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Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:49 to 72; Evening,  Psalm 49;

Genesis 16:1 to 14; Hebrews 9:15 to 28; John 5:19 to 29:

“Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5: 21 – 24)

This lesson from our Lord Jesus says that God has “delegated” all next life invitations to our Lord Jesus.  One way to receive such an invitation is to believe this and live accordingly.

As a priest I often officiate at funerals.  The biggest message that people want to hear is the one about our being raised from the dead.  Sometimes it’s hard to connect the life of the deceased to his or her life of faith.  We preachers preach faith, that doesn’t mean we know the faith of others.  Only God knows the faith of a person regardless of the faith path they live.

And God has left all decisions about eternal life to God Incarnate, our Lord Jesus. After closely studying the words from our John passage this morning I get the sense that believers already have eternal life.  Believers may not live what some of us consider the so called perfect “Christian” life but still believe that Jesus is Lord. Having faith is not necessarily about being in church all the time.  It is about one’s prayer life.  Prayer is not necessarily about audible words. It is about where your heart is.  It is sometimes about how much you cry.  Crying is praying. God’s ears hears tears.

For those among us who have not accepted our Lord Jesus, such people come under judgment.  I believe the language clearly says all people must pass again through our Lord Jesus (from Whom all creation came into being, John 1:3), to eternal life. Such non-believers come under judgment. The faithful believer does not. I don’t believe a loving God lays waste a life lived in love for fellow human beings, but instead, leaves that judgment up to our Lord Jesus, who is also our loving God; our  God, who loves all people. Judgment does not necessarily mean condemnation.  Some do not believe this all-inclusive love of God because of bad teaching and preaching.  Some don’t believe because they have never heard about our Lord Jesus and His loving and inclusive Way.  God in Christ Jesus will not let the lack of being informed separate us from eternal life.  This includes infants who never had a chance, to the so-called atheists who are trying to figure things out for themselves. God is love. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Thomas Aquinas, priest, Friar, and Theologian (January 28, 1274) and his information may be found at: Thomas Aquinas.

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.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 45; Evening,  Psalms 47 and 48:
Genesis 15:1-11 and17-21; Hebrews 9:1 to14; John 5:1 to 18:

“One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.  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: 5 and 6)

Our human minds are so adaptable.  This adaptability is also adjustable. We can train our minds, our muscle memory, and even our tongues to the foods we like to taste, to like and appreciate different foods over time.  The downside is, however, that we can allow our circumstances to dictate our comfort. The man at the Sheep-Gate pool fell into this situation. He was comfortable in his crippled state of being and even made-up excuses that supported his lack of willingness to even try to do better.  Jesus asks him (and us), “Do you want to be made well?”

We must want to be made well. It means never giving up and never creating excuses that give us false reasons for why we can’t do better. Today many of us hide behind limited physical ability that we never try to improve. I have seen some young persons with missing limbs participate in competitive sports like swimming and basketball and baseball, and they thrive!

Some of us try to use race as the reason we aren’t good enough or accepted in certain associations. If this kind of reason holds us back then we should start a new and more inclusive organization that better aligns with the will of God for who God made us to be. 

Speaking a different language, being born in another country, missing limbs, dark skin or same sex love notwithstanding, we must stand up and walk. Sometimes that walk also means cutting a new trail. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember John Chrysostom, Bishop of Antioch and of Constantinople, Preacher, Theologian, Liturgist; and his information may be found at: John Chrysostom.

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 Almighty, help us we pray to be uncomfortable with being comfortable in our self-imposed limitations. Enkindle in us the desire to want to be made well and then to fulfill Your plans for us joyfully through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany: Year A

Matthew 4:12-23

“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers” (Matthew 4:18)

Capernaum is the first place of choice for our Lord Jesus.  He was born in Bethlehem, Taken to Egypt, brought back to Bethlehem, Later taken to Nazareth, , and then taken to Jerusalem at least a couple of times to the Temple in Jerusalem, invited to a wedding in Cana, all according to accounts from the Gospel according to Luke and John.

