Church of the Epiphany: 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Collect

First Sunday after Christmas Day
Almighty God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word: Grant that the same light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of the Incarnation

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
61:¹⁰ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. ¹¹ For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. 62:¹ For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. ² The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will give. ³ You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Psalm

Psalm 147

^{Laudate Domi}
¹Hallelujah!
     How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
     how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
²The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; *
     he gathers the exiles of Israel.
³He heals the brokenhearted *
     and binds up their wounds.
⁴He counts the number of the stars *
     and calls them all by their names.
⁵Great is our LORD and mighty in power; *
     there is no limit to his wisdom.
⁶The LORD lifts up the lowly, *
     but casts the wicked to the ground.
⁷Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; *
     make music to our God upon the harp.
⁸He covers the heavens with clouds *
     and prepares rain for the earth;
⁹He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
     and green plants to serve mankind.
¹⁰He provides food for flocks and herds *
     and for the young ravens when they cry.
¹¹He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
     he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
¹²But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him, *
     in those who await his gracious favour.
¹³Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
     praise your God, O Zion;
¹⁴For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
     he has blessed your children within you.
¹⁵He has established peace on your borders; *
     he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
¹⁶He sends out his command to the earth, *
     and his word runs very swiftly.
¹⁷He gives snow like wool; *
     he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
¹⁸He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
     who can stand against his cold?
¹⁹He sends forth his word and melts them; *
     he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
²⁰He declares his word to Jacob, *
     his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
²¹He has not done so to any other nation; *
     to them he has not revealed his judgments.
     Hallelujah!

- OR -

Psalm 147:13-21

¹³Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
     praise your God, O Zion;
¹⁴For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
     he has blessed your children within you.
¹⁵He has established peace on your borders; *
     he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
¹⁶He sends out his command to the earth, *
     and his word runs very swiftly.
¹⁷He gives snow like wool; *
     he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
¹⁸He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
     who can stand against his cold?
¹⁹He sends forth his word and melts them; *
     he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
²⁰He declares his word to Jacob, *
     his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
²¹He has not done so to any other nation; *
     to them he has not revealed his judgments.
     Hallelujah!

New Testament Reading

Galatians 3:23-25
²³ Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. ²⁴ So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; - AND -

Galatians 4:4-7
⁴ But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶ And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" ⁷ So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.

Gospel Reading

John 1:1-18
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God; ³ all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. ⁹ The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. ¹¹ He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. ¹² But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. ¹⁵ (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") ¹⁶ And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Collect

Fourth Sunday of Advent
We beseech thee, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by thy daily visitation, that when thy Son Jesus Christ cometh he may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Micah 5:2-5
² But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. ³ Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel. ⁴ And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. ⁵ And this shall be peace, when the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil, that we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;

Psalm

Psalm 80

^{Qui regis Israel}
¹Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
     shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
²In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
     stir up your strength and come to help us.
³Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
⁴O LORD God of hosts, *
     how long will you be angered
     despite the prayers of your people?
⁵You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
     you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
⁶You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
     and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
⁷Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
⁸You have brought a vine out of Egypt; *
     you cast out the nations and planted it.
⁹You prepared the ground for it; *
     it took root and filled the land.
¹⁰The mountains were covered by its shadow *
     and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
¹¹You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea *
     and its branches to the River.
¹²Why have you broken down its wall, *
     so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes?
¹³The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, *
     and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
¹⁴Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven;
     behold and tend this vine; *
     preserve what your right hand has planted.
¹⁵They burn it with fire like rubbish; *
     at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish.
¹⁶Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
     and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
¹⁷And so will we never turn away from you; *
     give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
¹⁸Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

- OR -

Psalm 80:1-7

¹Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
     shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
²In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
     stir up your strength and come to help us.
³Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
⁴O LORD God of hosts, *
     how long will you be angered
     despite the prayers of your people?
⁵You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
     you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
⁶You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
     and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
⁷Restore us, O God of hosts; *
     show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 10:5-10
⁵ Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; ⁶ in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure. ⁷ Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book." ⁸ When he said above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), ⁹ then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Gospel Reading

Luke 1:39-49(50-56)
³⁹ In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ⁴² and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." ⁴⁶ And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; ⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (⁵⁰ And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, ⁵² he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; ⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, ⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." ⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. )

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Collect

Third Sunday of Advent
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Zephaniah 3:14-20
¹⁴ Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! ¹⁵ The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. ¹⁶ On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. ¹⁷ The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing ¹⁸ as on a day of festival. "I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. ¹⁹ Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. ²⁰ At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you together; yea, I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes," says the LORD.

