John Thomas Frazier

Pondering for Sunday, June 29, 2025

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 8: Year C

“And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Thenthey went on to another village.” (Luke 9:52 – 59)

The Samaritans are people who Jesus often showed as examples of godly love. The Woman at the well who said, “come see a man who has told me everything I have ever done,” (John 4). And, the Good Samaritan of Luke (10: 30 – 37), who tended to the man left for dead by robbers. So Jesus saw the love of the Samaritans. But they were also very tribal.

Samaritans did not like the Israelites or anyone who liked the Israelites. So when they saw that Jesus was going to Jerusalem they cut him and his followers off. It’s the old saying that the friend of my enemy is my enemy. But this attitude does not work. All of us have been gifted by God to be friendly with people regardless of who they like of don’t like. The trouble is, we choose not to.

When James and John asked if they could call down fire on them Jesus turned and rebuked them. This is some insight as to the power that they had through Jesus. It seems to be no doubt that they could do such a thing, but needed permission to do so. They forget however, that when Jesus sent them out in pairs to heal and cast out demons he said to them, receive those who receive you. And, if they don’t receive you just knock off the dust from your shoes and keep on moving. But even to them, let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.

We also have those who want to follow Jesus, But! Words like but and however, often flip the script. Basically, Jesus says there is no but. People can be faith-dead before their bodies give out. Jesus says let them bury themselves. People come up with reasons to not follow their hearts now and in the moment. Jesus says for us to make up our minds and keep it moving, don’t look back. I like to quote Nike here, “Just Do It!”

So, there is no part of Jesus that retaliates or procrastinates. Jesus loves those who do not accept Him as much as He loves those who hesitates in their following, and as much as He love us who follow without pause. We get nothing extra for being dedicated followers. We are the dedicated assistants of Christ Jesus for the glory of God. And that is reward in itself. As followers of Jesus we should not retaliate or procrastinate either. Accept those who accept you. Be patient with those who do not accept you in this moment. Be pleasant to all. Try to love all.

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 8, BCP p. 230)

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; 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, June 28, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 107:33-43 and 108:1-6; Evening, Psalm 33;
1^st Samuel 9:15 to10:1; Acts 7:30 to 43; Luke 22:39 to 51:

“He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.] When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial:” (Luke 22: 39 to 46).

Before I ponder about these Luke verses, I just want you to know that the bracketed verses above (43 and 44) are not found in some ancient manuscripts. It doesn’t mean that angels weren’t there; it just means that some Luke accounts didn’t have it.

Having said that, my emphasis for these words is focused on Jesus’ regular round of prayer. Jesus often found a quiet place to be alone and pray. We should copy this Jesus trait. This was a Thursday evening. Jesus has just celebrated what we call the Lord’s Supper, also known as our Holy Eucharist. He is about to be arrested, beaten and then crucified.

If this situation was put before me, the option of running away would still be on the table. Perhaps prayer would still be there as well, but it would probably be prayer for a speedy escape. But our Lord Jesus had you in mind. He wanted you to be cleansed of all human sin. The sin of jealousy, and of hatred, and of prejudice, as it was shown in Judas Iscariot and the Temple authorities, and the Romans. All human sin was packaged together and saddled on Jesus as he is taken to the cross.

His response on our behalf is prayer. He prays for the strength necessary to endure because he loves us, He literally loves us to death, even death on the Cross. Maybe I wouldn’t run after all. Dying to my mortal self is not the end of all my life; Thanks be to our Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian ) and his information may be found at: Irenaeus of Lyons.

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, June 27, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 102; Evening, Psalm 107:1 to 32;
1^st Samuel 9:1 to 14; Acts 7:17 to 29; Luke 22:31 to 38:

“He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough: (Luke 22: 36 to 38).

I have studied the history of the Amish. What I admire about the Amish is that they really walk their faith. Their faith however, includes pacifism. They are among the most pacifist people on the face of the earth. Because of this they were completely decimated in Europe because of their refusal to defend themselves. They found safety in the “armed” American Colonies, Pennsylvania in particular.

