Tag: god

Daily Office Readings for Saturday after the Epiphany; Epiphany; Year 2

Morning, Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Evening,  Psalm 147:

Jeremiah 23:1-8;  Colossians 2:8-23;  John 10:7-17

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10: 16)

Our Lord Jesus informs them (and us) that there is more than one path to the Jesus movement.  While Christianity is good, it is necessary for all Christians to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Several times in this Gospel reading our Lord Jesus identifies Himself as the I AM.  He says I AM the Gate. And He says I AM the Good Shepherd.  Our Lord Jesus is both the Way in, and the Way out, of this world.  He is this as the Gate to eternal life.

But also, Our Lord Jesus is our Guide as the Good Shepherd.  Our Lord Jesus leads us through the difficulties of life.  He does not always remove them or get rid of them, but rather He accompanies us through them. My dad used to tell me that when the going gets rough, the rough get going. Jesus is rough enough to get us to and through the rough places in our lives.  And He does this in all loving paths of the life of faith. 

There are many Christian denominations. But one Jesus. And more than that, Jesus may be including all believers, even of non-Christian walks. Nothing is impossible for God. And if God wants to bring to Himself Buddhist, and Muslims, and Jews, and Hindus, so what? God loves all people, no exceptions. We Christians do not own God, or even God in Christ Jesus, in any Christian denomination. We just find our own path to God in, and through Jesus, and also try as hard as we can to love other sheep in whatever fold they are in.  Again, Jesus says, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Today we remember William Laud,  Archbishop of Canterbury (January 10, 1645), and his information may be found at: William Laud

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 Future of the Human Race (BCP p. 828)

O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for January 8: Epiphany Year 2

Morning, Psalm 117 and 118; Evening,  Psalm 112 and  113;
Exodus 17:1 to 7; Colossians  1:15 to 23; John 7:37 to 52:

“They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.’ (John 7: 52)

The “they,” in this exchange are the Pharisees. They are jumping on Nicodemus for asking, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” The Pharisees did not know the whole story of our Lord Jesus. He in fact, was born in Bethlehem. But I say even beyond his birthplace, they should have taken into consideration his compassion and His deeds of power. Sometimes they, and we, often have our minds so fixed on what we want to think God is doing that we don’t leave room for what God is really doing.

I visited Galilee in February of 2018. I loved Galilee more than Jerusalem and Judea.  Galilee is where our Lord Jesus began his ministry. Galilee is where our Lord Jesus called his disciples to follow him. Capernaum is the first place Jesus went of his own free will and accord. He was born in Bethlehem, taken to Egypt as a baby, and then taken to Nazareth where he was raised to adulthood. But of his own choice he went to Capernaum where he met fishermen.

The Pharisees want to accuse even the temple police of being deceived. They refused to see the truth.  Nicodemus will be seen again at the end of this Gospel account bringing ointment for the dead body of Jesus. Nicodemus was a closet disciple of Jesus. Many of us today are as well. I pray that we come out of the closet of denial and stand boldly in the faith, the faith that proclaims Christ as Lord and God’s salvation plan for us all.

Today we remember Harriet Bedell,  Deaconess and Missionary (January 8, 1969) and her information may be found at: Harriet Bedell

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 Heavenly Creator, help us to not be so certain in our minds about anything that we sadly close our minds to ultimate Truth. Teach us, we pray, to be open to the love and compassion presented before us by those who demonstrate it, and to proclaim it openly with boldness and love. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for January 7: Epiphany; Year 2

Morning, Psalm 103:Evening, Psalms 114 and 115:

Deuteronomy 8:1 to 3: Colossians 1:1 to 14:  John 6:30 to 33 and 48 to 51

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”  (John 6:51)

From the Gospel according to John we learn of God’s plan for us through Jesus of Nazareth who is to give us eternal life through a human body which is the very Word of God, and where the Holy Spirit of God is pleased to dwell in His human body.  It sounds confusing.

Perhaps this fulfills the prophetic word of our Deuteronomy reading for today where we are told, “He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

So we must feed on the material food of this world to fortify our material bodies.  But this material world is a temporary world, not an eternal one.  Jesus, born into our created material world through a human mother whose pregnancy was made manifest by the eternal Holy Spirit, makes possible our eternal life through that same Holy Spirit. Yes, it sounds confusing, but I want it. How about you?  To get it we must first believe, and then live it out in our daily lives. Through the Body and Blood of Jesus of Nazareth received at our Holy Communion in the Way it has been handed down to us we are enabled to live past this life and into the eternity of God. Thank You Lord Jesus.

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. 834)

Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Today is the Twelfth (and last) Day of Christmas

Readings for Morning Prayer, December 5^th: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 2 and 110:1to5;
Joshua 2:2 to 9; Ephesians 6:10 to 20; John 11:17 to 27 and 38 to 44:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6: 14 to 17)

St Paul has placed many gifts under our Christmas Tree right before it’s taken down; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes for walking the Gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.  Wow, he has given us many last day Christmas gifts.

Given that all these gifts are items that we wear, this is what it truly means to dress for spiritual success.  And unlike our Christmas tree, this spiritual suit is ongoing. It says to the world who we are.  Just as we might (rightly or wrongly) judge others by what they choose to wear, we too are judged by what we choose to wear. In a more literal clothing sense, I prefer the western or cowboy look for its comfort and freedom to work hard if necessary.  I am often seen in clergy collar or suits for special occasions. All can identify who I am.  Our material clothing says something about who we are, or what we choose to look like to others, Our spiritual clothing however, speaks to God and informs God of the path we are taking to heaven. This earthly covering is temporary; our spiritual garb is forever.

