onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 4^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73to96;
Isaiah 54:1to10; Galatians 4:21to31; Mark 8:11to26

“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:25 NRSV)

English is a tricky language if not carefully handled. In verse 25 of Mark 8 in the NRSV there could be some uncertainty about the pronoun “he,” when “he” looked intently. Did the man receiving his sight look intently, or was it Jesus looking intently (at the man)? This is the step by step process of gaining sight, (and insight).

As we study scripture we need more than one translation. We need to compare the different writings of who is doing or saying something. It is important. I referred to other translations on this passage and found clarity. In the King James Version I found, “After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly,” (Mark 8:25 King James Version).  In addition to making him look up, the him, in italics, makes it clear that Jesus is the one doing the looking intently.  Spanish and Greek versions of the Bible also make it obvious that it was Jesus who was looking intently.

Jesus does not always heal in one setting.  Sometimes it is a two shot fix like some of our vaccinations today for the Corona virus.  For us to see life more clearly we have to do the step by step method of clarity.  Have more than one translation of the Bible.  Compare and contrast any questionable understanding you might struggle with. Our Lord Jesus will look intently upon you and you will have understanding.

And like the man whose sight was restored, once you can see clearly, don’t go back into the darkness, stay in the light.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily office Readings for Tuesday of the 4^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalms 61 and 62; PM Psalm 68:1to20;
Isaiah 52:1to12; Galatians 4:12to20; Mark 8:1to10

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.” (Isaiah 52:7)

Aware that most mid-eastern cultures have a disdain for the feet, and many still do today, to say the feet are beautiful, is a huge jump in gratitude for what the message the feet bring to the weary heart. And it’s not only the feet themselves that disgust, but also even shoes as they come off the feet. There was a video where one such mid-eastern man in our time threw one of his sandals at President Bush (43) during his presentation.  The alert President saw it coming and ducked. Though the sandal would not have caused physical harm, it was the fact that it was removed from the foot that made it vile.

Therefore, when we read “how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger…”, we know the message is more than just important, it is life changing!  Through my Christian lens, I recall the foot washing performed by Jesus in the Gospel of John chapter 13. In my mind, Jesus made their feet beautiful for the journey of announcing the Good News.  How beautiful are your feet today?  Carry the Good News to someone today, your work and message will be life-changing for that person.

Today is the Day we remember the Annunciation of our Lord Jesus at the Temple.

The birth of our Lord Jesus was, and is, also life changing and picks up from the Temple in Jerusalem at his Annunciation, the Purification for the price of two doves. They were poor.

From the Gospel of Luke we read: “When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:39 and 40)

Mary and Joseph had made their trip to the Temple in Jerusalem for the Presentation of their child as was the requirement of the Law of Moses, the fulfillment of the Law. There they met Simeon and Anna, the full representation of the Law (Simeon), and the prophets (Anna). And, then they went back to Galilee for God was now doing something new and changing humanity forever!

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 4^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalms 56 and 57; PM Psalms 64 and 65;
Isaiah 51:17to 23; Galatians 4:1to11; Mark 7:24to37

“But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.” (Mark 7:28 to 30)

The mother was not an Israelite. Once again our Lord Jesus made it clear that the blessings and grace of God are inclusive.  They are for all people regardless of biology or gender.

For the mother’s part, she had to step down from any notion of not being Jewish to believing that God in this Jesus person could, and would, help her if she believed strong enough.

So the same is true for us today. Although  Judaism is a faith that may be predominately made of a certain ethnicity, it is still a faith. This faith that originated with Father Abraham, went down to Egypt, and back again to the Promised Land, now called the Holy Land by many people of Judeo-Christian Faith. But it is still a faith, not a race. None of humanity is a race as far as I am concerned. And I know that I am pretty much alone with this understanding. I’m okay with this.

We humans still have demons. Labels of race are demonic.  All of us are the dogs under the table. We await our food in faith. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Part 1 of 2

Daily Office Readings for Sunday of the 4^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalms 24 and 29; PM Psalms 8 and 84;
Isaiah 51:9to16; Hebrews 11:8to16; John 7:14to31

“The Jews were astonished at it, saying, ‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ (John 7:15)

This Daily Office reading from the Gospel of John and the one from our Eucharistic Reading for today from the Gospel of Mark, both speak of our Lord Jesus teaching and how amazing his teaching was.  In my observation, Jesus teaches and heals. Teaching and healing is the totality of his ministry.  It is the teachings of Jesus however that can be passed from generation to generation. We still learn from the lessons of our Lord Jesus.

