Tag: jesus

Pondering for Thursday, July 17, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 10, Year 1

 Morning, Psalm 37:1-18; Evening, Psalm 37:19-42;
1st  Samuel 20:24 to 42; Acts 13:1 to 12; Mark 2:23 to 3:6:

“Then he [Jesus], said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath: (Mark 2:27).

Our Readings for today are very active with loads of stuff to ponder.  And while I am intrigued with the saga of David and Jonathan; and the name changes in the Acts of the Apostles, that is, Simon to Niger; Bar-Jesus to Elymas; and of course, Saul to Paul, I am comforted by our Lord Jesus’ words about the priority of humankind over the Sabbath in our Gospel Reading for today.  We were first. Then, as a gift to us, God gave us the Sabbath as a day of rest and reconciliation.

Rest is important. We need to know when to be quiet.  David did. He could not be reconciled with Saul, so he followed the advice of Jonathan who loved him and he left only to return at a later time.  Jacob did this in Genesis when he could not be reconciled with his twin brother Esau.  Moses did this when he could not be reconciled with the Egyptians after the killing of an Egyptian. At some point we will find the wherewithal to return to what drove us off.  We will reconcile with what was thought to be irreconcilable.  This reconciliation includes the time interval God has given to us for being quiet.

I know a young man who is running away from troubles in his state of residence to live here in North Carolina.  The problem is that until he squares himself with the authorities in his home state, North Carolina will not assist him with a driver’s license, voter registration, or even substantial employment. The stories of reconciliation are the old stories of the Bible. The greatest reconciliation we can engage in is our reconciliation with God.  And God has given us the Sabbath as the divine opportunity to do just that.

Our Lord Jesus explains that because God wants to have a pathway whereby we can “come back,” to God, we have been given the Sabbath. It is a contemplative time, not so much for gathering and chatter, but rather for solitude and simplicity.  It is a time for finding a quiet place in order that we might focus on God and ourselves.  This is why it is perfectly okay to do good works on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not a restriction on our life but rather the freeing of it.

Our Sabbath begins tomorrow evening.  Our Lord Jesus never separated us from the traditional Sabbath, which he himself set aside and kept. Let us be at peace and be reconciled back to God.

Today we remember William White, Bishop of Pennsylvania and the first Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (1836) and his information may be found at: William White.

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 Quiet Confidence (BCP p. 832)

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 10: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 38; Evening, Psalm 119:25 to 48;
1st Samuel 20:1 to 23; Acts 12:18 to 25; Mark 2:13 to 22:

“As for the matter about which you and I have spoken, the Lord is witness between you and me for ever:” (1st Samuel 20:23).

Obviously there was a strong relationship between Jonathan and David.  The nature of their relationship can be argued. What I want to focus on is how we may latch on to people outside of our biological family and make strong, life commitments with them.

These strong lifelong commitments happen in many ways. There is marriage, there is career choice, there are fraternities and sororities, there are healing clinics such as AA and others where strangers establish bonds of trust that could never happen in some biological family relationships. 

There are also our Church relationships.  Church relationships happen when we decide that we want the Lord to witness the bond we make with another. Such a covenant needs to be equally important to both parties. It doesn’t work if one of the two is an atheist or of a different faith tradition.  Oh, they can be friends, even business partners, but they will not be bound in an unconditional, agape love as were Jonathan and David. Again, Jonathan tells David, “As for the matter about which you and I have spoken, the Lord is witness between you and me forever.”

Perhaps the best biblical examples of two people committing themselves to each other can be found in the words of Ruth to Naomi, and Tobias to Sarah in the Apocrypha of the Bible.

Ruth says to Naomi her mother-in-law, in whom she saw God working, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1: 16 and 17) 

In the Apocrypha of the Bible we find the only actual marriage vows in scripture, Tobias prays with Sarah; “Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed is your name in all generations forever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever. You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the human race has sprung. You said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.’ I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may grow old together.” And they both said, “Amen, Amen.” Then they went to sleep;” (Tobit 8: 5 to 9)  And to this I too say, Amen, Amen.                                                                          

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 those we love, BCP p. 831)

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 10: Year 1

 Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening,  Psalms 36 and 39;
1st Samuel 19:1 to 18; Acts 12:1 to 17; Mark 2:1 to 12:

“And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.”  (Mark 2:4)

I am amazed at what we can actually do through love and faith.  The friends of the paralytic man were determined to get their paralyzed friend to our Lord Jesus.  The huge crowd would not prevent them. Jesus was amazed at their faith.  He was so amazed that he used their faith to wash away the paralytic’s crippling psychological hold on him.  He forgave the man of his sins.

