Blog Archives - Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author

Scripture Reflection: Daily Steps in Our National Pandemics

6/29/2020

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. . . Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way.” Psalm 37: 5, 23

One of the challenging aspects of our faith walk, and in our current national pandemics, is taking daily steps when we are not sure how things will turn out. When I was in the business world most of my time was spent in the marketing department where we focused a lot of time on doing short and long-range planning. It was an expected practice to make plans, and to work very hard to make those plans a reality.

That, however, is not always the case with our faith journey, or possibly for how all of us are trying to deal with the COVID 19 Pandemic and the Racial Injustice Pandemic. In our spiritual pilgrimage we can be directed to take steps that do not fit into our personal-long-range goals. These steps can also take us to new places, once unknown to us.

Additionally, while dealing with our two national pandemics we may be asked to do things, and go places that may take us out of our comfort zones. However, if we don’t make changes, we may be part of the problem that is facing us all; but when we do, we can become part of the solution in both cases.

May your spiritual practices allow you to be open to how the Holy Spirit may be asking you to change in this very trying time in our society. On this journey may you commit your way to the Lord, take the daily steps as directed, and trust that the Lord will make you steps firm! Please continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

6/25/2020

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek so much to
be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Amen
Attributed to Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

Scripture Reflection: Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Pandemics

6/21/2020

“…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 5

Needless to say, we are in a very stressful period today. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been affecting our lives since early March in this country, in more ways than any of us care to think about. The death toll and those infected by this virus continues to climb even as many want businesses, etc. to be opened up as quickly as possible. Additionally, for the past month or so, we have witnessed protests and violence resulting from the deaths of people of color. This second Pandemic can be referred to as a Racial Injustice Pandemic caused by countless years of unfair treatment to persons of color and those on the margins of our society. Over the recent past we have all experienced changes in our daily routines plus: pain, sorrow, grief, and a strong sense of a lack of control over so many things in our lives.

As mentioned before, like many others, I have struggled to get my head around what is going on all around us. I have had a fair number of low periods recently, especially concerning the events impacting persons of color in this country. I know that the Coronavirus crisis didn’t help my disposition any, but the recent deaths have pushed me to the edge of depression and despair.

However, when I read verses like Romans 5: 5, that God’s hope and love doesn’t disappoint us, then I can see some hope for the future. I realize that looking to scripture by itself can’t cure the Virus or racial injustice. However, when I pray for guidance and comfort, and read and reflect on God’s word, I am opening myself to God’s Spirit. When I try to let God’s Spirit settle into my heart and soul, maybe---just maybe I will be able to see myself and those around me in a different light. Changing ourselves and seeing life situations through the lens of God’s love is just the first step to improving the things that are going around us.

Please be aware that when we fervently pray, sincerely asking the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and souls, we will be changed. That change may take us to places that we have never been before. Perhaps we can’t directly do much about the two Pandemics affecting us now, but we can pray for those impacted by all of this. Additionally, when we are changed, we are different, and can in some small way change those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Changing ourselves and those around us is a start to bringing God’s Kingdom here into this time and space.

May you find God’s hope and love during this very uncertain time in our lives. May God’s hope and love give you the assurance, that even though we are all going through a lot as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world, the Holy Spirit is beside us, even in our darkest moments. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Prayer for Racial and Cultural Diversity

6/18/2020

O God,
you created all people in your image.
We thank you for the astonishing variety
of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship,
and show us your presence in those who differ most from us,
until our knowledge of your love is made perfect
in our love for all your children;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“Book of Common Worship---Daily Prayer” Westminster/John Knox press

Reflection: Accepting What We Can’t Change---and Courageously Changing What We Can

6/14/2020

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr

This prayer is commonly referred to as the “Serenity Prayer”, and was first written by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. It is believed that he first wrote it between 1932-1933. This prayer has been adopted by a number of different groups, and marketed in many distinctive ways. It has been sold on coins, posters, and pictures. It has helped countless people over the years. I have it on a coin which I sometimes carry in my pocket, and I use it to help me pray when moved by the Spirit.

These words have so much meaning for all of us, at most anytime; but especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent protests from many years of injustices done to persons of color. Right now, there are many of us who are feeling confused, and are struggling with a lot of pain and sorrow. There are so many things that we can’t control related to both of these situations. Additionally, we can’t change what has already happened, nor much about what we are going through at this very moment.