Part 2 of 2

Eucharistic Readings for Sunday of the 4^th Week of Epiphany: Year B

Deuteronomy 18:15to20; Psalm 111; 1st Corinthians 8:1to13; Mark 1:21to28

“Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:21and 22)

Jesus taught and healed.  For the most part teaching is for the mind and healing was for the body although there are exceptions.  In the case of demons or mental illness healing can also be for the mind.

It is the teachings of Jesus that can be passed from generation to generation.

The two big lessons from Jesus are 1. To love God and 2.To love everybody.   

We begin this loving practice by loving God with all that we are. Then we spread our love out to our family, our neighbors and the world.  Our goal is to follow Jesus’ teachings to love both God and all people.

If we fail at one, we fail at both. If this makes you squirm, it may be because it is laden with truth.

The lessons of our Lord Jesus are not for the faint of heart. But we can do this if we try. These lessons are truly amazing! And, they do not require a formal education. Just live and love.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 55; PM Psalms 138 and 139:1 to 17;
Isaiah 51:1 to 8; Galatians 3:23to29; Mark 7:1to23

“Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.” (Isaiah 51:1 and 2)

Perhaps this is what John the Baptist meant when he said God can raise children to Abraham from stones” (Matthew 3:9).  In my own pursuit of righteousness I am a continuous work in progress.  I am being hewn from a rough cut stone to one that, I pray, will fit well in God’s structure.

Today I am enjoying the Sabbath. Even in writing this blog I contemplate the wonderful mysteries of God. I like thinking about the relationship that Abraham had, or has, with God. I like thinking about the relationship the writers of Isaiah have with God. I ponder my own connection with God in Christ Jesus. I am thankful for how far I have come but also looking forward to where I want to go.  How far I want to go probably has no end except to be with God.  I ponder what that might be like.

I invite you to join me in the pursuit of righteousness.  Join me in seeking the Lord.  We do this by our God-given faith.  We believe and we behave in accordance with our faith.  Let us relax today and read articles and literature that strengthens our faith.  Let us listen to hymns and maybe have conversation with like minded believers, not as an act of work, but as a pleasant assurance.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 40 and  54; PM Psalm 51;
Isaiah 50:1to11; Galatians 3:15to 22; Mark 6:47to56

“The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.  Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.”  (Isaiah 50:4)

I truly feel that the pastor-teacher gift is one that God has given to me.  However, I know that to teach one has to first know and do.  People who have taught me actually lived what they taught. I too have lived many of life’s experiences, the good and the bad.

As I do my Daily Office, my morning prayers, I get a sense of Isaiah’s words where he says, “Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.” As I hear God I ponder what really speaks to me and then I share it as in teaching with this blog.

This daily practice is life changing. I have learned to respect the Sabbath now and look forward to my Sabbath reflective time.  This blog itself is another of many modifications in my life where God has, and is acting in my life. I exercise daily, I have re-enrolled in piano class again and much more. I share all this as I use my life as a teaching tool and an example of how God is always with us, coaching us to be in union with God for the benefit of our communities.

Having the tongue of a teacher is fine but must be lived as well. If you are weary, I pray my words and the sharing of my life is sustaining for you. Even as I get older God keeps me active. We should remember where we have been, but always look ahead to where we are going. Just as I teach, I also submit to being taught. We all need each other and God who wakens our ear to listen as those who are taught.

For this evening: Shabbat Shalom

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 50; PM Psalm [59, 60] or 118;
Isaiah 49:13to23; Galatians 3:1to14; Mark 6:30to46

“Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:6 and 7)

So Abraham is our spiritual ancestor.  And, as I have said on many blogs, our ancestry is not genetically based. Abraham is our spiritual ancestor. We have heard it said that blood is thicker than water. But I say that spirit is thicker than even blood. While blood flows through veins and arteries, the Spirit of God “absorbs” us. We become immersed in the spirit.

God told Abram (before God re-named him Abraham), “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).  This blessing is one of belief.  Abraham is blessed and is a blessing to a multitude of nations.

 As we believe in God, we behave differently. All people of faith are children to Abraham.  Just as I shared yesterday about what John the Baptist told the Pharisees, “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham” (Matthew 3:9).  So too, we, you and I, are those stones.  We are not of a certain blood type, save the blood of our Lord Jesus shared in His cup. We are the family of faith through believing. I will again close with one of my favorite prayers found on page 289 of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer: Let us Pray:

“O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Also,  today we remember St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Theologian 1274

“Thomas understood God’s disclosure of his Name, in Exodus 3:14, “I Am Who I Am,” to mean that God is Being, the Ultimate Reality from which everything else derives its being. The difference between God and the world is that God’s essence is to exist, whereas all other beings derive their being from him by the act of creation.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for January 28)

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 119:49 to 72; PM Psalm 49:
Isaiah 49:1 to 12; Galatians 2:11 to 21; Mark 6:13 to 29

“We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”  (Galatians 2:15 and 16)

This is where I fall out with Paul.  His language is tainted with a bias against non-Jews, even though he proclaims taking the Gospel to the Gentiles is his God-given call. Additionally, he apparently does not care for Peter and makes it known as publically as he can. How Christ-like is that? 

