Tag: jesus

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 23: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 5 and 6; Evening, Psalms 10 and 11;

Jonah 1:1to17; Acts 26:24to27:8; Luke 8:40to56

“But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” (Luke 8:46)

In my Thursday morning Cursillo Reunion Group the gathered group is well aware that I, John, am not a fan of “unexpected opportunities.”  During our sessions the question always comes up, “With what unexpected opportunities has the Lord accomplished through you…” I am a strong “J” on the Myers Briggs personality tests. While this “J” stands for judgment it more readily relates to the “need-to-know” outcomes.  I am so “off the chart” in this category that I will wait until someone has seen a movie that I want to see and then ask them to tell me about it in detail.  If pushed, I would probably pay for them to see the movie so that they can tell me about it.  I know this is bad but I really don’t like surprises. And I don’t think “opportunity” and “unexpected” should be used in the same sentence,, especially with “unexpected” used as an adjective for “opportunity.”

Having said all this, I now learn from our Lord Jesus as he was in route to do a good work when an unexpected opportunity occurs. While on his way to attend to a dying twelve year old girl, a woman, bleeding for 12 years, guided by her faith, touches the garment of Jesus.  She is instantly healed. Jesus realizes that someone’s faith has made use of his healing power.  He has unknowingly participated in an unexpected opportunity.

I have heard that the reward for hard work is more hard work.  Perhaps the same is true of good opportunities.  That is, the rewards for good opportunities are more good, and even, unexpected, opportunities. This healing is further evidence that Jesus takes the faith in us already, and uses it to heal us.  After the woman was healed, He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8: 48)

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, so open our hearts to expect the unexpected opportunities You put before us in order that we might do such good works as are pleasing in Your sight through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 23: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 1, 2 and 3; Evening, Psalms 4 and 7: 

Micah 7:1to7; Acts 26:1to23; Luke 8:26to39

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8: 38 and 39)

It seems that the many demons in the man only needed a biological host in order to live.  So they asked permission to pass from the man to the pigs.  Jesus grants them the permission.  When they entered the pigs they immediately made the pigs go into the lake (Lake Galilee).  This is the same body of water from which the fishermen caught their fish.  Could not the spiritual demons then go into the fish?  This then would be their cycle of life. For they would go right back to the people who caught the fish and it starts all over again.  This is just my pondering.

I try to keep up with the actual accounts of Jesus actually inviting followers to follow him. I have 5: Simon and Andrew – Matthew 4:18 – 20; John and James – Matthew 4: 21 – 22; Matthew (A-K-A, Levi) Matthew 9:9.  I know we try to claim the twelve as it matches the twelve tribes of Israel.  But we don’t have the actual recorded words of “come, follow me” for the remaining seven.  There is also the Rich young man in Mark 10:21 -22 who was told to “come follow me,” but he rejected Jesus’ invitation because he wanted to keep his wealth.

Now we have one who asks to follow Jesus but Jesus says no. Jesus wants him to go back among his people and show what God can, and will, do. Of course, he “went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much “Jesus” had done for him;” the point being made that “Jesus” and “God” are synonymous.  We don’t get to follow this man as he proclaims our Lord Jesus among non-Jews. But Jesus leaves hints about what’s going on. Jesus says in the Gospel of John “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) 

The power and love of our Lord Jesus is witnessed by Jew, and Gentile alike.  All report in their communities about Jesus being Lord of all, those seen, and the unseen (like demons). Jesus himself will return to his spiritual nature for all eternity.  But he does not abandon us.  The Spirit of our Lord Jesus is with us, leads us and guides us.  Jesus still asks us to “come, follow Him” or, to “declare how much God has done for you”

Today we remember Edith Cavell, Nurse, October 12, 1915 and her information may be found at: Edith Cavell.

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 Mission of the Church (BCP p. 816)

Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 23: Year A

Matthew 22:1to14

Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:10)

We have again the message of the original Hebrew people called by God and then the latter people, those who follow Jesus of Nazareth, because the original people became complacent or lazy. This is expressed many ways in our Christian scripture. But we must remember, all who followed Jesus were also in fact Jewish Israelites. They were fishermen and a tax collector and such, but they were all Hebrew people.

