onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 28: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 101 and 109: Evening, Psalm 119:121to 144;
1^st  Maccabees 3:42 to 60; Revelation 21:9 to 21; Matthew 17:22 to 27:

“And when he [Simon Peter] came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter  said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” (Matthew 17: 25 to 27)

In my experience this passage is seldom used as sermon material.  However there are layers of revelation here about who Jesus is.

First of all, Jesus, while not with Peter when Peter encountered the collectors of the temple tax, already knew what happened, just as he knew the experience of many before they came to him.  Second, when he presents the question to Peter he already knew the answer. He knew that he and his followers were the “other,” from whom the king takes his toll or tribute.  Lastly, I always thought the fishermen of Jesus’ day fished with nets. But Jesus instructs him to use a hook, (no mention of bait) and upon bringing in a fish, examine its mouth and get the coin.  This coin, Jesus says, will be paid for “you and me.”

We are the “other” of this Gospel lesson.  We are not the children of the rulers of this world. We are the children of God. And God, even working through God’s own created nature will save us and provide what we need even without bait. We should live our lives always expecting divine intervention. This certainly will preach.

Today we remember Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess and Peacemaker (November 19, 1231) and her information may be found at: Elizabeth of Hungary

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:

Most holy and glorious Lord God, You know our needs even before we know what we need. Help us, we pray, to be persons bound together in love who never refers to anyone as “those people,” or “other.”  Help all of us to know that we are all children of God, made from the love of God. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 28: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
1^st  Maccabees 3:25 to 41; Revelation 21:1 to 8; Matthew 17:14 to 21:

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith.”  (Matthew 17:19 and 20)

The Gospel accounts, and perhaps the whole of the Bible, require intense study. I noticed that while our readings from Matthew are from chapter 17: verses 14 to verse 21, there was no verse 21 in the NRSV that I started with.  So I went to other Gospel accounts that covered the same story. Lo and behold, Mark has a different response from Jesus to the disciples, and to us. The notes in the Matthew version acknowledge that “some manuscripts have what is in Mark, that is Jesus saying, “this kind can come out only by prayer,” which is found in Mark 9:29.

While the original, or some version of Matthew might have had the same words before a redaction, the point is, prayer is so important. I am not talking necessarily about audible, out loud prayer. I am talking about sitting silently with God and asking for help.  God is a Spiritual presence that is always with us, waiting to help us because God loves us. We just need to ask God for the help we need, and then we just let God do what God does. As we trust in God, God will, in return, trust us.

Today we remember Hilda of Whitby, Abbess and Peacemaker (November 18, 680) and her information may be found at: Hilda of Whitby

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Dear God, You love us so much and give us our ever-present awareness of Your Presence as we journey through our daily lives.  Increase our faith Dear Lord so that we might come to you in daily prayer, prayer that enables us to do miraculous deeds through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 28

Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;
1^st Maccabees 3:1 to 24; Revelation 20:7 to 15; Matthew 17:1 to 13:

“While he (Peter) was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)

The Transfiguration appears on its day in August and at other times during the year like today.  I am very aware of how much is going on in our readings. Today we have a hidden Trinity.  We have a cloud that overshadows Peter, James and John; we have the voice of God, and we have the visual of our Lord Jesus in plain, and very bright view.

While this is a Matthew account, we also have Peter to speak of this event in his own letter to us.  He says, ^“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” (2^nd Peter 1:16 to 18).

This cloud-like Spirit of God has spoken about Jesus before, at His Baptism.  But this time the words, “Listen to Him,” has been added. And to listen is to be understood as “obey.”

I feel that once something this amazing happens, there is no way to continue in life the way it was before.  There would be no way to deny who Jesus is or that I know him, but Peter will do just that.  This makes me ponder about the amazing things that have happened to me in my life in Christ and yet I sometimes go on living as if these events didn’t happen.  I don’t think I listen all the time.  I am so thankful for a radiantly and radically, merciful Jesus, aren’t you?