So for me, there are three things here to choose from. There is our biological make-up; there is the works we can do, that is, what we can achieve for ourselves; and, there is faith, pure and simple.

Insofar as genetics are concerned John the Baptist makes it very clear when many Pharisees and Sadducees came to him for Baptism. He must have felt their Abrahamic ancestral arrogance and he said to them, “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9)  God made all people, and all people are precious in God’s sight.

What we achieve, from theological understanding to market place commerce, can, if we are not careful, do us more harm than good. Paul himself as well as many religious zealots (of all faiths) have done horrible things in the Name of God. God works from love and charity. Any violent act to another human, with the possible exception of the defense of self and community, is sinful in God’s sight. As far as commerce is concerned, we would do well to remember the story of the rich young man (Mathew 19), or the rich ruler (Luke 18). The wealthy person asked about entering the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus told him that putting a check in each block of the law won’t do it if one’s heart is not charitable. He said further, sell what you have and give to the poor. And most importantly, Jesus invites him to “come and follow me.”  We could have had his name had he let go of his ego an accepted the invitation into the kingdom when invited.

Neither ancestry nor personal achievements will gain us any advancement towards God if we are not faithful to God. This faith must be love based and charitable. We all know the stories handed down through the prophets and saints. All we have to do is listen and heed.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalm 45; PM Psalms 47and 48;
Isaiah 48:12 to 21; Galatians 1:18 to 2:10; Mark 6:1 to 13

“Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the Churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, ‘The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.’  And they glorified God because of me.” (Galatians 1:21 to 24)

This is how Saul, now Paul, was identified. He was basically called, “the one who changed!”  Change can be good.  It is good if we evolve. Change is good if we get better, if we grow in good ways.

In my own personal life I have evolved in terms of what I believe about God, and about humanity. I have moved from believing God is some kind of anorexic Santa Clause sitting on a throne looking for places to deal out wrath.  I now believe that God is the Holy Spiritual presence that is continuously creating the universe and dwells within the same creation in love and kindness. I believe that God holds humanity in a special way and was pleased to dwell among us as one of us in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

About humanity, I believe we are all loved equally by God.  I believe we are doing ourselves a disservice by separating ourselves with the artificial categories of race, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, and language. These separations are silliness and sinful.

I have not always felt this way. I have evolved. I have been like Nicodemus who in the darkness of his mind came to see, and talk with, our Lord Jesus, and was changed forever (John chapter 3). Like Saul to Paul, I have had to let go of my old silliness and sinfulness and receive what God wants me to understand. I was filled with what my elders wanted me to think.

It is when we take some time to ourselves and ponder, that God visits us and gives us new insight into God’s divine relationship with us – a relationship in which we all belong to God and to one another, and one in which we all may grow and evolve.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1

AM Psalms 41 and 52; PM Psalm 44;
Isaiah 48:1 to 11; Galatians  1:1 to 17; Mark 5:21 to 43;

“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1: 11 and 12)

Today is the day we remember the Conversion of Saint Paul.  And while there are readings for his Conversion, the regular Daily Office Reading from Galatians works just as well.

But first, let us ponder about Paul’s acknowledgment that his understanding of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus did not come from human origin or was taught to him. 

He received the Gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ. I like calling this revelation a “Glimmer of Grace.”  This is the same way that the Apostle John received his revelation in which he told about and was later put to print; The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John” or just plain “Revelation,” the last recorded book in our Christian Bible. Many readers either don’t understand this book or just don’t like it.  I have read where Martin Luther, Theologian (1546), thought the book ought to be excluded. However, it was not.

Revelation from God in Christ Jesus is invaluable. Such revelation opens our minds far beyond anything we could learn on our own.

Such revelation was shared with Saul/Paul as he was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians and bring them captive back to Jerusalem. The Risen and Spiritual Jesus revealed to Paul his new ministry. This was Paul’s Conversion.

We too can have a conversion revelation. It will perhaps not be as dramatic as Paul’s was but life-changing none the less. All we need do is be attentive to our Lord Jesus moving in our lives. It might be good to have a positive attitude.  Try to do what you believe is the right thing. This is what Paul was doing although he was misguided. So, our Lord Jesus straightened him out and adjusted his path. Our Lord Jesus will do the same with us too. God sends people to us all the time with messages that even they are not aware of. You should be especially curious if you realize the same message coming to you three times in a short period of time. If you see the bush burning, go and check it out. God needs you and wants to co-create with you. You too will receive a Glimmer of Grace.

Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  John