onewhoponders

Eucharistic Readings for the Last Sunday After the Epiphany: Year A

Exodus 24:12-18;  Psalm 2  or Psalm 99;  2 Peter 1:16-21;  Matthew 17:1-9:

“As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:9)

Peter, James and John are picked to go up the mountain with our Lord Jesus. These three were called out from the others to go to spend a special time with Jesus.

I’m guessing they were informed about who Moses and Elijah were, given that they both were historic figures and there were no “photographs” of them.  This was a revelation given to them by the Cloud of all knowing.

And after the experience of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus, the revelation Cloud of all knowing using the voice of God, being told to not tell anyone, was asking a lot. But in hindsight, we can see why these stories were actually written much later and in a different language (Greek).

  Today there is a church built on the site where the Transfiguration supposedly took place and it is called the Church of the Transfiguration located on Mount Tabor in Galilee of Israel.

Being told not to talk about something gives one time to process what happened. Today we say that the introvert processes quietly while the extrovert processes by “talking it out.”  This might be the reason for taking these three, but then there is Peter. Peter can’t hold back even in the midst of the Transfiguration.  Peter said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4) 

So Jesus took with him both the extrovert and the introverts. Jesus takes with him both you and me.  We are invited to see God Incarnate who is the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).  Moses, in his day, didn’t want to go but was sent anyway.  Elijah was all in, even taunting the prophets of Baal, “At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”  (1 Kings 18:27)  Elijah mocked the prophets.

So God calls any of us to do the Lord’s work.  Be attentive therefore, our Lord will call you also to have that mountain top experience.  Dr Martin Luther King Jr. says that he experienced it in his kitchen after a hateful phone call.  This mountain top experience can happen anywhere. When it happens, it is life changing. The place it happens has nothing to do with the time God chooses. God is everywhere, all the time.  Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907 to 1972 was internationally known as a scholar, activist, and theologian. He was Professor of Ethics and Mysticism that the Jewish Theological Seminary of America), says in his book, The Sabbath, that it is not the event that makes time significant, but rather, it is the time that an event happens that makes the place significant.  Jesus could have taken these followers out on a boat ride, or in a cave or a barn.  He just needed to be alone with them.

Jesus can be transformed in your presence today.  anywhere, any time. And may still ask you to not tell anyone about what you have experienced; just live out what has been revealed to you by word and deed.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

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 to 6; 1^st Timothy 6:6 to 21; Mark 12:35 to 44:

“Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, as we have put our trust in you.” (Psalm 33:22)

I feel the Daily Office should have Psalm 33 read in the morning rather than at night. It is very motivational.  There is not a sad note in it. This Psalm encouraged us to play musical instruments and sing to the Lord and it tells us what does not work to save us, that is, personal strength or horses or anything of the earth.

This thought of depending on God and in Christ Jesus is also found in the words of Paul as he writes to Timothy in our reading for today.  Paul says of our needs; “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” (1^st Timothy 6: 6 to 8) 

Paul also addresses those who might think they can save themselves. He says, “As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.”  (1^st Timothy 6: 17 to 19)

Psalm 33 and Paul’s words to Timothy for today are uplifting and a good way to start our mornings.  I encourage all to read the office for today.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Syria and Turkey.

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

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  ; 1^st Timothy 5:17 to 25; Mark 12:28-34:

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”  (Psalm 107: verses 6, 13, 19 and 28)

The above verse is repeated at regular intervals throughout this first half of Psalm 107 but not found at all in the remaining parts of this Psalm which is set aside for tomorrow morning. The author wants to remind us of the loving and forgiving mercy of God.

There are people who say they don’t know how to pray. But all people are engineered to cry when a sad or hurtful situation happens.  Crying is praying and God’s ears hears tears.  The Bible and more especially, the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer is a wonderful catalyst for initiating prayer.  But if you have neither, just let go and cry. There is never an occasion in the Bible where God, or an angel of God, did not attend to the one crying.

I looked ahead and will share with you the last verse of Psalm 107. I consider it food for the wise.

