onewhoponders

Readings for Antony Abbot in Egypt, 356 January 17

1 Peter 5:6-11  Psalm 91  Mark 10:17-22

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money^* to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”  (Mark 10: 21 – 22)

I have often pondered about the rich young man who rejected Jesus’ invitation to “come, follow me.”  He could have had his name mentioned among the apostles.  As it is, I have only seven actual invitees among those named as apostles in spite of the Bible naming twelve. They are, Simon and Andrew – Matthew 4:18 – 20, John and James – Matthew 4: 21 – 22, Matthew (AKA Levi) Matthew 9:9, and then Philip – John 1:43, and Nathaniel – John 1: 50 – 51.  So this rich young man could have been named and among them. Antony, who we remember today, looked at the mistake the rich young man made and changed his way of living.

“In the third century, many young men turned away from the corrupt and decadent society of the time, and went to live in deserts or on mountains, in solitude, fasting, and prayer. Antony of Egypt was an outstanding example of this movement, but he was not merely a recluse. He was a founder of monasticism, and wrote a rule for anchorites.”  (Great Cloud of Witnesses for January 17)

The most important point to note here is that Antony is credited as the founder of Monasticism. While there have been many who built on the idea of monasticism, Antony got it started.

“Antony’s parents were Christians, and he grew up to be quiet, devout, and meditative. When his parents died, he and his younger sister were left to care for a sizable estate. Six months later, in church, he heard the reading about the rich young ruler whom Christ advised to sell all he had and give to the poor. Antony at once gave his land to the villagers and sold most of his goods, giving the proceeds to the poor. Later, after meditating on Christ’s bidding, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow,” he sold what remained of his possessions, placed his sister in a “house of maidens,” and became an anchorite (solitary ascetic).” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for January 17)

If we permit it, Bible stories can change us – improve us.  I use the word “Ponder” because of Luke’s (NRSV translation) explanation of Mary’s Pondering in her heart. “But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” (Luke 1:29) and “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19) Mary was no ordinary person. She was handpicked by God to parent the God-child, perhaps because of her loving heart.

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 in the Week of the First Sunday after the Epiphany: Year 2

Psalm 18:1-20; Psalm 18:21-50 Gen. 4:17-26; Heb. 3:1-11; John 1:43-51

“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today,  if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors put me to the test,  though they had seen my works”  (Hebrews 3:7 – 9)

Today if you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.  I think it takes a minute do discern where the internal voice is coming from.  We can call it conscience, or in my case, pondering or whatever.  The point from the Hebrews reading is that we need to at least discern the source of the voice.

I have found that listening deeply requires me to check my emotions.  I have to ask myself how am I feeling.  Am I disturbed about something?  Am I nervous about something?  I must also ask myself if I am overjoyed about anything.  All of these moods or emotions could alter what the Spirit is saying to us.  Such clearing of the mind requires contemplation, meditation and often just sitting quietly alone.  I recall the words of Blaise Pascal who said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.  I modified his words to read, “All of humanity’s problems stem from a person’s refusal to sit quietly in a room alone.

Aside from the gender inclusion I want to acknowledge that it is not so much an inability to sit alone but our flat out refusal to do so.  I think this is the hardness of heart that the Holy Spirit warns against.  You should try it.  Sometimes we just need to shut everything off and be still. And yes, know that God is God.(Psalm 46:10)

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

Today is the Alternative Day to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Readings for Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader and Martyr, 1968

Exodus 3:7-12 Psalm 77:11-20 Luke 6:27-36

“Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings” (Exodus 3: 7)

In many places in the Bible we can read about stories where God’s ears hears tears.  God finds a way to come to the rescue of people in trouble.  Such was true with Moses going back to Egypt to free his people, the Israelites, from Pharaoh. And such was the case of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicating his life for the equality of dark skinned people in America. I say “dark skinned” people because I personally don’t believe in “race.”  I think race is a human construct that God laughs at.  God doesn’t believe in race and neither should we.

Dr King was passionate about his call for justice for all people.  It is reported that he once said that “If a man can’t find something he is willing to die for, he is not fit to live.”  Indeed he did die while raising the awareness of underpaid sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee regardless of their skin complexion.  This fairness was something he believed in and was willing to die for.

How about us?  What are we willing to die for?  So often the “what” is changed to “who.”  Many of us will proclaim who we are willing to die for, a spouse, a child, a parent or a friend.   But what about an idea, – a concept of freedom, equality and justice for all people?  As Episcopalians we proclaim in our Baptismal Covenant that we “Will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” (BCP 305)  I think Dr King lived into what we profess. He did more than just lip service to an old, regularly recited covenant. He was fit to live because he found freedom, liberty and justice for all people as valid reasons to die for.

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

Readings for Tuesday in the Week of the First Sunday after the Epiphany: Year 2

Psalm 5, 6; Psalm 10, 11 Gen. 3:1-24; Heb. 2:1-10; John 1:19-28

“John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know.”  (John 1: 26)

We don’t always know who is in our midst.  I wonder if John made eye contact with Jesus as he said the words “Among you stands one whom you do not know.”  John knew Jesus, it is said that they were cousins.

