Tag: faith

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 121, 122 and 123; Evening, Psalms, 124, 125 and 126;

Micah 1:1to 9; Acts 23:12 to 24; Luke 7:1 to 17

“When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (Luke 7:9)

Here is yet another example of Jesus raising our awareness of the faith of non-Israelites.  In this case, it is the Gentile centurion who values his relationship with his slave (which the same Greek word also means servant), so much that he seeks out Jesus to save his servant’s life.

This Gentile centurion models the understanding that we Christians should have; that is, we do not have to have the physical Jesus under our roof to do the healing.  We too, like the centurion, must believe that if Jesus just says the word, regardless of where he physically is, His healing will be done.

My beloved people of faith, you who are true believers, you must find a still, quiet place in your homes and in your hearts and quietly, and intentionally, ask our Lord Jesus to just say the healing words for the one you love who is in trouble.  When you do this, I have found that relief often comes in one of two ways.  First, human responders arrive who have been sent by God to fix the situation.  Second, the situation “seems” to just resolve itself.  Both are born of our Lord Jesus. But we must have the faith of this centurion.  As I have said before, Jesus uses the faith in us to heal us or those we love. It is astonishing to me that the cure is already in me but I can’t make use of it.  Faith is like a first-aid kit on a military person’s belt.  One might think he or she has the first-aid kit in case they have to use it on someone they find who is injured.  But no, you have that first-aid kit in case you yourself are wounded, whoever finds you will use your first-aid kit to assist you.  Therefore, it is so important that you examine the kit often to make sure it contains all that is necessary in case you are in need of it.  The same is true with our faith.

Jesus is the one who finds us but then uses our “faith-aid” kit to heal us. Our Lord Jesus has been doing this remotely, as far back as two thousand years ago. How about this for remote healing?; and these people back in antiquity never heard of cancer or COVID. Our God is amazing! Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today, (rather than yesterday) we remember William Tyndale, Translator of the Bible and his information may be found at: William Tyndale & Miles Coverdale.

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: Prayers for the Sick; for a sick person (BCP p. 458).

O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant for whom our prayers are desired.  Look upon him or her with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him or her with a sense of thy goodness; preserve him or her from the temptations of the enemy; and give him or her patience under his or her affliction. In thy good time, restore him or her to health, and enable him or her to lead the residue of his or her life in thy fear, and to thy glory; and grant that finally he or she may dwell with thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 106: 1 to 18: Evening, Psalm 106: 19 to 48

Hosea 14:1to 9; Acts 22:30 to 23:11; Luke 6:39 to 49

“When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.  (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.)” (Acts 23: 6 and 8)

Perhaps Paul was playing them against each other in a way that would buy him more time.  But perhaps also there was a deeper rationale behind his oratory.  Maybe Paul wanted simply to state his most sincere belief and his new understanding about the history of the scriptures and the prophets as had been revealed to him through the Risen Lord regardless of what it might cost him. 

As a Pharisee, Paul acknowledges the resurrection, and angels and the world of the spirit.  I myself might be what could be called a Christian Pharisee in that regard.  I believe in the Resurrection and in angels, and in the Holy Spirit and in the spirits of those who have gone before us.  All of this belief comes from first believing in the love of an eternal and loving God.

I have found that pondering about this life and the next is having a profound effect on how I live my life day to day. I have become aware of the language I use.  I say things like, “my car, my phone, and my house,” rather than “the” car, “the” phone and “the” house, that I make use of.  The only thing that is mine to keep is my soul, I hope. And even that goes back to God.

Pondering about the resurrection, angels and spirits is challenging.  It makes me aware of my relationships with others, past and present.  How might I have a more loving tolerance of others? What accountability awaits me in the next life? I realize now that when I learn something new about fairness with others, God knows that I just learned it and is expecting me to live into my new understanding from that point on.  My sincere belief and my understanding of the scriptures and the prophets, as they are revealed to me through the Risen Lord, are improving me. I need more and more to listen to what the Holy Spirit of God in Christ Jesus is saying to me.  How about you?

