Pondering for Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm 119:97 to 120;
Baruch 3:24 to 37; James 5:13 to 18; Luke 12:22 to 31:

Eve of Ascension: Evening, Psalm 68:1 to 20;
2nd  Kings 2:1 to 15; Revelation 5:1 to 14:

“He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.” (Psalm 68:20)

As we prepare to remember and celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus into Heaven tomorrow, we reflect today on God’s Presence with us in the person of the Resurrected Jesus.

The Resurrection itself, Easter, is the significant Christian event.  Our Lord Jesus came back to life after being put to death.  In his Resurrection many came to believe in him, this includes members of his family who formerly were not numbered among his disciples, his brother James to mention one.

The Resurrected Jesus visited with the apostles behind locked doors, and on paths to different towns, and even on the shore as they were fishing. Scripture informs us that there were many more times that he was present with different people that were not written in the scriptures. His Resurrected presence lasted for forty days, a little longer than a month. This living defeat of death sealed the faith of Christianity forever and eternity.

But the time came when our Lord Jesus would let us know that he will depart back to his eternal glory where he is preparing a place for all who both believe, and live out that belief, in the way they live their lives.  For more than a month Jesus has shown us that there is life after death. You and I will not be able to return to this world as he did but we will be among the family of the faithful who continue to walk in the love of God, and of one another, forever. We will do this because we have an awesome God. “He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.” (Psalm 68:20)

Today we remember Mechtild and John Calvin and their information may be found at: Mechtild of Magdeburg and John Calvin, respectively.

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. 226)

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;
Deuteronomy 8:11 to 20; James 1:16 to 27; Luke 11:1 to 13:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world,” (James 1:27).

It seems that in any pure and undefiled religion there is the humanitarian requirement to care for others, especially those who are stressed such as orphans and widows. Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all have the requirement to care for the needy. And, all can be pure and undefiled religions.

We who call ourselves Christians have our Lord Jesus as the divine example of pure and undefiled religion. Jesus was very attentive to the needs of the sick, the demon possessed, the blind, and all who were stressed in His earthly time, and ours today. And, our Lord Jesus responds to the needs of the people in ways that improve their lives. And he still does this today.

Now, let us not ignore the words, “to keep oneself unstained by the world.”  I don’t think this applies to the planet when James says “the world.” I think he means the people of the world. I have been around the planet six times while serving in the Marines. I have met good and bad people from all walks of life.  With many people that I have met, I could not speak their language and was unfamiliar with their traditions and customs. But through it all, there were good people trying to be as hospitable as they could; and, there were those, for whatever reason, only wanted to take advantage of me and others, and to be self-serving, hostile and unfriendly. I don’t know why.

I think if we attach our words from James for today with the words from the prophet Micah where he says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). This, coupled with the words from James, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world,” will guide any of us, of any religious stripe, to be the best persons we can be no matter where on the planet we live, or language we speak, or faith we profess. These words help us to stay unstained by the unfriendly and inhospitable people of the world. God made us all with the unlimited capacity to love one another. We just have to choose to do so.

Today we remember Bertha and Ethelbert, Queen and King of Kent (616)  and their information may be found at: Bertha & Ethelbert of Kent

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 of love and life, be with us daily as we strive to love and care for one another. Help us to avoid any meanness or inhospitality we witness in the world and change unloving behavior to that of loving kindness through Jesus Christ our divine example of life; Amen.

Pondering for Monday, May 26, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77:
Deuteronomy 8:1 to 10; James 1:1 to 15; Luke 9:18 to 27:

“He, [Jesus], said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.” (Luke 9: 20)

If I have said this once, I have said it at least fifty times, we say who Jesus is by the way we follow in is steps and mannerisms. We can give voice all day to who we think Jesus is. In fact, wars among Christians have been waged because of differences about who people understood our Lord Jesus to be.  Valuable resources went into military might, while people, especially mothers and orphans, of the warring countries were starving for the basic necessities of life. 

