Tag: faith

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 25: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41and 52; Evening, Psalm 44:
Ecclesiasticus 19:4to17; Revelation 11:1to14; Luke 11:14to26

“But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Luke 11:15)

Jesus was casting out demons and putting people back in their right minds.  And instead of being thankful, some in the crowds wanted to be critical of the source of Jesus’ ability. It can be disheartening when we struggle to do something good and then are accused of doing the good work for self-serving or self-glorification purposes. 

In our faith history, the scriptures, in particular Ezra, is recorded good works done by two kings of Persia who were not Hebrews but by the power of God, Cyrus and Darius, assisted the Hebrew people in the re-establishment of Jerusalem (Ezra, chapters 1 through 6). These kings gained nothing from these godly acts.  But both believed that God Almighty wanted them to do this good work. They did it not for themselves, but because it pleased God.

Our Lord Jesus also informs His critics to understand that God works in mysterious ways. He said to them about his casting out the demon, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Luke 11:20).

God is all about good and holy works. God does good works through our faith. Let us not be confused about the real source of the good works that we do.  The finger of God is still at work in this world because the kingdom of God has come to us.

Today we remember Alfred The Great, King of the West Saxons (October 26, 899), and his information may be found at; Alfred the Great.

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 All Sorts and Conditions of Men: (BCP p. 814).

O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 25: Year A

Matthew 22:34-46

“He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  (Matthew 22: 37 to 40)

I will address this Gospel reading from the end to the first part.

Jesus invites the Pharisees to answer the question of Who the Messiah is. Specifically, whose son is he? Knowing that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, he pushes the Pharisees to see that the Messiah cannot be the son of a mortal. The Messiah is the Son of God, and God only.

We are children of God by adoption through the Messiah and the only way we can truly love one another is to first love our adopted Parent, God. Once we learn to love God, we are equipped to love one another. Such love is demonstrated by the way we relate to one another.

There was a traveler who asked an old Rabbi, “Sir, could you explain the whole of the Torah while standing on one foot?”  To which the Rabbi answered, “What you don’t like done to you, do not do to anyone else.”  Our Christian Golden Rule is the flip side of the same coin. “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you, for this sums up all of the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

In the Hebrew Testament there are six hundred and thirteen laws; many of which are outdated and not relevant in today’s societies.  And we Christians have adopted the Ten Commandments as part of our own code of conduct.  However, in today’s Eucharistic Gospel, we see where our Lord Jesus makes it easier for us with only two Commandments. 

It is indeed easier to remember only two Commandments.  Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself.  Loving God must come first.  Love God, and then we are better enabled to love others through the love we have for God. 

It is also very important that we love ourselves also. It does us no good to love others as we love ourselves if in fact, we don’t love ourselves. God loves us. Therefore, we too must love ourselves. God finds us worthy of God’s love. So, we cannot, not love ourselves. After this, we stretch out to our neighbors, and all souls on earth are our neighbors. While it sounds impossible, nothing is impossible through God.

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. Amen.

Let us pray: Proper 25; The Sunday closest to October 26.

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 24: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 31; Evening, Psalm 35;

Ecclesiasticus 11:2 to 20; Revelation 9:13 to 21; Luke 10:38 to 42

“Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.”  (Psalm 31:5)

This reading of Psalm 31, and in particular, this verse, stands out for me.  I have conducted many “Last Rite” services in my priesthood.  Almost every time that I close, or, shortly thereafter, the dying person will at some point, open their eyes and gaze at a presence in the room with joy and acceptance. I am absolutely convinced that at that point, whether in a hospital room or in a private home, we are all standing on Holy Ground. God sends for us with the saints and the angels of heaven.

This was an experience that occurred with the mother of a parishioner while at Chapel Hill University Hospital, North Carolina six years ago. I had been a regular minister and spiritual guide for her for over a year and had grown to know and love her very much.  While she was not a regular visitor to our Parish at Saint Paul’s in the Pines, I got regular reports from her daughter who is a dedicated and faithful member. Her sick mother was not a citizen of the United States but is a full citizen of the family of saints of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

When I was told by her daughter that she, (her mother), opened her eyes as if to focus on something in the hospital room, I was filled with joy! I knew then that Our Lord Jesus had received her into his heavenly realm. Her body might have been still keeping its heartbeat and labored breathing rhythms, but her soul had already been placed into the hands of our Savior. I thanked God that I knew this and I pass this on to all who read this blog. So also, Christel Smith says, “Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.” Thank You Lord Jesus. And thank you for Christel in our lives. Amen.

Today we remember James of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr, (23 October NT) and his information may be found at: St. James of Jerusalem.