Today we remember William Tyndale, Translator of the Bible and his information may be found at: William Tyndale & Miles Coverdale.

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: A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 22: Year A

Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus said, “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country.”  (Matthew 21:33)

In some circles God is referred to as the Great Architect of the Universe, the One who both Creates and Maintains all creation.

We are the tenants of this earth today.  The Creator has done (and is doing) everything for us already.  All we have to do is monitor it and keep it in ecological and spiritual balance with the rest of nature on earth.  God, like the owner of the vineyard, has fashioned the universe with this earth our island home with everything we need to sustain ourselves. And has given us the necessary wisdom to use the resources of our environment for our protection, comfort and nourishment.

Jesus told this parable against the chief priests and the Pharisees by saying that the Hebrew people tried to hijack what is rightfully God’s.  These religious leaders began to put themselves in the place of God and putting their own needs and desires ahead of God’s will for all people.

I have come to believe that God, the owner of the vineyard is looking for the fruit of humanitarian harmony amongst us. When God comes to collect, God wants to know that creation is in good hands and the primary fruit of the harvest is the love and respect we have for one another.

God has built a vineyard of faith whereby we may grow the fruits of love for God, and for one another.  It is so important for us to understand that we are tenants here on this fragile earth, our island home and in this our present earthly life.  The Owner of this vineyard is coming to see what we have grown faithfully and harmoniously with one another.

Will our children have faith?  Will we live in harmony?  Harmony then, is the real fruit that God will be looking for.  If we live our lives fully believing that we are not the owner of anything, including our own borrowed lives, then we will begin to see the value of living for the health and welfare of other borrowed lives as well. We are renters even of our own lives. Let us then do the best we can with what we have and assist others in doing the same with theirs.

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: Proper 22 The Sunday closest to October 5 (BCP p. 234)

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 21: Year 2

 Morning, Psalm 107:33 to 43 and Psalm 108:1to 13); Evening, Psalm 33;

Hosea 11:1 to 9; Acts 22:17 to 29; Luke 6:27 to 38     

“And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him.” (Acts 22: 23 and 24)

The momentum of the crowd began to control the tribune and his centurions.  They were having a tantrum, just as a child would do in a supermarket when he or she does not get their way. The shouting and throwing off their cloaks does not say much for me, but tossing dust into the air is weird.  Did they not know that what goes up, must come down?  But more than that, I have crafted an acronym from the word dust.  It is, “Don’t Unnecessarily Share Thoughts” or DUST.  I have witnessed people that I liked get fired because reporters asked them what they thought, and as a result, they were fired.  This was sad.  Paul also gets in trouble for what he both thinks and believes.  I think we all have a right to think or believe what we want.  We are all evolving.  What we think today, maybe totally different next month or next year. The same is true for what we believe.  

We ponder about things and we evolve.  Yes, we have fits about things that we don’t like and it indeed may cause us to shout and throw things.  But, for the most part, we get over it.  I would be careful about what we throw into the air however.  It’s going to come back down.  But also, we must be careful and “DUST” even when asked sometimes.  Because sometimes, it’s a trap.  They tried to trap Jesus, and now they are trying to trap Paul.

The other problematic piece in this reading is the examination by flogging. Sounds like the witch hunts, you can’t win. You just keep getting beat until you say what the oppressor wants to hear, truth or not. Paul was a natural born citizen of the Roman Empire. Not even the Tribune was a natural citizen, he paid for his citizenship. They had to back off when finding out that he was a Roman citizen. Apparently there were harsh consequences for harming a Roman citizen.

Racial troubles still persist throughout this country.  Overwhelming fires and floods are still happening. Yes, we are being examined by flogging; and it hurts.  But Paul has set us a good example; we must persevere no matter what. We must be steadfast in our faith.

