onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 8: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 106:1-18; Evening,  Psalm 106:19-48;

Numbers 22:1-21; Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 21:12-22

“In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was hungry.  And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once.” (Matthew 21:18 – 19)

A fig tree born of creation yet refuses to provide food for the One through whom it has its being.  We might argue that it was not the “proper” time for the fruit to produce fruit; therefore, it is not the tree’s fault.  But we don’t know the hidden relationship that the Creator had with this tree.

I have read where as Jesus was on his way back to the Temple, which was also in full leaf, insofar as its population and care was concerned, but produced no fruit in terms of spiritually feeding the people who came to it for spiritual nourishment.  The Temple was there for the pleasure of Temple authorities only. There was a similarity between the fruitless tree and the fruitless temple.

How about you and me and our Church?  What is the spiritual fruit of our labors or the labors of our worship houses?  Are we found visiting the sick, or assisting those with no transportation to the store or medical appointments?  These are especially challenging questions as we recover from the COVID pandemic.  But we must not use the pandemic as an excuse, or free pass, to not help our neighbors, less we too become the fruitless tree. Our parishes should feed our faith as we return to regular attendance so that God is not disappointed when looking for the fruits of our faith.

Today our Church remembers Pauli Murray at :Pauli Murray (satucket.com) and Harriet Beecher Stowe at Harriet Beecher Stowe (satucket.com).

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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:

Energize us O Lord God to love and participate in our community in ways that bring people closer to you. Rejuvenate our heart’s desire to bring people together again for your loves sake; Amen.  

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 8: Year B

Mark 5:21 to 43:

“Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” “(Mark 5:30).

We get to be with Jesus as he disembarks the boat into the great crowd.  And we see one of  the leaders of the synagogue get down on his knees and beg Jesus on behalf of his daughter for her healing and her life. Jesus agrees and goes with the synagogue leader to his house, and then, something happens!

This is what is meant by “unexpected opportunities.”  Our Lord Jesus is on his way to a dying child.  While in route, a woman of strong faith does her self-talk and follows through with her plan for her healing. She touches the clothing of Jesus and the faith she holds – heals her.

Have you ever been about doing something for someone, family or friend, and while taking them somewhere, or buying them something, someone in a parking lot, with a car that won’t start,  asks if you can give them a jump? Unexpected Opportunity.

We can have our minds focused on something –something good, something needed, and God will notice the goodness in us and make use of it. God sometimes will put in our path a good act that needs to be done. When this happens, it is not the “interruption” that God is looking at, but us.

God is looking at how we are going to respond to the help-request put before us. In moments like this God can tell when our love is genuine. A calculated plan that looks like a love effort may not be an accurate indicator of what you are made of.  However, a sudden event that requires of you whatever is available at the moment, will reveal what you are made of.  Love must be genuine, not just something done to make us look loving. Jesus shows that His love is genuine through and through. We too can become this loving through prayer. Expect unexpected opportunities.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 holy Jesus, keep us ever loving and doing those things that are pleasing in your sight. And then use as is your need, even as we are already busy, for the mission of mercy for those around us, to the glory of your Name: Amen.

Lessons Appointed for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Ezekiel 34:11-16; Psalm 87; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-19

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep: (Ezekiel 34:11 and 12)

Today our Church remembers Saints Peter and Paul. While Paul proclaims to be the one sent to the Gentiles, there is scriptural evidence to show that Peter also was sent to non-Israelites to proclaim the Gospel message of love for One God and one another.

The image of shepherds is used in the Ezekiel and John readings. Neither were shepherds: Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tent maker and Pharisee. Jesus made them both shepherds of people. And, while they did meet and in some cases disagree, they had the same mission, to find the disagreeable and teach them that they are welcomed and invited to be with us. God works in mysterious ways.

We too are sent, not to shepherd others to be one of us, but rather, to others to be of one Shepherd. It is Jesus who will make us one flock, under one Shepherd.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP 241)

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 7: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 102; Evening, Psalm 107:1-32;

Numbers 20:1 to 13; Romans 5:12 to 21; Matthew 20:29 to 34:

 “They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him;” (Matthew 20: 33 and 34).

In this Matthew Gospel account two blind men “regain’ their sight.  Which means they once saw clearly but later lost their vision.  Somehow they lost sight of what was going on, and where they were going; and now they wanted Jesus to put them back where they could see again.

