Author: John Thomas Frazier

Daily Office Readings for Week Four of Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 112, 115  Zeph. 3:14-20; Titus 1:1-16; Luke 1:1-25

“He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.  With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’” (Luke 1:16 – 17)

In this passage the angel Gabriel is speaking with Zechariah about things that will happen and how all this will be good news. He is telling him about a son that he will have through Elizabeth his wife and that he is to name the child John.

Gabriel tells Elijah that this child will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. This is amazing.  These are Israelites.  They are raised in the Holy Scriptures of the Lord our God from birth.  Yet, this John the Baptist is going to have them love their children more than they do already and he is going to shine a light on the ignorance of disobedience. 

Zechariah questions Gabriel and as a result Gabriel makes Zechariah mute until the child is born. “Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’” (Luke 1: 18 – 20)

We know that Zechariah’s son, John the Baptist, becomes the herald or announcer of the coming of our Lord Jesus. John was a hard man who did not bend to the selfish desires of others, be they the Pharisee (Brood of vipers) or Herod the puppet king who married his brother’s wife.  John told it like it was.  Yes he lost his head but he saved his soul.  We can’t lose anything that God can’t put back together and make it even better than it was before.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Eucharistic Readings for the 4^th Sunday of Advent Year A

Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 Romans 1:1-7  Matthew 1:18-25

“But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” (Matthew 1: 20 – 21)

So God is preparing to walk with people on earth.  And God decides to start as all humans start, as a baby.  Of all the earth, and specifically, the people of the earth, Joseph and Mary become the new Adam and Eve.  This is not about original sin but a new place to begin.  This is not even about marriage as the scripture makes clear.  This is about the best parents for raising God Incarnate. 

Joseph goes to sleep with a heavy decision to make: to keep or not to keep Mary.  He decided not to keep her but even that was burdensome. This is why an angel from God came into his life, and in a dream none the less.  This is not the first time God visited us in this way.  In the first beginnings, in Genesis, God visited Jacob as he slept (Genesis 28: 12 – 13).

Do you believe God and the angels of God really did this?  If so, do you believe God can, and still does do this?  I do.  Like Jacob and Joseph, we too get so burdened with fear or conflicts of the norms of our day that we need help in doing what God wants.  It is during these times that God acts. Dreams enter a cleared mind, something we rarely have when we are awake.

This is the Holy Spirit of God.  This Holy Spirit always acts for the benefit of the human race, like saving us from our sins.  And, like Joseph, we too are called to silent obedience.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Eucharistic Readings for Thomas the Apostle December 21

Habakkuk 2:1-4  Psalm 126  Hebrews 10:35-11:1  John 20:24-29

“Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with the other disciples when Jesus came.” (John 20:24)   

Today we reflect on Thomas the apostle.  But before we get into Thomas as the so-called “Doubting Thomas,” let’s ask why Thomas was not with the other disciples.  The now ten (Judas has killed himself) are continually locked in a room.  Only Mary Magdalene and some other women are running around getting provisions and giving updates on Jesus sightings to the apostles, save Thomas. Why?

This makes me ponder.  Having been in small groups I understand that sometimes I just need to get away for a minute.  Perhaps the decisions of the group are going in a direction I don’t agree with.  Maybe there is an irritation growing and trust is eroding within the group.  These men are human just like me.  The feelings I have today are some of the same feelings they, and in particular Thomas, might have had then. When Thomas says, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe,” maybe this statement was about his disbelief of the ten, not something he thought Jesus couldn’t do, or would do.

Thomas shows courage in the Gospel of John.  When Jesus is warned about going back to Jerusalem that he might be killed there, “Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11: 16) This surely shows both his character and his courage.  Also, Thomas speaks up when he doesn’t understand something that Jesus said.  When Jesus announces his approaching death and tells them that they know the way he is going, the confused Thomas speaks up,  “Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  (John 14:5)  Of course this sets up the place where Jesus declares that he is “the Way the Truth and the Life.”  (John 14:6)

With all this evidence of his courage and character most of us still like to hold Thomas as the doubter – Doubting Thomas, we like to refer to him.  It’s a shame.  Thomas has so many good qualities.  Why is it we often label people by maybe one slip or flaw rather then look at the whole of a person and find a more suitable name for them? Maybe Thomas the True-Hearted would have been more suitable.  I know that even with my sometimes doubts, I need to be more like Thomas, how about you?

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Week 3 of Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 40, 54; PM Psalm 51  Zech. 7:8-8:8; Rev. 5:6-14; Matt. 25:14-30

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.” (Matthew 25: 14 – 15)

This is a very familiar parable.  It is about using whatever gifts we have to the best of our abilities.  In this parable the one servant gets only one talent and decides not to use it.  He buries it until the return of the master. Bad move.

What I ponder about is the relative affects of this parable.  The man who receives the one talent witnesses the others receiving more, one gets 4, the next gets half of that which is two and finally he, the third servant, gets half of that, only one.  So much here to ponder.

