onewhoponders

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

Morning, Psalms 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; Evening, Psalm 119:121-144
Isaiah 63:15-64:9; 1 Tim. 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12

“So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. (Mark 11:33)

This response comes from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders after they discussed among themselves about how to answer Jesus about who they say John the Baptist is. Jesus answers them realizing that they knew but were refusing to answer truthfully as he says, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’

However, he does tell them in a parable who he is and they realize it was against them and they were angry. Too often we look at people and not see what God is doing through them. Sometimes we do this because we know something about the person and decide that God “could not” or “would not” use such a one. The truth is, we know nothing about what God is doing in our very midst. If we say God can’t use a certain person, we are not limiting the person, we are limiting God. I believe God will use any person to do anything God wants for the benefit of community. And sometimes, even without their willingness, like in the story of Jonah. But more often than not, God will use dedicated believers like you and me to do or say what needs to be said or done. Thank you Lord 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: (words from Eucharistic Prayer C) (BCP p. 372)

Lord God of our Fathers; God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalms 97, 99, [100]; Evening, Psalm 94;

Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18 to 2:8; Mark 11:12-26

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)

In the NRSV translation that I study there is no verse 26, but there is in other translations.

I don’t know if I have ever taken the time to dedicate a whole prayer to the forgiveness of others.

Most of the time it kind of just fits in, like in the Lord’s Prayer…”and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us.”  Amidst elongated requests I stick in there a request for the forgiveness of some transgression I have committed and maybe (though rarely) to forgive someone who transgressed against me or others.

I am getting from this verse of Mark that it would probably be a good idea to stop and deliberately pray for the forgiveness of someone who has wronged me.  That’s a tough call.  I would have to ask myself “do I really want to forgive this person or persons?”  And further, “Do I want God to forgive them?”  “Are they asking for forgiveness?”  So much to ponder about.  I don’t think Jesus cares; He just says to forgive if you have anything against anyone. Come on Jesus, you are making this Christianity hard.  Okay, Thank You Jesus.

Today we remember Martin Luther, Pastor and Reformer (February 18, 1546) and his information may be found at: Martin Luther.

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 Prisons and Correctional Institutions (BCP p.826)

Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalm 89:1-18; Evening, Psalm 89:19-52;
Isaiah 63:1-6; 1^st Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11:

“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.” (Psalm 89: 1 and 2 NRSV)

In this NRSV translation of these verses of Psalm 89 the common theme is “steadfast love,” and the dedication of the Psalmist to forever proclaim his faithfulness. Which is his steadfast way of being in the image of the Creator.

I often like to use the term “No Matter What” to show that as I live I intend to stay fixed to my words of faithfulness. Do I falter from time to time: Yes, I am not the Creator. I am mortal.

But like the Psalmist, I love singing about the Great Creator of all life. Our hope is in the God of the heavens, the God of love, the God of all things. God’s love and mercy is truly steadfast no matter what, and I am truly, truly thankful.

Today we remember Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr (February 16, 1977 and his information may be found at: Janani, Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda

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 Joy in God’s Creation (BCP p.814)

O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of the 6^th Week of Epiphany: Year C

Luke 6:17-26

“He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.” (Luke 6: 17)

Geographically, Jesus is in Galilee.  We know this because he has just gotten out of the fisherman’s boats preaching to the people (Luke 5:1 – 4)

 We know that he was just by Lake Gennesaret which is also called Lake Galilee and Lake Tiberius. While there were hills around, called mountains in the New Testament, Jesus was still in the region of Galilee. This is important as he was on a level place.  This is a good analogy for Jesus being on equal footing with all humanity. We all must remember that we are on a level plain traveling together.

Those who came to hear and see him were a great crowd of disciples (students not apostles) and also a great multitude of seekers from Judea, Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.  Tire and Sidon are situated on the Mediterranean coast to the north and west. 

This three year ministry of Jesus in the region of Galilee again shows that Jesus’ work took place in the region formally known as Israel, separate from Judea, before they were joined by King David.  There were high places and low places and level places.  Some like to refer this Lucan Beatitudes as the Sermon on the planes because it was a “level place.” You and I need to be on the level and walk between the high and low places in life as we also strive to be on level footing with all humanity.

