Author: John Thomas Frazier

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 7^th Week of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) Ezek. 43:1-12; Heb. 9:1-14; Luke 11:14-23

“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)

While we have Psalm 107 verses 33 to 43 for today, I reviewed all of this Psalm.  I notice that verses 8, 15, 21 and 31 say the same thing and that is, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” The NRSV replaces mankind with children.  But the greater point is that in only two verses before each of these verses, it is said that the people “cry” to the Lord and like I always say, God’s ears hears tears.  I like this Psalm also because it does not specifically lock down a particular time in Biblical history. It basically reflects the continuing relationship between God and us.  So verse 43 has much meaning for the wise among us. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” Let us ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  Ponder, I like that word.

Today we also remember Roland Allen. “Roland Allen was an English missionary, supported by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) who served briefly in North China and for many years in East Africa. Allen believed that the mission work of the western churches was paternalistic and deeply rooted in colonialist values that were incompatible with the gospel.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 8)

In many situations, “Allen favored clergy who were “tentmakers”—engaged in secular employment while serving their congregations—after the example of St. Paul.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 8) “Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:2 – 3)  This is personal for me.  From the beginning I wanted to be a “working” priest.  But it was not to be.  However, as I approach mandatory retirement, many possibilities are opening for me. Thank You Jesus.

My Fitness Pondering

Even though I’m in a rush today, I did my Daily Seven.  Now, no matter what happens, I won’t go through the rest of the day upset because I didn’t do them.  The good news is, whatever else in the way of physical exercise I do, just adds to what I’ve already done.  It’s cumulative. That’s good.

My Music Pondering

I went back to the scales.  Scales are the fundamentals to playing music.  So, I am trying the blinded scale playing.  It’s working out pretty good so far.  I am really getting the feel of where my fingers are on the keyboard.  I have my standard tunes I like to play and that list is growing.  The more I learn to play new stuff, the easier it is to learn even more new stuff.  That’s Great!!

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Friday in Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32Ezek. 34:17-31; Heb. 8:1-13; Luke 10:38-42

“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”  (Hebrews 8:8)

Jeremiah 31: 31 -34 is one of my favorite quotes in the Bible.  I recognize the words from our Hebrews reading today to be the same words.  I like it when other writers like the same readings that I do, more especially the ancient ones. It somehow affirms me. So thank you, writer of Hebrews.

I have looked at the Jeremiah reading through my Christian lens. In this reading I saw the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant, an unbreakable covenant.  But like all covenants that God makes with us this covenant too requires us to believe it and live accordingly.  I really like the part where it says “I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts.”  Even so, God still does not make us use this divine resource to guide our lives.  We must choose to do so. The wiring is in us, the program is set.  We just need to choose God back.  God has already chosen us.

I spoke with a man last night about warring sides where both sides say that God is on their side.  He asked me what I thought.  I guess the Holy Spirit gave me the response because I had really not put words together like this before. I told him God is really with those who are advocating for the oppressed.  It was that way with Moses freeing the Israelites out of Egypt; it was that way in our own Civil War for oppressed slaves; and it was that way when Nazis began to dominate Europe.  No country owns God or can claim God as being on their side.  God is on the side of the oppressed. That not only goes at national or human dominions but it makes itself manifest right down to the family level. God stands with the oppressed. This is the New Covenant written on our hearts.

My Fitness Pondering

I did my Daily Seven today.  There was no big thrill or excitement.  I just did them.  I guess that’s the way it has to be sometimes.  But I will tell you this; there is always the satisfaction that I did not let myself down.  I respected me! It would be easy to just say “I’ll just skip today and get back into it tomorrow.”  For me, it would also be shameful.  I have put myself in “automatic” mode.  No thinking, just doing.  I start my thinking and praying with my coffee now as I am typing the closing to today’s journal.  Lead Me, Guide Me, Along the Way.  Thank You Jesus.

My Music Pondering

I played the piano last night with blinders on to prevent me from looking at the keys.  I had to adjust by sound.  I had to strike keys based on how they sounded to get back on track.  In doing so, I am trying to comprehend how blind musicians make it work and how so many of them are so gifted. And I realize gifts are not achieved.  They are gifts.  But me trying is a way of praying for a musical gift.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 105:1-22; PM Psalm 105:23-45  Ezek. 18:1-4,19-32; Heb. 7:18-28; Luke 10:25-37

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29)

This is the lead-in to the story of the Good Samaritan.  It concludes with a foreigner (a Samaritan) being a better neighbor than the so-called righteous Levite and priest. However, the question itself suggests that perhaps not all people are a neighbor. I think that in the eyes of Jesus, all peoples are neighbors.