Today we remember John Mott, Evangelist and Ecumenical Pioneer (October 3, 1955); and his information may be found at: John Mott

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 Proper 21: Year 2

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

Hosea 10:1to15; Acts 21:37 to 22:16; Luke 6:12 to 26

“Just as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, ‘May I say something to you?’ The tribune replied, ‘Do you know Greek?  Then you are not the Egyptian who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?’  Paul replied, ‘I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.’  When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:” (Acts 21:37 to 40)

This passage gives us insight into the education of Paul.  He is fluent in both Hebrew and Greek and yet thought to be Egyptian by the Roman tribune who arrested him.  When permitted to speak Paul tells the people who he is and he tells how the Risen Lord met him while on his way to Damascus.

We know that God does not necessarily call the qualified, but rather, qualifies the Called.  Even so, at least in Paul’s case, God, in Christ Jesus, reaches into the life of some well educated, albeit misguided people who have strong faith and then redirects them. Paul, like too few of us, was blessed to have been afforded an education.  Too often however education can squeeze out God. Ironically, people can get too smart for God, or so they think.  Paul was such an educated man, but he was misguided. The one thing he had going for him was his faith in God. Everything in the scripture supports Saul or Paul as being a Pharisee, zealous for God as he understood God to that point.  Learning should never stop.  Just when Paul thought he knew everything, our Lord Jesus stopped him in his tracks.  He had a “wake-up” call. God in Christ Jesus uses our faith as the path to our hearts.  If we first believe in God, God will come to us in revealing ways.  We will have our own conversion story.  And, like Paul, we should tell it as often as we can.

Today we remember Remigius of Rheims, Bishop, Apostle of the Franks (October 1, 530) and his information may be found at: Remigius.

“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 those who Influence Public Opinion (BCP p. 811)

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many
voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where
many listen and write what many read; that they may do their
part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and
its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 21; Year 2

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

Hosea 5:8 to 6:6; Acts 21:27 to 36; Luke 6:1 to 11

“Fellow-Israelites, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place; more than that, he has actually brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” (Acts 21:28)

A few Jewish people from Asia stirred up the people by exaggerating stories about Paul.  They assumed he brought a Greek man into the Temple which in their view would defile the Temple.  The truth is, that Paul was only seen with a Greek man, and there is no evidence that he brought him into the Temple.  But what if he did?

I am glad to belong to a community of believers who try to make all welcome. Someone hearing the people from Asia complain should have said, “So what?” I know that we still fall short of radical hospitality today in our Church. We are a work in progress. This earth is holy. Therefore everything on this round, blue altar, is holy. This includes each and every one of us.

During the COVID 19 isolation period was a good time to reevaluate our relationship with our buildings. I like the stained glass windows, and the Altar as the central focus, the candles, Books of Common Prayer, and flowers in season.  But none of this is too good for the stranger to also come in and enjoy.  God made every man, woman and child you will ever meet.  That makes them as Holy as everybody else.  They may not always act like it, but they are.  Don’t let them acting like they are not holy, make you act like you are not holy either. You are.  Respect the dignity of every human being. As we are now back together, post Covid, let us bring the stranger in with us.

Today we remember Therese of Lisieux, Monastic, (October 1, 1852) and her information may be found at: Therese of Lisieux

I also want to remember Lancelot Andrewes; Bishop and Scholar (September 26, 1626). He reminds us of the importance of Thursdays in our Church history. Two of his commemorations are the Thursday of the Lord’s Supper after which he was arrested; and, forty days after the Sunday of His Resurrection from the dead is of course His ascent back to heaven; Ascension Day, Thursday. I would add, post biblically, that our early settlers established Thanksgiving Day on a Thursday. I wonder if they were influenced by Lancelot Andrews. Ponder, Ponder. His information may be found at: Lancelot Andrewes.