The Hebrew Testament is replete with examples of God assisting the fighting efforts to fulfill God’s plan for the Israelites, and, by extension, all humanity. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others fought to accomplish God’s will for us today. Now, in our Gospel reading for today, we have our Lord Jesus saying “sell what you can and buy a sword because the day is going to come that you will need it.”

The sword was the personal protection of that day. The sword was not a hunting tool which could be said of the spear or bow and arrow. It was not used to prepare food as is a knife. No, the sword was specifically made for use as a weapon against human oppression. Today’s sword is a pistol.

As a thirty year United States Marine, now retired but still true to what it means to be a Marine, I support the right to have and use guns as personal protection. Some may ask how I balance being a gun owner with being a priest. I think our Lord Jesus, speaking to the future Christian priests of the New Testament, answers that question. “He replied [regarding having two weapons], ‘It is enough.” Some interpreters and commentaries will try to read something else into Jesus’ words. I say, Jesus said it, and it is what it is.

Let us learn from the European lesson in the history of the Amish, as well as God’s guidance with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others. And let us hear what our Lord Jesus says about protecting our continued way of Christian life after His sacrifice. We must be true to our faith as we understand it. This is something we each must ponder with God’s help in our Sabbath time. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among the Oneida (1907) and his information may be found at: Cornelius Hill.

“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. 290-291)

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, June 26, 2025

Daily Office Reading for Thursday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 105:1 to 22; Evening, Psalm 105:23 to 45;
1^st Samuel 8:1 to 22; Acts 6:15 to 7:16; (Luke 22:24 to 30)

“And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them: (1^st Samuel 8:7 to 9)

We have most of the Pentateuch, the Torah, (Exodus through Deuteronomy) where God explains, through Moses, how the Israelites are not to be like the people they are going to encounter when they cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. Yet, they tell Samuel that they want to be like the other nations. How quickly we forget, and how sadly we want to be like everybody else.

Biblically speaking, every time a crowd came to a decision, it was not a heavenly one; from the making of a golden calf while Moses was on the mountain in the Book of Exodus, to the incited crowd yelling “Crucify Him” to Pontius Pilate regarding Jesus as stated in the Gospel. Too often we fail to listen to the loving voice of God speaking in our hearts and in our souls.

A great many people moving on a hasty decision does not make it the moral action we should take in most cases. We, individually, need to think for ourselves. I, again present the words of Blaise Pascal who informs us that, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” I find such sitting in a quiet room alone and pondering about a concern, or life and our relationship with the Creator, is gracefully gratifying. Regardless of your political affiliation, or any “majority or minority” influence, we all have a personal responsibility to think, and ponder for ourselves. God created us in God’s loving and thinking Image.

Let us not want to be like others just to be like others or to be liked by others. The crowd itself can become a false god. Our beauty is in our diversity of looks, cultures, languages, traditions, religious beliefs and ethnicity. We were never made to be all of one way, except the Way of the Love of God, for God, and for one another.

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 Dear God, help us to feel You individually, and follow where you lead on the path that You have set for each of us as a way to help one another. For as Christ came among us to lead us to you, so too help us to follow where You lead, with or without, the influence of a crowd. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 101 and 109; Evening, Psalm 119:121 to144;
1 Samuel 7:2-17; Acts 6:1-15; Luke 22:14-23:

“And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word:” (Acts 6: 2 to 4)

Every time this reading comes up in our Daily Office Lectionary I can’t help but refute it. It is not the understanding I have of who Jesus is or what he would have us do. In the Gospel accounts we have Jesus ordering the apostles to feed the people; “But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat:” (Matthew 14:16).

Too often today clergy sometimes see themselves as too important to fulfill the most basic of needs. There are many things that our Lord Jesus did that we, (clergy, doctors, or any vocation), simply cannot do. We can’t cure all diseases, or bring people back to life. But most of us can feed those who are hungry or teach those who want to know what we know. We can buy a hungry person something to eat. We can teach adults to read. We can drive someone to a medical appointment or other place they need to be. We can teach young children to sing songs of hope. We, none of us who follow our Lord Jesus, should think of ourselves as above providing the basic needs of people.