However, this time may be calling every human to have the courage to change the things that can be altered. The things that we can control are: how we live daily in both of these crises, how we try and protect ourselves and those around us from getting the virus, how we treat our neighbors on a daily basis---even those who don’t look us, and how we react to what is going on around us.

For people of faith, we can also pray for the courage and wisdom to become the person that God wants us to be---to be more like Jesus; striving to love all of God’s people, no matter who they are. It is up to us to ask God’s Spirit for the wisdom and courage to change the things we can. Basically, are we willing to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and souls---even when doing so may cause us to face our own demons, and be confronted with the possibility of a negative reaction from those not ready and/or willing to change?

I don’t know how this Coronavirus crisis and this period of protest and unrest in our nation will end, or what life will look like after we get through this. But my faith is in God’s infinite love, that no matter what the future holds, God’s love will be with us regardless of what comes down the road. For the next few days, try saying this prayer as the Spirit moves you: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” May you have the courage and wisdom to change what you are being led to change. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Denver Prayer March---In the Midst of Vernon’s and the Nation’s Pain and Sorrow

6/8/2020

On Friday, June 5, Shirley and I took part in the Denver Prayer March. Episcopalians, Lutherans (ELCA), and United Methodists from the metro area, were “United Together in Prayer.” We gathered, marched, prayed in downtown Denver to address the racial disparities confronting our communities and our nation. The march was to encourage our faith communities to join together to mourn and grieve with those who have experienced the trauma of persecution, violence, suffering, and death.

During this event we were told to wear masks, and at all times to maintain six feet of physical distancing. They were very forceful in stating their concerns about everyone being safe during the walk considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We were also asked to remain silent during the march in order to better reflect and pray about what we were marching for.

We made stops at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, the State Capital, and Denver’s Police Department-District 6. At each we prayed and read names of those persons of color who have died while in police custody since 2014; over eighty names were read, which was difficult to hear. What was also very hard for us was when they asked us to kneel, or lay down for eight minutes and forty-six seconds. They asked us to do that at each stop, and that was very emotionally agonizing. Those minutes seemed to last forever, and it hit home about the painful death that George Floyd had to endure. It was amazing to see many people laying flat down on the street or sidewalk as a gesture of solidary to what people of color have had to suffer for many years. The people who took part in this act were basically saying they get it; that our nation has not treated persons of color fairly, and in some cases treated them very violently. My prayer is that more people could begin to listen and get the message about the suffering in our communities.

This time of the COVID-19 Crisis has caused me a lot of stress and strain as it has many throughout the world. Now we throw into the mix what has happened over the past few weeks, and I like many others are near the edge. The last few weeks has caused me to ponder on the times of my life when my skin color has caused me to be given less than fair treatment. Thus, this period has been very heart-rending for me, and I have had to do a lot of reflecting, because of the hurt, anger, and disappointment that I have been experiencing.

The Prayer March was helpful for me to be able to see so many people of faith coming together, to stand up against the injustices that people of color have had to endure for decades; not just for the past few weeks, but for generations. I know that I will be okay as time moves on, for my hope is not in human actions, but in the love of God. That love is infinite and will last forever; however, right now as a fallible human being, I am struggling. My heart goes out to those in our nation and the world who are suffering through no fault of their own; only that they are different than others in some manner, or that they are caught in a situation from which they can’t remove themselves.

May you find ways in your local area to stand together with others in expressing your feelings about matters you are passionate about in your community, state, and in our nation. God bless you and your loved ones, and may you feel God’s love, no what circumstance you are in at the moment. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Prayer for Racial Peace

6/4/2020

Great God over us all, destroy prejudice that turns us against one another.
Teach us that we are all children of your love,
whether we are black or brown or red or white or yellow.
Encourage us to live together, loving one another in peace,
so that someday a golden race of people may have the world,
giving praise to Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“Book of Common Worship---Daily Prayer” Westminster/John Knox press

Prayer for Our Nation

6/1/2020

“Almighty God, ruler of all the peoples of the earth,
forgive, we pray, our shortcomings as a nation;
purify our hearts to see and love truth;
give wisdom to our counselors and steadfastness to our people;
and bring us at last to the fair city of peace,
whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill,
and whose builder and maker you are;
through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)