In this parable from our Lord Jesus, the king (a metaphor for God) has deemed the original guests as unworthy and has now (scraped the barrel, so to speak), for anybody and everybody that could be found to attend the wedding banquet. Then why be intolerant of one who can’t afford or just doesn’t have a proper robe, unless of course, one was offered but then refused? In every case of God’s calling, there is some effort required of us, some action we must put forth.

This is also yet another way to show that we all will come to the Resurrection, the good and the bad. However, eternal life is not guaranteed with the Resurrection. We are invited, but we may not be able to stay if not fully prepared.

In the midst of the COVID crisis most communities required people gathered to wear masks.  If they didn’t have one, quite often the host will offer one.  If the guests still refused to wear it, they were asked to leave; where there “might” be, weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

The point is, if we look at justice, kindness and humility as we are taught in our Bible, both Hebrew and Christian, we will see that insisting on our own way of being and refusing to adhere to the details of God’s call, whatever that might be, could endanger a vulnerable person, thus denying them justice, and not being very kind, which shows arrogance, rather than humility.

It is so easy to slip into unintended behavior.  All are invited into the company of God if we would just wear His garment of faith which will guide our thoughts, words and actions which leads to eternal life at the Resurrection.

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 23 The Sunday closest to October 12 (BCP p. 234)

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 137 and 144; Evening, Psalm  104;

 Micah 5:1to 4,10 to 15; Acts 25:13 to27; Luke 8:16to 25

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16)

Light is often used as a metaphor for moral enlightenment.  When some of us learn about better ways to live harmoniously in community, we model this higher morality, thus extending this light to others.  Morality is like money or food stores, it is not meant to be hoarded.  There are plenty of people in need of such learning; of such light; the more, the further, the better.

Every village, community or parish, has those in their midst who are above the fray of challenged relationships.  These are sometimes quiet people who are easy to get along with.  But some are not so quiet. Nonetheless, they are upbeat and positive. Either way, quiet or engaging, these people of the light seem to be the few among us who bring in the light of love and share it with all present. 

From them we need to light our own torches from their loving and inclusive light and continue to carry it deeper into this dark world.  Such light illumines our negative tendency to be self-righteous, self-centered and challenging, when there is no reason to be this way. 

Sometimes the light does not show us where to go, but rather, where not to go.  It’s like having my flashlight with me when I take the dog out at night.  The light does not show me where to step, but rather, where not to step. Remember, the dog was here last night also.  The light of morality works as a guard on our lips and hands and feet.  This moral lamp, from a shared lamp stand, helps us to avoid trouble and move closer towards the glory of God. My beloved of the Lord, walk in the light, and then carry the light for others so that they too, might see.  We must seek light, then more light, and finally, further light.  Let those with the ears of the faithful craftsmen hear what is being said.

Today we remember Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for peace  (10 October 1954); and her information may be found at: Vida Dutton Scudder.

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: Psalm 119:105 to 107

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 140 and 142; Evening, Psalms 141and 143:1 to12;

Micah 3:9to4:5; Acts 24:24to 25:12; Luke 8:1to15

“He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.”  (Micah 4:3 to 5)

The prophet Micah speaks of a distant peace.  He speaks of a time when we will no longer need a military to go up against another nation; and maybe not even police because all people will honor the laws of their God. I know it sounds radical; maybe even impossible.  And, it is an especially strange concept since it seems so much like we are going in the other direction these days.  Our swords and spears are going more and more into nuclear weaponry rather than instruments of agriculture, food and medicines for the world.  If we only focused our resources towards the care of others instead of the threat of others.  What a wonderful world we would be.

How do we get to this radical way of living?  If we prayed more in private, and worshiped more earnestly in community, we would be a planet where all people in every walk of life would sit in their own planted gardens in peace while being thankful to God.  What a beautiful sight that would be. All people will walk with their God, as they understand God in their worship communities, regardless of how God is named in that community, and live in peace.  Be we Muslims, Jews or Christians, we ought to see God as a God of love and peace.  We are not competing.  We need to understand, for whatever reason, God is made manifest to different peoples in different ways.  However, the characteristics of love and compassion for the stranger and those who are different must be appreciated and respected.  There should be no manifestation of hate in any understanding of God since the beginning of creation.

