onewhoponders

The Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 22: Year C

Luke 17:5-10                

“The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”  (Luke 17: 6)

Is Jesus saying they had no faith, or that the faith they have is sufficient?  I borrow heavy from Fred Craddock writing on Luke for Interpretation; a Bible Commentary.

“The Greek language has basically two types of “if” clauses; those which express a condition contrary to the fact (“if I were you”); and those which express a condition according to fact (“if Jesus is our Lord”). The conditional clause in verse 6 is of the second type; one could translate it “if you had faith (and you do).” Jesus’ response, then, is not a reprimand for an absence of faith but an affirmation of the faith they have and an invitation to live out the full possibilities of that faith.  Even the small faith they already have cancels out words such as “impossible” (a tree being uprooted) and “absurdly” (planting a tree in the sea) and puts them in touch with the power of God. That Luke has a “sycamore tree” (a kind of mulberry) instead of a “mountain” as in Matthew and Mark, in no way alters the message: faith lays hold of God with whom nothing is impossible, and it is God who empowers the life of discipleship.” (Fred B. Craddock writing for Interpretation; A Bible Commentary: Luke: 1990 p. 200)

From this we learn that the apostles already have all the faith they need to do the work of ministry. And the work of ministry is a lifelong, and, an eternal state of being.

Again from Craddock, “There is no place or time, therefore, at which the apostle can say, “I have completed my service; now I want to be served.”  If this parable was prompted by the remark of the apostles at verse 5, then two things can be said, First, the lesson is especially applicable to the leaders of the church who can easily forget that they are “servants of the servants of God.”  “The request for an increase of faith (verse 5) must not seduce the apostles or any leader to assume that with the increase comes elevation in position so that the period of serving ends. Second, “Apostles and all leaders of the faithful come under the instructions for all disciples. In the field or in the house, a servant is a servant;” (also, Fred B. Craddock writing for Interpretation; A Bible Commentary: Luke: 1990 p. 200 and 201)

For me at least, this means that I should train myself to love serving to the point that it is my preferred state of being, in this life and in the next. I want to be the field hand, and later the house hand as well. I love cutting the grass as much as I love making coffee. This earth is the field, heaven is the house. I am honored to serve in both places. How about you?

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 Sunday closest to October 5 (BCP p. 234)

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 21: Year 1

 Morning, Psalm 107:33 to 43 and Psalm 108; Evening, Psalm 33;
2^nd Kings 19:21 to 36; 1^st Corinthians 10:1 to 13; Matthew 8:18 to 27:

“And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm.  They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”  (Matthew 8: 25 to 27).

I’d like to say that we are still saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’  And the only way we can be saved is through our Lord Jesus Christ. Drowning seems to be a fear of the ancient Hebrew peoples.  We have the story of Noah and the Flood; we have the story of Moses and the parting of the sea; and many other water related near-death experiences that plague their minds.  So we are saved through the waters of baptism.  Jesus brings us back to our fears and then brings us through them to eternal life.

Jesus seems to infer that fear and faith occupy the same space in our hearts and minds. He asks, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’  I know that Abraham was afraid during his lifetime but he never stopped believing in God. Therefore, at some level, fear accompanies our faith. It’s not either/or, it’s both/and. We just have to decide which one we are going to let lead us.

Jesus, when asked, comes to us and reduces the cause of our fears, the storm itself.  Later, in this Gospel according to Matthew, Peter will personally struggle with faith and fear while trying to walk on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, Jesus told them not to be afraid and that it was he, himself.   ^“And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14: 29 to 31)

It is ironic that the very thing we need to sustain life, we fear. That that cleanses us, can drown us. Faith and fear, which road will we take?   The same is true of our Lord Jesus with one big exception; there is nothing at all to fear about our Lord Jesus.

