Tag: bible

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.

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

John 1:29-42

“The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.”  (John 1:35 – 37)

They followed Jesus. Our Lord Jesus did not call them, at least at this point; they initiated their own seeking. When we see where our Lord Jesus is, in any situation, we too, if we are professed Christians, should use our own initiative and follow Jesus.  They however were not professed Christians.  The Christian path hadn’t started yet.  Andrew, at least, was on the John the Baptist path.

This seems to be the handing off of disciples.  Andrew and the other unnamed disciple of John leave John the Baptist and follow Jesus. This link or connected string of leadership has continued through human history, and especially in our Apostolic Christian history.  It is hard to track sometimes, but it’s here, none the less in every walk of human evolution.

“When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”  (John 1:38).  It is pointed out here that our Lord Jesus did not ask them “Who” they were looking for. Our Lord Jesus often asks what is it you want me to do for you.  He asks this of James and John; and of the blind man, and of others.  For God, the “what” always seems to come before the who.

So, what are you looking for?  Utter some word in your heart that describes “what” you are looking for.  Might it be peace?  Might it be love?  Might it be joy? Might it be wealth?  Might it be health? Might it be revenge (you fill in the blank)?  If what you are looking for is not loving, it may not be our Lord Jesus that you want to take the initiative to follow.

But if we are following our Lord Jesus, then why? Are we following our Lord Jesus just to abide with him?  Our Lord Jesus asks you a very provocative question, “What are you looking for?”  What do you want me to do for you?  Sometimes we can’t do discernment because we didn’t ask ourselves the right question.  What am I looking for?

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

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Week 1 of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 16, and 17; Evening,  Psalm 22;

Genesis 6:1 to 8; Hebrews 3:12 to 19; John 2:1 to 12:

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.”  (Genesis 6:5)

Full disclosure, I am not a Bible literalist. But I do believe that within most of our Bible stories, and within some of the fake facts, are real truths. One such truth is that left unschooled by good parents, preachers and school teachers of love, our moral compasses will point south; that is, to immorality. We must be vigilant about being good and teaching what is good, Nephilim notwithstanding.

This is a repeated Biblical lesson for us today. From our Hebrews reading for today we get the same instruction: “Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:12 and 13)

While the preacher to the Hebrews reminds us of Moses and our Genesis reading shows signs of hope with the coming of Noah, the Mother of our Lord Jesus preaches the perfect, albeit brief, sermon. She tells us, the servants of the Lord, to “do whatever he tells you,” (John 2:5). Our Lord Jesus is God’s final act of salvation, even beyond Noah and Moses. I believe God still loves creation and wants to save it, and ourselves with it.

“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 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 Thursday of the 1^st Week after the Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 18:1 to 20; Evening, Psalm 18:21 to 50;

Genesis 4:17 to 26; Hebrews 3:1 to 11; John 1:43 to 51:

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

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

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

Aside from the gender reference I want us to acknowledge that it is not so much the inability to sit alone, but our flat-out refusal to do so.  I think this is the hardness of heart that the Hebrew writer warns against.  Sometimes we can be so stubborn as to not allow ourselves to be open to pondering about what is right and loving to do. You should try it.  Sometimes we just need to shut everything off and be still. And yes, know that God is God (Psalm 46:10).  A hardened heart is a blockage to the voice of the Holy Spirit. We all, from time to time, need to step away from the fear of change and the conviction that we are right, and be open to what the Spirit is saying to us.

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 Quiet Confidence (BCP p. 832)

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 1^st Week of Epiphany: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:1 to 24; Evening,  Psalms 12, 13 and 14;
Genesis 4:1 to 16; Hebrews 2:11 to 18; John 1: 35-42:

“Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” (Hebrews 2: 17 and 18)

This explanation from the letter to the Hebrews reinforces my belief that God gets to understand the human condition through His Incarnate self in the life and death of our Lord Jesus.

When God walks among us and suffers with us, God develops mercy for us. It is through, and because of, our Lord Jesus that we are redeemed of our sins and saved in eternal life.

Jesus says, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me,” (Hebrews 2:13). We are given to our Lord Jesus through our faith, that is, in believing in the Presence of Christ in our everyday lives.  Our belief in our Lord Jesus makes us, through Holy Communion, be of the same flesh and blood, and therefore, brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus. “Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things,” (Hebrews 2:14).

Thanks to our Lord Jesus all we have to do is believe and participate on the Communal practice of our Church in order to belong to the family of God.  Other faith traditions have different kinds of faith connections with God. For us, we have Christ crucified. This is why “he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” 

Every day we should live our lives in thanksgiving for God being one of us in order to experience what we are going through and then extending mercy. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Richard Meux Benson, Religious, (1915) and Charles Gore, Bishop of Worcester, Birmingham and Oxford, 1932 and Their information may be found at: Richard Meux Benson & Charles Gore

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. 397)

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.