We live on a round ball (Earth). We have more in common than we are different.  We all strive to take care of ourselves and our families.  We all communicate with an audible language although different languages for different regions of this earth.  At some deep level, we are aware of a power greater than ourselves.  What we must learn is that we are not greater than one another. We need one another.  This round ball is it for us.  As it takes care of us, we need to take care of it and we need to take care of one another.  We truly are neighbors, all of us.  Thank You Jesus.

Today is June 6 and the remembrance of the 75th year after the Invasion at Normandy in France (D-Day).  We talk about the victory there and our brave military and that’s ok.  However, I pray we remember our German brothers and sisters as well.  Today’s Germans are not the followers of Adolf Hitler.  I am reminded of all the great theologians from Germany, among them Dietrich Bonheoffer who resisted the Nazis to his own death and the compassion of today’s Prime Minister, Angela Merkel. Yes, an important battle was won but we also need to put as much or more energy into being inclusive of today’s Germany. Who is our neighbor? All on the planet, including Germany.

My Fitness Pondering

In my everyday movements and occurrences of bending over to pick up a piece of paper or something that someone dropped, I move so much easier now. I marvel at how I enjoy stooping or bending in the course of the day.  It all stems from my early morning workout.  Strength, endurance, and flexibility are all part of a cross-fit workout plan.  It doesn’t require great intensity only regular commitment.  It builds as it is done EVERY morning.  It all adds up over time.

My Music Pondering

I played a lot on the piano yesterday at church.  I also sang more country yesterday. I think the piano will help me lock down the melody of some of my country tunes while chords on the guitar just help me keep the beat.  Music is so wonderful.  Singing, or playing or both are gifts from God for which we should be eternally thankfully. Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

The Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Week Seven of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144  Ezek. 11:14-25; Heb. 7:1-17; Luke 10:17-24

“For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’”  (Luke 10: 24)

The seventy came back “mission accomplished.”  Jesus tells them that as the results of their work, he says, evil began to fall.  It’s still falling although sometimes hard to see given all the violence we see on the news.  But some of this bad stuff has been happening all the time. We are just getting better at reporting it. There is much more good stuff going on but unfortunately it doesn’t sell the cars, insurance, soap and other stuff sponsors are trying to sell.  People tune in to what’s wrong. 

Perhaps changing our appetites for what we want is our biggest challenge.  Maybe as the seventy returned excited by what they saw, what they saw was people change what they thought was worth while.  Maybe they saw a people athirst for a better way.  Maybe the people welcomed the seventy as an alternative to tyranny and oppression and everything that was wrong in their world. The secret to being okay is to just be welcoming to others.  It is not so much about being happy, but just being ok.  Being okay is also about wanting what is good for family as well as community.  And don’t worry, that’s good. If family and community are okay, so you will be too.  I think this is what Jesus meant when he said, “For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’”  Yes, Thank You Jesus. Lets make family and community okay, and we will be okay too. Okay?

My Fitness Pondering

I’m feeling better and better every day.  I still need to lose weight but I will get there and when I do I will share my numbers in this blog.  Fitness-wise I am doing better and better.  I really believe sharing this journal with the public keeps me on task.  It seems not letting you down makes me not let me down.  Does that make sense?  Whatever it is, it’s working.  It’s making me faithful to my Daily Seven.  The need for daily physical exercise is one of many teachings I learned in the Marines.  So much good has happened to me in my life.  Thank You Jesus.

My Music Pondering

Country, country, country!  I got all wrapped up in old country classics last night.  I played and sang with, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Johnny Lee, Randy Travis, Charlie Pride, and even Tennessee Ernie Ford and his “Sixteen Tons.”  Thank God for You Tube.  I think what draws me to Country Music, besides being born in Nashville, Tennessee, is that I can clearly understand what is being said. And in most cases, I appreciate or, on many levels, agree with what is being said or sung.  I think Country has clarity and consensus as qualities also found in church hymns. It is poetry set to melody.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 97, 99, [100]; PM Psalm 94, [95] Ezek. 7:10-15,23b-27; Heb. 6:13-20; Luke 10:1-17

“Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” (Luke 10: 11)

In this passage from the Gospel of Luke we have Jesus sending out the seventy.  Again, they go without provisions. He wants then to depend on those to whom they take the healing and the message. What I find worthy to note here is that even if the seventy are not welcomed, or the people to whom they are sent are not willing to be healed, these unwelcoming people are still told that “the kingdom of God has come near.”