Today our Church remembers Saint Francis of Assisi (4 October 1226) a friar who embraced poverty as a way to be closer to our Lord Jesus.  While many remember him, few strive to emulate him. His information may be found at: Francis of Assisi

Note: We have a new Archbishop of Canterbury: The Most Reverend Sarah Mullally; may she always follow our Lord Christ and lead our Communion to Him.

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 Thursday of Proper 21: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 105:1 to 22; Evening, Psalm 105:23 to 45;
2^nd Kings 18:28 to 37; 1 Corinthians 9:1 to 15; Matthew 7:22 to 29:

On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” (Matthew 7:22 and 23)

Here our Lord Jesus makes it clear that God can, and will, use any of us, with, or without us being aware of our fulfillment of God’s will.

We, especially clergy, can pass on the word of God and even do the miraculous actions that God wants done. But if in our hearts we are not totally genuine in our walk of faith, God will know. And of them (us) our Lord Jesus says, “I never knew YOU.”  Jesus is aware of the conversions we prompted, and the positive outcomes in the lives of people we with whom we brought to Christ. But if while doing the Lord’s work we also participated in immoral acts known to be sinful, we remove ourselves from the circle of those whom Jesus knows.

This fellowship of Jesus extends well beyond the clergy. As God can, and does, use any of us to fulfill the dream of God, all of us have the personal responsibility to stay on the righteous course in life. We personally have to walk our talk. We can’t just tell others to do the right thing, we too must do the right thing. Some commentaries recount that Jesus here quotes Psalm 6:8 in saying, “Go away from me, you evildoers.”  Therefore, what we profess and what we do may be drastically different. It is up to us individually to seek divine help in correcting our missteps.

If we truly are trying to master the art of love, it will be shown in our everyday ways of living. It won’t just be about what we say, or about how we give to charities, but how we live. We will not return evil for evil. We will not think of anyone as less valuable than ourselves. We will strive to love all people, and we will try especially hard to love those who often prove difficult to love. It is in this way that on that Day, “ The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”  (Matthew 25: 34 to 36)

Our lives are about love. We were brought into being through love in order that we might love.

Today our Church remembers Remigius of Rheims, Bishop, Apostle of the Franks (October 1, 530) and his information may be found at: Remigius.

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 of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 21: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 101 and 109; Evening,  Psalm 119:121 to 144;
2^nd Kings 18:9 to 25; 1^st Corinthians 8:1 to 13; Matthew 7:13 to 21:

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it;” (Matthew 7:13 and 14).

As a child I used to go on trips with my dad during the summer. He worked for United Van Lines, the moving company.  I was blessed to see all of the continental United States while still a teenager.  Riding in the truck, and occasionally driving, was fun. The packing and moving of furniture was not, it was hard work.

I can remember my dad, on several occasions, finding a truck stop somewhere and tearing down and repacking household goods tighter.  This was a twofold benefit. First, being packed tighter prevented breakage. And second, packing it tighter created more space and we were able to maybe pick up another small shipment going in the same direction.  I will tell you that the last thing I wanted to do was take some supposed downtime, and use it to unpack and repack household goods. It was a hard reality, but in the end, very rewarding; something I didn’t understand until later.

According to our Lord Jesus, our God is asking us to unpack and repack ourselves.  It is probably the last thing any of us wants to do. It is hard work. Because it is a hard road to travel, it is the road less traveled because of its difficulty, and therefore it leads to a very narrow gate.

But if we stay on our path of the hard work, of repacking ourselves tighter and tighter, we will see amazing things, and as we journey, God will give us more as we are creating more space and as we are traveling in the same direction, that is, towards God. Not all will willingly put in the self-work of repacking themselves. The easier way is to just let whatever environment you are in, shape you according to the political, racial, religious, or cultural persuasions you find yourself in.

Our Lord Jesus is inviting us to do the hard work of resisting that which does not get us through the narrow door. It is not easy. We tend to be satisfied with whatever others tell us, or is easy. Such is the wide gate and the easy road that leads to destruction. We are equipped to do the hard work and like me, you may not understand it until later. Now, however, we just walk by faith.