What I want to bring to the forefront is the responsibility we all have to do the best we can with what God has graced us with.  Whatever gift or gifts we have, it is what our family, or community or the world needs.  God does not waste gifts.  Some of us have gifts of mathematics; some of us have gifts of voice as in singing; some of us have gifts of extraordinary compassion; some of us have gifts of agricultural cultivation and some of us are blessed with more than one; maybe four or two or just one like our servant above. 

I tend not to focus on what will happen to us if we waste our gifts. The saddest part for me is that we all suffer for the lack of what we could have enjoyed.  God does not waste gifts. Has God gifted you with something we need in our lives right now? I already know the answer is yes. Please make use of it, we need it.  Remember, what the world needs and what you enjoy doing is where God enters our world.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 3^rd Week of Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 50; PM Psalm [59, 60] or 33 Zech. 4:1-14; Rev. 4:9-5:5; Matt. 25:1-13

“The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as one is wakened from sleep.”  (Zechariah 4:1)

Our readings from Zechariah and Revelation speak of angels and their ongoing relationship with us as they carry out God’s will.  Zechariah, like Jacob and Elijah and Joseph were awakened by angels as one is wakened from sleep.  It occurs to me that sleep may just be a metaphor of ignorance.

I believe God still sends angels into our lives to move us or shift us into the direction that God wants us to travel.  Sometimes such angels may be two or three people away. For example, an angel may influence a friend of yours to ask you something that in turn caused you to act or respond in a way that is pleasing to God.  In such a case we waste time and God’s blessing if we judge the message by the one bringing it.  We must be attentive to what the question or message is, not the messenger.

There are several places in the Bible where the one who is helpful is not named but makes all the difference in the outcome. I will share two, both from Second Kings where we read, “Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”” (2 Kings 5: 2 – 3)  And again, “Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5: 13)  In both cases unnamed person intervene to ass Naaman with his leprosy.  Are they angels?  God knows.

In the reading from Revelation today we have an angel asking the question. “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Revelation 5:2)  Angels always seem to be connecting with us in our thin places, that is as we are in prayer, or dreaming or otherwise letting go of business.   The angel in the Revelation that John received seems to come directly from the One seated on the throne and speaks for the One sitting on the throne.  Angels are both messengers and, when necessary, correctors of human history as may be best for us and is pleasing to God.

I have heard so many angel stories.  I love them all. Angels are shrouded in mystery.  In the midst of our dealing with an angel we lose track of time.  It becomes clear no ordinary person is with us.  Perhaps the term “fear not” has real merit in such circumstances. I do know this, once visited, you can’t un-visit.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week of Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53] Zech. 3:1-10; Rev. 4:1-8; Matt. 24:45-51

“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time?  Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.  Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.”  (Matthew 24: 45 – 47)

I think the first thing to do is to clarify the Greek word slave or in the Biblical Greek “δοῦλος.”   In English it is pronounced “Dulas” and it means servant as well as slave. Personally, I prefer the term servant.  

So now let’s go back and listen to what is being asked. “Who is the faithful and wise servant?” Hmm, makes me ponder.  Can we find wisdom and servitor in the same person?  Sometimes we “wise” our way right out of serving anybody?  Once when I was young (and not very bright at all), I saw a coworker filling an ice chest.  I had worked my way up to a less physical requirement at the hospital in Nashville, Tennessee and I informed that young man that,   “I wouldn’t do that for anybody.”  To which he quickly responded, “Would you do it for yourself?”  As you can see, I never forgot that important lesson. I don’t like sharing these details about myself but it helps me to see how far I have come.  I still have a long way to go.

In our Matthew passage we are reminded that the reward for hard work is more hard work.  When the faithful servant does all that is expected, that servant is given even greater responsibility.  But I think the wisdom lies in the training of one’s self to enjoy holding things together.  We too can learn to enjoy making sure that people receive their allowance of food, or education, or transportation, or medication, or anything they need at the proper time.  The good news is that while we are enjoying filling the ice chest, we will be blessed when our Lord Jesus arrives.

 Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week in Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 45; PM Psalm 47, 48  Zech. 2:1-13; Rev. 3:14-22; Matt. 24:32-44

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.  To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.  Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 3: 20 – 22)

This is a known idea in the Christian world, that of our Lord Jesus knocking on our door.  There are many paintings of it. It is a reminder that it is our Lord Jesus who is seeking us well before we even thought about trying to find him.  Many people will say after they think that they have turned their lives around for the better that they “found Jesus.”  It would be more correct to say that they let our Lord Jesus come into their lives.

No human salesperson knocks on your door, or calls you on the phone, or advertizes on your computer for your complete happiness.  They want your money.  They are in it for themselves.  Our Lord Jesus is truly looking for you for your benefit. He will never abandon you when life challenges you.  He may not make whatever is happening to you go away but he will stay with you through it.  And it may be that whatever hell you go through will end this life, our Lord Jesus will be with you on the other side.

This is what it means to conquer.  And “To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.  Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 3^rd Week of Advent Year 2

AM Psalm 41, 52; PM Psalm 44 Zech. 1:7-17; Rev. 3:7-13; Matt. 24:15-31

“Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.  I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.  If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.  Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 3:10 – 13)

Let us remember that the Book of Revelation is a Revelation from the Risen Jesus Christ to his apostle John.  The revelation speaks of a patient endurance that will keep us from the hour of trial and that we will have new names and live in a New Jerusalem. 