Some were saying that Jesus comes from the Father and is different from the Father, God Almighty.  The opposing view, is, that that our Lord Jesus is one and the same as God, being God Incarnate. So we Christians fought to the death about who Jesus is, forgetting that Jesus himself would not lift a finger in violence. Like the apostles of His day, we often still don’t get it.

If we really want to say who Jesus is we will do so in the way we conduct ourselves. Our Anglican, Episcopal Church says that our Lord Jesus is One with God and therefore God Incarnate.  Jesus says quite clearly of himself that “The Father and I are One;” (John 10: 30). Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah “of” God, not “from” God. But we should not fight about it. Nor should we insist that everyone who comes to our Communion rail believes the exact same thing.  Many good Christian works are done by professed Christians who don’t believe the way we do. And, that’s fine.

The question of “Who do you say that Jesus is?, is an important one in terms of how you live your life the way you do. This is a question of religious faith. It is a question of how your religion responds to the real needs of the world. For those of us on the Jesus path, it should not be heated arguments about the origins or essence of Jesus, but rather, what does he command us to do? He commands us to love one another as he loves us, all of us. About our religion, let us remember the words of James that will be coming to us tomorrow: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world,” (James 1:27).  More on this tomorrow.

Today we remember Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop and Missionary (May 26, 605) and his information may be found at: Augustine of Canterbury

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: (For the Human Family BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, May 25, 2025

One of two Eucharistic Gospel Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year C

From John 5:1-9

“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’(John 5:6)

For this man, over 2000 years ago, as well as for us today, this is a serious question.  Do we want to be made well?

Being made well first requires us to know that we are not well, and then want to be made well. We fall short. We can’t do the right thing as we should. We need help.

Today many of us still suffer from physical, psychological and spiritual ailments. And for many, even our most advanced technological medicines and treatments fall short of a cure.  But our Lord Jesus may still find a way to comfort us through our faith. The spiritual path is not one accessed through science or technology; but through prayer and faith. We first must personally realize that we need divine intervention. Jesus didn’t even use the healing waters that all were rushing to. Jesus was, and is, the healing waters.

Like the man in our Gospel, we so often want to blame others for our inability to do for ourselves. The sick man answered Jesus saying, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” How many times do we hear, at many levels, that some policy or procedure prevented me from achieving success?  We use race, gender, sexual orientation, language, national origin, criminal past and other excuses to satisfy our comfort of not trying to make it. No matter what, we should go to the Lord, and with our Lord, spiritually stand up, take up our mat and walk.

It is only when someone who has given-in to any form of addiction, and finally wants help, that such a person seeks real help. Wanting help is, wanting to be made well. Jesus helps. Jesus helps through any of many rehabilitation programs, but mainly, through faith. Jesus said to him, and to us today “Stand up, take our mat and walk.”

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: (For the Sixth Sunday of Easter BCP p. 225)

 O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, May 24, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
Wisdom 19:1 to 8 and18 to 22; Romans 15:1 to 13; Luke 9:1 to 17:

“For there were about five thousand men.  And he said to his disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’ They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled.” (Luke 9: 14 to 17)

 I can remember asking my bishop, when I was about to graduate from seminary, to consider me for a small parish.  I felt most comfortable in small parishes. My sending parish, St. Christopher’s, Havelock, North Carolina, was such a small parish. It is easier to get to know all the members if it’s not a “mega” church, (five thousand members).  Of course, the financing is more challenging, especially with the Episcopal Church’s compensation package.  None the less, the five loaves and two fish of the small parish were sufficient to pass on to other groups of fifty totaling over 5 thousand over time. And, there will be leftovers.