Today we remember Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln October 9, 1253; and his information may be found at: Robert Grosseteste.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: For the Human Family (BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalms  131, 132, [133]; Evening, Psalms  134, and 135;

Micah 3:1to 8; Acts 24:1to23; Luke 7:36 to50

“I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.  Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience towards God and all people.”  (Acts 24: 15 and 16)

This is the verse in Acts that I always try to remember and make known.  Our life-hope is on the resurrection, or, it should be.  From what Paul says, the resurrection is not something earned.  It’s going to happen to all people, the righteous and unrighteous alike, because we are God’s own, and God wants to see us on our fateful day.  Eternal life, on the other hand, does not seem to always follow the resurrection. It appears that waking up before the throne doesn’t mean we live happily ever after.  There is judgment. There is accountability.  Paul, and maybe even a few of us, struggle to have a clear conscience towards God and all people. 

A life of dedicated service to Christ will bring us eternal life, but it is not as something earned, rather, it is something asked for in prayer and supplication.  And in receiving the grace of God, it brings about a life of dedicated service of its own accord.  Believe it or not, it is freedom.  There is a prayer that says, “O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom” (BCP 99). How about that?  Serving God is perfect freedom!  This only feels this way if we really live into the words, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”

I have thought, since seminary, that the most important service I could provide a family is the burial service, or funeral, or celebration of life, for a beloved relative.  As Christians, we are an Easter people – a Resurrection people.  We say things like, “he or she is in a better place now.”  That might be true (or not), or he or she might no longer exist at all anymore. The alternative to eternal life for me, is not dragged out death but nonexistence.  Personally, I don’t believe a loving God would make us live at some post death level only to be in continual pain for all eternity. We either get our hearts right or we cease to exist. But first there is our resurrection which we all must undergo.  We have no choice regarding our facing God.

Today we remember William Dwight Porter Bliss, Priest, 8 October 1926 and Richard Theodore Ely, Economist, 4 October 1943; and their information may be found at: William Bliss & Richard Theodore Ely.

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 Collect for Peace (BCP p 99)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 22: Year 2

Morning, Psalm 119:145 to 176,Evening, Psalms  128, 129, and 130; 

Micah 2:1to 13; Acts 23:23 to 35; Luke 7:18to 35

“And he answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them.” (Luke 7: 22)

Jesus could have just said “Yes, I am the one.”  But there is a lesson in paying attention to what we see and hear.  The two disciples of John would have been well aware of their Isaiah scripture where it says, “Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God.  He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy;” (Isaiah 35: 4 to 6). This is almost verbatim of what Jesus reminded John’s disciples of in our Luke reading for today.

We can’t realize our scriptures are being lived out right in our presence unless we first know our scriptures. It is when we articulate what we have seen and heard in our own life stories that we realize God in Christ Jesus in working in our lives in the same ways as of old.

I think I should confess to my readers that I am an optimist.  I think Christian hope has shaped me this way.  I believe the world is getting better more and more.  I know that I live in a world of nay-sayer’s who will say, “ it’s never been this bad” and will say “it’s getting worse.”  But I don’t accept that. The improvements are small and incremental, but better none the less. The incremental steps of being better are often bitter. 

Our eyes are being opened, we are learning to walk in new ways, and we are given hope for a better world. Progressive and just steps, have come as the result of the labors of people who follow in the example of John the Baptist who sent his disciples to ask Jesus about whether or not He was the one. We have the late Martin Luther King Jr., the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, and former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan to mention a few, too few.  My point is that we have people among us who still follow the example of John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus in making our world better, little by little.  These saints speak to us today, not so much with their words, but rather, with their personal sacrifice for a better world; and folks, it’s still happening now! We are in better shape now than in 1726, 1826, or 1926.  What will 2126 look like? Praise Jesus!

Today we remember Birgitta of Sweden, Mystic and Prophetic Witness, 1373: and Muhlenberg, Patriarch of American Lutherans, 7 October 1787; and their information may be found at: Birgitta of Sweden; and Henry Muhlenberg, 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:  For the Human Family (BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for 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.