letters, prayed and sang hymns, even as he had to remember Steven being stoned earlier when he assisted in such an act of sin; (Acts 8:1). David and Paul, like ourselves, can be transformed. We too can experience conversion. It seems that the prescription for such healing has something to do with praying and singing hymns. It may take us a while, but it works. And when we sing and pray, it not only changes us, it improves the lives of those around us.

Today we remember Ignatius of Loyola, Mystic, Educator, Preacher and Founder of the Jesuits (July 31 1556) and his information may be found at Ignatius of Loyola.

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 Lord, God Almighty, be with us in our prayers and keep us ever mindful of our need to pray daily. Help us to meditate on Your loving kindness towards us that we also may show loving kindness to all as did our Lord Jesus. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73 to 96;
2^nd Samuel 3:22 to 39; Acts 16:16 to 24; Mark 6:47 to 56

“Today I am powerless, even though anointed king; these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too violent for me. The Lord pay back the one who does wickedly in accordance with his wickedness:” (2^nd Samuel 3:39)

David is sad that Abner, whom he sent away in peace, has been killed out of revenge. David articulates his limitations. He is the King of Israel, he doesn’t have to acknowledge his weakness, but he does.

David has shown that he can be a man of violence when necessary. But he maintains that he is not an intentionally an evil man. I will reserve judgment about that. After all, he will, in the future, have one of his subordinate leaders killed in order that he might have his wife, but that’s later. Right now, he says something that I want to ponder; and that is, “These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too violent for me.”

I see or hear of mean and evil people on the news almost every day that are too violent for me. And while I often reject Psalms, or parts of the Psalms which contain words of vindictiveness, I do ponder about David’s words asking God to “Pay back the one who does wickedly in accordance with his wickedness;” I guess it stands to reason that the author of the Psalms would utter these words of payback, or revenge; as most were written by David.

The problem I have with revenge is that it produces what I call “consequential behavior.” Consequential behavior is the behavior we do, or not do, based on what the community will do to us if discovered. I would much rather people have a change of heart and behave in such a way as they themselves would want to be treated. The old eye for an eye does not work. It operates from a hate brought about because of the love we had for the one injured, mistreated or killed. However, I will agree with David, that God can deal with people according to their deeds, that is, according with their wickedness. I will admit that I believe some people are unfortunately bent on being bad.

I believe the preferred way to deal with all people is to appeal to their goodness. True sorrow and the accompanying repentance is worth the effort required of counseling. The search for the elusive goodness in some people may be too difficult for the novice counselor or family member. However, prayer to God from the love you have for them, also works.

Today we remember William Wilberforce, Social Reformer (1833) and Anthony Ashley-Cooper,7^th Earl of Shaftesbury, Prophetic Witness, and their information may be found at William Wilberforce; and Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury; respectively.

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)

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 61 and 62; Evening, Psalm 68:1-20(21-23)24-36;
2^nd Samuel 3:6 to 21; Acts 16:6 to 15; Mark 6:30 to 46:

“On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there:” (Acts 16:13).

Paul was in Philippi but apparently there was no synagogue. So Paul went outside the gate by the river. I ponder about whether or not this was the normal custom that an Israelite, or Christian, or any traveling worshiper looking for his or her faith community might do if there was no designated place for prayer.

I feel like there is something wonderful about being outside in nature that provides a closeness to God. I especially connect with the Holy at the beach or in the mountains. But I have also felt a closeness to God in open plains as well. God is everywhere. Buildings built especially for the purpose of drawing us into the spiritual sense sometimes fail. We perhaps, maybe just need to get outside more often and save buildings for rainy days. Our Lord Jesus performed most of his healing and teaching outside. Every part of this earth is sacred and holds a spiritual conduit to God.

Lydia is a person to ponder. While she obviously has a spacious home, large enough to house Paul and his companions, she herself was outside for worship. She was a business woman and a prominent member of her community. But it seems that going down by the water to pray is as ancient a human calling as is keeping a fire going. It sometimes can’t be explained, it just is.

Lastly, there is something else in the verse that I want to explore, or ponder about. When we read words like “When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us:” (Acts 16: 15)

I wonder who the “us” were that the writer is talking about? Many believe that it was Luke who wrote the Gospel named after him as well as the Acts of the Apostles. Perhaps Luke is a hidden tag-a-long on Paul’s journeys. He records everything but does not mention himself. For me, this is another lesson in the humility of invisibility. I am learning that I don’t need to be the center of things and certainly should not bring attention to myself for some kind of human credit. The only credit we should care about is how God sees the love in our hearts.

Today we remember Mary and Martha of Bethany, (July 29) and the First Ordination of Women to the Priesthood in the Episcopal Church (July 29, 1974) and their information may be found at: Mary & Martha of Bethany; and First Ordination of Women to the Priesthood in The; respectively.

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. 825)

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.