Psalm

Psalm 85

^{Benedixisti, Domine}
¹You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *
     you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
²You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *
     and blotted out all their sins.
³You have withdrawn all your fury *
     and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
⁴Restore us then, O God our Savior; *
     let your anger depart from us.
⁵Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
     will you prolong your anger from age to age?
⁶Will you not give us life again, *
     that your people may rejoice in you?
⁷Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
     and grant us your salvation.
⁸I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
     for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
     and to those who turn their hearts to him.
⁹Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
     that his glory may dwell in our land.
¹⁰Mercy and truth have met together; *
     righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
¹¹Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
     and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
¹²The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
     and our land will yield its increase.
¹³Righteousness shall go before him, *
     and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

- OR -

Psalm 85:7-13

⁷Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
     and grant us your salvation.
⁸I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
     for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
     and to those who turn their hearts to him.
⁹Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
     that his glory may dwell in our land.
¹⁰Mercy and truth have met together; *
     righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
¹¹Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
     and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
¹²The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
     and our land will yield its increase.
¹³Righteousness shall go before him, *
     and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

New Testament Reading

Philippians 4:4-7(8-9)
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. )

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:7-18
⁷ He said therefore to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Bear fruits that befit repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. ⁹ Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." ¹⁰ And the multitudes asked him, "What then shall we do?" ¹¹ And he answered them, "He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." ¹² Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" ¹³ And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." ¹⁴ Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." ¹⁵ As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, ¹⁶ John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." ¹⁸ So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people.

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Collect

Second Sunday of Advent
Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Baruch 5:1-9
¹ Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on for ever the beauty of the glory from God. ² Put on the robe of the righteousness from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting. ³ For God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. ⁴ For your name will for ever be called by God, "Peace of righteousness and glory of godliness." ⁵ Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height and look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. ⁶ For they went forth from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. ⁷ For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. ⁸ The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God's command. ⁹ For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. -- RSV

Psalm

Psalm 126

^{In convertendo}
¹When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
     then were we like those who dream.
²Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
     and our tongue with shouts of joy.
³Then they said among the nations, *
     "The LORD has done great things for them."
⁴The LORD has done great things for us, *
     and we are glad indeed.
⁵Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
     like the watercourses of the Negev.
⁶Those who sowed with tears *
     will reap with songs of joy.
⁷Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
     will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

New Testament Reading

Philippians 1:1-11
¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philip'pi, with the bishops and deacons: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:1-6
¹ In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile'ne, ² in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; ³ and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁴ As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. ⁵ Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; ⁶ and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Collect

First Sunday of Advent
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Advent

Old Testament Reading

Zechariah 14:4-9
⁴And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Makinga very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. ⁵Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You. ⁶It shall come to pass in that day That there will be no light; The lights will diminish. ⁷It shall be one day Which is known to the LORD- Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light. ⁸And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur. ⁹And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be- " The LORD is one," And His name one. -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 50