This is a message we still need to hear today.  The kingdom of God has come near, and it is still coming to us every day, overlapping us.  It is not going anywhere.  We can oppose it, or ignore it but God is not hindered. God, and the realm of our Creator, is what it is, whether or not we believe it.  We are the ones who should care about believing it.  God’s kingdom is coming into our world more and more every day, week, month and year.  God wins in our evolution.  We too can be unwelcoming, or we can be co-creators with the solution. It is an individual choice. Receive, be healed and believe. Thanks be to God.

My Fitness Pondering

I remember a news report once a long time ago when then President Reagan was undergoing a rehabilitation program and it was reported that he was gaining strength. In fact, at his older age, he was building new muscle.  “Reagan installed a gym in the White House and began regularly exercising there, gaining so much muscle that he had to buy new suits.” (From Wikipedia) While some may not consider Wikipedia a reliable source, I personally remember this report being said in a news report before Wikipedia was around.  So I’m thinking it’s never too late to build strength or to add muscle. I think we just get tired and begin to ask ourselves if it’s worth it.  And to that, I say yes, it is.

My Music Pondering

Playing is relaxing.  Sometimes I just let go and create melodies that I have never heard before. I think I am using music to further define who I am.  These random melodies that I play, are they sad or happy?  Are they rock or blues, jazz or church? They are all of the above.  Who does that make me?  I don’t know yet, I’m still letting the “music move me around.” (Billy Preston: Will it Go Around in Circles)   And the music is moving me around. I am enjoying the ride but I don’t think it’s moving in circles however, more like a spiral.  That is, as my music goes around it’s slightly higher and higher in clarity of who I am becoming. I, like everybody else, have to keep on keeping on. Unlike a merry-go-round, I  will not get off the ride at the point I got on.  I will be in a new place.  Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Week 7 of Easter Year 1

AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52  Ezek. 4:1-17; Heb. 6:1-12; Luke 9:51-62

 “The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord, and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones” (Psalm 89:5)

I like considering myself somewhat of an amateur astronomer. I say this because I like being able to distinguish between stars and planets.  I also like being able to see the constellations as we have labeled them based on our earth-bound observation.  I realize of course that the Big Dipper would not resemble a dipper at all if seen from the side or from top to bottom.  But the view from earth gives us humans a way to locate it among ourselves.  But the cosmos is ordered.  It is not whimsical.  There is a set pattern of rotation and with it expectation.  We star watchers can reasonably predict when eclipses will occur based on our earth bound observation. All of this bears witness to The Great Architect of the universe. “The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord.”

In the same way this Great Architect has structured goodness to reside in the morality of humanity.  Unlike the cosmos however, God has given us the freedom to choose to do good. The cosmos works within the faithfulness of God. It can be counted on, predicted.  But at present, we cannot. However should we choose to operate from faith and do what is good in the sight of God then truly God’s faithfulness will be “in the assembly of the holy ones”

June 3 is the day we remember the Martyrs of Uganda. “In 1886, thirty-two young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga of Buganda, were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by fire or spear for their faith.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses – June 3) Again, why can’t we live orderly lives like the cosmos?  We are all made by the same God. In spite of these murders, Christianity grew in Uganda. “The example of these martyrs, who walked to their death singing hymns and praying for their enemies, so inspired many of the bystanders that they began to seek instruction from the remaining Christians.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses – June 3) Jesus Wins.

My Fitness Pondering

I am pictured here on a friend’s Harley-Davidson Three Wheeler.  The three wheels are symbolic of my faith, fitness and music pondering. I continue to pray that my exercise program will keep me in the good health necessary to pursue continued growth in faith and increased ability in music. 

My Music Pondering

I am playing the piano from feel and hearing mostly.  I am always amazed at the musical talent of our parish pianist.   They are two very gifted ladies.  We are blessed to have them at St Paul’s in the Pines.  While I say that I am playing from feeling and hearing it is not to suggest that I am not reading the notes.  I am.  But the notes I hold to memory and use feeling and hearing to tell me if I got it right.  Again, I am a late blooming work in progress.  And thankful to Jesus for whatever I can accomplish.