In Jesus’ words in this section of Luke there are four blessings and four woes. I must admit that I favor Matthew’s Beatitudes most. Matthew has nine blessings, of which, the verse, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” is my favorite;” (Matthew 5:9).  In Luke’s version, these are the high and low places. You and I have choices about whether to be blessed, or not. Perhaps it’s better to visit more of the low places and assist God in raising them up. After all, we are all looking forward to being raised, aren’t we? What do you think?

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

Let us pray: A Collect for Sundays (BCP p. 98)

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalms 87 and 90; Evening, Psalm 136;

Isaiah 61:10-62:5; 2^nd Timothy 4:1-8; Mark 10:46-52:

“For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”  (Isaiah 61:11)

We human beings and all earthly creatures are so blessed. God has taken care of all of us with this wonderful earth.  And we humans are able to manipulate the earth in small gardens to produce what we need and what we fancy or just plain want.  This earth is the bedrock of all people everywhere.  Maybe it is through the earth that we can make known to all people everywhere that God wants us to love God and one another, and to praise God and to acknowledge God as our universal Savior.

We are fast approaching the reminder that from the dust of the earth we come, and back to the dust of the earth we shall return.  But perhaps not our whole selves will go back to the dust. Maybe, just maybe, the God-spark, the soul, the Spirit of God planted in us will ascend to the realm of heaven someday.  But more than that, we believers are the garden of God.  We are the garden in which God has sown goodness. We believers are the soil and God causes what has been sown in us to spring up before all nations. All we have to do is believe and be.

Today we remember Thomas Bray, Priest and Missionary (February 15, 1730), and his information may be found at: Thomas Bray.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and 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.

Daily office Readings for Friday of the 5^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91 and 92;
Isaiah 61:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45:

“But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10: 43).

At this point Jesus is talking to the twelve. This started because John and James, brothers, asked for special places with Jesus in his future glory. When the ten found out about it they were furious. So Jesus instructs them about how they should approach human relationships.

For me, this instruction is still reward based. Serve now in order to be honored later. With this lesson, the whole reason for serving now is only for some future place of honor, perhaps to be served for all eternity. Can we not learn to just enjoy helping others, serving others, and let such service be the reward itself, as we are doing it now?  Like the old Christmas song, can we just “be good for goodness sake”?  Perhaps for me, the good feeling of helping people now is practice for my next life in the abode above where I will be blessed to continue a life of bliss serving and helping others forever. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember (two other brothers) Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs (February 14, 869), and their information may be found at: Cyril & Methodius

“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 serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (service) For the Poor and the Neglected (BCP p. 826)

 Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalms 146 and 147; Evening, Psalms 85 and 86;

Isaiah 60:1-17; 2^nd Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 10:17-31:

“I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.” (Psalm 85:8) And, “Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth” (2 Tim. 2:23 – 25)

Peace can be factored out of both of these passages.  The Psalmist reminds us to listen to God speaking peace to us, and Paul reminds Timothy (and us) to avoid entanglements that lead to quarrels but rather act kindly to everyone with patience, again, we are to be a peaceful people.

Sometimes I think a space ship has come close to earth and sprayed some kind of hate toxin at us.  We all seem to be at each other’s throat. It will take real effort to go against such a toxin but we can do it.  The antidote is in believing the scriptures above.  We must force ourselves to listen to God speaking peace to us and avoid the temptation to join hate speech and quarreling.  We can do this.

Today we remember Absalom Jones, Priest (February 13, 1818), and his information may be found at: Absalom Jones

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

Let us pray: (For Peace, BCP p.815)

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

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

Morning, Psalm 119:97-120; Evening, Psalms 81 and 82;
Isaiah 59:15b-21; 2^nd Timothy 1:15-2:13; Mark 10:1-16:

“No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer.  And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.  It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.” (2^nd Timothy 2:4 to 7)

This passage from 2^nd Timothy resonates with me so deeply. I am a Marine of 30 years active service when I retired. From the Marines I learned the benefit of physical fitness. And, while I’m no farmer, most of my employments have had a great deal to do with manual labor, accept of course being an Episcopal priest which followed my time in the military.