I am reminded that in Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “And do not bring us to the time of trial.” (Luke 11:4)  I once got a ticket for running a stop sign but through many apologies, agreeing to attend a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) safety course, and a friend in the court system, I was excused.  My friend told me that my name is no longer on the docket.  Full disclosure, I went on the appointed day anyway only to see that in fact my name was never called.  It is nice to have someone who can excuse you from judgment. 

Our apologies are our repentance, our churches are our DMV safety courses and Jesus is our friend who removes our names from the docket and “keeps us from the hour of trial.”  However, we must keep the word of patient endurance in order for this to happen. Patient endurance is something we can conquer and become pillars in the temple of God. This is just another way of saying joyful waiting.  Believe me, there is joy in knowing you have been “excused” from judgment.

Jesus also reveals to John that we will have new names, holy names. This is not new, Jesus often gives us new names as God did with Abram to Abraham and Jesus did with Simon to Peter.  Some names stick however as did Mary’s and others.  I guess the other big thing I will be looking for is that we will have a better Jerusalem, a New Jerusalem. Our current Jerusalem is built on an arid mountain.  I often wonder how water was provided in the old days.  Maybe a New Jerusalem in a valley would be better, a land flowing with milk and honey.  I’m just pondering here, joyfully pondering.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Eucharistic Readings for the 3^rd Sunday of Advent Year A

Isaiah 35:1-10   Psalm 146:4-9   James 5:7-10  Matthew 11:2-11

“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”” (Matthew 11:2 -3)

Waiting is an art.  Today we should be so adapt at it. We wait for everything; we wait for our turn in various lines at checkout counters or bank teller windows; we wait in traffic, we wait for someone to finally make it to a meeting that was supposed to start 10 minutes ago.  Waiting is both active and challenging.   We can’t stop being because we have to wait.  We must live through it.  We can try to distract ourselves while waiting, like playing with our phones, but it still means we are not there yet.

Our Lord Jesus assures the disciples of John the Baptist that their wait and ours is over, at least for that initial coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But it seems that John had such developed waiting skills that he was willing to keep waiting.  For him it was a way of life. On this third Sunday of Advent we may even learn of the joy of waiting as we light the pink or rose colored candle on the Advent Wreath.  I think there was some joy in it for John and I think it should be for us as well.  In Chapter 5 of the Reading for James we are asked wait as the farmer waits in anticipation for the rain.

“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7 – 8)

Yes, Jesus’ first appearance was the early rains.  His second coming will be the late rains. We need to hone our waiting skills so that we too are comfortable, even joyfully waiting. We need to strengthen our hearts for the coming of the late rains.  I really have more to say, but let’s wait!

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Readings for John of the Cross: Mystic and Monastic Reformer, 1591

Psalm 121 Song of Solomon 3:1-4 John 16:12-22

“When the Spirit of Truth comes He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)

I studied John of the Cross while taking Spiritual Guidance courses at Shalem Institute. I am very moved by his writing, “Dark Night of the Soul.”  It really demonstrates the contemplative possibilities that can be achieved when we settle ourselves down.  The Spirit of Truth that Jesus speaks of in the Gospel of John is the Holy Spirit that came among us when Jesus had died and was raised again.  The Holy Spirit of the Incarnate Word will accompany us in all that we ask. We truly will be guided into all truth.

“John of the Cross was unknown outside the Discalced Carmelites for nearly three hundred years after his death. More recently, scholars of Christian spirituality have found in him a hidden treasure. Once described by Thomas Merton as “the church’s safest mystical theologian,” John has been called the “the poet’s poet,” “spirit of flame,” “celestial and divine.”   John was born in 1542 at Fontiveros, near Avila, Spain.”  (Great Cloud of Witnesses for December 14)

So as I now practice the humility of invisibility I am amazed that John was so quiet (invisible) that he was not really discovered until nearly 300 years after his death. His sometimes forced solitude enabled him to fully devote himself the Spirit of Truth that Jesus spoke of.

“John became disillusioned with what he considered the laxity of the Carmelites and, in 1568, he opened a monastery of “Discalced” (strict observance) Carmelites, an act that met with sharp resistance from the General Chapter of the Calced Carmelites. John was seized, taken to Toledo, and imprisoned in the monastery. During nine months of great hardship, he comforted himself by writing poetry. It was while he was imprisoned that he composed the greater part of his luminous masterpiece, The Spiritual Canticle, as well as a number of shorter poems. Other major works are, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Living Flame of Love, and The Dark Night. It is this latter work, Noche obscura del alma, that gave the English language the phrase “dark night of the soul. After a severe illness, John died on December 14, 1591.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for December 14) 

His forced solitude made him creative.  How much more can you and I do if we just take the time to be alone and quiet.  Blaise Pascal wrote; “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”  I modified his words to read, “All of humanity’s problems stem from a person’s refusal to sit quietly in a room alone.” I believe we can, sadly, we just refuse.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John+