My supervisor during my field education while at seminary had a painting of the Lord’s Supper with a room full of people. Yes, the apostles were there, but so were other people also, other men, women and children. It was both solemn and celebratory.  I would love to have that painting or one like it. It suggests that while the apostles were present, they were not the only ones there, some disciples were present also. You and I were there also. For me, this painting doesn’t dispute the Bible, it tells the greater truth.

Our Lord Jesus teaches us to not look at the greatness of the five thousand or the littleness of the five loaves, but rather, to focus on the groups of fifty. We will get to the five thousand, fifty at a time. We will take them, bless them and dismiss them back into the outer community to further spread the word of the Kingdom of God.  Herein lies the fourfold points of Communion.  Our Lord Jesus Took, Blessed, Broke, and Gave to us the different pieces of blessings.  For us to be whole and holy, we must come together again and again, reuniting what is blessed in the hands of our Lord.

This distribution and making whole and holy is much easier done in smaller groups, say fifty or so.  We should come together weekly in remembrance of our Lord Jesus asking us to be seated in groups of about fifty. When we see members of our “family of fifty” outside of the parish, we know them, and are glad to see them.  We don’t worry about how little we have; we celebrate how much we love.  What a great parish.  What a great plan. What a great Lord and Leader.

Today we remember Jackson Kemper, Bishop, Missionary (May 24, 1870) and his information may be found at: Jackson Kemper

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. 834)

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, May 23, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 106:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 106:19 to 48;
Wisdom 16:15 to17:1; Romans 14:13 to 23; Luke 8:40 to 56:

“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”  (Luke 8:48)

While Jesus was on his way to help Jairus’ daughter, he was touch by a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years.  This was an unintended healing. But more than that, this was an unexpected opportunity. I struggle with this term, “unexpected opportunity.”  If I didn’t see it coming, and it wasn’t planned for, how can it be an opportunity? Well, Jesus teaches me how to handle unexpected opportunities.

It was an opportunity for Jesus to show that we already have it within ourselves, to heal ourselves. It is our faith.  Jesus tells her (and us), that our faith makes us well. But we must realize that this woman “acted” on her faith. She got past those who were guarding Jesus; she let go of norms about touching a man she doesn’t know. She followed her faith against all odds to find healing.

I now realize that not only did Jesus show me how to deal with unexpected opportunities, The woman did also. What an unexpected opportunity to have our Lord Jesus come by when all other healings have failed.  Now she, and we, have to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity and do something. She did, and we should.  First, we must realize that our Lord Jesus is near us in our prayers.  It is through the faith that is implanted in us that our prayers go forth and touch Jesus. We must drop any, and all thoughts that inhibit our faith impulse to pray.  The faith that is in us will heal us.

Now is the time to expect the unexpected. Now is the time to make ourselves aware of the presence of our Savior and get close enough to touch him. As we approach our Sabbath downtime today, let us ponder about the healing faith that is in us. Let us reflect on the approach of Jesus in our lives and then be bold enough to prayerfully reach out to Him. Then, we too, “ may go in peace.”

Today we remember Nicholas Copernicus and Johannes Kepler, Astronomers, 1543 and 1630, and their information may be found at: Nicholas Copernicus & Johannes Kepler

“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: (For use by a sick person for healing: BCP p. 461).

O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Thursday, May 22, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 71; Evening, Psalm 74;
Wisdom 14:27 to 15:3; Romans 14:1 to 12; Luke 8:26 to 39;

“But you, our God, are kind and true, patient, and ruling all things in mercy.  For even if we sin we are yours, knowing your power; but we will not sin, because we know that you acknowledge us as yours.” (Wisdom 15: 1 and 2)

We are the Lord’s; living or dead, we are the Lords. This writer brings out some points that I am thankful for, and at least one point that I am not so sure about.

I believe that God is kind and true, patient, and ruling all things in mercy.  In fact, I am counting on it; especially the mercy part.  I know that when the Bible writers say “all things,” it means all people.  The two words that really stand out for me are “kind,” and “mercy.”  I think the words are related. One who is kind is perhaps also merciful. I hope so.  Maybe in our being created in God’s Image, we too have the capacity to be kind and merciful?