 “Whoever is wise will ponder these things, and consider well the mercies of the Lord.” (Psalm 107: 43)

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

 “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 serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

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

Morning, Psalm 105:1-22; Evening, Psalm 105:23-45:
Isaiah 65:1 to 12; 1^st Timothy 4:1 to 16; Mark 12:13 to 27:

“Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1^st Timothy 4: 7 and 8)

While Paul says to be cautious about profane myths and old wives tales, I wonder if Paul realizes that many of the myths and old wives tales are actually found in our Scriptures.  But I do agree with Paul regarding both physical and godly training.  I also believe that while physical training enhances our current mortal health, our godly training continues with us in our next life.

Paul informs us, especially the faithful among us, that while in this mortal life we carry on as we are physically able depending on our physical health. However, in the spiritual realm our faith keeps us alive in Christ Jesus. Paul says, “For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1^st Timothy 4:10)

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

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

Morning, Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; Evening, Psalm 119:121-144;
Isaiah 63:15 to 64:9; 1^st Timothy 3:1 to16; Mark 11:27 to 12:12:

“Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you?  Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage.” (Isaiah 63:17)

These ancient words from the prophet Isaiah cause me to ponder about so many mass shootings in America.  “Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you?”  Where has our compassion gone? People today shoot others and then end their own lives.  This is so sad. As a preacher I am always concerned about the spiritual health of all people. 

The words that precede verse 17 captures our relationship with God.  The words read:  “Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The yearning of your heart and your compassion?  They are withheld from me. For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name.” (Isaiah 63: 15 and 16)

America, and indeed our planet, needs a renewed and redeemed realization with God the Father of us all. Sadly we have either forgotten about God or never heard of God. The compassion and love of God is missing in our lives today.  I want it back for all of us.  “Turn back [Oh God] for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage.”

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

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

Morning, Psalm 97, 99, ; Evening,  Psalm 94:
Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8; Mark 11:12-26:

“Having faith and a good conscience.  By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith” (1^st Timothy 1:19)

Before we start to ponder about the word conscience, let us examine it. Conscience means a sense of right and wrong: the sense of what is right and wrong that governs somebody’s thoughts and actions, urging him or her to do right rather than wrong.

Paul says that by rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith. Faith, for me is believing. Believing has to do with my understanding of a Holy and Good Presence – that is, God. Is Conscience taught to us, or placed in us by divine intervention?  In any case Paul suggests that there is a strong correlation between conscience and faith.  Conscience affects faith, or rather, our faith affects our conscience. If we believe that God is, and that God is good, and that God also wants us to be good, then we should not reject our guiding conscience, our moral compass, and thus not suffer shipwreck in the faith.

Happy Valentines Day to All

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

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

Morning, Psalm 89:1-18; Evening, Psalm 89:19-52:
Isaiah 63:1-6; 1^st Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11:

“But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1^stTimothy 1:13 and 14)

This verse resonates with me because I have not always been where I am now in my faith.  I too was ignorant in matters of what God was calling me to do for the benefit of those around me. To get where I am it took years of attending Church and being in Christian community. I am so thankful that God saw me as someone worth turning around.  

Now, I must always remember that God works in me, not just for me, but more importantly, for the community in which I live. I pray that I am an instrument of God’s love and peace, a shining light that others might see and also join me in God’s ministry of love and peace.

So  I will close also with Paul’s words for today as they apply to me also, “But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1^st Timothy 1:16 and 17)

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

Eucharistic Readings for the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: Year A

Deuteronomy 30:15-20;  Psalm 119:1-8;  1 Corinthians 3:1-9;   Matthew 5:21-37;

“Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said” (Matthew 5)

In this section of the Gospel of Matthew our Lord Jesus re-interprets the Hebrew Testament. Specifically, Our Lord Jesus tells them what they have heard and re-orients them in a more godly way. He speaks of hate, of marriage and of the swearing of oaths.

Of hate we are to repent and seek forgiveness. Every Sunday (today) we open our service with the words, “Almighty God to you all hearts are open, all desires known and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit…” You see, it is only through prayer that we can overcome hate, hate of any kind, be it racial, ethnical, national, and today in America, political hatred.

Of marriage we are to honor our spouses. This has to do with the keeping of our word. Its more than just each other, it’s about the whole family. Just as we are told to honor our mother and father, mom and dad must honor each other.

