Tag: faith

Pondering for Monday, July 7, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 1, 2 and 3; Evening,  Psalms 4 and 7;
1st Samuel 15:1 to 3 and 7 to 23; Acts 9:19b to 31; Luke 23:44 to56a:

Samuel said, “Does the Lord have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice, And to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. (1st Samuel 15:22)

I think this is a very important lesson for Saul, and for us, but it needs to be understood in a way that is more meaningful for us today.

The point that Samuel is making is that to God, obedience is more important than sacrifice.  That is, adherence to what God tells us to do is more important than what we give to God in terms of the fruits of our labor as well as the time spent in worship and adoration.

Obedience is a matter of doing what God says. This could be interpreted as following the Law, and in Saul’s case, as with Moses, following the Law to the letter.  I understand that there were 613 Laws that must be obeyed.  Not all of these are applicable for us today.

For us who follow the Jesus movement, we only have two commandments; we are to love the Lord our God with all of our being, and we are to love our neighbors with the understanding that all people are our neighbors. This first law might contain everything that is found in sacrifice to, and worship of, God. This public adoration of God is made manifest after our private adoration of God. According to Samuel’s lesson of obedience, while it is the second lesson, it seems to be the weightier of the two. We are to love our neighbors, and for Christians, as Jesus loves us, to the letter and to the cross.

There are words in the old song, “Walk On The Wild Side,” as sung by Brook Benton that say, “One day of praying and six of having fun, the odds against going to heaven; six to one.”   This translates to loving people along with praying, is a seven day a week necessity. We might assemble one day a week in Church, but private prayer and worship along with living out the real love of people is an everyday affair and the only way that we really obey God.

For me then, obedience to God is made manifest in living a daily loving life, and is far more important than Church attendance and worship one day a week. However, if we assemble in Jesus, we ought to also resemble our Jesus who prayed daily.

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 Lord God Almighty, keep me (us) ever mindful of the importance of prayer and all other such actions and devotions as are pleasing in Your sight. To obey and follow where You lead is far better than to pay treasures to You that You do not need. For You are God and all things belong to You. I (we) want to give You our hearts Lord in steadfast obedience to Your will. Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, July 6, 2025

Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 9: Year C

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

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

Before we get to the above quote, Jesus says twice for them to eat whatever they are served and to not go from house to house, and whether they are welcomed or not, to let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.  Jesus wants us to be fully with the people that receive us. Jesus wants us to fully be with them in their homes and at their tables. And if this can’t be, let them know still, that it does not stop the oncoming of the kingdom of heaven.

This kingdom of heaven is the new place of our citizenship and where we belong if we love the Lord and follow in God’s Ways. This is where our Christened names are filed. We should rejoice that our names are on the rolls of heaven. I don’t think it means that we got everything right, but whatever is amiss in us will be straightened out when we get there.

This is still our Independence Day extended Weekend.  We celebrate our temporal citizenship as Americans who are free to govern ourselves by majority rule as made manifest by the vote.  Scripture informs us that the majority does not always get it right.  The majority wanted Aaron to make a idol calf to worship for the people in the wilderness (Exodus 32:1 – 6).  Likewise, it was the majority of the people in Jerusalem who insisted that Jesus be condemned to death (John 18:35).  We have much to be thankful for as Americans. Our Independence freed us from the tyranny of a monarch so that we could start our own self-governance.  However, even in that governance, not all were treated as equals.  We are getting better. We are evolving.  Over time we are truly becoming more Christ-like even given that we were not founded as A Christian nation, but rather an independent nation.

America, I believe, is that city shining on a hill as stated by our former President Ronald Reagan.  We are a light to the nations. When we lift our voice to God in prayer, we can’t know how God will respond.  We only know that God “will” respond.  Like Naaman of 2nd Kings 5 for today, we must listen and obey God’s leadership and let go of our own preconceived ideas about how God should respond to us.   We must live into what it means to be the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”

When doing all the good that we can do, following the commands of Jesus, we will see amazing things, amazing transformations taking place in people. We will see Jesus at work in the people we take Jesus to, and see them transformed.  And we will notice that evil begins to diminish like Satan falling from the heavens; the heavens where we will reside forever.  It’s all part of God’s plan and it is truly marvelous in our eyes.

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. 230)

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, July 5, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 137:1-6, and 144; Evening,  Psalm 104;
1st  Samuel 14:16 to 30; Acts 9:10 to 19a; Luke 23:32 to 43:

“One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us; (Luke 23:39).

Often as we read scripture we are led to think or believe in the way the writer wants us to.  I always ask those with me to be aware of the writer’s bias. The writer of Luke, whom I admire and from whom I learn so much, I still must hold accountable. 