“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: A Prayer for a Person near Death (BCP p. 462)

Almighty God, look upon your servants, lying in great weakness, and comfort them with the promise of life everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 24: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus 7:4-14; Revelation 8:1-13; Luke 10:17to24

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

As I read this good news for the 70 “others” who just returned, I ponder who they were.  Jesus has previously sent out the twelve apostles on a similar mission among whom was Judas Iscariot who would betray Jesus later.  So, who among these seventy others were also not so honorable?  Was Jesus prematurely handing out passage into heaven?

As a priest I see my ministry as one who coaches people into heaven.  I want them to be the best people they can possibly be.  I also need people to know and understand that, should they make a mistake later in life, our God is a merciful God.  This comes with a caution however.

As we enter the company of saints in heaven we can’t be upset about Judas and others we know who may be present there.  We are not to judge, only love.  This love, not judge idea, must start now, in this life. Jealousy, vengeance, retaliation and all such feelings are toxic to our hearts and could work against our own entry into heaven.

The experience the seventy received was life changing.  The same is true for us today.  Have you realized any miracles in your life?  I will tell you that I have, several times. They have occurred in your life as well, but you may not have realized it.  I can never see where God is, but I can easily see where God “was” in my life.  And I am thankful. 

Rejoice when you realize that God has acted in your life. I do.  But be even happier that because God is present with you now, you will be present with God for all eternity, even with some folk you didn’t care so much for in this life. We can’t say who will not be in heaven.  That’s God’s job. We just need to work on ourselves, and our less than loving feelings toward some people we have come to know.  Some people in high-human positions miss this opportunity.  Jesus said to the seventy, “For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it;” (Luke 10:24).  Let go of ill wills. Just let go and let God. God is tricky.  Sometimes God will send you out to find your own “inner self.”

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 Social Order (BCP p. 823).

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 24: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39;

Ecclesiasticus 6:5to17; Revelation 7:9to17; Luke 10:1to16

“After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go” (Luke 10:1)

So our Lord Jesus sent his followers out to places where he himself intended to go.  It is important to note here that Jesus sent them out in pairs.  There are many faith traditions today that follow this example of evangelism. I think there is something about the integrity of two. Also, the two usually consist of a leader and a learner.

This idea of pairing appears in the Hebrew Testament as well.  Some examples are Abraham and Sarah, or Abraham and Lot; Ruth and Naomi; Moses and Aaron; David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha.  There are others as well.  Partnering, either with one’s spouse or significant other; or a vocational missioner; partnering, is how God designed us to be, and the way God wants us to go about our lives. This is why God, in Christ Jesus, sends us out in twos.

When pairing with a partner for Bible Study or building a shed, one of the two needs to be well informed about whatever the undertaking is, the other needs to agree to follow his or her lead. The other piece about partnering is that often such relationships aren’t permanent and are not intended to be applied to other vocations.  Using the example above, one of the two teaching Bible study should have some kind of biblical education.  For building a shed, one of the two should have experience in carpentry.

Partner relationships evolve.  As we learn and grow we often gravitate to other partners.  In this way we develop greater skills and move on to new and different areas of interests or missions.  Whether we are pondering about our personal spirituality or wanting to learn a new language, there is always someone we can seek out whom we can emulate.  Someone once told me that if you see who you want to be in another person, you can copy him or her. But first, you have to see it. This is the master and protégé or apprentice concept. It still works today.  God made us to copy one another. However, we must choose wisely.  Therefore, you must seek out those who are themselves walking humbly before our Lord and traveling to all the places where Jesus himself intends to go.  Partner with such people and listen to them, learn from them, love, live and then finally, you yourself, will also lead a learner, a protégé or apprentice.

Today we remember Cornelius The Centurion (October 20, New Testament); and his information may be found at: Cornelius the Centurion

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 Proper 24: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus. 4:20-5:7; Revelation. 7:1to8; Luke 9:51to 62

“Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9:62)

Let’s go deeper using this agricultural metaphor.  If we are plowing a field, we can’t look back and tell where we are going, only where we have been. Once we set out to churn up the soil we must stay focused on where we are going and how the tiller is working.

Just so, as we carry the message of love into the world we must stay focused on the challenges that lie in front of us.  We can’t keep looking back at the places where we succumbed to selfishness, jealousy or hate. We must keep our eyes fixed on the new path ahead.  And like the rows of earth being created by the tiller, the road we are on is often being created by us as we walk it.  Jesus is often sending people out ahead of himself to prepare the Way as he did with John the Baptist.

The path we try to build is not always successful. As we read, “he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them.” (Luke 9: 52 to 55} Apparently John and James had some power and wanted to use it. But revenge and retaliation is not the Jesus Way.

