jesus – Page 12 – onewhoponders

Pondering for Sunday, August 31, 2025

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 17: Year C

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

“O Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way, I can’t wait to look in the mirror cause I get better looking each day.” Words by Mac Davis. Funny the way humility works. If you brag about it, it’s lost. Sorry Mac.

Humility is so lacking in our society today. However, it is still very much needed. We all need people who put community first. We need more people who want to take a back seat for themselves and focus on the needs of the welfare of family, of friends, and of neighbors.

Humility is putting others first without the thought of reward or even recognition for it. It is just a way of life. Once we learn to reduce our needs for vanity, we are better enabled to tend to the needs of others who are often in more dire straits than ourselves. From C.S. Lewis, he says about humility, “Humility is not so much about thinking less of yourself, but rather, thinking of yourself less.” For me this means, not putting myself down, but putting myself aside.

Self promoting seems to be the way of the world today. But as Christians we are called to be “other promoting.” When I look at group photos I try to see who is in the back, or partially behind someone. It’s hard to see them because someone who thinks they are “more important” has blocked the camera’s view.

Our Church is maintained by humble people. We are maintained by an Altar guild and worship support folks we never see, but we are cared for by them in the service materials being properly placed. The church is financially functioning because unnoticed tellers receive, count and hand over to a “behind-the-scenes” vestry who accounts for contributions every Sunday. These are just few of the many “hidden figures” who humbly serve us out of the love in their hearts.

Perhaps the most humble act that we can do today is just showing up. You don’t have to be special, you just have to be present. Show up to visit someone who is sick; show up to take someone to an appointment; show up to attend a meeting. All of these are selfless acts that are so meaningful to those you serve. And remember the words from the letter to the Hebrews: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1 – 2) And, remember not to boast. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

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. 232

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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, August 30, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 16: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 20 and 21:1 to 7; Evening, Psalm 110:1-5 and 116 and 117;
1^st Kings 7:51 to 8:21; Acts 28:17 to 31; Mark 14:43 to 52;

“He lived there for two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:30 and 31)

Acts is a summary of Paul’s life and ministry as recorded by Luke the physician. He has finally been delivered to Rome, from whence he will never leave, at least as his mortal self.

And while Paul was promised by God that no harm will come to him, (Acts 18: 9 and 10), he was beheaded with a sword. Christianity is not for the faint of heart. How is it that we follow our Lord Jesus seeing that most of his first apostles and disciples were martyred?

We have a faith that informs us that this life is not the end-all of life. We await the greater glory of eternal life with our Savior. This Christian faith informs us, leads us, enlightens us, and keeps us going no matter what. Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about our Lord Jesus who himself also was martyred.

At the heart of Christianity, the emphasis is on the resurrection, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. And through His Resurrection, we too come to glory. Such is the love that God in Christ Jesus has for us, all of us. Jesus says to Martha and to us “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25 and 26). Yes Lord I believe, and Thank You Lord Jesus.

The history of our Anglican Communion also does not have all good stuff about it. Today our Church remembers Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow and Anne Line, Martyrs, 1588, 1586, & 1601; and their information may be found at: Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow & Anne Line. This is particularly troubling to me as I favored Elizabeth the 1^st so much. But these women too have the resurrection. 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. 816) For the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, August 29, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 16: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 16 and 17; Evening, Psalm 22;
1^st Kings 5:1 to 6:1 and 6:7; Acts 28:1 to 16; Mark 14:27 to 42:

“My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9)

As we enter the eve of our God-given Sabbath Day, I look for words in our readings that suggest rest. Our Sabbath (Saturday), is our gift from God.

In our Gospel reading from Mark our Lord Jesus reprimands Peter, James and John for sleeping and taking their rest while he, (Jesus), was praying. However, I believe prayer can, and should be done while at rest, especially on the Sabbath. Of course, the day that Jesus was arrested was by all accounts, a Thursday.

Maybe the Sabbath should not be for public worship. A worship service requires work. I believe the original worship services conducted on the Sabbath were a way for the spiritual leadership to ensure people were not at their normal avocations or occupations. God did not give us the Sabbath as a day of worship; but rather, a day of rest. So, shouldn’t we all hold Saturdays aside as a day to remember the Goodness of God, and be thankful? I realize that not everybody can. First responders, medical staff, the military, police, detention staff and others must have a way of rotating a Sabbath observance. But that does not mean we should just ignore it altogether. We need to take time weekly to just ponder about our relationship with God and one another. I don’t believe the spiritual leadership should incorporate micromanagement tools like attendance at a certain house of worship to make sure we are not working our regular jobs. Real rest is relaxed.