Today our Church remembers Therese of Lisieux, Monastic (October 1, 1897) and her information may be found at: Therese of Lisieux.

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 God Almighty, our Creator who loves us, help us we pray to always seek improvement in our spiritual lives of faith. Guide us to, and through, the narrow gate that leads to the eternal life of love, there to have eternal bliss. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 21: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
2^nd  Chronicles 29:1 to 3 and chapter 30; 1^st Corinthians 7:32 to 40; Matthew 7:1 to 12:

‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets:” (Matthew 7:12).

This instruction from our Lord Jesus is the other side of a Jewish teaching which instructs us, “That which is hateful to you, do not do to another; that is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary. Now, go study.” (Shabbat 31a, 6)  This the teaching of Rabbi Hillel when he was asked to explain the whole Torah while standing on one foot.

In both cases the language calls for us to empathize with others.  Both lessons call for us to identify with the ones whom we are talking to, or conducting business with. Jesus says to treat others like you want to be treated. This is known to us as the Golden Rule.  Hillel says, that in your own experience, if something is unpleasant to you, do not cause it to happen to anyone else. In both cases it is “other” related.

I often remember the word “Joy” as a guiding reminder of my day-to-day relationship with people. In this case J-O-Y stands for Jesus, Others, and Yourself.  In this way I am reminded to put Jesus first, then the other (whoever that might be), and then myself.  I try, but I will confess that I don’t always remember joy of J-O-Y.

There is a caution about not letting the concern for the other be something that will be harmful or hurtful to them, or to ourselves.  Every rule of life has to have certain exceptions or cautions that must be applied so that real joy will prevail.  Our Lord Jesus explains that the Golden Rule was the intent of the law and the teaching of the prophets for as long as we have had a relationship with God.

We must be careful in not assuming that because we lean a certain way in life, like perhaps enjoying social events and humor, we shouldn’t assume others do as well. So we can’t take this rule which says, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you,” as a license to force what we like on others. I think we need to first understand the other and appreciate what he or she likes, and then, if possible, help them with that.  Again, empathy, the learning of the other is so important. Understanding someone is learning to love them more deeply. Love is the real intent of the Golden Rule.

Today our Church remembers Jerome, Scholar, Translator and Theologian (September 30) and his information may be found at: Jerome.

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:

Ever loving and eternal Lord Jesus, help us we pray, to “be” those we meet and identify with their needs and concerns and to show hospitality always. In this way we receive You Lord Jesus, even without knowing it. Help us to be baptized into servanthood through Your body and blood. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 21: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 89:1-18; Evening, Psalm 89:19-52;
2^nd Kings 17:24 to 41; 1^st Corinthians 7:25 to 31; Matthew 6:25 to 34:

“For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well;” (Matthew 6:32 and 33)

We have a hymn in one of our Hymnals that sings, “Seek Yee First the Kingdom of God” (1982 Hymnal, # 711).  It uses Matthew 6:33 as its focus.  These words are sung with a lot of feeling.  But do they ever last in our hearts?

I recall that our Lord gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for and then added to his gift of wisdom, riches, and long life, which he did not ask for.  Our God is generous and loving.  All we have to do is put God and our community first, that is, ahead of ourselves.

Jesus says that our Father knows that we need, “all these things,” the provisions necessary for us to be sustained and more than that, to be communal with one another, and God is pleased to provide them. Today we really need food, shelter, clothing, and we also need transportation and communication ability.  We are a needy lot. I think that’s why the words “all these things,” were spoken by our Lord.  We would fill in what “all these things” are, later.

Let us not forget the most important point here.  We must make God first.  Once we make God number One, all else will fall into place. We must start thinking eternally now in this temporal, biological, life. Only then will the little temporal things like food, shelter, clothing, transportation and communication fall into their insignificant little places. The eternal thing, that is, love in the Presence of God, will never, never, never end. Let this last forever in your hearts.