The sight that our Lord Jesus restores is not so much our visual sight as it seems on the surface.  It is the seeing of our heart that really guides us on the good path. Our Lord Jesus looked through the eyes of his own Godly heart and he was “moved with compassion” and restored their sight.

Are we willing to ask for, and receive, this restored understanding?  These blind men refused to be hushed by the surrounding crowd but instead demanded to be helped by God Incarnate.  If we have lost our moral vision, and our hope, some will try to keep us this way often for their own self serving purposes. We must dare to break out and seek the presence of Jesus in order to be put back on track.  He is already moved with compassion for us, we just need to insist on seeing him in order that we might see the Way, the Truth and the Life.

“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

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

Today our Church remembers Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons: Irenaeus of Lyons (satucket.com)

Let us pray:                                                                      

Most merciful Jesus, as you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, enable us we pray, to see again the path of life which leads to all truth and goodness. Light our way to walk honorably and lovingly with our neighbors and see Yourself in those we encounter. In Your most holy Name we pray; Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 7: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 105:1 to 22; Evening,  Psalm 105:23 to 45;

Numbers 17:1 to 11; Romans 5:1 to 11; Matthew 20:17 to 28:

“It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 26 – 28)

Jesus has just heard the plea of John, and James (his brother) along with their mother, to share seats of glory in the kingdom of Jesus.  It appears that she asks Jesus to let her sons be on his right and left side in his kingdom.  To this Jesus explains, it is not his to give.  The other apostles find out and are angered by the request.  Jesus calls them all together and explains the difference between this world and heaven.  On earth we have a lordship of tyranny where we rule by threats, money concerns and punitive measures.  In heaven, it is a kingdom of servanthood. The whole idea of king and servant is turned upside down.

I’m guessing the problem I have with the language of Jesus, as it is translated and spoken in Matthew, is the part about “whoever wishes to be “great” among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be “first” among you must be your slave.”  These words still show the continued goal of seeking the self-serving glory of being great, or, of being first.  Can we not live to serve and be happy with serving without looking forward to sitting on the right or left hand of our Lord and Savior in some kind of shared glory?  Once we learn to be happy by serving others, we can be happy anywhere, even anywhere here on earth, in this life.  Let’s just be okay helping others to be okay; Ok?

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 Most Holy Counselor Lord Jesus, as you have set the example of real joy that can only be obtained through patience and kindness while practicing servanthood to others, stay with us in our sad failures and humble successes as we continually try to follow your lead in our daily lives; Amen.

Daily office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 7: Year 2

Morning,  Psalms 101 and 109: Evening, Psalm 119:121 to 144;
Numbers 16:36 to 50; Romans 4:13 to 25; Matthew 20:1 to 16:

“And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” (Matthew 20:11 and 12)

This parable of Jesus explains that those who come to the  Table late in their lives are just as entitled as those who were there from the beginning. The first had gone through much religious turmoil but they persevered. The late comers came to the table late in life but were just as needy as those who came early. God, in Christ Jesus, looks upon the human heart and accepts those of us who are penitent and genuine in our belief as made manifest by our behavior, whenever we transform.

There is another lesson I glean from this passage. The land owner recognizes that each unemployed man represents a family that is going without what it needs because of the husband or father not having work.  Rather than just give them unearned money, the land owner has found a way to give dignity to heads of households. The early comers, it seems, did not want the late comers to have what was needed for their families. The lesson for me is, that if I have enough for me and mine, I should not begrudge anyone else who also has what they also need, even if they did not put in as much as I did.  No one was promised more than the daily wage.  The daily wage paid rent and put food on the table. The land owner found a way to care for families without simply “giving” them money.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 God be present in my heart as I consider others. Let me not be envious or jealous of others because of what they have, or I don’t have. Rather, dear God, move me to help those who don’t have what they need in any way that helps them; either personally, or participating in actions that will seek to take care of those in need. In your most holy Name I pray: Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 7: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;

Numbers 16:20 to 35; Romans 4:1 to 12; Matthew 19:23 to 30:

“Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”  (Matthew 19:27)

Peter is someone in the Gospel that I really identify with even if not always proud of. I sometimes shoot from the hip without thinking.  I am sometimes afraid and deny even knowing Christ.  I have family and yet have decided to follow Jesus. However, I have moved beyond asking “what’s in it for me.” Peter explains to Jesus how he and others have followed him and now wants to know about the payoff.