When questioned about whether or not Jesus has the power to forgive sins, our Lord Jesus explains that while there are some visible things we humans can do, like bringing a friend to Jesus against all odds. There are in some invisible things we simply cannot do, or, can we?

 Jesus goes on to explain that while we can see the physical things that he can do, we ought to know that there are some invisible things he can do as well. We need to know that our Lord Jesus is very God of very God; Jesus is Lord over the seen, and the unseen. Given that the walking, talking, teaching, healing and forgiving Jesus was in fact God Incarnate, then of course Jesus can do all these signs and wonders – seen and unseen.

But here is the thing, we, you and I, can do more signs and wonders than we are doing now. There are some medical marvels that we still can’t do, for example, people who suffer from some spinal injuries must still live the rest of their lives paralyzed. Some midlife blindness is permanent.  Some psychological disorders are also irreversible.  While our Lord Jesus could bring about changes to these physical impairments, he also did what we all can do if we allow ourselves; he forgave sins.

To say, as the scribes did that, “Only God can forgive sins,” is a copout. With compassion, we too can relieve truly penitent people of their pain, such as this man in our Mark reading today.  It’s understandable if we don’t want to forgive someone who denies their wrongdoing, or tries to minimize it. But for someone who has given up on life because they are so hurt by what they have done, surely we should find some mercy within our hearts to forgive them.  No, we do not have to be God to forgive. Forgiveness is a part of us that makes us created in God’s Image. I pray that one day our God-given medical skills will enable us to cure disabilities. But God has advanced our capacity to forgive a fallen brother or sister who is truly remorseful. We just need to use it now.

 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:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.

Pondering for Monday, July 14, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 10: Year 1                                 

Morning, Psalm 25; Evening, Psalm 9 and 15;
1st  Samuel 18:5 to 16 and 27 to 30; Acts 11:19 to 30; Mark 1:29 to 45:

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you:” (Mark 1:35 to 37).

Jesus has just healed the mother in law of Simon Peter.  This is evidence that at least he, Simon, was married.  That’s the only way one gets a “mother-in-law.”  I ponder how many of the other followers were married. What does it mean to be in a committed relationship and then commit one’s self to following our Lord Jesus? Which commitment should come first? Ponder, ponder.

Simon tells Jesus, “Everyone is searching for you.”  Oh Simon, if only that were true.  Maybe people are looking for our Healer and Redeemer but do not know his name.  In our Acts reading for today we learn that the disciples, and therefore students of Jesus, who is the Christ or Anointed One, were first named “Christians” in Antioch. The name stuck.  I think it is important to remember that as Christians, we too are disciples, or students of our Lord Jesus. Are we learning what our Teacher is teaching us?  I think it is important to remember one very important lesson from our Lord Jesus. And that is, that our Lord Jesus goes to be alone to pray.  Private prayers are healing prayers. We don’t need words. All we need is to be open to God and whatever God has for us.

If we really need words to get us into a receptive state of being, perhaps Psalm 25, selected for today, will help.  “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long:” (Psalm 25: 3 and 4).  These are just two verses from Psalm 25. But I think praying the whole Psalm will assist in getting us into a good and private place wherein, like our Lord Jesus, we can connect with the God of our salvation.

When we practice praying privately it becomes easier to pray publicly.  Although it has been my experience that most people want to hear words.  Even when a speaker asks for, “a moment of silence,” in memory of the loss of a person, count the seconds. Rarely is it 60 seconds.  People don’t like silence. To make it real, I have gone to using a singing bowl with a mallet and watching my watch.  I really don’t care if I go over the minute.  After all, I am praying too.  We shouldn’t focus on the time, unless we are cheated out of it. Jesus got up and went to a “quiet” place to pray and Simon and the noise followed him. Let us have some holy silence at least once a day.

Today we remember Argula von Grumbach, Scholar and Church Reformer (c.1554): and, Samson Occum, Witness to the Faith in New England (1792): and their information may be found at: Argula von Grumbach, and Samson Occum, 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:

Help us, dear Lord, in our quiet moments alone, to find You. And then, to follow where You lead the Way as You are also the Truth and the Life: Amen.

Pondering for Sunday, July 13, 2025

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 10: Year C

Luke 10:25-37

“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 36 and 37)

This is the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is a well known, but too rarely followed, example of expected Christian behavior.

Jesus explains that not just regular Israelites passed by the injured man, but indeed a Levite (the tribe from whom priest come; and also a priests himself passes without even getting close to the injured man.  Then a Samaritan, those who the Israelites disowned, puts forth both medical aid and financial support.

There is no hint about the Samaritan’s faith or belief in words, only deeds.  What he believes is expressed in his behavior.  Rather than getting into theological debates with people about different beliefs we, who call ourselves Christians, should just follow our Lord Jesus’ instruction to “Go and do likewise.”