As we have our Lord Jesus crucified but still alive, we have the words of the people; “And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiahof God, his chosen one!” (Luke 23:35).   And in the next verse we hear from the Roman soldiers; “The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”  (Luke 23:36 and 37).  We have these words about saving himself from people walking around but not on a cross.

This is why I look carefully at the words of the crucified men.  We are told by Luke that the first crucified speaker “derided” Jesus saying “Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us.”  I think it is the, “and us,” part that draws me to him.  As I too am a man that knows well that I am a sinner I want our Lord Jesus to not only save himself but to save me also.  I too am on my cross as I deserve to be and I want our Lord Jesus to save me as only he can. 

We must remember that Luke never met Jesus.  Luke received the stories of Jesus from Peter and Paul, (Paul, who also never met Jesus before he was crucified) and Luke passed these words on to us with the interpretation he was given when he received these words.

But this so-called deriding criminal was the only one that asked for his own salvation as well as Jesus saving himself.  Sometimes one has to be in a situation where death is near to really appreciate the need for being saved. And my beloved of the Lord, that’s where we all are today; we are crucified with our Lord Jesus.  We have sinned and strayed from the ways of God and are in need of our Lord Jesus saving himself and us.  And Jesus does exactly that. We too look for the day we are in paradise with our Lord Jesus. When we learn to love we also learn not to rush to judgment.  The man on the cross may not have been mocking Jesus as we are led to believe, as were those who were walking around thinking they were not going to die (ever).  There is truth in his words about the need for salvation for us all. 

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.

Pondering for Friday, July 4, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Week 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 140 and 142; Evening, Psalms 141, 143:1-12)
1st  Samuel 13:19 to14:15; Acts 9:1 to 9; Luke 23:26 to 31

“Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips; let not my heart incline to any evil thing.” (Psalm 141:3)

If only I could think before I hit the “send” button on my mouth.  My blogs are like this also. I really ponder over my words and even have them read aloud by a computer voice before I hit the “publish” button. And even then occasionally the wrong meaning is floated.

 As we interact with people, both, the people we like, and the people we don’t particularly like, we should be very careful about our choice of words. While it is sometimes difficult when done face to face, during our Covid lock-downs, and the more widespread use of text messaging and emails, and without the use of facial expression and body language, the wrong message is sometimes sent.

In setting a watch before our mouths and a guard on the door of our lips we must go deeper inside our selves, and into our hearts.  It is in our hearts that our attitudes and feelings are first developed before they make their way to our mouths and lips.  Words and hands can help or hurt depending on the heart source from which they originate.  And how do we adjust the thoughts of our hearts?  We don’t, without God’s help.

God did not give us the ability to fix our selves or heal ourselves. God intends for us to first believe in God, and as a result of our belief, to ask God for the assistance needed.  Therefore, we pray for God to be with us and help us.  I have heard it said that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  Therefore, before we speak, perhaps in prayer we should squeak.  We need our words to be true to what we feel.  But what we feel needs to be something we are proud of before God and our neighbors. It is only with God’s help that I; “Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips; let not my heart incline to any evil thing.”

Today is Independence Day, July 4. And information about this day may be found at: Independence Day (U. S.). You will find written words we should all take to heart.

“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: (BCP p. 355)                                                        

“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

And let us pray again: Independence Day July 4 (BCP p. 242)

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:145 to176; Evening, Psalm 128, 129 and 130;
1st Samuel 12:1 to 6 and 16 to 25; Acts 8:14 to 25; Luke 23:1 to 12:

“That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies:” (Luke 23:12).

It is from earlier words in this Luke passage that we learn the geographical boundaries of authority for both Herod and Pontius Pilate.  I don’t think they were real equal rivals given that Pilate had the support of the Roman Empire. Nonetheless, to do an evil thing, they came together.  It is so sad when people do this kind of bonding. You can’t tell when you might be next to be plotted against.

From other studies I have learned that the phrase “Friend of Cesar,” was more a fraternity than just a causal reference.  Friend of Cesar could have a “rising star” kind of social status that meant quick promotion within the Roman hierarchy.  For Pontius Pilate, it meant keeping the peace on the Judean outpost of Rome.  After all, Judea was not the most sought after place to be for an up and coming military officer, even if the officer was the governor of the region. If one could handle little skirmishes like that of this Jesus fellow, and the local trouble he was causing, such a governing officer could get on with his career.

As Judeo- Christians this is not who we are.  This “Jesus fellow,” has changed all of that for us.  Our Lord Jesus says the great ones among us are the ones who serve.  We do not strive for higher human horizons, especially at the cost of another.  We are friends of Christ Jesus, and we are pretty proud of it.  We do not drop our morals in order to be friends of the boss, the politician, the priest,  the teacher, or even the parent. If such people are living moral lives as for as we can see, then we are friends focused on the love and equality of all people.