Today we remember Hugh of Lincoln, Bishop, Protector of the Oppresserd (November 17, 1200) and his information may be found at: Hugh of Lincoln

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:

Most merciful Lord God, we pray You make us more and more aware of Your presence and actions in our lives in order that our approach to life might be more and more pleasing in Your sight through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

The Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 28: Year C

Luke 21:5 to19:

“They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?”  (Luke 21:7)

This is an apocalyptic (or revelation) sharing about things to come that Jesus is telling them. It is also seen in Mark chapter 13 and Matthew chapter 24. The End Times (Eschaton) is coming.  The time is in Kairos, God’s time, not Chronos, our calendar time.

Sometimes it is not so much about what Jesus says, but what we ask in the first place, that really says what’s important to us. In the case of the End of all things (Eschatology), the question is, when, not if.  There is some sense that if it is not soon, weeks, months or even a few years, we have time to make things right, being the procrastinators that we are. But I think we miss the point.

The real point is not waiting to start, but to start now.  I can remember when I was asked to do something that required physical movement; I would jokingly say that I have already started moving in ways that couldn’t be observed by the human eye.  I would say that my feet have already started shifting in my shoes in preparation for standing.  I was trying to assure the person that I was starting to do the task even though I could not be seen moving; funny me.

The truth is that any step to improve our spiritual lives, no matter how small, is a step toward being prepared for the End Times of which, we have no idea of when.  All we have to do is believe it is coming and then act accordingly. When the End Time comes, acceptance is not so much a matter of what you “have done,” or “did not do,” but rather, where your heart is at that time. 

We must start now, right now, even with tiny, almost indiscernible steps, that inch us ever closer to being saved. And no matter how impossible it seems, we must never give up; because while it is impossible for us, nothing is impossible for God. We just have to keep on keeping on.  Jesus says that, “It is by our endurance that we will gain our souls.” (I think, or, re-gain the souls we already have.)

We should never ask Jesus “when.”  We just need to start right now making ourselves better every day.  We do a little bit at a time.  It’s not setting a goal.  It’s just adding more and more righteousness as we go.  When the eschaton (the end of all things as we know it) comes, a new Promised Land comes as well. This is where (and when) not a hair of our heads will be lost. This takes perseverance. And it takes prayer.  So as the profit Malachi says, “But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings,” (Malachi 4:2). I can’t help it.  Let me play with these words. “But for you who revere my name the “Son” of Righteousness shall rise, with healing in His hands.”  Forgive me Malachi, it’s the Christian in me.  

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 28 The Sunday closest to November 16 (BCP p. 236)

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 27: Year 1

 Morning, Psalms 87 and  90; Evening,  Psalm 136;
1^st  Maccabees 2:1 to 28; Revelation 20:1 to 6; Matthew 16:21 to 28:

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16: 24 and 25)

It’s pretty challenging to put down the words of what our Lord Jesus said in a different language, and some forty years after he has died, been raised, and ascended back to the realm of the Creator. I think he knew that if he kept up the practice of the love of God for all people, the people themselves would kill him.  However, I see the cross that we should take up is more a metaphor for us to accept whatever burdens are put upon us, and at the same time, faithfully and lovingly, do the best we can in this life with the Lord’s help.

We follow our Lord Jesus by not going along with evil. And even in the presence of evil, we must show love. We follow our Lord Jesus by practicing that same love of God for all people as Jesus himself did. There is a pretty good chance that in most places today Christian practitioners will not be killed because of their faith, as Jesus and his early followers were.  Remember, I said most places. There are still some hateful places left on the planet. Where we are free to worship and extend love to all, we must keep in prayer those people and places that challenge the love of Christ. Today is a good day to start. Today is a good day to take up whatever your cross looks like and follow Christ.

How is your Sabbath going?