The one point that I am not so sure about of our reading for today is, “we will not sin, because we know that you acknowledge us as yours.”  I will try hard not to sin. But I can’t guarantee that I will not sin.  I am however glad that God acknowledges us as God’s own.  This theme is shared in our Roman’s reading for today; “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”  (Romans 14: 7 and 8)  Yes, we are the Lord’s.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

I think our perspective about life changes once we realize that we live in the kindness and mercy of God. God is our Alfa and our Omega; our beginning and our end. But our end can be eliminated. We, all things, have an invitation to be with our Creator, in paradise, forever, in Christ Jesus. The beginning of the response to accept this invitation is to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)  It all gets back to kindness and mercy.

We are created in love, to love. Kindness and mercy shows God the love in us that God is looking for in all people.  When is the last time that you have had a chance to show kindness and mercy?  When is the last time that you have actually done so? These are two different questions. You may not even think about the opportunities you have had to be kind and merciful.  Sin can slip in on us so easily.  Our life perspective shifts when we are attentive to the opportunities presented to us to be kind and merciful. We need to be attentive to such times.  As we watch for such times, God is watching us.

Today we remember Helena of Constantinople, protector of the Holy Places, (330) and her information may be found at: Helena of Constantinople

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 Lord our God, who is always kind and merciful, help us we pray, to emulate Your kindness and mercy as we engage one another daily. Help us to be patient with one another in order that we might truly listen to each other without judgment, and then show others, and You O lord, our kindness and mercy. In Your most holy Name we pray, Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73 to 96;
Wisdom 13:1-9; Romans13:1 to14; Luke 8:16 to 25:

“For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.” (Wisdom of Solomon 13:5)

The writer of Wisdom speaks about the people who look at created things, the sun, the moon, the stars, various living creatures and suppose them to be gods.  But the Wisdom writer informs us that created things and beings are “a corresponding perception of their Creator.”  They are not to be worshiped but to be appreciated and reminders to us that there is a Creator of all things and beings.

Several years ago our parish put on a play as a fund raiser in honor of our fiftieth anniversary.  Our now Senior Warden directed the play. She was not in the play, but everything we, the actors, did was in accordance with her instruction.  Our work on the stage was the evidence, a corresponding perception, of her leadership. Yet, no one saw her, she stayed out of sight, in the back of the room.

Everything we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and smell with our nose is evidence that God exist. That all things are still held together is further evidence that God is still holding all creation together.

Our earth is so beautiful. The earth is full of color, with more varieties of life than anyone can imagine. Yet, God knows the whales and the mosquitoes by their names. I must admit that I don’t appreciate all creatures the same (mosquitoes in particular).  But God has seen to it that this earth has both beauty and balance. This earth functions as a life support system for all its inhabitants.

We are neither accident nor a random occurrence in space. We were created on purpose over time and in accordance with God’s plan in which we evolved. I have met people who show particular interest in one part of creation or another. Some people favor marine life, whales and such.  Some people favor spiders and tarantulas. Personally, I like to study the great apes, Gorillas, Gibbons, Orangutans, and Chimpanzees. Other people favor various kinds of plants or trees. I think it is good to enjoy and appreciate created things and beings. But let us not forget the Creator, who is not seen but rather, standing out of sight, in the back of the room.  It’s probably not a bad idea to regularly give thanks to the Creator for all creation.  This is the One in whom we all still live and move and have our being.

Today we remember John Eliot, Missionary to the American Indians (May 21, 1690) and his information may be found at: John Eliot

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: For Knowledge of God’s Creation (BCP p. 827)

Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 61 and 62; Evening,  Psalm 68;
Wisdom 10:1 to 21; Romans 12:1 to 21; Luke 8:1 to 15

“Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,”  (Luke 8: 1 and 2)

This is a very important writing from the Gospel according to Luke as it tells us something about how Mary Magdalene was liberated from seven demons.  This casting out of demons explains her sorrow at the death of our Lord Jesus and why she was crying at his tomb in the Gospel of John, chapter 20.