Knowing someone is more than just knowing who their relatives are, their parents, siblings and so forth. Knowing a person implies, at some level you know what they like and dislike, what they value and their preferences of foods, music, habits and hobbies.  In the case of our Lord Jesus, it also means you know He is God Incarnate.  No one in the crowd knew that about our Lord Jesus except for Cousin John.

I have been around some of my friends for a very long time only to find out that when a certain issue came up, they surprised me with how they acted.  Then I realized that I didn’t really know them at all.  So when John says “Among you stands one whom you do not know,” he’s right. But let’s not confuse knowing a person with knowing “of” a person.  Sometimes it’s good to know something about a person in order to know how close you want to be with them.  The more similar attitudes you both have about various subjects the closer you become.  But even with this, I like to be close with people who differ with me in some areas.  I always want to hear an opposing view point. It keeps me honest. It may even cause me to shift in my pondering as I hear what the Spirit is saying to me.  We don’t mature if we stay stagnated with people of the same mind.

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 in the Week of the First Sunday after the Epiphany: Year 2

Psalm 1, 2, 3; Psalm 4, 7 Gen. 2:4-9(10-15)16-25; Heb. 1:1-14; John 1:1-18

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

It is perhaps difficult if not impossible for us to wrap our minds around all matter and all life being created through the Property of God we now call our Lord Jesus.  This message is also reflected in John’s Gospel as he writes, “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.” (John 1:3).

So God creates and maintains the universe through our Lord Jesus who walked among us to model for us how we should live in creation with one another. I believe we humans have three missions in life. First we are assigned as caretakers of the earth.  Second, we must recognize that we live in covenant relationship with one another for the purpose of being co-maintainers of the earth. And lastly, we are to ever strive to develop and maintain our faithful connection with the Creator, “Our Father in Heaven.”

The more I ponder these things the more focused I am able to be about our call to exist and do the work God has put before us. God has made a Grandfather clock and has put us here to wind it ever so often. Yes, we may use it to mark the time, but we also must keep it running. This clock is not just for ourselves.  The rhythms of the musical chimes are the living pulse of all in the house.   If we don’t keep it going, it will shut down. Let those who have ears listen.

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

Eucharistic Readings for the First Sunday after the Epiphany Year A

Isaiah 42:1-9Psalm 29Acts 10:34-43Matthew 3:13-17

“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: 15)

So Jesus comes to John to be baptized and John has second thoughts. But Baptism is in many ways like crucifixion, you must be handed over into the hands of others for it to be done to you. One does not baptize one’s self.  It is in this way we are communal.  We need, and must have others in whom we place ourselves. This then, according to our Lord Jesus, fulfills all righteousness.

“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” (Matthew 3: 16) 

This coming up out of the water has been interpreted in at least two ways.  It could mean that as he was pushed beneath the surface of the water (full emersion) and that his face being brought back above the surface on the way up; or , it could mean as he was stepping back up on the bank, out of the water where he knelt while John took water in his hands and lifted it over Jesus’ head. Either way, baptism is baptism.  My most memorable baptism was also in the Jordan where almost 50 Christian clergy were on tour to the Holy Land.  That water was really cold!

 In Matthew’s Gospel we hear the voice of God speaking to us, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”” (Matthew 3: 17)  The voice doesn’t say “You” as if speaking to Jesus directly.  The voice informs us that this is our Lord Jesus and that God is so pleased with him.

Baptism is one of two Holy Sacraments for Christians, the other being Holy Communion.  In accordance with the Canons of our Church one must be baptized before receiving Communion.  This makes One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins the preeminent sacrament. I personally believe that even after the water stops moving over us, the Holy Spirit continues moving over us always.

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, Week of the Second Sunday after Christmas: Year 2

Psalm 148, 150  Psalm 91, 92 Isa. 55:3-9  Col 3:1-17  John 14:6-14

“Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.” (Psalm 148:1)

Today being Saturday, I can’t help but compare the similarity of Psalm 148 with the recommended canticle for today, Canticle 12;   A Song of Creation  Benedicite, omnia opera Domini Song of the Three Young Men, found on pages 88 to 90 of the Book of Common Prayer. (BCP)

It starts out with the Incarnation: “Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever. In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, * praise him and highly exalt him for ever.” 

And just like Psalm 148 Canticle 12 takes us through the mystery and magic and love of God.

They both start with The Cosmic Order. This is about God creating the universe and all that is in it.

Then they both speak of The Earth and its Creatures.  I can’t help but recall that “At [God’s] command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.” (p. 370 BCP)

Then both Psalm 148 and Canticle 12 talk about The People of God. I recall that it was after God brought this earth into being that we were put here as caretakers of this place.  Maybe God was upset that the dinosaurs went extinct, so God placed “managers” here to ensure that kind of thing doesn’t happen again. 