Today we remember Herman of Alaska, Missionary to the Aleut, (November 15, 1837) and Francis Asbury and George White, Evangelist’s, 1816 and 1770 and their information may be found at: Herman of Alaska, and Francis Asbury & George Whitefield, respectively.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: A Prayer attributed to St. Francis (BCP p. 833):

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening,  Psalms 91 and 92;
1^st Maccabees 1:41 to 63; Revelation 19:11 to 16; Matthew 16:13 to 20:

“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven: (Matthew 16:17)

They were asked by Jesus who the people said he was. They answered that the people thought he was Elijah and some thought he was Jeremiah; and some thought he was one of the other prophets. We can recall that Elijah was taken up to heaven alive.  Therefore he could have returned.  Jeremiah just sort of faded out of sight, (believed to have died in Egypt) and Jesus could have been Jeremiah, as well as one of the other prophets whose ends were questionable at best. Therefore, many believed that Jesus was a former prophet who was brought back again.   

Then Jesus asked them who they themselves said he was.  Peter speaks for the group and confesses that Jesus is “the messiah, the Son of the living God!”  Peter speaks for us today.  And if we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, then we Christians are obliged to behave as such.

Finally, Jesus informs them (and us), that who he is, is not “figured out.”  It is revealed to us by God. Therefore, we are not to base our beliefs about Jesus only on the ancient text, and Church teachings, but rather on our own prayers and ponderings about the Great Mystery of God and who God is.  And if this Creator and Sustainer of the world wants us to care for the earth and love one another, then this is what we should be doing.

God created this earth and saw that it was very good.  Then God placed caretakers upon it who are to care for the earth and love each other. In the fullness of time, and seeing our jealousy of one another, God, in the person of our Lord Jesus, walked along the lowest elevation of natural freshwater and human life on the planet, inviting fishermen to fish more meaningfully. Therefore, we should be casting our nets.

Today we remember the Consecration of Samuel Seabury, Bishop (November 14, 1784) and his information may be found at: Consecration of Samuel Seabury

“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. 834)

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 34; Evening,  Psalm 85 and 86;
1^st  Maccabees 1:1 to 28; Revelation 19:1 to 10; Matthew 16:1to12:

“Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees:” (Matthew 16:12)

Teaching is one of the responsibilities I think we Christians are called to do for the benefit of all believers. Perhaps the worst kind of teaching is telling people what to think.  This is the shame of some self-promoting politicians who want people to buy into their personal success.  It is also the method used in business to have the weak minded to fall in line with policies that only work to line the pockets of the already rich.  And, lastly, preachers are not above the fray.  Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, self-serving preachers from all walks of faith attempt to have their listeners believe in the way that profits the prophet.  Our Lord Jesus taught against this kind of teaching.

I believe we teachers and preachers are to teach people “how” to think, not “what” to think. The seed, or yeast, of God is already planted in each of us.  The true teacher and preacher should guide the listener to use his or her own God-given reasoning power to sort out the truth in prayer, listening to what the Holy Spirit of God is saying to us.

Our Church is built upon Scripture, Tradition and Reason, according to Richard Hooker, (Priest in the Church of England,1600). Reason, a component not pushed in many other walks of faith, has given us the ability to think and to verbally communicate with other believers in order that we might come to sound teaching and the loving understanding of God’s desire for us. It was once expressed to me by a parishioner that being an Episcopalian means we can ask a question and then question the answer. May we always let the loving leaven of God lead us into all truth.

Today we remember Charles Simeon, Teacher, Promotor of Missionary Work (November 12, 1836) and his information may be found at: Charles Simeon

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 All mighty God, You have gifted us with reason along with our scripture and Christian Church tradition. We give You thanks for our ability to sort out the loving truth of Your presence. Keep us ever attentive to what we hear and read and study in order that we might more fully imitate the loving example of Jesus Christ, our Most holy teacher and advocate. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:97 to 120; Evening, Psalms 81 and 82;
Nehemiah 7:73b to 8:3 and5 to 18; Revelation 18:21 to 24; Matthew 15:29 to 39:

“Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” (Mathew 15: 30 and 31)

There have been many times in my own life where, when something wonderful happened by someone I knew, and I gave thanks to God, not to the person or persons who performed the deed, but to God because deep inside, I felt God at work in what was being done.