We still need to find time to pray and hear the words of God and meditate on the Holy Spirit of God. But such contemplation should not stop us from the basic and important duty of taking care of those who lack the basic needs of life, or just needs a faith companion. Our love must be shown in how we care for others. We should not send them away or put this labor of love on someone else. Our Lord Jesus is still saying to priests and pastors, “You give them something to eat.”

Today we remember James Weldon Johnson, Poet (1938) and his information may be found at: James Weldon Johnson.

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 Poor and the Neglected (BCP p. 826)

Almighty and most merciful God, we [Priests and Pastors] 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 Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 97, 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
1^st Samuel 6:1to 16; Acts 5:27 to 42; Luke 21:37 to 22:13:

“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” (Acts 5: 38 and 39)

A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel gave the council two examples of how uprisings settled themselves when they are not from God. However, he asks them, and us, to be patient with this Jesus movement. He says if it is from human origin it will be made evident. But if it is from God, we have no choice but to obey. Smart words I think.

In all my undertakings I ask if it is of God, or, where do I see God in it? If I can’t see God in it anywhere, it is time to move on to something else. Also, I must remember that God is love. So, I must ask if there is love in the undertaking that I am pursuing. If no love, no God, then I go, no further. I have always said that I can’t see where God is at this present moment in my life, only where God has been in my life. What I am saying now is not counter to what I have always said.

While God is illusive, and can’t be seen, God’s presence as love is readily revealed if we look for it. And if there are conflicts between the call of God and what the unloving among us are saying, then we must remember what Peter and the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority:” (Acts 5:29). We can tell if God is in it, if love is in it.

God has no plan B for us. The seed of Jesus is growing more and more every day. In the end we will learn to truly love one another. In so doing, we will make heaven manifest right here on earth where God’s will, will be done.

Today we remember The Birth of john the Baptist of the New Testament and his information may be found at: Nativity of John the Baptist.

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 Nativity of Saint John the Baptist June 24 (BCP p. 241)

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, June 23, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;
1^st Samuel 5:1 to 12; Acts 5:12 to 26; Luke 21:29 to 36:

“Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man:” (Luke 21:36).

Jesus has just told his followers about the certainty of the end of the age and to expect the unexpected. How does one do this? How does anyone prepare themselves to expect the unexpected?

I have met people who seem to be calm no matter what happens. At first these calm people seem cognitively slow or even autistic. More observation will reveal that they are very much aware of their environment and all that is taking place; they just aren’t rattled by the supposedly unexpected happenings that take place. I want to be like that.

I do believe the older I get, the more I am able to remain calm. Also, the more I get into meditation, the more I seem to be able to calm myself and remain calm when stuff happens. This is being alert and also praying that we have the strength, the resolve, to avoid panicking and reacting without thought. I not only want to keep myself calm, I want to be a calming presence to those who might not be able to handle the unexpected. I pray that our Lord Jesus uses me as a calming presence in my family, my neighborhood, my parish, and in all places where I may be with others.

I just need to keep telling myself that God is God and all good things will be in accord with God’s will. Therefore, I shall not be afraid but rest in God’s doings. I also pray to God to use me Lord as you see fit for the benefit of all and quiet my soul when anxiety attempts to come upon me. 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:

Help me, dear Lord God, to calm myself when things go abruptly and all seems bad. Let Your Spirit of life and love be my go-to place and my soul be my anchor of peace within me where Your Presence maintains my steadfast serenity. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, June 22, 2025

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday, Proper 7: Year C

Luke 8:26 to 39:

“And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the abyss.” Luke:8:31.”

Before evil shows itself, good thrives. The man in our Gospel according to Luke for today, who may even be a father, seems to be a good man who was overcome by multiple demons. It seems our Lord Jesus has dealt with these legion demon spirits in this man before. It also seems that Jesus has compassion even for the demons. All Jesus has to do is order them to go into the abyss and they must do it. The demons know who Jesus is, but we (Christians) often have a problem understanding who He is.