Today our Church remembers Saint Michaels and all Angels;  On the Feast of Michael and all Angels, popularly called Michaelmas, we give thanks for the many ways in which God’s loving care watches over us, both directly and indirectly, and we are reminded that the richness and variety of God’s creation far exceeds our knowledge of it; taken from, and can be found at;  St. Michael and All Angels (satucket.com).  We sometimes hurt, even as we hurt others, but we forgive as we are forgiven. Let us still listen to the Angels as they speak and act for God.

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: (St Michael and All Angels, BCP p. 244)

Everlasting God, who has ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 21: Year C

Luke 16:19-31                                                                                

“He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.”   (Luke 16:24)

Referring to another Gospel may be a bit off but when I get what I believe to be related messages I like to call attention to it.  In the Gospel according to Matthew we hear Jesus tell Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19); and again the same words in Matthew 18:18 (Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.)

The rich man in the Gospel according to Luke experiences this.  He could not let go of his privileged status.  He assumes that because he was important on earth, he is important in heaven.  His world is turned upside down.  He thinks so much of himself that even in his dire situation he will not speak with Lazarus directly.  He thinks himself above Lazarus.  What he bound on earth has stuck with him in heaven and is witnessed against him.

While you and I are still in this life on earth we have the opportunity to have “loosed” whatever is going to hinder us in heaven.  We must humble ourselves now so that when that time comes (and it will) we will be on the good side of that great chasm from which no one can cross even if we can talk over it as Father Abraham and the rich man did.

The closer our joys and pains are to each other, the less difference it makes if our world is turned upside down.  It is perhaps more pleasing to be at least remembered rather than celebrated: and to remember those in need rather than ignore them altogether. As we hold back for ourselves, let us reach out to those forgotten.

We should live our lives in moderation. We should appreciate having what we need and at the same time care for those in need as we are able to do so. It is better that we all live safe and comfortable lives than to be so polarized that while a few live very well, a great many suffer hunger and hardship. The Holy Spirit cautions us that the Lazarus of this world could witness against us in the next.

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 21: The Sunday closest to September 28 (BCP p. 234)

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; 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 Proper 20: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening, Psalm 136;
2^nd Kings 11:1 to 20a; 1st Corinthians 7:10 to 24; Matthew 6:19 to 24:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  (Matthew 6:21)

While I really liked the adherence to the keeping of the Sabbath by at least a third of the military in our 2^nd Kings reading, the reading was filled with greed on the part of the mother queen who had all her family rivals killed. She was more concerned about her own privilege and power.  The last verse our Matthew Gospel reading speaks to this, it says, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth:” (Matthew 6:24).

I have for a long time now took issue with verse 21 which suggests our hearts follows our treasure, that is, our hearts follows our money. This statement automatically puts money first.  I think rather, our treasure, (whatever discretionary income we might have), follows our hearts, that is, what we are truly interested in. So for me, our treasure follows our heart.

Our hearts might be our Church, it might be our car, it might be our education, it might even be our money and the associated power that comes with it.  That is what drove the queen in the 2^nd Kings reading to murder, and eventually to her own death.  We must be better than that.

I am interested in many things. However, I don’t have the money to truly follow all of them.  My ministry is most important to me. I devote much of my day to the study of scripture and writing what I believe will be an encouraging word for others. I also enjoy learning and playing music. But even my music is spiritual. I pay for piano lessons and practice daily. I let selected hymns be my motivation for righteous living.

I strongly encourage you who read this message to first discern your heart’s desire. Ask yourself if your heart’s desire is hurtful or helpful to humanity.  If it is helpful, continue on. Then, only as you are able, look at your money beyond your basic necessities and your charitable giving (which includes your Church) and let your treasure follow your heart. I truly believe that where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.

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.