To get a fuller understanding of the Sabbath, I have again attached my favorite YouTube website about the Sabbath. This YouTube video will explain the importance of Sabbath from the Jewish perspective from which our Christian tradition comes. It is God’s gift to humanity. God loves us and wants the best for us. This is why God wants us to rest on the seventh day.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope, and more especially for me on the Sabbath Days.

“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. 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 Thursday, August 28, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 16: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 18:1-20; Evening, Psalm 18:21-50;
1^st Kings 3:16 to 28; Acts 27:27 to 44; Mark 14:12 to 26:

Take, bless, divide and share.

We have a Eucharistic meal taking place in two of our readings for today. I will start with our Gospel according to Mark. And while this Gospel account took place as the first Gospel chronologically, we read our Acts account first as we pray through the Daily Office. But the point to the lesson remains; Both Paul and our Lord Jesus (albeit at different times), took bread, blessed the bread, divided it up and handed it out to those needing the healing food of Holy Communion.

Our Lord Jesus instituted the gathering at a meal as the Christian sign of love and hospitality. I am often gathered among friends where I am asked to say the blessing. I am often asked to pray again at the close of formal gatherings. I am always honored to do it. Our Lord Jesus was intentional about using food as a way to remember his presence among us for all time.

In Acts, There were about two hundred fifty persons on the ship sailing for Italy. This ship could be considered to be a Church of two hundred fifty souls. Before the ship ran aground and begin to crumble, Paul took bread, gave thanks to God for it, and shared the meal. This is what we do in our Church every Sunday in remembrance of our Lord Jesus. Many of our Church buildings today have the ship hull structure for the ceiling.

The ship was destroyed. Some could go on by their own ability to swim. Some had to stay clutched to pieces of the church-ship in order to come to safety. Let this be a lesson to all of us. Some of us have been well-informed by the Church and can go on in life being led by the Holy Spirit. Many of us must hold on to parts of the Church in order to arrive safely before our Lord Jesus. Paul was not a sailor but he knew and loved and trusted in the Lord. As it turns out, Paul lost no one to death even though it was the plan of the soldiers to kill the prisoners rather than to let them escape. Where is the love in that response?

When you are among friends, perhaps even some who have not as yet been recognized as such, and refreshments or a meal is served, be the good spiritual host and give thanks to God for it. This is not meant to be offensive to those who do not yet understand the meaning of Thanksgiving to God. It simply means remembering and being thankful to God for faith, food and fellowship.

Today our Church remembers Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian (August 28, 1153) and his information may be found at: Augustine of Hippo.

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.

Pondering for Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 16: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:1-24; Evening, Psalms 12, 13 and 14;
1^st Kings 3:1 to 15; Acts 27:9 to 26; Mark 14:1 to 11:

“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right;” (1^st Kings 3:10 and 11)

Solomon wanted God to equip him to be able to live into the responsibility he was born into. He did not ask for self-serving gifts that would make him stand out among others solely for the purpose of being recognized by others as special. He wanted to be able to do God’s work in, and for, his community.

This is the way God still works. Any gift that we have is not for us alone. It is given to us to be used for the enhanced quality of life for the community in which we live. It doesn’t matter what kind of gift we are given. From singing to sports to healing to serving or just plain listening; we are given these gifts for the benefit of others.

Every human being has the capacity to receive and use God’s gifts among us. This is why is so tragic when someone dies too early. What gifts from God, perhaps not yet made manifest, did they take to the grave with them? Every person is a treasure. Every person is an empty cup waiting to be filled with whatever the community needs. God sees what we need and then blesses various people with what we need. This is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Like Solomon, we must first love our community and want to see it flourish. It is then we go to God asking for whatever is needed that will enable us to be of service to others. We should not assume to already know what our community needs. But rather, look to God who knows far better than we do what is needed. Emptying our cup in this way invites God to fill us with what is needed. And, like Solomon, God often blesses us with even more for ourselves, but we shouldn’t ask for God’s gifts for selfish reasons. We ask out of an abundance of love for our neighbors.

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, Creator of all life, as we, your servants are in the midst of the people where You have caused us to be, a community of people so diverse and multicultural that they are often hard to understand. Give us your servants, therefore, what we need to love and serve them, and the mind and heart to serve your people, able to discern between good and evil; for how can we serve this Your people without Your gifts and blessings? Give us this through the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Pondering for Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 16: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 5 and 6; Evening, Psalms 10 and 11;
1^st Kings 1:38 to 2:4; Acts 26:24 to 27:8; Mark 13:28 to 37:

“While he was making this defense, Festus exclaimed, ‘You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane:” (Acts 26:24)

I am an advocate of life-long learning. So I argue that not learning, and allowing ignorance to rule our minds will make us more “out of our minds.” We must be open to our truths being reinterpreted. Saul’s leaders were okay with him as long as he agreed with their narrative. But when his truth was reinterpreted by our Lord Jesus and he was renamed Paul, they say, it’s too much learning.