We Christians partner with others for the enhancement of our communities, for all in our communities.  We certainly don’t partner with anyone for the degradation of anyone else. It’s just not who Jesus wants us to be.  This is the kind of friendship that can be trusted and will only focus on you if you come into trouble; and the response will be loving, not a plan for your demise.

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 Oppressed: BCP p. 826)

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalms [120], 121, 122, 123; Evening,  Psalms 124, 125, 126, [127];

1st  Samuel 11:1 to 15; Acts 8:1 to 13; Luke 22:63 to 71:

In our readings for today we have the action of two Sauls.

The Saul of the Hebrew Testament rejoices after a victory and calls the people to renew his kingship.  After reading about this Saul the next reading is about the New Testament Saul who consented to Stephen’s death by stoning.  The two Sauls will go different ways.  The Saul of the Hebrew Testament will lose favor with God while the Saul of the Christian Testament will gain favor with God. The death of people is involved in both.

The biggest difference between the Sauls is the “why” they did the things they did.  The Hebrew Testament Saul begins to praise his own kingship, the kingship of himself.  The New Testament Saul was always zealous for God but learns to honor the Kingship of Christ Jesus and lives out the remainder of his days as Paul only to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Perhaps many of us have names that are recycled through our families.  I am named after my uncle and my dad.  I don’t know that with my name I also received any of my uncle’s or dad’s personality traits.  No matter our name, in Christ Jesus we are a new creation, and maybe even have our names changed as did Saul to Paul and Simon to Peter.

Today we remember Pauli Murray, Priest (July 1, 1985), and Harriet Beecher Stowe, Writer and Prophetic witness (July 1, 1896) their information may be found at: Pauli Murray and Harriet Beecher Stowe, respectively.

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 Lord God Almighty, we pray that we are called by who You name us to be. May we live the best lives we can in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, June 30, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 8: Year 1

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

1 Samuel 10:17-27; Acts 7:44-8:1a; Luke 22:52-62

“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit?  When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”  (Luke 22 52 – 53)

Jesus has done no criminal offence and yet the religious authorities come to arrest him. Many God centered people since this time have been killed because of their beliefs, especially when such beliefs undermine and threaten the comfort and power of those in charge, the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders.

I am very glad to be able to live in a country that insists on religious freedom including the right to be non religious if we so choose. We are not a theocracy. However, we still have a ways to go in not persecuting people whose beliefs differ from main stream religious persecutors.  Many such beliefs have to do with sexual orientation and issues around the subject of abortion. Also there are concerns around the death penalty and war itself.

I continue to follow a path that asks the question “how is love and compassion informing me.”  It’s not always what you might think.  Love asks questions like “who needs protection?”  Love asks questions like “what is the likely outcome if I do nothing?”  What’s at stake?  As I look around the table at my children and myself, who are the ones in need but perhaps say nothing?  I am old enough now to say that all people in their fifties and below are my children (and grandchildren) as well as (hopefully) my friends.  It doesn’t matter if they don’t get along with each other or with me.  It doesn’t matter if they speak my language or if they can speak at all, they are my children and my friends.  I may be called into a conflict with them, or forgive them for some mistaken deed, or just accept them the way God made them.  They are my child-friends.

We should not come out after our child-friends with hate like the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders as if they were bandits.  They should be in the temple of our hearts. How does love and compassion inform us about how we should treat those with whom we do not agree?  Let us not let the power of darkness gain control of our actions but rather let us follow what love and compassion asks us to do.  Find someone twenty or more years younger than you and adopt them as your child-friend, the more different they are from you, the better.

Today we remember Saints Peter and Paul (Transferred from June 29) and their information may be found at: St. Peter and St. Paul.

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: (Remembering Saint Peter and Saint Paul June 29: BCP p. 241)

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

Pondering for Sunday, June 29, 2025

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 8: Year C

Luke 9:51-62:

“And 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 toward 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. Thenthey went on to another village.” (Luke 9:52 – 59)

The Samaritans are people who Jesus often showed as examples of godly love.  The Woman at the well who said, “come see a man who has told me everything I have ever done,” (John 4).  And, the Good Samaritan of Luke (10: 30 – 37), who tended to the man left for dead by robbers. So Jesus saw the love of the Samaritans.  But they were also very tribal.

Samaritans did not like the Israelites or anyone who liked the Israelites.  So when they saw that Jesus was going to Jerusalem they cut him and his followers off.  It’s the old saying that the friend of my enemy is my enemy. But this attitude does not work.  All of us have been gifted by God to be friendly with people regardless of who they like of don’t like. The trouble is, we choose not to.