From Douglas Hare writing for Interpretation: A bible Commentary: Matthew, I share the following:

“Interpreters of these verses must be careful not to translate into legal statute what is presented as an evangelic counsel.  That is, it ought not to be treated differently than the other antitheses, some of which has been or can be, converted into law. While it points to God’s ultimate will for men and women, there are numerous instances in which a marriage is no longer real, whether because of infidelity, neglect, abuse, failure to communicate, or simply unresolved tensions regarding reciprocal expectations.   While every effort should be made to redeem fractured marriages, some must be acknowledged as beyond repair. In such cases divorce may be not only the lesser of two evils from the point of view of God’s ultimate will but also a positive step.”  (P. 54)

Of oaths we are to let yes be yes and no be no. This is not “no because,” or yes if.”  This is about seriously pondering a proposition and then stating your yes or no response after thinking about it.

Our baptismal covenant is an oath.  We promise that we will renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God; We promise that we will renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God; We promise to renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God; We promise to turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as our Savior; We promise to put our whole trust in His grace and love; and finally, We promise to follow and obey Him as our Lord.  Do you still promise these things?  Yes or No only please. Theree is no “No because, or yes if.”

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 5^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening, Psalm 136;
Isaiah 61:10 to 62:5; 2^nd Timothy 4:1to8; Mark 10:46to52

“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.”  (2^nd Timothy 4:3 and 4)

I think the time that Paul is telling Timothy about is here and has been here for some time.  It is somewhat ironic that congregations who want to know more will hire an educated person but only if such a person tells them what they want to hear.  Why bother educating ministers if we are not going to learn from them and be guided by their informed leadership?

I have met many people who already have their minds fixed about the Bible and about church.  Perhaps the most informative program in the Episcopal Church is Education for Ministry (EfM).  This program managed out of The School of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. It is a four year program wherein the first year is the Hebrew Testament, the second year is the Christian Testament, the third year is Church History, and the fourth year is the development of one’s personal theology.  It is a comprehensive program that encourages and challenges believers, clergy and lay, to strengthen their faith.  EfM presents the truth and sound doctrine as Paul says.

When we want to learn something we must seek out instruction from someone who has the knowledge and skill that we desire.  We must trust such teachers and follow their guidance.  We must listen without itching ears.  If we knew everything about what is going to be taught, we shouldn’t be in the class. But as it is, we are students. We must listen and learn. And who knows? Perhaps one day you may be the teacher.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

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

Daily office Readings for Friday of the 5^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91 and 92;
Isaiah  61:1to 9; 2^nd Timothy 3:1to17; Mark 10:32to45

“You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!” (2^nd Timothy 3:1 to 5

Are we now in those distressing times  that Paul was telling Timothy about in his 2^nd letter?  It sure sounds like it.  There are plenty of self-loving boasters everywhere. People have now spread their abusive, unholy and reckless ways even through social media and other forms of modern communications.

Some let this sad side of themselves be made manifest because of some feeling of anonymity. We forget that God, and the court of heaven, the saints who have gone before us are standing beside us always. Angels don’t come to us. With God’s permission, they reveal themselves to us.  Many times in scripture we read that “an angel appeared.”  The angel didn’t arrive, but rather, became visible. In our own last days we will see the court of heaven.

I have been with people during their last days of earthly life and caught them looking at something in the hospital room that neither I, nor anyone else could see; often the look on their face was one of amazement. Paul was perhaps talking about something on a universal scale that he thought was coming very soon during his day. But Paul himself is a witness that our Lord Jesus “appeared” to him while he was traveling to Damascus and this manifestation changed him forever. My beloved of the Lord, we are never alone. We are being watched always. And judgment will come. Each of us should try to articulate at least a simple statement of belief to live by.  I have. I will share it now: “I Trust in the Creating Word through the Holy Spirit of the Incarnate Word, in whom we live and move and love and have our being, and to whom we must give an account.” 

I don’t think we are alone as we live out our lives. I don’t believe we are judged harshly for the thoughts that we may have from time to time.  However, we are judged by the words and acts that come from us because of such thoughts.  I use the DUST reminder to help me stay disciplined. DUST stands for Don’t Unnecessarily Share Thoughts. We might have unholy thoughts from time to time but we should strive to keep them quiet.  And maybe with prayer and practice we might get to a place where we won’t have such thoughts at all. Praise Jesus.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine.

 “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 is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John