I am in a place now where I want to do good for goodness sake.  It’s like the Santa Clause song, “he knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you are wake, he knows if you’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sake.”  Being good for goodness sake is a kindness that is not looking down the reward road.  Being good for goodness sake is basking in the goodness as you perform it. It’s Wonderful.

Our Lord Jesus is very much aware of our human need for good outcomes.  So he assures Peter, and us, that we will receive the good reward. He says, everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19: 29)

So let us not be so concerned about a future reward.  Let’s just be kind and do what is good and right so that we can say (humbly but with a little bit of pride) I did that!

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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:

Most Holy Jesus, make manifest in us the desire to be like you and others who strive to be kind and patient. Make us joyful in being this way such that we always want to do good works and never bring harm or trouble on others. Help us to be this way to the glory of your Name; Amen.

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Nativity of St John the Baptist

Luke 1:57 to 80

“He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed.”  (Luke 1: 63)

I too am amazed. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist was made to be silent during the pregnancy of Elizabeth the mother of John because of his doubting the message of the angel who told of this birth. But now, when asked, he asks for something to write with in order to proclaim the truth; “His name is John.”

My amazement comes from his language. His name is John, not, will be John. John the Baptist was John before he was born. And so are we today. We should realize that God knew us and loved us before we were born. And like John the Baptist, we too should follow God’s lead in our lives not necessarily following what John did, but rather, his example of doing what God wants us to do. Perhaps some wilderness time to ponder might be a good way to start.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 241)

Gospel Reading for Sunday of proper 7: Year B

Mark 4: 35 to 41

“Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4: 40)

When I was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Liberation of Kuwait in 1991, Iraqi forces were sending missiles at us. Some time later we found that the scud missiles were not all that they were alleged to be. But my fear of what might happen was real. I walked in the sands of Saudi Arabia everyday praying the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus was with me (us).

There have been other such times in my life of high stress. And I have prayed in those times also. Fear happens. But fear does not have the last word. Our Lord does. However, we must make known to our Lord Jesus what our fears are.  I have seen road signs that say, “Faith over Fear.” That is easily said, but fear is real and can consume us if we don’t find Jesus and wake him up to what’s troubling us.  Fear may appear at the front of our boat, but we have Jesus resting in the back of our boat. Call Him! He will save us if we call him.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 Lord Jesus, help me daily to step forward in a trusting faith, rather than to the side in an avoiding fear. Sustain in me that abiding and blessed assurance that you are with me at all times, and will be with me through the storms and uncertainties in my life until I have joined you in that heavenly realm where you live and love, forever and ever, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 6: Year 2

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

Numbers 13:31 to 14:25; Romans 3:9 to 20; Matthew 19:1 to 12:

“Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another.” (Psalm 90:1)

God is our timeless Parent.  We have a beginning and an end, at least in this earthly life.  God is circularly infinite: no beginning, no end.

The Psalmist says, “The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone,” (Psalm 90:10).  As I have now passed the seventy six mark and moving towards eighty, this Psalmist has my full attention.  I don’t consider my life only labor and sorrow while at the same time I acknowledge there are some things I could have done better.

Over my years of life I have become more and more aware of living in the “Dash.”  I have conducted many funerals as an Episcopal Priest.  Normally the inclusive dates of the deceased are inscribed by; month, day and year, born; then the dash; and then closes out the life with the ending; month, day and year. So it’s what we do with our hearts, minds, hands and mouths (or don’t do) in the dash time, that makes all the difference.

The Psalmist continues, “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)  The hands (as well as the tongue) follow the heart.  We Pray at our Sunday Morning worship, “Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of  your Holy Spirit.” We only have so many days on this earth. Numbering our days may indeed help us to be more lovingly responsive to the needs of others as we await the coming of the other end of our dash.

God is our timeless Parent.  We have a beginning and an end, at least in this earthly life.  God is circularly infinite: no beginning, no end. Through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have an invitation to join God in eternity.  How shall we RSVP to this divine invitation?

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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:

“May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork;” Amen. (Psalm 90:17)