When James and John asked if they could call down fire on them Jesus turned and rebuked them.  This is some insight as to the power that they had through Jesus. It seems to be no doubt that they could do such a thing, but needed permission to do so.  They forget however, that when Jesus sent them out in pairs to heal and cast out demons he said to them, receive those who receive you.  And, if they don’t receive you just knock off the dust from your shoes and keep on moving.  But even to them, let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.

We also have those who want to follow Jesus, But! Words like but and however, often flip the script. Basically, Jesus says there is no but. People can be faith-dead before their bodies give out. Jesus says let them bury themselves. People come up with reasons to not follow their hearts now and in the moment. Jesus says for us to make up our minds and keep it moving, don’t look back. I like to quote Nike here, “Just Do It!”

So, there is no part of Jesus that retaliates or procrastinates. Jesus loves those who do not accept Him as much as He loves those who hesitates in their following, and as much as He love us who follow without pause. We get nothing extra for being dedicated followers. We are the dedicated assistants of Christ Jesus for the glory of God. And that is reward in itself.  As followers of Jesus we should not retaliate or procrastinate either.  Accept those who accept you.  Be patient with those who do not accept you in this moment. Be pleasant to all. Try to love all.

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 8, BCP p. 230)

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, June 28, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 107:33-43 and 108:1-6; Evening, Psalm 33;
1st Samuel 9:15 to10:1; Acts 7:30 to 43; Luke 22:39 to 51:

“He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]  When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial:” (Luke 22: 39 to 46).

Before I ponder about these Luke verses, I just want you to know that the bracketed verses above (43 and 44) are not found in some ancient manuscripts.  It doesn’t mean that angels weren’t there; it just means that some Luke accounts didn’t have it.

Having said that, my emphasis for these words is focused on Jesus’ regular round of prayer.  Jesus often found a quiet place to be alone and pray. We should copy this Jesus trait.  This was a Thursday evening.  Jesus has just celebrated what we call the Lord’s Supper, also known as our Holy Eucharist.  He is about to be arrested, beaten and then crucified.

If this situation was put before me, the option of running away would still be on the table. Perhaps prayer would still be there as well, but it would probably be prayer for a speedy escape.  But our Lord Jesus had you in mind.  He wanted you to be cleansed of all human sin.  The sin of jealousy, and of hatred, and of prejudice, as it was shown in Judas Iscariot and the Temple authorities, and the Romans. All human sin was packaged together and saddled on Jesus as he is taken to the cross.

His response on our behalf is prayer. He prays for the strength necessary to endure because he loves us, He literally loves us to death, even death on the Cross.  Maybe I wouldn’t run after all. Dying to my mortal self is not the end of all my life; Thanks be to our Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian  ) and his information may be found at: Irenaeus of Lyons.

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.

Pondering for Friday, June 27, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 7: Year 1

 Morning, Psalm 102; Evening,  Psalm 107:1 to 32;
1st  Samuel 9:1 to 14; Acts 7:17 to 29; Luke 22:31 to 38:

“He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.  For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough: (Luke 22: 36 to 38).

I have studied the history of the Amish.  What I admire about the Amish is that they really walk their faith. Their faith however, includes pacifism. They are among the most pacifist people on the face of the earth.  Because of this they were completely decimated in Europe because of their refusal to defend themselves. They found safety in the “armed” American Colonies, Pennsylvania in particular.

The Hebrew Testament is replete with examples of God assisting the fighting efforts to fulfill God’s plan for the Israelites, and, by extension, all humanity. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others fought to accomplish God’s will for us today.  Now, in our Gospel reading for today, we have our Lord Jesus saying “sell what you can and buy a sword because the day is going to come that you will need it.”

The sword was the personal protection of that day. The sword was not a hunting tool which could be said of the spear or bow and arrow.  It was not used to prepare food as is a knife. No, the sword was specifically made for use as a weapon against human oppression. Today’s sword is a pistol. 

As a thirty year United States Marine, now retired but still true to what it means to be a Marine, I support the right to have and use guns as personal protection.  Some may ask how I balance being a gun owner with being a priest.  I think our Lord Jesus, speaking to the future Christian priests of the New Testament, answers that question.  “He replied [regarding having two weapons], ‘It is enough.”  Some interpreters and commentaries will try to read something else into Jesus’ words.  I say, Jesus said it, and it is what it is. 

Let us learn from the European lesson in the history of the Amish, as well as God’s guidance with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others. And let us hear what our Lord Jesus says about protecting our continued way of Christian life after His sacrifice.  We must be true to our faith as we understand it. This is something we each must ponder with God’s help in our Sabbath time.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among the Oneida (1907) and his information may be found at: Cornelius Hill.

“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: (BCP p. 290-291)                                               

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.