This is what happened to the crowd who witnessed, that is, “experienced,” the mighty acts of God through the man called Jesus. The Risen Jesus is still performing mighty acts today. I fail to count the number of times when some small (or large miracle) occurred in my life’s problems and I utter the words, “Thank You Jesus.” Each of us should spend as much time giving thanks to God for helping us as we did asking God for intervention in our crisis. We should not take God for granted.

For me, it makes no difference when giving thanks whether I say God or Jesus.  I believe our Lord Jesus to be God Incarnate. God in the person of Jesus gives humanity a way to relate to God in a personal way. Being with us and dying for us is what God is doing for us. Praise God and 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: For the Restoration of Health (BCP p. 841)

Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver from their sickness thy servants whom we love, in whose behalf we bless and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that they, through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will, and also be partakers of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening,  Psalm 78:40 to 72;
Nehemiah 9:26 to 38; Revelation 18:9 to 20; Matthew 15:21 to 28:

“But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.”  (Matthew 15:25)

This is the unbreakable hold we have on God in Christ Jesus; He can’t refuse the word “help.” Help from God may not be packaged the way we expect it however. God is really good at surprises.

It is because of the woman’s faith that Jesus heals her daughter. I believe there are two components at work here. The first is the love she has for her daughter.  I believe for the mother, and for us, that the power of our love for someone close to us fuels our faith and humbles us.  Too often our faith doesn’t have a focus.  This Canaanite mother however, even though not a Jewish Israelite, brings her desperation to our Lord Jesus.  She is grateful for whatever help she can get from him, explaining that even the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. Her love for her daughter and her acquired faith in the man known as Jesus humbles her and she asks him for help.  And, He does.

Second, this is a transitional move by God to include with the Jewish nation, all people beyond the Jews. It becomes clear that it is not genetics that makes one belong to the kingdom.  It is faith. Have you heard about the Healer whose name is Jesus?  Do you love someone in trouble? Does this love and faith humble you? All you need to do is pray, “Lord, help me.” Or, “Lord, help him or her.”  Appealing to God for help is a power we have that we don’t use enough.

Today we remember Martin of Tours, Bishop and Theologian (November 11, 397) and his information may be found at: Martin of Tours.

Today we also remember all of our military veterans and thank them for their service.

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:

We give you sincere thanks dear Lord for planting faith in every human bosom. Teach us and guide us to depend on that same faith as we deal with the troubles that come our way from time to time. We pray that we come to you always, but more especially in difficult times, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;
Nehemiah 9: 1 to 25; Revelation 18:1 to 8; Matthew 15:1 to 20

“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.” (Matthew 15:1 and 2)

These temple authorities travel from Judah up to Galilee only to point out what they believe is a minor transgression against the law. Jesus will point out that they themselves have perverted the will of God by creating human covenants that subvert the Law of God.

The issue is about food and clean hands. Jesus points out that it is not food that pollutes us but rather the self-serving sins of our own egos that pollute us. Therefore, if we petition God to clean our hearts (because only God can), we will be better off and not defiled, or at least, less defiled.  But we must first want it. 

God waits patiently for us to decide what we want. It matters more about what we want than what we do. Of course we shouldn’t eat with unwashed hands, I know that. But we also must stop being selfish, racist, cheaters, thieves and murderers; for these atrocities are far worse that eating with unwashed hands. And even if the body is poisoned, a clean soul will have our Lord to save us and bring us to be with Him, so that where He is, we will be with Him. Let us first get our hearts on the right path.

Personally, I’m a stickler for praying before eating. We shouldn’t eat unblessed food.

Today we remember Leo of Rome, Bishop of Rome, Doctor (November 10, 461) and his information may be found at: Leo the Great.

And, as a 30-year Marine myself, today we celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, 250 years of faithful service. Semper Fidelis Marines.

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. 355)

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.