The life of Jesus goes from Herod to Herod; from Joseph his earthly father to Joseph of Arimathaea; from John the Baptist to John the apostle; and from Mary his mother to Mary Magdalene. Our Lord Jesus connects us around him and we come out better after him; our Lord Jesus is God’s plan for us and for our salvation.

While I have named the various to-and-from people of Jesus’ life, our Wisdom of Solomon  reading for today from the Apocrypha of the Bible will cause us to ponder even more deeply about who the writher is talking about.  Some hints would be Adam, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Most of these people followed where God led them. Cain of course, ignored the caution to watch his behavior and what he was thinking. And as a result, he killed his brother.

The bottom line is this; God is still connecting with us on all sides. All we have to do is open our hearts and minds to see what God is doing in our very presence. God in Christ Jesus is still casting out demons and helping us to get rid of bad thoughts. Our Lord Jesus will give us back to our true selves as he did for Mary Magdalene.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Alcuin, Deacon, Scholar and Abbot of Tours (May 20, 804) and his information may be found at: Alcuin

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 All Mighty and All Loving God, as You go before us and after us, and the Presence of the Incarnate One is with us, please lead us and guide us from all false choices in direction and thought. And, enable us to listen and heed Your divine guidance through Your Holy Presence; Amen.

Pondering for Monday, May 19, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Easter: Year 1

Morning,  Psalms 56 and 57,  Evening,  Psalms 64 and 65;
Wisdom 9:1, 7 to 18; Colossians (3:18 to 4:1), 2 to 18; Luke 7:36 to 50:

“Who has learned your counsel, unless you have given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high?” (Wisdom 9:17)

While attending a Systematic Theology class at Virginia Theological Seminary we received a lecture on St. Thomas Aquinas.  St Thomas Aquinas wrote volumes on the proofs of God and of the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

On this occasion, as the lecture was closing, I noticed several students making their way towards the instructor.  I followed on the chance that I might learn something. I heard from the Systematic Theology teacher that all of the volumes of St Thomas could not compare with one small glimmer of revelation from the Holy Spirit of God. This was a powerful moment for me. I realized that God can, and will, give us a revelation that we, or at least I, would not be able to put into words.

In our life search for God, it is not our job to “figure God out.”  No, we must only believe in God and create a space within our souls for God to gift us with revelation.   “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is so high that I cannot attain to it.” (Psalm 139)  Not only that, Anselm (Arch Bishop (April 21 1109), says that we should be faith seeking understanding. He says we must first believe in order that we might later understand.  Also, another deep thinking contemporary theologian says, “It is not the task of Christianity to provide easy answers to every question, but to make us progressively aware of a mystery.  God is not so much the object of our knowledge as the cause of our wonder.” These are the words of Kallistos Ware. All of these point to the human need to ponder about the mystery of God.

Many denominations want to first understand the scriptures in order that they might then believe. I think this is putting the cart before the horse. But even after our Lord Jesus had taught his disciples all about the Law of Moses and the Prophets they couldn’t understand. It was not until the Resurrected Jesus opened their minds; “Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,” (Luke 24:45).  We can’t understand God without God. We must learn to pray for help.

While I disagree with much of our Colossians readings for today, I will agree with the instruction to pray at the beginning of chapter 4. The writer says to, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:1)

Today we remember Dustan of Canterbury, Monk and Archbishop (May 19, 988) and his information may be found at: Dunstan

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:

Most Holy Lord God, Creator of all that is, and knower of all secrets, enable us dear Lord to be able to receive Your Truths, revealed only as necessary to build up and sustain our communities in order that Your will for us, will be done on earth, as in heaven. Amen.