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 Christ, who came and walked among us as one of us, be with us still and have us see You in each other. Teach us the importance of sharing our bread and our space with those who are without. And when necessary, to receive comfort from those trying to help us. Help us all, Lord Christ, and help us to help the helpless. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 21: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 101 and 109, Evening, Psalm 119:121 to 144;

Hosea 4:11 to 19; Acts 21:15 to 26; Luke 5:27 to 39

“After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.” (Acts 21: 19)

Sometimes, in the English language, we lose who we are talking about. The “his ministry,” could very well mean God’s ministry.  Paul will claim it as his, (Paul’s), ministry in the eyes of most scholars but I believe all ministry is God’s ministry through Christ Jesus.  When Paul was first commissioned in Chapter 9, the Risen Lord Jesus said, “But the Lord said to (Ananias), ‘Go, for Saul; (later Paul), is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9: 15).

The people to whom Paul is speaking also recognize that there is more to what Paul is doing and saying, than Paul himself.  For, “When they heard it, they praised God. Then they said to him, ‘You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the law” (Acts 21:20).  We like to be proud of what we are doing in God’s Name, but we must remember that it is God’s Holy Name that empowers us to do what we do.

I heard a lay person preach for his first time at his church.  We talked that night after he had time to reflect.  He tried to give me accolades for what he thought I did for him through four years of Education for Ministry.  I had to remind him that what he did in his wonderful sermon was in him all along.  He only needed to learn how to be open to God. 

God wants to work through us, for us. We all have a piece of God within us.  I think clergy today, even like Paul in his day, do the work of God and cause the people of the world to open themselves up to the wonders of God in order that we too might “do the things done among the Gentiles, that is, all people, through [God’s] ministry.”  Therefore I say to you reading this blog, (clergy or not), settle down, feel God working through you, and then, by word and deed, do the ministry of God.

Today we remember Jerome, Scholar, Translator and Theologian (September 30, 420) and his information may be found at: Jerome.

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:                                                                                  

Almighty God, who made us and loves us beyond measure, I pray you make us open to your hand at work in our everyday lives in order that we all do those ministries pleasing in your sight; in your Creating and Loving Name I pray, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 21: Year 2

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

Hosea 4:1 to10; Acts 21:1 to 14; Luke 5:12 to 26

“Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” (Luke 5: 12)

Therein lays our biggest dilemma. What does our Lord Jesus choose to do?  Many of us want to be made well.  For many of us, our emotional troubles are as obvious as the physical sores of leprosy.  When we pray, do we even think of the possibility that our Lord Jesus might not choose?

The man with leprosy expressed his humility by first bowing down to the ground.  This is an outward and visible sign of totally giving up of himself to Jesus. He said to Jesus, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” The man held nothing back, knowing full well that it was completely up to Jesus. Jesus was so moved by the man’s surrender that he actually reached out and touched the man.  Perhaps, in more ways than one, he probably touched his heart also. And when Jesus saw the man’s complete handing over of his life to God, he had compassion for him and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5: 13)

Today we don’t have to lie down prone, prostrating ourselves in such a physical way, although I know of at least one monastic order that does this as a part of taking their life vows. But we are still required to give up ourselves totally to God.  And we must understand that God may not choose to cleanse us in this mortal life. But let us not be so concerned about a mortal cleansing.  Instead, let us be more concerned about eternal salvation, that is, the immortality that is to come through faith, and with it, a healthy and complete existence in that heavenly realm.

 Eternal salvation means being in Paradise with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all eternity.  This is what we really want, and it is what we really want our Lord Jesus to choose to do for us.  How welcome will be the words from our Lord Jesus when he says, “I do choose [you].” Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today our Church remembers Saint Michaels and all Angels and information can be found at;  St. Michael and All Angels (satucket.com).

