Pondering for Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 19: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 61 and 62; Evening, Psalm 68;
1st  Kings 21:17 to 29; 1st Corinthians 1:20 to 31; Matthew 4:12 to 17:

“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth:” (1st Corinthians 1:26).

Wow! Paul has nailed me. I am all three. I am not wise by human standards. I am certainly not powerful. And, as an African American, a descendent of American slaves, I am not of noble birth. I am the trifecta, or maybe the humble Trinitarian characteristic of those who are truly called.

I failed second and fourth grade by a teacher whom I found out later did not like my mother. In the meantime I was left with a huge inferiority complex that I had to overcome. I considered myself a failure. Yet, here I am, doing the Lord’s work.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

I truly do feel called to my ministry. So many things happened to me just prior to my retirement from the Marine Corps.  I was less than two years on station in Yuma, Arizona when I was ordered back to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina.  And, even then, with less than two years left before reaching thirty years active duty and mandatory retirement, I was allowed to continue my service and retire. Yet, as I was back in my old hometown of Havelock, I was able to again attend my home parish of St Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Havelock, North Carolina.  The Rector at that time asked me to consider if God has a calling on my life. God did. And here I am. Again, Thank You Lord Jesus.

You too must not look at your intellect, or race or ethnicity, or anything of high, or low, “human” value. God doesn’t care about any of that. We can’t “figure out” God.  If you have truly emptied yourself of all human standards of achievement, which may tend to give you an inferiority complex, then your empty cup or bowl is prepared to be filled by God. One more time, Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Ninian of Galloway, Bishop and Missionary to Scotland and his information may be found at: Ninian of Galloway

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.

Pondering for Monday, September 15, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 19: Year 1

Morning,  Psalms 56 and 57; Evening,  Psalms 64 and 65:
1st Kings 21:1to 16; 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 19; Matthew 4:1 to 11:

“It Is Written,” (Matthew 4:1 to 11)

Jesus uses the term, “It is written,” as human actions three times.  Now the devil in this writing tries to use Jesus’ anchor of “It is written” against Him.  But he uses it in a way that talks about what God will do, that is, to have angels save Him. But Jesus uses the, “It is written” statement, written by humans, for humans, as a human response to show, we feed on the word of God; we are not to test God; and that we are to worship God, and God only.

These three statements of what is written is the anchor not only for our Lord Jesus while He was in His humanity, but for us also. The Word of God is food for our souls. The Word of God sustains us, not only in this world, but for all eternity. In no way should we attempt to test God based on some twist of scripture; being mindful that some interpreters will try to lead us astray.  When this misleading attempt occurs it is usually for some partisan, exclusive and/or divisive policy. Beware. And lastly and most importantly, we must remember that God is love. We are to worship God and God only. We are brought into being through the love of God specifically to love each other and to give love back to God in gratitude.

So here we go: feed on God’s words of love and inclusion; trust in God, don’t test God; and pray to God, and worship God, both, when alone and when gathered. Let these written words be our anchor in life. It worked for our Lord Jesus and it works for us today.

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 Holy God, Creator and Lover of all souls, assist our hearts and minds in discerning Your love as we read the written word handed down to us from those You have instructed in our past. Help us to obey Your Holy Commandments of love and devotion to You, and to care for our communities as shown to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as it is written. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 19: Year C

 Luke 15:1-10                

“Just so, I tell you, there is joy over finding what was lost.” (Luke 15)

I call Chapter 15 of Luke the “Lost  Chapter.”  Not because it is missing but because it is about the lost.  We have the lost sheep, then the lost coin and then it concludes with the lost son.

Perhaps the most popular way to look at this reading from Luke today is from the perspective of heaven. Heaven celebrates when we repent and rejoin the Ways of God. But we may also look at what it means from our personal point of view.

This chapter also teaches us that sometimes we don’t appreciate and celebrate what we have while we have it.  But boy, let it get lost!  Whether it’s a sheep, a coin, our glasses, our keys, our job, our money, or even a human relationship, what we have lost is felt deeply and we want it back. What is being celebrated in this Luke reading is the getting back to wholeness.  It is celebrating the experience of not having lost anything in the first place.  It is celebrating “the way it was.”  How about when we first rise from sleep and see that we have our glasses, keys, wallet, and even our health, we say, “Thank You Jesus!”

So therefore, we should treasure all we have even if it’s very little.  We, in our prayers, should continually give God thanks for the benefits bestowed upon us and remember it is not ourselves that made manifest our possessions, but God. The greatest riches we have are our relationships with others, family and friends.  We need to be thankful for these relationships and celebrate them all the time, not just when, and if, we get them back.