For me, learning is the second “L” in my five L pattern of following Christ. First, there is simply listening. We must listen in order that we give the speaker the opportunity to be heard, and maybe even understood. When we listen, we learn. Learning then is the second L.

The third L is Love. If we have really listened we will either see and understand the speaker’s perspective (or misunderstanding), or, if we admit it, we will come to understand that we ourselves have made false assumptions. Either way, love will find a way to resolve our differences.

The fourth L is for living. Paul has done this. Paul has gone off and lived his new truth in Christ Jesus. We too must put on whatever new development we are made aware of as if it were a new suit of clothes. We must adjust and feel comfortable in our new understanding of our relationship with God and one another.

The fifth L is for leading, if we get that far and are invited. Paul felt that he was called to teach, inform, or lead the nations (Gentiles) about our Lord Jesus. But this could only be done after he fully accepted Jesus and believed himself in the Way. We too after living our lives based on the love of Christ are called to lead those uninformed people, or misinformed people about the real and inclusive love of God as made known in Christ Jesus.

So, its not that it’s too much learning for Paul or us. Paul had not received any continued formal education after his diverted trip to Damascus. He received learning from our Lord Jesus. Such revelation supersedes all human schools of learning. Jesus teaches us to listen, learn, love, live and when called, to lead. But human life really begins with the love of listening. Too many of us want to be heard but do not want to listen. Paul’s accusers did not want to listen to him. We have the same problem today. At some point our mouths must remain closed so that our ears (and hearts) will open.

Today our Church remembers Simeon Bachus, The Ethiopian Eunuch, Evangelist in Africa N. T. and his information may be found at: The Ethiopian Eunuch.

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 Almighty God, You created us with ears with which we may hear Your divine Word of love. Be with us O Lord as we listen, learn, learn to love, live, and perhaps live to lead others in the Way of Your unconditional love through Jesus Christ our forever Lord, Amen.

Pondering for Monday, August 25, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 16: Year 1

Psalm 1, 2 and 3; Evening, Psalm 4 and 7;
1^st Kings 1:5 to 31; Acts 26:1 to 23; Mark 13:14to 27

“Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!” (Psalm 1:1)

Our Daily Office Lectionary starts the Psalm readings over again. We cycle through them several times throughout the year. It pleases me that the first word of the first Psalm is “Happy.” It is a good way to start anything.

In this particular verse the Psalmist is commending those of us who can recognize unpleasant company and politely avoid them. The outcome is happiness. It is overall happiness. We will all have bad days, it’s just a part of life. But we shouldn’t make it worse by staying in the company of negative minded persons who are always looking for antisocial ways of relating to us and others. Part of being happy is assisting others in being happy as well.

Some of the Psalms are revengeful and harsh, at least for me. I don’t do well with asking God to wreak havoc on those whom I think have done me, or others, wrong. If they are sinful, God knows, and in God’s own way, they will be corrected or adjusted. In our Acts reading for today Paul recounts being corrected and adjusted as he was going to Damascus.

In our Mark Gospel Reading Jesus informs us that had not God cut short the dreadful day of the coming of the Lord, no one would be spared. But God saved those that God chose. I personally don’t like the word “elect.” It kind of seems like some of us are better than others. God loves us all. This kind of “culling” process is present in biblical language in several places in scripture. It is suggested in the Flood language with Noah and his family on the Ark where only he and his family were spared. It is used to save Lot from Sodom. God seems to favor the people who choose to be happy rather than let them be dragged into the company of wickedness, sin and scornfulness.

I don’t initially avoid people I find unpleasant. I try to get them to see and think about an alternative way of seeing the world. I try to get them to consider an “out-of-control” God. I say this because when I mention bringing God into their lives, too many people already have an idea about what God would say or do. The key to happiness is not “knowing” God, but rather, trusting God. Once we make an out-of-control, but loving God a part of our relationship with others, we are well on our way to being happy. In this way we will cease from walking in the counsel of the wicked, and lingering in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seats of the scornful. We will just be happy trusting in God.

Today our Church remembers Bartholomew the Apostle, (August 24 NT) and his information may be found at: St. Bartholomew the Apostle.

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. 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.

Pondering for Sunday: August 24, 2025

The Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 16: Year C

Luke 13:10-17

“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” (Luke 13:12)

This is not a new situation for Jesus who continually tells them, and us, that the Sabbath is made for us, not us for the Sabbath. God brought us into the world without Sabbaths and then saw that we needed down-time in order to put things in perspective, to ponder, and to be thankful.