To Capernaum, he goes of his own free will and accord.  And there he enlists two pairs of brothers. With Andrew and Peter, and John and James, our Lord Jesus lays the foundation of brotherly love.  Later when he sends them out 2 by 2, all will have experienced what it means to be brothers. 

I am a member of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew.  This order was founded to bring men to, or back to, the Church.  We pray at each meeting: “Almighty God, you gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (BCP 185 & the Brotherhood pamphlet)

The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is an organization devoted to Prayer, Study and Service.  We open with structure, conduct business and then do Bible Study.  It is great. We try hard to engage young men to come and be a brother among us because this is what Andrew did according to the Gospel of St John (John 1:40 – 42).  While it may seem that this contradicts the Matthew enlisting above, it doesn’t have to.  The walk on the beach could have happened a day or two later.  This is both- and, not either- or.

My point is that Jesus started his plan of evangelism with adopted blood brothers in order to make us all siblings with our Lord Jesus through the grafting of his body and blood into us all. I believe all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Special Note: Happy Birthday Saint Paul’s in the Pines Episcopal Church, sad that we cannot come to Church today due to inclement weather. But Happy Birthday still the same.

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: Third Sunday after the Epiphany (BCP p. 215)

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 2^nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 30 and 32; Evening, Psalms 42 and 43;
Genesis 12:9 to 13:1; Hebrews 7:18 to 28; John 4:27 to 42:

“They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world; (John 4:42).

This is the experience with the unnamed woman at the well. Was it necessary for the people, (I’ll bet mostly men), to tell the woman that it was not because of her that they believe? Because, it truly was her doing that got them started.

She has just done the work of John the Baptist and every Christian denomination we have today; she has brought people to Christ.

You and I can still meet Christ at the well today. And such an encounter can make us also forget our bucket and why we were there in the first place. Private time with Jesus is overwhelming. It will make you go to those, even those with whom you have issues with, and proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world!  And here is the thing folks, once you know, you can’t un-know.

Once the Spirit of God enlightens you, you too will be reminded of everything you have ever done as well as the good in you that lies ahead. Maybe someone you tend to avoid will bring you a word of Jesus being present in them, and would you rather ignore them?  However, I would suggest that you remember such a person and re-member them back into the fold, for they got out of God’s way and let God work through them for their faith’s sake, and for your faith’s sake.

Today we remember Florence Li Tim-Oi, First Woman Priest in the Anglican Communion, January 24, 1944. ; and her information may be found at: Ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi.

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: (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 2^nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31; Evening, Psalm 35;
Genesis 11:27 to 12:8; Hebrews 7:1 to 17; John 4:16 to 26:

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth;” (John 4: 24).

Jesus continues to converse with the Samaritan woman at the well.  She suspects he is a prophet because he knows about her failed married life.  She tries to understand his ways by suggesting the Samaritans should also worship in Jerusalem as do the Jews. Jesus informs her that “the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem:” (John 4 21).  Jesus dispels any notion of any people having a claim of God. We are all God’s own.  We should pray where we are, and we should pray when we feel it is what we need to do. No place or time is outside of the presence of God.

More than that, our Lord Jesus informs her, and us, that God is Spirit; (John 4:24).  God is beyond anything humanly identifiable, except for loving us.  He also goes on to say, according to the Aramaic reporters of his words, “I AM he, the one who is speaking to you.” The human form of God, Jesus, is the only humanity that the Holy Spirit of God used to be with us since creation began, and the Holy Spirit of God remains with us to this very day, everywhere and all the time.  

“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

Today we remember Philips Brooks, Bishop and Preacher (January 23, 1893); and his information may be found at: Phillips Brooks.

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. 251)

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the Second Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 37:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 37:19 to 42;

Genesis 11:1 to 9; Hebrews 6:13 to 20; John 4:1 to 15:

“A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)” (John 4:7 – 9)

Many of Jesus’ teachings, as well as his miracle stories, take place with people outside of the Israelite people.  In this particular case, the woman at the well is not only a Samaritan, she is also a woman who may not be liked in her own community. She has had many husbands; she goes out at noon, in the heat of the day alone when no one else is at the well. All of this speaks of her isolation. She is estranged from her own community, but not from Jesus.