From the perspective of the lost, it is about being re-membered.  It is about finding what was lost. Sometimes we must find our lost selves.  Sometimes we have to be found by another.  Either way, getting our selves back, our community back, our parish back, is absolutely a cause for celebration. “Just so, I tell you, there is joy over finding what was lost.”

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. 233)

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, September 13, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 18: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 55; Evening, Psalms 138, 139:1-17;
1st Kings 18:41 to 19:8; Philippians 3:17 to 4:7; Matthew 3:13 to 17:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented:” (Matthew 3:13 to 15).

I understand John. He knows he was born only to announce the coming of the Author of life and love. Yet, he thought, “I am not the one, but you, shouldn’t you baptize me, not me baptize you?”

We say that the baptism of John was a baptism of repentance. Fine, but our Lord Jesus had nothing to repent from.  John himself was a servant for sinners in order that they might repent. Therefore, shouldn’t those of us being baptized, be baptized into the call of servanthood? 

In the Episcopal Church, baptism makes us Christian. And, I am proud to say we accept the Trinitarian baptism of all Christian faiths. Later in our lives, if we remain steadfast, we are Confirmed by our Bishop.  Confirmation then, makes us Episcopalians.

In our Creed we say that we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I think I have been baptized three times.  I only discovered the first one when I sent off for my transcripts for college and my transcripts from Saint Vincent de Paul’s school in Nashville, Tennessee reported that I was identified by baptismal certificate.  I never knew that.  My intentional baptismal was at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tennessee at the Easter Vigil of 1980.  That Baptism, I did know about. And lastly, I could not pass up the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River itself when I visited the Holy Land in February of 2018.

Even while we hold on to our sacred traditions we really don’t know what life will bring us on the morrow. Our Lord Jesus set us the example of humility. He was handed over to Mary for birth. He handed himself over to John to be baptized. And, shamefully, he was handed over by us to be crucified.

I pray that in my baptism, with God’s help, I will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself; and I will strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. So help me God.

Today we remember Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop and Martyr and his information may be found at: Cyprian of Carthage

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

Pondering for Friday, September 12, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 18: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 40 and 54; Evening, Psalm 51;
1st Kings 18:20 to 40; Philippians 3:1 to16; Matthew 3:1 to 12:

“Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you:” (Philippians 3:15).

Walking in faith requires constant due diligence. Maturity in faith requires us to learn and be open to evolving, even beyond the limits of Bible and Church doctrine. When we are a little silent in the company of others, we will hear and see those in the room who are also mature, and of the same mind.  While being of the same mind does not mean absolute agreement on all thing, biblically or otherwise, it does mean the acknowledgment of not having the answers to all questions. It is okay to humble ourselves into the cloud of unknowing while maintaining our sacred faith in Christ Jesus.

In our 1st Kings reading Elijah was able to prove that the Lord is God by calling down fire for the sacrifice of a bull. Unfortunately, it also led to the slaughter of the prophets of Baal.  Being of the same mind does not mean we all have to agree. Being of the same mind, for me, means that in the end, God will decide.  We should do what we think is loving and right, then God will decide.

Fire is also the cleanser of our souls as reported by John the Baptist in our Gospel reading from Matthew today. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire:” (Matthew 3:11), John the Baptist proclaims as he acknowledges he doesn’t have all the answers. But our Lord Jesus will be the burning bush of enlightenment that will at last give us peace. 

I think the mature mind is the mind that tells itself that it still has some maturation to go. It doesn’t hastily discount other’s thoughts, but it ponders about a great many things. It’s Friday again. Let us take some time tomorrow to just contemplate where we are spiritually, “this too God will reveal to you.”

Today we remember John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York (September 12, 1949) and his information may be found at: John Henry Hobart

 “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: (Taken from Psalm 51)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, September 11, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 18: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalms 8 and 84;
1st Kings 18:1 to19; Philippians 2:12 to 30; Matthew 2:13 to 23:

“Now after they [the wise men]  had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him:” (Matthew 2: 13).

I have often pondered about this reading, why did God not just prevent Herod from killing the child Jesus, and also prevent the killing of the innocent babies two years and younger around Bethlehem? This would have shown all Israel that God’s work was being done.

But God does not work that way. So from the court of heaven an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream giving him instructions about what to do. We have no words form Joseph in any of the Gospel writings. He is the silent and obedient mortal father of our Lord Jesus.  He is the perfect role model for fatherhood.