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for the Seventh Sunday after Easter- Year C

Acts 16:16-34Psalm 97Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21John 17:20-26

“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized” (Acts 16:33)

There is so much in this Acts passage.  It is a narrative that shows change and salvation. The unnamed jailer is so thankful that Paul and the other prisoners are still there that he wants to show compassion for them.  He cleans them of their wounds and they, through baptism, cleanse him and his household of their sins. I wonder/ponder if it was the same water?  How symbolic if it was. They were truly an example of Henri Nouwen’s “Wounded Healers.” 

We got to this place because of the retaliation of slave holders. The divine gifts of their slave girl were taken away because of Paul’s request to Jesus.  They had no problem using her gifts for their own wealth and did not complain about Paul when it worked in their favor.  But when their slave girl’s powers were taken away they immediately played the ethnic, religious card; they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” (Acts 16:20-21)  If what Paul was doing early on was not lawful, then it also was not lawful when it was used for their benefit. We should not look for the evil of something only when it does not serve our purposes. 

But perhaps God makes some good of this sad situation.  The jailer has turned to Christianity because of the human caring of Christianity regardless of ethnicity or religious preference. We who decide to be Christian should be Christian because of its inherent care and compassion of others, all others.

My Fitness Pondering

I stopped at an “all you could eat” restaurant to get something for dinner.  I was getting the to-go order, not the stay and eat-till-you drop situation.  As I waited for my order to be filled I noticed people going to and fro through the buffet lines.  There is something about the “getting one’s money’s worth” mentality.  This idea about money’s worth seems to be more important than what is a healthy amount of food.  And this does not even bring into question the particular food choices.  I am overweight.  I am aware of it.  However I observed many who were overweight going back to the food troughs getting their “money’s worth” and thus ensuring that they will one day be a patient in our local hospital.  I have said it before and I’ll say it again, discipline is key.

My Music Pondering

I am finding that I like playing music at the end of the day.  It is a soothing way to relax and reward myself.  I also like the way the “brains of my fingers” are acting independently in remembering how to play the music. I am reminded that blind people play the piano and guitar and often play on par or better than sighted people (like me). I need to let go and let my fingers do their work.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Week 6 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 87, 90; PM Psalm 136Ezek. 3:4-17; Heb. 5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50

“John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’” (Luke 9: 49-50)

So even from the beginning there were different denominations, of sorts.  Jesus did not care who used his name as long as it was for the benefit of persons, any persons. But as we can see, jealousy rose up amongst the twelve, John in particular.  I was amazed whenever I was in first grade and another kid knew what a hammer was.  I really thought that I, because my dad taught me about a hammer, was the only person in the world that had such information.  So when other kids knew about a hammer and other tools I was upset because I thought I had special knowledge.  This is the kind of stuff parties are made of.  People stand around at parties and try to amaze others with their keen insight about a particular matter.  I find myself moving away from such centers of attention, even though I used to be one. I am proud to now be in a place where Jesus is available to all who seek him, especially without me, but with me if necessary. But I will not assume ownership.

Today we also remember Justin Martyr who was executed in the year 167.  Justin was a student of philosophy and higher learning and when he was told about Jesus “he fell in with a stranger, who told him about Christ. Straightway a flame was kindled in my soul,” he writes, “and a love of the prophets and those who are friends of Christ possessed me.” He became a Christian as a result of this encounter, and thereafter regarded Christianity as the only “safe and profitable philosophy.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 1) Justin was executed because he was a threat to the Roman controlled belief system of his day.  Don’t think its unlikely now; many of us might be living under a similar kind of controlled belief system today!

My Fitness Pondering

More and more I am being made aware of the importance of food intake and what it means to have all things in moderation.  Discipline is key.  I have a weakness for carbonated beverages. I was ‘afforded the opportunity to drink some flavored water the other day.  Maybe my fitness program will benefit from substituting the carbonated drinks for flavored water or just water. Time will tell.