But this action from Jesus in healing the crippled woman, is far more than just a simple healing; it is a metaphor of what Jesus is doing for all humanity. It shows that God is teaching love to all people while at the same time, keeping Sabbaths as commanded. Jesus continues in this formula. “Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath,” (Luke 13:10). This is a time of gathering so as to learn about God and how God wants us to live with one another. If it wasn’t the Sabbath the crippled woman might not have been there in the first place. He noticed her and responded to her need. And as the situation would have it, an unexpected opportunity appears. We read, “And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight,” (Luke 13:11). This woman represents all who are made cripple by spiritual weaknesses.

“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment,” (Luke 13:12). Jesus makes the pronouncement, the Word says the word. That, that was holding her, was no longer in power. She is set free. But after eighteen years one does not just jump up and down in exaltation. The body is not ready for that. It needs healing hands. So, it was “When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God,” (Luke 13:13). St Francis of Assisi said go out and preach the Gospel and when necessary use words. Do you think this healed woman, by just walking around joyfully and praising God, is preaching the Gospel? I do.

Meanwhile, back at “hater” ranch, “the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the Sabbath day,”” (Luke 13:14). This leader of the synagogue could not heal like this on any day. Why then deny anybody healing no matter what day it is? But the light is brought to bear on his hypocrisy as Jesus questions what any rational person would do no matter the day of the week it happens to be. Jesus’ words were pleasing to the people “and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing,” (Luke 13:17). We must remember that our time of respite is foreordained by God for our mutual benefit and personal healing – and for whatever good we can bring about for others.

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. 232

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory 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.

Pondering for Saturday, August 23, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 15: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 137:1to 6, and Psalm 144; Evening, Psalm 104:
2^nd Samuel 23:1to and,13-17; Acts 25:13 to 27; Mark 13:1to 13:

“When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13: 11)

Mark 13 is the Eschaton or “Last Days” chapter of the Gospel according to Mark. Each Gospel has its own version of the signs of the end of days. I am often asked the question, “when we die, do we go immediately to heaven or do we wait for the last day?” To which I go out on a shaky limb here and answer, “when a person sleeps or even is hospitalized for several days, perhaps the first thing they want to know when they awake is the current time (or date if in the hospital). This is why we see the current date on a board in most hospital rooms. The point is, once they come back to consciousness, the time away makes little difference. We resume where, and when, we are. Being brought before God might be the same way. We will see the next and final presence of our selves.

Maybe the more important words for me in our reading for today are the words for not worrying about what to say when it is time to preach. Nowadays, I just outline the points that I think need to be made from the Gospel we have for the day, or the designated scripture for the purpose of the gathering, and then really, “Let go and let God.” I depend on the Holy Spirit to use my voice for the spiritual benefit of the listeners. It is voice to ear, and ear to soul, and soul to action in love and service.

The Holy Spirit, at some level, depends on us to have some language skills whereby we can talk or write to our neighbors. Many of the early followers did both. Luke, Paul and the Apostles, all talked (preached), and wrote to the various churches about the love of God in Christ Jesus. And there was that time in Acts, chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit gifted the apostles with the languages necessary to give understanding to the people. This was the Day of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit among us, our Church.

This still happens today. We only need to be still and give God the time to be with us. God wants every soul to be with God in eternity. Heaven is not a scarce resource. There is space for all. Our Lord Jesus still says to us today, “Follow Me.” To this I say, “Lead Lord, Lead.”

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 Christians in their vocation (BCP p. 256)

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Friday, August 22, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 15:Year 1

Morning, Psalms 140 and 142; Evening, Psalms 141, 143:1- 11;
2^nd Samuel 19:24 to 43; Acts 24:24 to 25:12; Mark 12:35 to 44:

“Now if I am in the wrong and have committed something for which I deserve to die, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can turn me over to them. I appeal to the emperor.’ Then Festus, after he had conferred with his council, replied, ‘You have appealed to the emperor; to the emperor you will go:” (Acts 25: 11 and 12).

Paul is not afraid of death because he believes in the resurrection. Perhaps he does not want to give his Jewish brethren the joy of killing him. He uses his Roman citizenship to appeal to the emperor and it works. Festus says, ‘You have appealed to the emperor; to the emperor you will go.’

No matter how good we might feel today, death is inevitable. It can be a matter of days, weeks, months, or years. But inevitably, we will die. Whom then do we appeal to? The final Judge is the One who gave us life in the beginning. Let us recall the words from the Gospel according to John; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life,and the life was the light of all people.” (John 1:1 to 4)

Our citizenship is with our Creator and Word through Whom all life came into being. We must know that our appeal is to our Creator. The author of life will decide our fate after death has delivered us to the Holy Presence. At least one way to sway the Creator is to be found with genuine love in our hearts. Such love cannot be pretended. It must be truly genuine.

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

As I write this blog I am in Birmingham, Alabama attending my reaccreditation for Education for Ministry, so I feel called to pray For Schools and Colleges ( BCP p. 824).

Let us pray:

O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities and especially Education for Ministry of The School of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.