From the Gospel reading for today Jesus tells of the Samaritan who finds a wounded man left for dead on the side of the road. The Samaritan is not necessarily a doctor but he cared about human life. He tended to the man and made provisions for his continued care.  The very people entrusted with the spiritual care of the people (the Priest and the Levite) pondered the negative consequences to themselves and avoided contact with the wounded man. They thought that if the man was dead, and they touched him, they would then be defiled and not fit to enter the temple.

Any faith that hinders our compassion to help others, any others, or at least investigate their situation, should be more closely examined. This includes some Christian walks in life as well. We never know when fate will alter our situation in life. It could be disease, or an accident, or fires, or storms, or even evil people as in this case of robbers who left this man for dead. When we notice someone in bad shape we should remember that they are our neighbors. All people on this planet are our neighbors. This is the point that Jesus is making.

We are called by God to have compassion for all people who are in any kind of distress. And where there is doubt, check it out. Your investigation may make a real difference in the lives of the distressed, it may even save a life. But know this; as you notice the unfortunate situations of others, God is noticing you. Be the neighbor to those who are in need. Show mercy, go and do likewise.

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. 231)

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pondering for Saturday, July 12, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 9: Year 1:

Morning, Psalms 20, 21:1-78-14); Evening,  Psalms 110:1 to 5, 116 and  117;
1st  Samuel 17:31 to 49; Acts 11:1 to 18; Mark 1:14-28:

“Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God.  So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, ‘Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” (Acts 11:1 to 3).

You readers of this passage perhaps do not need an extended translation of this passage.  But indulge me if you will.  Here I go: “Now the apostles and the disciples who were in Judea, but still down the hill from Jerusalem, heard that some non-Jew Greeks have also believed and accepted the word of God in Christ Jesus.  Peter (also a Jew), climbed the mountain to Jerusalem and who had visited with these non-Jew Greeks, found himself in the presence of Jews who heard about him, and who believed in God but perhaps not in Jesus. They believed in God, whom they also believed brought all life into being and who made all humankind in the image of God, yet they found fault in Peter for trying to reconcile the stranger to the belief in God through Christ Jesus.” End extended translation.

Peter will go on to share his story about inclusivity in his food example wherein nothing that God has made is profane, including the uncircumcised, or Greek non-Jews.

Maybe it would be a good idea to review our Church stance on this matter.  In our Book of Common Prayer, on page 855 of the Catechism, we are asked the question; “What is the mission of the Church?” The answer: “The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.”

Any time we frame a question wherein it is an “us – them” scenario we have missed the holy mark. In God’s eyes we are all the same. However, some of us have been set apart to show the humble life. Some of us have been called and set aside to serve others regardless of what they believe or don’t believe. Some of us have been called and set apart to make charitable contributions that will assist those in need regardless of who they are.  Those of us who are called in this way and set aside, are called Christians. Christianity is not for the faint of heart. It is a high calling for a low walk. We are called to love those thought to be unlovable. We are called to pray for those who curse us; we are called to withstand some abuse and continue to march as Christian soldiers.  We are fortified with the Love of God, for the desire of God, that all humanity will be reconciled back to God. We do this work with love. If this is God’s desire as Peter says, who are we to hinder God?

Today we remember Nathan Soderrblom, Archbishop of Uppsala (1931)  and his information may be found at: Nathan Söderblom.

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 11, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm 16 and 17; Evening,  Psalm 22;
1st  Samuel 17:17 to 30; Acts 10:34 to 48; Mark 1:1 to 13:

“Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced:” (Acts 10; 34 to 37).

Peter proclaims that anyone, in any nation, who acknowledges, and respects God Almighty, and lives in accordance with what is acceptable to God, is acceptable by God.

Peter also reminds us of the message of peace preached by our Lord Jesus Christ.  He points out that this message of peace began in Galilee and then went to Judea and the rest of the earth.

As one who has visited Israel, and in particular, Galilee, I have a real appreciation of God’s decision to begin the Jesus path in Galilee.  God could have started it in Bethlehem where David and Jesus were born. But chose instead, the region of Galilee, the region of the Gentiles, to show God is the God of all people: Jews and Gentiles alike. As Peter says, “God shows no partiality.

As we step back away from planet earth we will notice something very special about the region of Galilee.  First of all, the world’s lowest level body of fresh water (Lake Galilee, also known as the Sea of Galilee or Tiberius), is located there. It drains back into the Jordan River from whence the lake is filled, and where John baptized our Lord Jesus.  I too was blessed to have been baptized (again) while visiting there in 2018. 

The picture that I use for the head of this blog everyday is the one I took while there.  I was very moved by seeing the same terrain and horizon that our Lord Jesus must have looked at as he was with the fisherman on that same lake some 2000 plus years ago.