It seems Jesus had to be free of his cohorts in order to have this exchange.  They might have interfered.  We’ve seen where the apostles wanted to send hungry people home rather than feed them; they tried to keep children away from Jesus, they wanted to stop a blind man that needed our Lord Jesus, and other such instances where the apostles tried to “protect” Jesus.  Jesus, nor we, need protection from people just because they are different from us.  That is, when they are not the same sex, orientation, nationality, language, so called race, religious affiliation or political stripe. But like Jesus, we might have to get away from our regular crowd of influencers in order to be honest with those who differ from us, and with ourselves.

When we hear a stranger ask us how it is that we will be with them given that we are so different, we will know then that we’ve made it.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon, and Martyr (January 22, 304); and his information may be found at: St. Vincent of Saragossa.

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:

Oh God Almighty, help us we pray to be with one another in loving, spiritual relationships regardless of sex, sexual orientation, nationality, language, so called race, religious affiliation or political affiliation. As all are loved by You, so should all be loved by each of us. Help us we pray to be like Jesus in this way for your love’s sake, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 2^nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 38; Evening, Psalm 119:25 to 48;

Genesis 9:18 to 29; Hebrews 6:1 to 12; John 3:22 to 36:

“They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him”” (John 3:26)

We should all learn from John.  John the Baptist did the best job he could with no illusions about keeping his position as a baptizing servant of God and pointing to Jesus of Nazareth as the coming Messiah, as a permanent position.  He told the people plainly that “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

I have held positions of some responsibility in my life. I find the greatest reward for such work is not ribbons or medals or even keeping the position too long, but rather, to meet my replacement and wish him or her God speed. All life is temporary.  And within our temporary lives are even more temporary assignments or callings. I don’t think it is healthy or prudent for the position holder, or the people under his or her charge, to hold such a relationship too long. At some point, we have to move on.

So we should take a page from John’s play-book and announce in advance that the time is surely coming when leadership will evolve.  Stepping out and away from the limelight can be its own reward. It also gives us time to discern what the Spirit is calling us to next, if it be God’s will.

Today we remember Agnes of Rome, Martyr (January 21 304) and Cecilia of Rome, Martyr at Rome , c. 280; and information for both may be found at: St. Agnes of Rome.

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 Guidance (BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 2^nd Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 25; Evening, Psalms 9 and 15; 

Genesis 8:6 to 22; Hebrews 4:14 to 5:6; John 2:23  to 3:15:

“He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” (John 3:2)

This is the way we all approach our Lord Jesus, in the darkness of ignorance.  Nicodemus was somewhat condescending in his talk with Jesus knowing that a person cannot re-enter the womb to be born again.  Jesus was explaining a rebirth using metaphor.  This only further explains the dark cloud of ignorance in which Nicodemus found himself.

One does not know how much they don’t know.  I am thankful for a seminary education. It is not that this religious education made me smart.  Rather, it informed me of just how much I had no clue about.  I think knowing how much you don’t know is the beginning of being smart. This is a good time to recall a quote from Kallistos Ware: “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.” (Kallistos Ware)

If Nicodemus believed that our Lord Jesus was a teacher who has come from God because no one can do what our Lord Jesus does apart from the presence of God, then, I say, “behave that way Nicodemus!”  Instead of challenging Jesus, follow him.  And that goes for us too.

Today the United States remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocate for civil rights for all people.

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.  Fairness was something he believed in and was willing to die for, and indeed he did die for it.

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 significant other, 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 (not an Episcopalian), lived into what we profess. He did more than just lip service to an old, regularly recited covenant. He was fit to live because of his determination for freedom, liberty and justice for all people as valid reasons to die for. And that should go for us as well.

Today we remember the Confession of Peter the Apostle (Transferred from yesterday, 18 January due to it being Sunday) and information about him may be found at;   Matthew 16:13-20

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. 395)

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.