My Music Pondering

I visited a friend yesterday who did not know that I was learning guitar along with piano.  He had a guitar in his office and let me play a couple of melodies on it.  It is wonderful to hold, or be at an instrument you’ve never seen before and yet, be able to make it sound like you.  He too is learning the guitar and like me, plays in support of church gatherings.  Musical instruments are nice mediums for bringing the faithful together.  Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for The Visitation

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Romans 12:9-16b/a> Psalm 113 Luke 1:39-57

“And Mary^[f] said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”  (Luke 1: 36 – 38 NRSV)

Mary’s proclamation sounds much like Hannah’s in 1 Samuel 2:1 – 10).  Both women received the grace of knowing the power, love, graciousness, and will of God.  And, they tried as best they could, to put it into words.  Mary speaks of her soul magnifying the Lord and her spirit rejoicing in God her Savior (the Savior that she gave birth to).  This shows that there truly is something divine imbedded in us, put in us by God.

This soul/spirit impregnation does not end with Hannah or Mary or even just women only.  This soul/spirit impregnation is in all human beings, male and female alike.  In some of us (Christians) it has the special purpose of heralding the good news that the kingdom of heaven has come near.  That is, we just let people know that God is all around us, all the time. It’s up to them to decide how they receive God, not our job.  Mary informs us about God and lets us know that God looks upon us as being in relationship with God. We, like Mary, are to inform people about God. We just toot the horn; it’s up to them, both if they dance, and how they dance. I know that my spirit also rejoices in God my Savior. And, yes, I’m dancing, kind of resembles James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”

My Fitness Pondering

My Daily Seven is really going well.  Of course, I did just re-name my workout to that very Marine Corps sounding name.  Now I’m doing my Daily Seven – seven days a week.  Remember, that’s when a milk cow is milked, seven days a week.  When I told a person in my spiritual guidance group about my daily commitment and how it is like the commitment of milking cows, she looked down as if recalling her days on her family farm regarding the milking responsibility and gave me a somewhat solemn “yes.”  But to me that “yes” was the affirmation I needed to know I was on to something.  Or as Marines say while on the run, “Everyday, all the way!”

My Music Pondering

Last night I got to see what I would consider my dream job, a high school band director. This man got to bring music to young people and be a part of shaping their lives musically and perhaps spiritually and morally as well.  He also got to hear the beautiful music these young people played on many different kinds of instruments. Wow! And Wow again!  And get this; he gets paid to do it.  Can you believe that?  That’s so what I want to be when I grow up.  Thank You Jesus.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.

My Faith Pondering

Readings for Ascension Day

AM Psalm 8, 47; PM Psalm 24, 96 Ezek. 1:1-14,24-28b; Heb. 2:5-18; Matt. 28:16-20

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:16-17)

Having been to Galilee and visited several hills there I have a real appreciation for how beautiful that Holy Land is.  Galilee, in many ways, is like our churches. We gather to worship Jesus believing that he is with us again, even to the end of the age.  But also it must be recognized that some of us there still doubt.  And even some of us so called true believers doubt some times.  But still, Jesus is with us anyway, whether we trust it or not.  I like that part.  This day we remember Jesus’ final departure, his Ascension, forty days after the Resurrection. His Presence is still felt in our communities, in our churches, in our homes and in our hearts.  One day, we too will ascend and be with him as he is. Thank You Jesus. 

My Fitness Pondering

Continuing to be “a work in progress”, I now have my morning exercises separated into seven different exercises.  Hopefully not boring you, I do pushups, pull ups, sit ups, dips, vertical leg lifts, toe-touches, and squats.  I separated bends and squats into two different exercises.  The toe touches are a deliberate effort to attain the lock-kneed toe touch; not there yet though.  The squats are just good in themselves because the large thigh muscles generate good blood flow.  So I now have what I am calling my “Daily Seven.”  So it’s the “Daily Seven Seven Days” a week.

My Music Pondering

I’m still playing three hymns everyday: “Lead Me, Guide Me”; “Praise to the Lord”; and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. I love the music and the words of each.  At least family and friends reading this blog or just knowing me, will know what I want played at my funeral. Most people know I like these hymns because I can be heard singing them from time to time. I can still remember my mother singing “When I Rose Up This Morning.”  Now that is a real “Resurrection” hymn I think; so appropriate at a funeral.   How about you? Have you gotten with your pastor and discussed what you would like played at your funeral? As a pastor I can tell you it really makes a difference when preparing a funeral.   Remember, we never know when. So right now, while you have some control, is a good time to make an appointment.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying through (and to) the people of the Creating Word and then let us “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”  John Thomas Frazier Sr.