Love is the final resolve for all of us. But, if we can’t find ourselves able to show love, let us at least make peace with one another. God almighty sent to the people of Israel, and to us all over the world, our Lord Jesus, showing no partiality regarding race, faith, politics, gender, language or nationality, by preaching peace through this same Jesus Christ; walking in Galilee, and now Risen, and with us everywhere.  He is Lord of all.

Today we remember Benedict, Founder of Western Monasticism, (July 11) and his information may be found at: Benedict of Nursia.

“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.

Pondering for Thursday, July 10, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm 18:1 to 20; Evening,  Psalm 18:21 to 50;
1st  Samuel 16:14 to 17:11; Acts 10:17 to 33; Luke 24:36 to 53:

“Now the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.  And Saul’s servants said to him, ‘See now, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.  Let our lord now command the servants who attend you to look for someone who is skilful in playing the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will feel better: (1st Samuel 16: 14 to 16).

Three times the words “evil spirit from God” is written or said.  I don’t accept it. Nothing about God is evil. God is love. God is the pure Spirit of Love. This language about and evil spirit from God is used in other places in the Bible.  But as praying believers we have every right to object to such language, written or spoken, that we know is not our God. I believe evil is a human construct that happens when we reject the will of God. I do however, like the insight given to look for a musician to sooth the suffering soul. As one who practices several musical instruments I agree with the soothing effect of melodious contemplation. Soft music can thwart sad thoughts or even evil inclinations that occur should we turn away from the will of God. Whether I play it on piano, guitar or horn, or it comes from an electronic device, there is nothing more soothing. Also, there is nothing more soothing for me than Native American flute music. It just puts me at peace and inclines my soul towards the Holy.

Moreover, that a musician becomes head of state or a spiritual advisor is probably not a bad idea. David is referred to in our reading for today.  David will kill Goliath in our reading for today. David is also given credit for most of the Psalms of Scripture.  

It was Saint Augustine of Hippo who said “singing is praying twice.”  When I look at the numerous times we hear about singing in the Bible (songs sung after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus, to the Song of Mary in Luke), and especially in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John where many times the elders folded themselves to the ground singing to the One on the Throne; it becomes obvious to me that singing and/or music is important to God; and should be to us as well.

Chanting is music as well. When monks chant they slow down the words and allow them to be carried throughout the halls and corridors of their monastery where all can benefit from the pleasing, peaceful sounds that perhaps drive off evil thoughts and intentions.  And maybe, just maybe, the love of God will fill the void. There is nothing evil about God, but calming music will cast out man’s self-generated evil. Sing one of your favorite hymns today and see.  

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 Church Musicians and Artists; BCP p. 819)

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pondering for Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 119:1 to 24; Evening,  Psalms 12, 13 and 14:
1st  Samuel 16:1 to 13; Acts 10:1 to 16; Luke 24:12 to 35:

“In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, ‘Cornelius.’ He stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ He answered, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God:” (Acts 10:1 to 4).

God is bringing Peter and Cornelius together, the Jew fisherman and the Roman centurion, to do the Lord’s inclusive work. Whenever God sends you to someone, God prepares that person to receive you.  That person may be unaware that God is involved, but nonetheless, God is orchestrating the whole thing. 

While not a person of Israeli heritage, Cornelius is a man of constant prayer and giving to the poor. His heart sourced faith and devotion has been seen by God.  Cornelius was instructed in a vision to invite Peter to come and be with him. It was very odd that a Roman citizen, much less a centurion, would do such a thing. But Cornelius’ vision is tied to the vision of Peter through God. For Cornelius, it is a matter of following God’s word.  For Peter, it is a matter of being inclusive as shown by the inclusion of various foods, foods provided by God for the health and nourishment of the faithful. The live animals that Peter is instructed to “kill and eat” are outside of what Peter, who is of Israeli heritage, has been taught to eat.  While God is stretching Peter to move beyond his tradition, God is also showing him (and us) that nothing, or no one of whom God has brought into existence, is profane.

What the two men have in common is faith in One God who calls people through visions, to prayer and charitable acts. Within these visions we too are stretched beyond our “normal” traditions. We are called to be with people different than ourselves. We are given insight that we could not have “figured out.”  I call these insights “glimmers of grace.”

Within glimmers of grace, some of us are called to move.  Some of us are called to be still.  If we all move we will never connect. We would miss each other. Some of us are called to be messengers who plant the seeds of prayer and fellowship, God has planted faith in all of us already.  Some of us are called to bloom where we are planted.  The world needs both kinds of us. The call we get from God may even change over time.  Together, we fulfill the dream of God. Together, we make the world a more inclusive and loving place – a place where God’s will, will be done.

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. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.