I’ve said this before but it’s worth pondering again. The demons ask for permission to enter the pigs near Lake Galilee. Jesus allows them to do it. So the demons enter the pigs, the pigs go into the lake. The pigs drown, but not necessarily the spirit demons. Poor pigs.

Of course being Jewish, perhaps even the Jewish Jesus would not care about swine. Or maybe Jesus did not think the demons would drive the pigs into the water. Perhaps further pondering is in order here.

The demons, which have survived multiple times of being cast out of the man who haunts the tombs, and apparently aware of the abyss, now only have to survive drowning pigs. Once in the water, they can move into the fish in the lake. It seems they only need an animal host to exist. These same fish are then caught by the very men Jesus has recruited to carry out the Gospel. Weird huh?

The healed man asks to tag alone with Jesus but he was denied. Jesus tells him to go to his home and tell the people what God has done for him. He then goes and says what “Jesus” has done for him. I hope they understood that Jesus is God Incarnate. Do we?

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 This Sunday

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; 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, June 21, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 6: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening, Psalm 136;
1^st Samuel 4:1 to 11; Acts 4:32 to 5:11; Luke 21:20 to 28:

“The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone:” (Psalm 90: 10).

I am well into my 70’s now. While I have been walking around on this earth for what seems like a long time to me, it is nothing to God who knows no time. I tell people that as we live, we are living in our “dash.” The dash is that time that begins at our birth and ends with our death. What’s important in our dash time is not what we can do for ourselves. What is important is how close we can attach ourselves to the eternal God.

What is most important during our dash time is our ability to be open to God’s loving-kindness every day. The Psalmist says, “Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life:” (Psalm 90:14). We all have challenging days but perhaps with God’s help we can have better days, most days.

Some of our daily rejoicing is dependent on us. I don’t think the sum of our lives necessarily as to be labor and sorrow, that pass away quickly and we are gone. We must apply an effort in our rejoicing. If we take one step in love and happiness, God takes two. When we use our hearts and hands in the service of God, and in the service of those among us who are distressed, we will have a loving and memorable dash time, even noticed by God. The Psalmist concludes, “May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork:” (Psalm 90:17)

While there is no appointed saint for today, I want to resubmit a link to Bernard Mizeki whose day was last Wednesday but I could not find the link. Here it is: Bernard Mizeki

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)

Pondering for Friday, June 20, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 6: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91 and 92;
1^st Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 2:37-47; Luke 21:5-19

“But Eli called Samuel and said, ‘Samuel, my son.’ He said, ‘Here I am.’ Eli said, ‘What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.’ So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, ‘It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him:” (1^st Samuel 3: 16 to 18).

This is what I meant when I said on Monday, the 16^th of June, that “Such negligence will come back to bite him later.” Eli had sons that did not follow in Eli’s ways. In fact they blasphemed God and Eli did not correct them. We must remember Father Abraham who would slaughter his son Isaac, who was without sin, only to obey what he perceived to be the will of God. Eli was still learning what it means to be a father when he took custody of Samuel. He may have been a better father to Samuel that he was to his biological sons.

As we move away from Father’s Day I pray that fathers everywhere will ponder their parental responsibilities and at least coach their young ones into their faith tradition. I believe that while we are not to go out and demand everyone follow our Christian path, all people, and fathers in particular, should have a guiding light that leads them on a moral path. As we fathers walk our paths, we should invite, or even insist, that those for whom we are responsible, accompany us as we traverse life’s expedition.

Eli, and later, even Samuel himself, will fail in their responsibility to guide their young ones in their faith paths. I hold up Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as the model of fatherhood. We don’t have any words from Joseph. What we have is his silent obedience to the will of God. We have the example of his unconditional love for his non-biological son and his son’s mother. Love conquers all. But indeed, sometimes that love has to be tough love.

Tough love is often tougher on us dads than on those we raise. Ask Abraham and ask Joseph. Real fatherhood is not so much about biology, it’s simply the coaching, unconditional love we have for our young ones.

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. 829)

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.