Joseph does as he is told; he takes his family to Egypt. He stays there until he is again told to return to Israel. A point to notice is that he uses his own reasoning to go to Nazareth instead of returning to Bethlehem. Richard Hooker, a sixteenth century Anglican priest and theologian, says that we have the three legged stool of scripture, tradition and reason.  I believe all three have equal play in our faith walk. Joseph was a strong man of faith in the Hebrew tradition. He was brought up under the Hebrew scripture and tradition of the Law of Moses of his day.  He had no way of knowing that he was a part of the new Christian tradition even as the New Testament scripture, which included him, was being recorded. But he used his God-given reason to adjust his destination.

Joseph was, like Mary, handpicked by God to parent God Incarnate. There is no greater resume for parenthood that this. Joseph loved our baby Lord more than he loved himself.  Joseph was open to obeying the messengers of God who did not “come” to him, but rather, “appeared” to him in a dream.  Angels are always with us. They keep themselves indiscernible to our senses. Angels don’t come to us, they drop their cover when we need God’s intervention. God works through us, for us. We, especially fathers, should emulate Joseph in being strong, silent lovers and protectors of our children. Joseph lived a life of love for Mary and Jesus. And, sometimes running away is God’s plan for salvation, such as the families trying to escape devastation in many countries today.  Let us also love as Joseph did and do what we can as a part of God’s dream for all humanity.

Today we remember Harry Thacker Burleigh, Composer, September 11, 1949) and his information may be found at: Harry Thacker Burleigh

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. 239)

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 18:Year 1

Psalm 119:49 to 72; Evening, Psalm 49;
1st Kings 17:1 to 24; Philippians  2:1to 11; Matthew 2:1 to 12:

“Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you:” (1st Kings 17:9)

As we read this passage, we will see that the widow didn’t get the memo.  Ravens had just fed Elijah and when the famine hit, God told Elijah to go to Zarephath in Sidon where, God says “I have commanded a widow there to feed you.”  But upon arrival, Elijah encounters a widow who  seems to know nothing about feeding him. She is caught up in her own misery. She is on her last parcel of food.  She has a son. She is preparing for her and her son to have their last meal and die. Maybe this is God’s divine way of answering prayer with prayer.

I do believe that when God sends us to people, God creates a place in that person to receive us. Albeit it is sometimes hard to get to, or to have the person realize it.  There are many “sent to” stories in the Bible. Most fulfill God’s plan.  Some have to become a hard lesson such as Moses going to Pharaoh in Exodus. But in the end, God always wins.

In the same way, when God sends someone to us, God creates a place in us to receive that person. But we might be like the widow in our passage for today. We might be so burdened with our own personal problems that we don’t see God’s bigger plan. We don’t see how God is working within humanity for the benefit of humanity.  These are times of just letting go and letting God.

The widow finally felt the love that Elijah had for her and her household.  So she relented and included him in what she thought was their last meal.  It was a meal that was multiplied over and over again.  Our Lord Jesus will do the same thing at the feeding of the multitude with only two fish and five loaves. These feeding stories are about listening to the Holy Spirit and discerning the will of God in our lives. God love us and wants the best for us.

Today we remember Alexander Crummell, Priest, Missionary, and Educator (September 10, 1898) and his information may be found at: Alexander Crummell.

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, You made us social creatures who need one another. Send us to where we need to be, and keep us open to receive those whom You send to us, all for Your love’s sake. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 18: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 45; Evening, Psalms  47 and 48;
1st Kings 16:23 to 34; Philippians 1:12 to 30; Mark 16:1 to 20:

“And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterwards Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.” (The shorter ending of the Gospel of Mark; NRSV)

As one who studies the Bible I had a hard time with this brief and somewhat challenge to the Easter message.  Where are the Resurrection stories?  Where is the Great Commission? Where is the witness on the road to Emmaus? Where are the admonishments for not believing Mary Magdalene?

Some words were added to Mark later to provide similar endings contained in the other Gospel accounts. Even in Mark’s closings there is inconsistency about whether the women leaving the tomb either, talked to no one, or as suggested in the extended version, went and told those who were with him. It can’t be both ways can it?

I guess what I glean from the short version, alleged to be the first recorded Gospel account, is that our Lord Jesus did in fact come back to life and that he “sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.”

That’s what I really want, eternal salvation.  I don’t believe that this life is all there is. My hope is in the Name of the Lord. He who was raised from the dead, will raise his followers from their end of life also. How then should we be living our lives now in this life as we prepare for being raised into the next, and there being present with all who have gone before us? 

