Author: John Thomas Frazier

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Last Sunday in Epiphany: Year C

 Luke 9:28 to 43:             

“Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.” (Luke 9: 30)

It has been explained to me that Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the prophets.  Therefore, to Jesus, comes the fulfillment of the Law, and the Prophets.

This scene is further testified to by Peter to others as found in 2^nd Peter 1:18. As Moses and Elijah appeared before Peter, James and John it is evidence of the resurrection of those who came before Jesus making Jesus the first fruits of creation. 

So how did Peter, James and John know who Moses and Elijah were?  There were no emails, or pictures that could have been shared. Perhaps this was another one of those examples where the Holy Spirit is filling in the gaps of our unknowing, a Revelation from God. 

This radiance of Jesus is the last holy light we will see for awhile.  Ash Wednesday is three days  away.  You won’t hear about Lent in the news or in the shopping centers.  The secular world goes from Valentine’s Day to Easter.  There is no money to be made with people reflecting on who God is calling them to be, or the reconciliation of relationships, or repentance.

Moses obeyed God and went back to Egypt to lead God’s chosen leaders out of bondage. Elijah and the prophets prophesied about the wrath to come if people didn’t change their ways.  Both were called to do dangerous work.  Both appeared before Jesus and were witnessed by new followers, Peter, James and John, who were also called to do dangerous work. As you are Christian, you too are called to step out of your comfort zone and follow God’s call for the benefit of others.

Many Episcopal parishes will switch to Rite One on Ash Wednesday, this coming Wednesday, and during Lent for Sunday Services in Lent. We will use the early English language. This is the Church in its purest form.   It is not about the market, or sales, or whatever the seasonal thing is. It is about the cloud of unknowing filling in gaps of understanding and providing reconciliation and opportunities for repentance.

Just a few sentences down in  Luke’s account of the Gospel in our reading for today, we will be informed by that cloud, that Jesus is God’s beloved son and that we are to “listen to him.”  And listening in this context means obeying. And Jesus says for us to “Follow Him.”

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: Collect for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany (BCP p. 217)

O God, who before the passion of your only ­begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 7^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 137 and144; Evening, Psalm 104

Ruth 4:1-17; 2^nd Corinthians 4:13-5:10; Matthew 6:1-6:

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16)

There is an existence beyond this existence. We all live in and discern this material world now.  But this is not the ultimate reality. The next existence will be an eternal existence!  We have all heard it said that as soon as we are born we begin the death process.  It sounds morbid, but there is much truth to it. These bodies are divinely designed to wear out.  I figured out in seminary that the most important work I was going to do as a priest is to conduct funerals for the faithful.  The leading theme of the Christian funeral is the Resurrection! Every funeral in the Episcopal Church is an Easter Service.  Whether he or she was remembered as good or bad they have left this existence.  What God does with them is far beyond my range of knowledge.  This truly is where we must “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7 also part of today’s reading)

St Paul says that as our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.  But I don’t think it does it by itself.  I believe we must put forth effort to try and be better people in the here and now.  We are building our next bodies. 

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal;” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).  This is Paul again prophesying about our next life.  “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens;” (2 Cor. 5:1 also part of today’s reading).  Please pardon me here Paul, but there is only one small modification I would suggest here, and that is the word “if.”  You see, it is not “if” these bodies are destroyed… it is “when” these bodies are destroyed or just quit living as we know it. It is then that we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. But we need to be sending the new-body building materials on ahead of us so that that new body will be waiting for us.  We do this by living more loving and godly lives in this life every day.

Today we remember David (Dewi) Bishop of Whales (March 1, 544); and his information may be found at: St. David of Wales

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.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 7^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 140, 142; Evening, Psalms 141, 143:1-11(12) ;

Ruth 3:1-18; 2^nd Corinthians 4:1-12; Matthew 5:38-48:

 “For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2^nd Corinthians 4:6)

In Paul’s second letter to the Church in Corinth he speaks of “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor. 4:4) The god of this world is truly a small “g” god.  This is a god of toxic human relations without God (big “G”) involved.  This is a god of greed, of power, of lust, of bigotry and all kinds of isms. It is a god of darkness. 

But we have a loving God who says, “Let Light shine out of darkness.”  You and I are told to take off the blinders and see. Believing in Jesus, we have in our hearts the light of knowledge of the glory of God (big “G”).  We are the light that God wants to shine in this present day world with full understanding that this world is dark.  People are walking around often in blind rage only because they can’t see a better way. You be that better way.  Be that light to the nations as spoke of from Simeon in Luke 2:31 – 34. “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

This light of Christ is still so very relevant today, maybe even more relevant than it was two thousand years ago.  The darkness of isms (racism, sexism, ageism, nationalism, all these isms are blinding us to what God wants for us.  But God has planted us here among the blind to be that light to the nations, all nations, all races, all sexes and genders and walks of life so that the whole world might see and be saved.  God loves and wants us all, every one, no exceptions.  Be that Light no matter how dark it seems to be where you are, because no matter where you are, God is with you.