Above all, let us take the Word of God as our guiding light forever. Merry Christmas: Day 12

Today we remember Sarah, Theodora, and Syncletica of Egypt: “Desert Mothers” (4^th and 5^th Century) and their information may be found at: Sarah, Theodora & Syncletica: Thde Desert Mothers

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 Lord God Almighty, Help us to clothe ourselves with what is necessary to preserve our faith and enable us to pass on the learned practices of true and meaningful piety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today is the Tenth Day of Christmas

Daily Office Readings for Saturday, January 3^rd: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 68; Evening, Psalm 72;

1^st Kings 19:9 to 18; Ephesians 4:17 to 32; John 6:15 to 27:

“So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

Paul reminds the Church in Ephesus (and us today) that we have moved on from the old ways of looking at life, as he says “Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart:” (Ephesians 4:17 to 18).

We too should want to let go of old ways that do not build up loving and caring relationships. Personally, I have had to let go of some parental teachings that no longer fit the narrative I am living in Christ Jesus.  I no longer believe in race. I know the world does, the Gentiles that they are. I do believe in culture. We can choose the culture that best suits us, can’t we? I now consider myself to be an Anglican Cowboy after being raised a Southern Colored boy in the 1950’s.  The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion has taught me much about life and it only required me to listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to me. This Church has become my second parent. It may not be the best fit for everyone, but everyone should find a fit.

Each of us should find a path through listening to God’s call on our lives. We should start with the bridge of listening. Listening leads to learning; learning leads to loving; and loving eradicates ignorance and hardness of heart. 

Let us always listen, learn, love and lead with the mind of Christ. Merry Christmas: Day 10

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.

This is the Eighth Day of Christmas

Eucharistic Readings for Holy Name Day: January 1

Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 8; Galatians 4:4-7; or Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 2:15-21

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21)

This day we celebrate naming Jesus on the day of his circumcision. What did we do for baby girls? I don’t think our so-called sacred traditions are always what is pleasing in God’s sight. But we are the humans that God formed us to be. God sees something in us.

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, What is man that you should be mindful of him? the son of man that you should seek him out?” (Psalm 8: 4 and 5)

There is no doubt in my mind that the goodness of God called creation into being. And, as the Psalmist considers, with the moon and the stars in their respective courses, God also caused humanity to also come into being.  But then God became mindful of us, so much so that God actually walked among us as one of us!  Yes, God sought us out; men and women.

This is further illustrated by the words of Paul as he teaches us that when our human creation part was ready, then, and only then, God joined us, Emanuel; God with us. Paul writes, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. (Galatians 4:4 and 5).

And of course, the technical details can be found in our  Gospel passage from Luke in our reading for today. The over arching point I want to ponder is God’s interest and fascination with humanity. “What is man that you should be mindful of him?”  We humans have such a divine opportunity through our Brother Jesus Christ to join God for all eternity. It is now time for us to be mindful, that is, fascinated with, and thankful to, God.  Merry Christmas: Day 8.

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.213)

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Today is the 7^th Day of Christmas

Morning Prayer Readings for December 31^st: Year 2

 Psalm 46, 48;
1^st Kings 3:5 to 14; James 4:13 to 17 and  5:7 to 11; John 5:1 to 15:

“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.” (1^st Kings 3: 10)

The new young king Solomon prayed to God for the understanding necessary to lead God’s people. God was pleased that Solomon did not ask for riches or for long life, or for human glory, or harm to his enemies. At this point in his life Solomon was genuine about wanting to do the right thing in shepherding God’s people.

We should understand that Solomon, while assisting God, wanted what was best for the people believing in the one God. God wanted what was best for the faithful. God still does.

We should take a page from Solomon’s play-book, our prayers to God must be sacrificial, Agape love.  Each of us are placed in communities, or called to communities, where the gifts God has placed in us are needed. Our prayers, like Solomon’s, should always be to give God thanks, and to use our God-given gifts as God sees fit for the benefit of those in our midst.

So too may we be granted the understanding that enables us to live loving lives void of any negativity towards others. Merry Christmas: Day 7

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.

Today is the Sixth Day of Christmas

Daily Office Readings for December 30^th: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 20 and 21:1to 7; Evening, Psalm 23 and  27;

1^st Kings 17:17 to 24; 3^rd Letter of John 1 to 15; John 4:46 to 54:

Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.” (John 4:50)

Going to our Lord Jesus seeking aid for another is the most powerful act we can perform for someone. It is more important than money. The Scripture in today’s Gospel reading says that the man believed and started back home. However, he did inquire about the time the boy was healed, and scripture says he believed (again).   Regardless of when he really believed, he obeyed Jesus and started for home.  Jesus is everywhere. He didn’t have to be standing above the child to heal him. He healed him across space and time.

Our Lord Jesus is still doing this today for those who ask, across time and space. The catch is, we must believe. Believing is about going to Jesus in prayer, but it is also about following Jesus’ teachings regarding forgiveness. Few of us, even if we struggled with all the medical learning and technology, could not come close to the healing that Jesus can do. But, if we learned to forgive like Jesus does, all of us could achieve His merciful likeness and receive His healing miracles.

Prayer, with forgiveness, is the greatest of gifts we can ever give to anyone, for Christmas, or anytime. Jesus is everywhere, all the time.  Merry Christmas: Day 6

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 Heavenly Creator and Sustainer, help us we pray to always have faith and trust in Your saving and sustaining grace in all circumstances through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.