For me, this means that we do what we can do, where we can do it, in the Name of our Lord Jesus.  Where we can’t, we move on. We don’t stay and bring down a fire and brimstone arguments about rejection.  We must keep our eyes on the potentially fertile field ahead. Once we set out to churn up the soil we must stay focused on where we are going and how the tiller is working.  Go forth then my beloved of the Lord, stay focused and do good work.

Today we remember Luke the Evangelist, (October 18, New Testament; Transferred due to Sunday); and his information may be found at: St. Luke the Evangelist.

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, King of the Universe who made humanity to be loving and social creatures, help us we pray, to stay focused on the work ahead, that work that binds us together in loving relationships and is pleasing in your sight, making us fit for your kingdom forever, Amen.

Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 24: Year A

Matthew 22:15-22

“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)

Back in the days of antiquity the tax was needed to pay the wages of Roman troops as well as Roman government workers. The same is true today for all governments, including our own United States government.  Caring for the poor used to be the primary work of the Church. And, the Church still does.  But now it should be the responsibility of all governments to care for their citizens, in particular those citizens who cannot take care of themselves, like single mothers with children and the alone elderly and the infirmed.  And yet, there will be people, that is, not so good citizens, “gaming the system.”  I believe it is better to lose some money to fraud for the sake of trying to do the right thing than to neglect those in real need.  The tax takes care of the needy and provides the needed services we all need.

Our tax money still goes to the payment of our military, police, firefighters, prison guards, sanitation workers, and elected officials, from the local water resource officer to the President of our country. This is how we have chosen to live in safety with some comfort and protection at our local, state, and national levels.  This is giving to the emperor that which is the emperor’s.

God however, takes care of everybody, the great and the small, including those who game the system. God provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, although the latter is often collected and sold or rationed in our money systems. And most importantly, our very souls.  But let us not forget, it all comes from God.

So when Jesus says “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” it means we live as citizens of faith. We do in fact pay our tax as it does provide the social needs and protections needed in civil society. But our society is temporal. Our higher loyalty is to that Supreme Emperor to Whom we all must inevitably come before for judgment and reconciliation. When we stand before the Supreme Emperor, it is forever and ever, not temporal as it is for us now. We must look at the big picture, the “forever” picture.

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 24 The Sunday closest to October 19, BCP p. 235).

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper23: Year 2

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

Ecclesiasticus 1:1to10 and18to 27; Acts 28:1to16; Luke 9:28to 36

“For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline, fidelity and humility are his delight.” (Ecclesiasticus 1:27)

This book from the Apocrypha is the Ecclesiasticus, or Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach; not to be confused with Jesus, Son of God.  This is a Wisdom writing.  It did not make the canon, which are the traditionally accepted books of the Bible, but is nonetheless an important teaching tool for the Church.  In this book, there is a close association between wisdom and seeking the will of God.

Perhaps a better word for the word “fear” in this sense is the word respect or trust in the Lord.  For it is in believing in God and trusting in God that we are enlightened.  God reveals to those who trust and believe in God.  Many people refuse to believe because they cannot prove God exists.  But, on the other hand, they cannot prove that God does not exist.  Art is proof of the Artist. Creation is proof of the Creator.  Nothing is happenstance.

For many of us today, frustrations abound.  But “Those who are patient stay calm until the right moment, and then cheerfulness comes back to them” (Ecclesiasticus 1:23).  Patience is key here.  We have to prayerfully wait things out. We have to ponder all things as a people of prayer.  The writer of Ecclesiasticus says of such a people, “They hold back their words until the right moment; then the lips of many tell of their good sense (Ecclesiasticus 1:24).  I like to use the term DUST or “Don’t Unnecessarily Share Thoughts.”  Too quickly sharing of thoughts, even if not meant, or fully developed yet by the speaker, have gotten people fired from their jobs.  All they had to do was keep it to themselves for just a little bit longer.  Again, those who are patient stay calm until the right moment.

In our practice of discipline, fidelity and humility, we should try to DUST ourselves. Holding back our hostile thoughts will give us time to ponder about what truly bothers us. It will lead us to better outcomes and we will have fewer regrets. We need to calm ourselves and seek the Creator.

Today we remember Hugh Latimer, Bishop and Martyr (15 October 1555); Nicholas Ridley, Bishop and Martyr, (16 October, 1555): and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr, (21 March 1556). And their information may be found at: Hugh Latimer & Nicholas Ridley.

“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:

Dear Lord God Almighty, Creator and Lover of all souls, please help each of us to discipline ourselves with respect, for ourselves and others, as we are created in Your Image. And help us to maintain integrity in all that we do and to come to You in prayer with patience in all of our earthly concerns. Amen.