^{Deus deorum}
¹The LORD, the God of gods, has spoken; *
     he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
²Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
     God reveals himself in glory.
³Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
     before him there is a consuming flame,
     and round about him a raging storm.
⁴He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
     to witness the judgment of his people.
⁵"Gather before me my loyal followers, *
     those who have made a covenant with me
     and sealed it with sacrifice."
⁶Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
     for God himself is judge.
⁷Hear, O my people, and I will speak:
     "O Israel, I will bear witness against you; *
     for I am God, your God.
⁸I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; *
     your offerings are always before me.
⁹I will take no bull-calf from your stalls, *
     nor he-goats out of your pens;
¹⁰For all the beasts of the forest are mine, *
     the herds in their thousands upon the hills.
¹¹I know every bird in the sky, *
     and the creatures of the fields are in my sight.
¹²If I were hungry, I would not tell you, *
     for the whole world is mine and all that is in it.
¹³Do you think I eat the flesh of bulls, *
     or drink the blood of goats?
¹⁴Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
     and make good your vows to the Most High.
¹⁵Call upon me in the day of trouble; *
     I will deliver you, and you shall honor me."
¹⁶But to the wicked God says: *
     "Why do you recite my statutes,
     and take my covenant upon your lips;
¹⁷Since you refuse discipline, *
     and toss my words behind your back?
¹⁸When you see a thief, you make him your friend, *
     and you cast in your lot with adulterers.
¹⁹You have loosed your lips for evil, *
     and harnessed your tongue to a lie.
²⁰You are always speaking evil of your brother *
     and slandering your own mother's son.
²¹These things you have done, and I kept still, *
     and you thought that I am like you."
²²"I have made my accusation; *
     I have put my case in order before your eyes.
²³Consider this well, you who forget God, *
     lest I rend you and there be none to deliver you.
²⁴Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; *
     but to those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of God."

- OR -

Psalm 50:1-6

¹The LORD, the God of gods, has spoken; *
     he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
²Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
     God reveals himself in glory.
³Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
     before him there is a consuming flame,
     and round about him a raging storm.
⁴He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
     to witness the judgment of his people.
⁵"Gather before me my loyal followers, *
     those who have made a covenant with me
     and sealed it with sacrifice."
⁶Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
     for God himself is judge.

New Testament Reading

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
⁹For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, ¹⁰night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? ¹¹Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. ¹²And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, ¹³so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 21:25-31
²⁵"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; ²⁶men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." ²⁹Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. ³¹So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. -- NKJV

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Collect

Proper 29
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in thy well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day, or of Baptism

Old Testament Reading

Daniel 7:9-14
⁹ As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat; his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. ¹⁰ A stream of fire issued and came forth from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. ¹¹ I looked then because of the sound of the great words which the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. ¹² As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. ¹³ I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. ¹⁴ And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Psalm

Psalm 93

^{Dominus regnavit}
¹The LORD is King;
     he has put on splendid apparel; *
     the LORD has put on his apparel
     and girded himself with strength.
²He has made the whole world so sure *
     that it cannot be moved;
³Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; *
     you are from everlasting.
⁴The waters have lifted up, O LORD,
     the waters have lifted up their voice; *
     the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
⁵Mightier than the sound of many waters,
     mightier than the breakers of the sea, *
     mightier is the LORD who dwells on high.
⁶Your testimonies are very sure, *
     and holiness adorns your house, O LORD,
     for ever and for evermore.

New Testament Reading

Revelation 1:1-8
¹ The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants what must soon take place; and he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, ² who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. ³ Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written therein; for the time is near. ⁴ John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ⁶ and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ⁷ Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. ⁸ "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Gospel Reading

John 18:33-37
³³ Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" ³⁴ Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" ³⁵ Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" ³⁶ Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." ³⁷ Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." - OR -

Mark 11:1-11
¹ And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Beth'phage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, ² and said to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it. ³ If any one says to you, `Why are you doing this?' say, `The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.'" ⁴ And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door out in the open street; and they untied it. ⁵ And those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" ⁶ And they told them what Jesus had said; and they let them go. ⁷ And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it. ⁸ And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. ⁹ And those who went before and those who followed cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ¹⁰ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!" ¹¹ And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Change Bible Version (Current Version: NKJV) (Psalms from the BCP)
Lectionary: 1979 | Collect & Preface: Traditional

The Collect

Proper 28
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Daniel 12:1-4(5-13)
¹"At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. ²And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. ⁴"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." (⁵Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. ⁶And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?" ⁷Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. ⁸Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?" ⁹And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. ¹⁰Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. ¹¹"And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. ¹²Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. ¹³"But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days." ) -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 16