Today we remember Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, Educator (1964); and her information may be found at: Anna Julia Hayward Cooper

“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: A Collect for the Renewal of Life (BCP p.99)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 7^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 131 and 132; Evening, Psalms 134 and 135:
Ruth 2:14-23; 2^nd Corinthians 3:1-18; Matthew 5:27-37:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2^nd Corinthians 3:17)

Paul, who has encountered the Spirit of the Lord while traveling to Damascus, is well aware of the Spirit of the Lord. And we must also experience the freedom of the Spirit of the Lord.

Maybe we already have freedom. But it is the Spirit of the Lord that illumines our minds so that we realize it. Once we know that we have freedom, the freedom to make our own choices about whatever it is we want to do, we ponder the consequences to the point that we feel the price is too great, so we say we have no choice. But, we do.

Many Martyred Saints have chosen faith based righteousness over obedience to human governance to their own end, but it was a choice they were made aware of by the Holy Spirit of God in Christ Jesus. I am reminded here the words from our Book of Common Prayer, “For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.”(BCP p.382).

To the extent that we believe that there is life after this life, we will choose freedom in the service of the Lord.

Today we remember George Herbert, Priest and Poet (February 27, 1633); and his information may be found at: George Herbert

Let us pray: A Collect for Peace (BCP p.99)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 7^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:145-176; Evening, Psalms 128, 129, 130;
Ruth 2:1-13; 2^nd Corinthians 1:23-2:17; Matthew 5:21-26

“You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” (Matthew Chapter 5)

In Chapter 5 of the Gospel according to Matthew, our Lord Jesus, God Incarnate, reinterprets the Hebrew Testament. He covers a multitude of Levitical pronouncements, and he does this by stating the scripture, and then making more loving sense of it.  The Christian Testament God is the same God of the Hebrew Testament.

It is one thing to read the Bible and draw from it what we think the writer intended for us to learn. The writers of both Testaments were inspired by our One God and limited by the writers use of whatever language he had, and there have been many translations over the centuries.  And, with all writings, there is always a personal bias based on that writers life experience.

I think we indeed should read the Bible, but with an open and loving mind. Perhaps reading the Bible with other open minded and loving people would be helpful also. I also believe we have a personal responsibility to reject any unloving actions we are told, even if a particular writer says that God decreed it. I would rather face God in the next life guilty of over using love than to face God having used scripture as a means of revenge, retribution or retaliation. God is love, loves us, and wants us to love 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: (BCP p.288)

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 7^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 121, 122, 123; Evening, Psalms 124, 125, 126;

Ruth 1:15-22; 2^nd  Corinthians 1:12-22; Matthew 5:13-20:

“But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.” (Ruth 1:16 – 18)

This passage from Ruth is probably one of the most precious words I have ever heard or read.  I am moved by Ruth’s close attachment to her mother-in-law.  But more than that, she found someone with something she wanted – something she has never seen before but worth getting and keeping no matter the cost.

Every human being should have another human being that they could put such hope and trust in. Ruth is not replacing God for Naomi, but Ruth sees something godly in Naomi, something she has not seen in any Moabite or other person ever. Perhaps something she didn’t see in her husband before he died, who was the son of Naomi.  But it is very important to Ruth that she not let it slip away from her, that she not let Naomi slip away from her, even to death.

I once read where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If a man has not found something he is willing to die for, he is not fit to live.”  My heroes change as I get older.  I now seek out the quiet, soft spoken wise ones. They no longer have to be big and tough. Toughness can come in small packages. Folks like Naomi (or Ruth for that matter) will work just fine.

Today we remember John Roberts, Priest (1949); and his information may be found at: John Roberts

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 Almighty God, Creator and Lover of all creation, You want us to live, learn and love one another always. Put in our paths we pray those among us who are the leading lights to the righteous way of life in order that we too, like Ruth, may so dedicate ourselves to mentors who are gifted and guided by You in order that we find our way to Your heavenly Temple not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Amen.

Morning, Psalm 106:1-18; Evening, Psalm 106:19-48

Ruth 1:1-14; 2^nd Corinthians 1:1-11; Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Of the Beatitudes I tend to gravitate toward the peacemakers.  Most of the beatitude people are passive in nature, that is, they are in a passive state of being, such as; poor in spirit, in a state of morning, meek, hungry, merciful, and have pure hearts but are persecuted.

Only the Peacemakers are initiating positive action and engaging others in the process.  They are not waiting to be victims although trouble may come to them. They are actively involved in making relationships better. They are putting themselves in the throes of trouble for the purpose of bringing the kingdom of heaven near to us.  They are doing relationship building that makes us look more like the God in Whose Image we are created; our God who is in relationship with God’s self and us.

To be a Peacemaker one must get out and be involved in the action of helping to resolve conflict and problems.  It can be frustrating work.  People fight about anything; race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, money, jealousy, politics, religion and a host of other minor issues.  And, they are all minor issues.

There is a lot of work to be done for peacemakers.  As peacemakers are called the children of God, this child’s work is never done.