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. 461)

Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father’s will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain;
sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 21: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 89: 1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89: 19 to 52;

Hosea 2:14 to 23; Acts 20:17 to 38; Luke 5:1 to 11

“You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions.”  (Acts 20:34)

I think Paul sets a good example for all people in any ministry with these words, that is, to work a regular job and still study and educate people in the Way of the Lord and in the teachings of the Gospel.  This message is not just for ordained persons, it is for any of us who feed the homeless; for those of us who weave prayer shawls; for those of us who have a ministry of driving people to pick up their meds; for those of us who teach Sunday School, and yes, for those of us who are also ordained clergy. I am aware that in a large, main-line Christian denomination, parishioners as well as the clergy themselves, insist on being steadfast in their vocation as pastor.  When I told my spiritual advisor, while still in seminary, that I desired to be a “working priest” he honestly told me that if he was on a search committee he would not even consider me for a clergy position.  That was in 2004.

Today, as the Episcopal Church is reinventing itself, the idea of the working priest, or “bi-vocational” priest is definitely on the table for consideration, especially for our smaller parishes.  There are more benefits to this idea than one might think.  How nice it is to stand before people on Sunday morning conducting the service and your congregants are well aware that you too have worked the whole week just as they have.  And, that working priest then demonstrates pledging and giving to the poor as well.  Paul also says in our reading for today, “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:36)

I think that people who work in needed secular occupations enhance their lives by also participating in various faith ministries.  It should not be one in place of the other.  This should be both/and, not either/or.  Perhaps the only exception should be a bishop who is the chief pastor of a diocese which by its size and nature becomes his or her primary vocation.  But even to this occupation such clergy might be inclined to teach a Christian Education class as a side contribution. We all should work in community for the maintenance of that community.  A smart person once told me that “everybody can’t be in the cart, somebody is going to have to get out and help push.” Paul says, “You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions.”  I think these two messages are the same.  Proclaiming the Word should be in addition to work, not instead of work.

Today we remember Paula and Eustochium, Monastics and Scholars, 404 and 419 respectively, and their information may be found at:  Paula & Eustochium

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:

All mighty God, as you have created us to support one another and to teach one another about your loving grace and mercy, sustain us dear Lord to do both in humble loyalty to your love for us as we follow the examples of Jesus the carpenter, Simon Peter the fisherman, and Paul the tentmaker. Teach us to both make bread and then to break bread together in your Name; Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 21: Year A

Matthew 21:23-32

“Which of the two did the will of the father? (Matthew 21:31).

As we open and unpack our Gospel reading we see the difference between the supposed prophets of God who are supposed to proclaim God’s love for God’s people.  And, we see this new-comer John the Baptist proclaiming a Baptism of repentance. The question quickly becomes the Baptism itself: was it from God or John himself?  If John is actually doing the work of God then what were the chief priests and the elders of the people doing? They said they were doing the Lord’s work, but were they? Thus, we have the parable of the two sons.

As I ponder about these two sons I try to be as objective as I can, even in spite of the heavy influence by the evangelist.  Matthew says the first son, changed his mind and did the work he said he would not do.  For the second son the evangelist implies that he just lied about his intentions and never really intended to do the work in the first place.

As baptism is about repentance, which is change, perhaps we should look more closely at the son who changed his mind and did the work the Father requested. Hidden in this parable of Jesus is a lesson for the chief priests and the elders of the people to, change their minds, and begin doing the work they were called to do instead of fearing their own governing body by not listening to, and following John the Baptist. By their own admission they knew that the people saw John as a prophet of God.

The bottom line here, no matter which way we look at it, is, “Which of the two actually did the will of the father?”   I have a quote from Mark Twain where he says “Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.”  I really do believe we speak more accurately with our actions. 

So which son did the will of the Father? The one who changed his mind. Let us not be so determined in our own way that we refuse to see the Way and Will, of God, and our own misdirection right in front of us. Let us ponder about our own words and then fulfill them with our actions.

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: Proper 21, The Sunday closest to September 28 (BCP p. 234)

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.