onewhoponders

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, 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?

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

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening,  Psalm 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 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 are obliged to behave as such.

Finally he 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 belief 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. Then, in the fullness of time, and seeing our jealousy of one another, God, in the person of our Lord Jesus, walked along the lowest level freshwater coast on the planet inviting fishermen to fish more meaningfully.

“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. 

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

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

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; Rev elation 19:1 to 10; Matthew 16:1-12:

“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 to 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 has Scripture, Tradition and Reason, according to Richard Hooker (1600). Let us not underestimate Reason. We don’t check our brains at the door of the Church on our way in. God 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. Let us let the loving leaven of God lead us into all truth.

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

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:97 to 120; Evening, Psalm 81 and 82;
Nehemiah 7:73b to 8:3 and5 to 18; Revelation 18:21 to 24; Matt. 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 is 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 given 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 is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

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.

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

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 15:1-20

“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 sin 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.  This is why we pray:

 “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.”  (BCP page 355)

God waits patiently for us to decide what we want. It matters more about what we want than what we do. Perhaps 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 than 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 also. Let us get our hearts on the right path.

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

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Daily Office Readings for Sunday of Proper 27: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 93 and 96; Evening,  Psalm 34;
Ezra 10:1 to 17; Acts 24:10 to 21; Luke 14:12 to 24:

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 13 and 14)

It seems that both of today’s Gospel messages have to do with what it means to have little money or the ability to earn money.  From Luke we learn of how important it is to regard people based on their being sibling children of God without concern about their material worth. We should equally care for the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. But here is where I draw the line. I don’t believe we should do it in order to receive a later reward even though I believe that will come. Can’t we just be good for goodness sake?

Part 2 of 2

New Testament Eucharistic Readings for Sunday of Proper 27: Year B

Hebrews 9:24 to 28 and Mark 12:38 to 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. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43 and 44)

I think the phrase “put in more,” has to do with ratio, or what part of what one has, that was given. Those who contributed out of their abundance surely put in more than a penny.

Giving to our house of worship is a matter of concern for our continued fellowship together. The widow, being a widow, has lost her husband. She really needs to stay connected, if just for the sake of her children. You and I need to stay connected to one another in Christ Jesus for the sake of our fellowship. And that can’t be replicated anywhere else except in our own weekly meeting place.

So, like the poor widow, we give a part, or all, of what we have in the hope of maintaining a continued connection with one another in our unique Christian faith where indeed, all are loved and all are welcomed. We want our family to be a part of Christ’s family in the loving care of God Almighty. Sometimes, what we should give, is all that we can give.

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

Part 1 of 3

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 26: Year 1

Morning, Psalms75 and 76; Evening,  Psalms 23 and 27;
Ezra 9:1 and15; Revelation 17:1 and 14; Matthew 14:22 to 36:

“Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” (Matthew 14:22 and 23).

Among the many attributes of Jesus, he was a man of prayer. This is true for those I will mention below as well. I pray you too are a person of prayer.

Part 2 of 3

Today we remember William Temple, 98th Archbishop of Canterbury:

What I like most about Archbishop Temple is what he says about our church: “The Church exists primarily for the sake of those who are still outside it. It is a mistake to suppose that God is only, or even chiefly, concerned with religion.”

We, the Church, are to go out at the dismissal and do the work and service of the Lord for who are not our members.

 Part 3 of 3

Yesterday I watched the Episcopal memorial service for the Honorable Colin Powell.

 I was very moved by this Episcopal Sunday School teacher and leader of American citizens. I thought I should share with you his Thirteen Rules of Leadership.

The Honorable Colin Powell’s Thirteen Rules of Leadership are: 1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning. 2, Get mad then get over it. 3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.  4. It can be done. 5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it. 6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. 7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours. 8. Check small things. 9. Share credit. 10. Remain calm. Be kind. 11. Have a vision. Be demanding. 12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.  13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Taken from: Colin L. Powell’s Thirteen Rules of Leadership – United States Department of State .

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

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 26: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 69: ; Evening, Psalm 73;
Ezra 7:27 to 28, 8:21-36; Revelation 15:1 to 8; Matthew 14:13 to 21:

“When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:15 and 16)

I think the disciples forgot one of the most important of Jewish codes of conduct; the hospitality code. Our Lord Jesus has extended this hospitality requirement to not only the disciples, but to all of us who follow him, to all who call themselves Christian.

In modeling this hospitality code Jesus teaches us to depend on God to assist us.  After our Lord takes the food, he blesses it before dividing it up and handing it out. We are not alone in caring for others. There is no one we can help whom God does not love. And this hospitality code is not limited to food.

Assisting the needy with a place to shower and sleep (at a safe location), with medical care, and transportation to any of these places is equally important. What we need, all people need. It matters not about where we are or how little we have.  God is not about what little we have.  God is about how much we care.

Since the beginning of creation God has brought us into a “shared” world; a world in which we humans were the last to arrive and share with creation what was already here. Thus, we are trusted to share with one another to the best of our ability, within reason, and we are not to look for easy excuses to deny others. We must feed them, clothe them, house them and heal them. Let us take our Sabbath rest and ponder what these lessons might mean for us who listen to our Lord 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. 

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

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

Daily Office Reading for Thursday of Proper 26:Year1

Morning, Psalm 71; Evening, Psalm 74;
Ezra 7:1to 26; Revelation 14:1 to 13; Matthew 14:1 to 12:

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)

Our Ezra reading for today reports a long list of fathers that led to Ezra. I find this paternal lineage very impressive. His lineage is from Aaron the original chief priest. It is hard to find this kind of fatherhood today. And, it’s problematic. Irresponsible fatherhood can lead to neglected children.

For my own lineage, I am John, some of Tom, son of Dinky Guy.  I don’t know much more than that.  However, I do have a son who is also John. The point to be made is that faithful fatherhood for sons is so important.  It is more important for a son to be the faithful offspring of a good father than being his biological offspring. I believe responsible fatherhood will curve the number of starving children all over the world.

Faithful fatherhood is also very important for the raising of girls also. I have daughters. Some biological, some not, all loved very much.  In the end, it is only love that matters. Young women who had loving fathers look for loving men to partner with should they be heterosexual. But regardless of sexual orientation, sons and daughters are able to live into all that God wants them to be if they are raised by good fathers. They may not “set their hearts to study the law of the Lord, and do it,” as did Ezra, but there is a greater chance of them being good people and good citizens and good parents themselves.

All of us should be proud to identify ourselves as sons or daughters of whoever our parents were. If not, then we have all the more reason to begin a good and faithful lineage so that our sons and daughters will identify as being from us. Sometimes we just have to start something good.

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