He is Risen; Halleluiah!

Today we remember The Martyrs of Memphis, Constance and her Companions (September 9, 1878) and their information may be found at: Constance & Her Companions

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. 504)

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, September 8, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 18: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 41 and 52; Evening, Psalm 44;
1st Kings 13:1 to 10; Philippians 1:1 to 11; Mark 15:40 to 47”

“There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.  These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem:” (Mark 15: 40 and 41).

This passage reminds me of Sunday Holy Services when COVID ravaged the service and we had maybe 22 present.  There were 19 women and 3 men.  The men were all a part of the worship support, the priest (myself), the Eucharistic minister and the acolyte. The ushers (who took the count), and all in the pews were women. I’m guessing that if the men had not been assigned a duty, they would not have been present either. Where are the men of persistent faith?

Women have always supported the Church and by extension, Jesus himself.  There are some denominations that believe that women should not be in Church leadership.  To this I say, Balderdash! Our Lord Jesus did all he could to make us remember that woman are as equally important in the message of the Gospel as are men.

The two greatest ever Christian sermons are given by women.  Mary his mother says to the servants of Jesus (that’s you and me), “Do whatever he tells you:” (John 2:5) And Mary Magdalene is commissioned to proclaim the Easter message, “Christ is Risen! And that she has seen the Lord!” (John 20:17 and 18).

Since the time our Lord Jesus walked among us, even when he was dragged to the cross, women, faithful women, were with him.  Women are still holding our Church together.  Just as I ponder why women have such strong faith, I also ponder why so many men do not.  Perhaps faith is closely associated with the capacity to nurture as does a mother to her child. I don’t know, but I do believe that love is the most important ingredient in faith.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today our Church remembers The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her information may be found at: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Today our Church also remembers Soren Kierkegaard, Teacher and Philosopher, (September 8, 1855) and his information may be found at: Søren Kierkegaard.

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

Let us Pray:

O Almighty God, Who walked among us as a human man, reared by a human man (Joseph) and personally led several apostolic men to spread the Gospel, Lead us again O lord as men are in desperate need of Your life-giving faith. Do this again through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, September 7, 2025

The Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 18: Year C

Luke 14:25-33

“Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.”  (Luke 14: 25 – 26)

Hate?  Today’s English understanding of the word hate is way too strong for the way Jesus is intending to mean it, and the way the people around him understood it. Hate, the way we understand it today is to have a strong negative emotion towards someone. Jesus is using this term as mutually inclusive; he is saying you can’t be his disciple unless you have put everybody else aside, or behind him. Jesus is saying that while he is in the relationship, he must be the priority.

In our old Spanish class the language was much different than hate, a softer expression was used.  Jesus said in the Spanish language) “Si alguno viene a mí y no me ama más que a su padre, a su madre, a su esposa, a sus hijos, a sus hermanos y a sus hermanas, y aun más que a sí mismo, no puede ser mi discípulo. Roughly translated is, “Whoever wants to follow me must love me more than his father, his mother, his wife and his children, his brothers and sisters, and even more than his own life. Otherwise, he cannot be my disciple.” It is not hate, but rather, more love for Christ.

Even the language that follows, from farming peasants to ruling kings, from lowest to highest, the costs of discipleship must be dealt with.  We must ask ourselves, first, if we think we are even able to pay the price. And then second, if we are willing to pay the price.

Jesus is not asking us to choose between him and the devil; that would be too easy.  Jesus is asking us to choose him over parents, spouse, children and siblings.  These might seem like hard choices but the truth is that if we make Jesus the priority we are better enabled to love parents, spouse, children and siblings.  Through Jesus we can love them and all people more deeply.

In this passage Jesus has shifted from talking to the twelve, to talking to the great multitude.  There is much enthusiasm at first but it turns into shallow delight in the walk towards Jerusalem. Jesus wants them to be well aware of what it means to keep his movement going.

Sometimes people who love this Church don’t want us to tell perspective new members about the cost of discipleship; about the cost of maintaining a Church.  They would rather postpone it until a more opportune time, or just drop it altogether.  Jesus says “no.” He wants to let them (and us) know right from the start the cost of the journey he is on to Jerusalem. He wants them (and us) to know that this is not a parade, but rather, a funeral procession. Now, who’s in?

The cost of discipleship is not about our family, fame or possessions, but about being happy on the path to pleasing God and having eternal life.  We can’t afford to not be in. Following Jesus is a commitment to eternity. Have you decided to follow 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: (BCP p. 233)

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.