At this writing koala bears and other marsupials of Australia are suffering from horrible fires ravaging the continent.  There are koala bears actually coming to people to get water and other forms of care in order to survive.   That’s why we are here, to care for God’s creatures. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Then the Canticle closes with the Doxology: Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; praise him and highly exalt him for ever. In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, praise him and highly exalt him for ever.

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, Week of the Second Sunday after Christmas: Year 2

Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23)  Psalm 147 Jer. 23:1-8  Col. 2:8-23  John 10:7-17

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.   ” (John 10: 16)

Our Lord Jesus informs them (and us) that there are more than one path to the Jesus movement.  While Christianity is good it is necessary for all Christians to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Several times our Lord Jesus identifies himself as the I AM.  He says I AM the Gate. And he says I AM the Good Shepherd. This is how God identified God’s Self to Moses: I AM. Our Lord Jesus is both the Way in, and the Way out, of this world.  He is this as the Gate, the Gate to eternal life.

But also, Our Lord Jesus is our Guide as the Good Shepherd.  Our Lord Jesus leads us through the difficulties of life.  He does not always remove them or get rid of them, but rather he accompanies us through them. My dad used to tell me that when the going gets rough, the rough get going. Jesus is rough enough to get us to and through the rough places in our lives.  And he does this in all loving paths of the Christian life. 

We must all keep our Methodist brothers and sisters in our prayers as they go through a rough time in the life of their Church.  We Episcopalians have been there. We are all the “other sheep” that will be part of the same flock under One Good and Wonderful Shepherd. 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

Readings for Julia Chester Emery, Lay Leader and Missionary (9 January 1922)

Psalm 67 Romans 12:6-13  Mark 10:42-45

“Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.” (Psalm 67:2)

Surely these words were imbedded in the heart of Julia Chester Emery whom we remember today.  She “was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on September 24, 1852. In 1876 she succeeded her sister, Mary, as Secretary of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Board of Missions, which had been established by the General Convention in 1871.  During the forty years she served as Secretary, Julia helped the Church to recognize its call to proclaim the gospel both at home and overseas. Her faith, her courage, her spirit of adventure, and her ability to inspire others combined to make her a leader respected and valued by the whole Church.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for January 9, 2020)

We never know what our Christian dedication will amount to as we live into letting God’s ways being known upon the earth.  “Through her leadership a network of branches of the Woman’s Auxiliary was established which shared a vision of and a commitment to the Church’s mission. An emphasis on educational programs, a growing recognition of social issues, development of leadership among women, and the creation of the United Thank Offering are a further part of the legacy Julia left to the Church when she retired in 1916. In 1921, the year before she died, on January 9, 1922, the following appeared in the Spirit of Missions: “In all these enterprises of the Church, no single agency has done so much in the last half-century to further the Church’s Mission as the Woman’s Auxiliary.” Much of that accomplishment was due to the creative spirit of its Secretary for forty of those fifty years, Julia Chester Emery.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for January 9, 2020)

So those little blue UTO boxes were brought into existence from the heart Julia Emery.  I doubt this is what she set out to do.  She just allowed the Holy Spirit to lead her.  The same is true for all of us. We don’t have to be from a strong religious biological family.  If we are Christian, we are members of a strong spiritual family. All we need to do is listen and follow. And you too can make this world a better place.

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

Readings for Harriet Bedell: January 8

Romans 16:1-2  Psalm 96:1-7  Matthew 5:1-12

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon^* of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.” (Romans 16:1-2)

Today we remember the Reverend Harriet Bedell, Deacon in God’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church.  Paul shares his appreciation of the work of Phoebe, a deacon in his time.  The work of a deacon too often goes unappreciated.

“Harriet Bedell was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 19, 1875. Inspired by an Episcopal missionary, she enrolled as a student at the New York Training School for Deaconesses, where she was instructed in religion, missions, teaching, and hygiene. She then became a missionary-teacher among the Cheyenne at the Whirlwind Mission in Oklahoma. In 1916, Bedell was sent to Stevens Village, Alaska, where she was finally set apart as a deaconess in 1922. She also served as a teacher and nurse at St. John’s in the Wilderness at Allakaket, just 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle, from which she sometimes traveled by dogsled to remote villages. During her last years in Alaska, Bedell opened a boarding school.” (Great Cloud of Witness for January 8)

I have come to realize that the way you can tell a call is from God is that it is often inconvenient, will cost you your time and money and makes you uncomfortable.  It will benefit someone or persons outside of your group and you will receive no observable reward.  Thank You Jesus. But you will know without a doubt that it is what God wants of you.

“In 1932, hearing about the plight of the Seminoles in Florida, Bedell used her own salary to reopen a mission among the Mikasuki Indians. There, she worked to revive some of their traditional crafts: doll making, basket-weaving, and intricate patchwork designs…..Active into her eighties, Deaconess Bedell drove an average of 20,000 miles per year during her ministry.” (Great Cloud of Witness for January 8)

“Bedell emphasized health and education rather than religious conversion in her work with the Seminoles; their spiritual and physical comfort was more important to her than religious conversion, and her work and friendship with the Seminoles of Florida reflected those values.” (from the Florida Memory Project http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Bedell.htm)

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