The big take-away for me is the last verse, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things;” (2^nd Timothy 7).  I think over what Paul is saying and I believe that if we live moral and faithful lives, God will “recycle” us.  Perhaps there are not enough moral and faithful people in the world.  Therefore, God has to make use of those who live the right way. Paul was a Pharisee and a tent maker who later became an apostle of Christ. Amos says he was a dresser of trees and a shepherd but also was called to take the word of God to prophesy to Israel (Amos 7: 14 and 15); And Jesus, a carpenter, recycled fishermen and a tax collector into apostles.

We should never think God is done with us because we have had one or two vocations. There is always the Lord’s work to be done and only the moral and faithful are called to do it.

Today we remember Charles Freer Andrews, Priest and Friend of the Poor, and his information may be found at: Charles Freer Andrews

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

Let us pray:

Almighty and Ever-Loving God, Use us we pray to do all such actions as are pleasing in Your sight. And sustain us dear Lord to continually and repeatedly engage in all activities necessary, in order that we will see Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven; Amen.

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

Morning, Psalm 78:1-39; Evening, Psalm 78:40-72

Isaiah 59:1-15a; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Mark 9:42-50:

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.”  (2^nd Timothy 1:5)

I was informed long ago, in an undergraduate adolescent psychology class, that most children gravitate towards the faith of their mother.  According to Paul this was true for the man Timothy also. As a priest I can say with every confidence that it is the women of the church that keep the church going.  I also recall that even at the crucifixion of Jesus it was the women that went near the cross while the men followers huddled together in a locked room. Not meaning to be sexually biased here towards women but it is what it is.

In my own childhood life we were not a church going family. My dad would speak of God as the Creator that was “out there somewhere.”  My mom on the other hand would tell me that when things weren’t going well or there was a problem, to put it in Jesus’ hands.  She did insist on my sister and me going to St Vincent de Paul Catholic School.  That was very formative for me.

So, did God do something special with women such that they are more equipped to carry on the faith?  Not fair.  Oh well, I am thankful for all the faithful women in my life.  And I am reminded that today marks the anniversary of the Consecration of Barbara Harris as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts in 1989. God moves in both male and female believers. Sometimes we just refuse to see it.

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

Let us pray:

O Almighty God, as love is placed in the hearts of many creatures, and faith in You in the human soul. Teach us to rely on our faith and love in both male and female peoples of the earth, in order that we might establish and maintain peace amongst ourselves and live as world-wide brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus. Amen.  

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 5^th Week of Epiphany: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;

Isaiah 58:1-12; Galatians 6:11-18; Mark 9:30-41:

“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.  But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me.”  (Mark 9:38 and 39)

Often our parish will find ourselves with an unexpected opportunity.  From time to time we find ourselves gifted with cans of soup or clothing or some other item needed by the less fortunate.  And rather than create a new charitable program or re-invent the wheel, we will see if there is another church already doing this kind of work and hand off what we have to their effort.  It is the same Jesus.

At this time of Super Bowl fever we conduct what we call Soup-er-bowl. This is where we ask parishioners to bring in cans of soup or any canned food item in order to give to a local charity. We do this deed of power in the Name of Jesus. We honor the charity with the understanding that the same should be done in an individual effort as well.

If we see someone casting out the demons of poverty or loneliness for someone else, we should find away to assist them, not compete with them or hinder them. Sometimes we spend too much time and resources starting up new efforts where good ones already exist. If a different Christian denomination is doing good works, we should just help them. It’s the same Jesus.

Today we remember Scholastica of Nursia, Monastic (543) and her information may be found at: Scholastica

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

Let us pray:

Help us Dear Lord to see the good works done in Your Name by those from other flocks in order that we may further enhance those holy efforts so that more honor, glory and praise will come to You O Lord. Amen.