Today we remember St. Matthias, the replacement for Judas the apostle as reported in the Acts of the Apostles.

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 Peace BCP p. 815)

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Epiphany: Year C

Genesis 45:3 to11 and 15; Psalm 37:1 to12 and 41to 42; 1^st Corinthians 15:35-38 and 42-50;  Luke 6:27-38

 “Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

If we listen closely we will understand that Jesus is not speaking to everybody.  He is only talking to those of us who will “listen.”  And to listen in this context means to follow the inherent instruction.  The instruction is to love everybody which includes those you have issues with.

All of us know full well we can have issues even with our own family members as well as people we work with. Jesus makes it easy for our relationships to not be about us losing. We must have in the mind of our heart, the words, “Let Love Lead” or (LLL). Love, Paul says, does not insist on its own way (1^st Corinthians 13).  In this way we don’t have to struggle with what response (or God forbid, retaliation) to do.  We just LLL. (the Triple L) , or 3L.

Emotions are going to happen. We are human.  And we sometimes say things like,  “I hate you”  or “I wish you were never born.” We often use words that describe what we felt at the time, only to regret them later.  So let’s see; how about words like frustration or disappointment to describe the temporary nature or our ever-changing emotions?  When anger tries to kick in, deny it, do not make room in your heart for it.  Say no to anger but instead go into your vocabulary closet and pick out something more suitable, more Jesus-like to wear. Outfits like the dark suits of frustration or disappointment will work nicely for such occasions. Dump the anger suit in the dumpster.

Frustration and disappointment heal quickly and never leave the realm of love.  And please know that God has already gifted us with the capacity to love everybody.  If you can be frustrated or disappointed with certain people like family or friends, you can be frustrated or disappointed with anybody. If you can love certain people like family and friends, that you don’t always agree with, you can love all people.  Love is an inexhaustible resource not a scarcity that we will run out of. 

Are you listening to me right now? Remember, Jesus is only talking to those of us who are “listening.”  And his message is clear, Let Love Lead;  LLL.  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: The Collect for this 7^th Sunday of Epiphany: Year C

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 6^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13); Evening, Psalm 33;

Isaiah 66:1-6; 1^st Tim. 6:6-21; Mark 12:35-44:

“Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43)

Many of us are very familiar with the story of the poor widow who put in the two coins.  This is regularly a good stewardship lesson about giving to the church no matter how little you think you have.  But there is a much more important message taught here.

Jesus called his disciples to him in the first place to see, to behold this neglected woman.  She is living in a time when women were even less cared for in the so called men’s world than they are today.  We still have much work to do to bring about total equality for women. But this woman, of a deceased husband, refuses to just shrink into obscurity.  By her presence she declares to the town “I AM HERE, I AM A MEMBER OF YOU!” 

We must recognize her.  We must take care of her. We must include her in work, in play and in worship.  Jesus calls our attention to look past the amount she puts in. Jesus makes us look at her hand as she releases the coins and then let our eyes follow up her sleeve to see her face.  We must claim her face, love her, and include her.  She demands it and so does Jesus. This woman is in our midst today still writing small checks insisting that she is a member of us. And she is. Thank You Lord Jesus. 

Today we remember Margaret of Cortona, Monastic (February 22, 1297); And Eric Liddell, Missionary to China (February 21, 1945)  and their information may be found at: Margaret of Cortona; and Eric Liddell, respectively.

Let us again keep the people of Ukraine in our daily prayers.  And, 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.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 6^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 102; Evening, Psalm 107:1-32
Isaiah 65:17-25; 1st Timothy 5:17-22(23-25); Mark 12:28-34

“Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbor as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.” (Mark 12:32 – 34)

This man has just affirmed what Jesus gave them as the greatest of the Commandments; loving God and neighbors. When Jesus saw that this man had a holy revelation he informed the man that the kingdom of God was closer to him.

When we “get it” we are closer to understanding how we should behave and how we should relate with God and with one another. When this happens, everything we thought we knew about life changes.  We begin to see that the kingdom of God is not “out there” but rather “right here, right now!”  We are already citizens of the kingdom but too much of the time we don’t act like it. 

When this revelation happens to us our priorities change.  The superficial goes away and the loving acts stay and grow even more loving. The burnt offerings and so-called sacrifices of artificial devotion go away and are replaced by real devotion to the needs of our neighbors living with us in the kingdom. We get to that point when we realize that loving God “IS” loving our neighbor which means everybody on this planet.  No one is outside the love of God and therefore no one is outside the love, real love, we ought to have for all people. When Jesus saw that the man had a real Epiphany, Jesus informed him, and will inform us, that we are now not far from the kingdom of God.  Thank You Jesus.

“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

Let us again keep the people of Ukraine in our daily prayers.  And, 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 Almighty God, whose eternal kingdom reveals the true meaning of love, please spread your loving revelation over the people of Russia and Ukraine and over all in this country who feel despair in order that your kingdom might be felt in our hearts everywhere today. Thank You Most Loving Lord God. Amen.