^{Conserva me, Domine}
¹Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
     I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord,
     my good above all other."
²All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
     upon those who are noble among the people.
³But those who run after other gods *
     shall have their troubles multiplied.
⁴Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
     nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
⁵O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; *
     it is you who uphold my lot.
⁶My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
     indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
⁷I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; *
     my heart teaches me, night after night.
⁸I have set the LORD always before me; *
     because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
⁹My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
     my body also shall rest in hope.
¹⁰For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
     nor let your holy one see the Pit.
¹¹You will show me the path of life; *
     in your presence there is fullness of joy,
     and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

- OR -

Psalm 16:5-11

⁵O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; *
     it is you who uphold my lot.
⁶My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
     indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
⁷I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; *
     my heart teaches me, night after night.
⁸I have set the LORD always before me; *
     because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
⁹My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
     my body also shall rest in hope.
¹⁰For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
     nor let your holy one see the Pit.
¹¹You will show me the path of life; *
     in your presence there is fullness of joy,
     and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 10:31-39
³¹It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ³²But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: ³³partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; ³⁴for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. ³⁵Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ³⁶For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ³⁷" For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. ³⁸Now thejust shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." ³⁹But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Mark 13:14-23
¹⁴"So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁵Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. ¹⁶And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. ¹⁷But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! ¹⁸And pray that your flight may not be in winter. ¹⁹For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. ²⁰And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. ²¹"Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, He is there!' do not believe it. ²²For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand. -- NKJV

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Collect

Proper 25
Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 59:(1-4)9-19
(¹ Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; ² but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear. ³ For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness. ⁴ No one enters suit justly, no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity. )⁹ Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we look for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom. ¹⁰ We grope for the wall like the blind, we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight, among those in full vigor we are like dead men. ¹¹ We all growl like bears, we moan and moan like doves; we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. ¹² For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: ¹³ transgressing, and denying the LORD, and turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words. ¹⁴ Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth has fallen in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. ¹⁵ Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. ¹⁶ He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intervene; then his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him. ¹⁷ He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in fury as a mantle. ¹⁸ According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, requital to his enemies; to the coastlands he will render requital. ¹⁹ So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.

Psalm

Psalm 13

^{Usquequo, Domine?}
¹How long, O LORD?
     will you forget me for ever? *
     how long will you hide your face from me?
²How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,
     and grief in my heart, day after day? *
     how long shall my enemy triumph over me?
³Look upon me and answer me, O LORD my God; *
     give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
⁴Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," *
     and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.
⁵But I put my trust in your mercy; *
     my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
⁶I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt with me richly; *
     I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 5:12-6:1
5:¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need some one to teach you again the first principles of God's word. You need milk, not solid food; ¹³ for every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. 6:¹ Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, - AND -

Hebrews 6:9-12
⁹ Though we speak thus, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation. ¹⁰ For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. ¹¹ And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Gospel Reading

Mark 10:46-52
⁴⁶ And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae'us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae'us, was sitting by the roadside. ⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" ⁴⁸ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" ⁴⁹ And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." ⁵⁰ And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." ⁵² And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

The Collect

Proper 24
Almighty and everlasting God, who in Christ hast revealed thy glory among the nations: Preserve the works of thy mercy, that thy Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of thy Name; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 53:4-12
⁴ Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵ But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. ⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ⁷ He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. ⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? ⁹ And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. ¹⁰ Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand; ¹¹ he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities. ¹² Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm

Psalm 91

^{Qui habitat}
¹He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
     abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
²He shall say to the LORD,
     "You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
     my God in whom I put my trust."
³He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
     and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He shall cover you with his pinions,
     and you shall find refuge under his wings; *
     his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
⁵You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
     nor of the arrow that flies by day;
⁶Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, *
     nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
⁷A thousand shall fall at your side
     and ten thousand at your right hand, *
     but it shall not come near you.
⁸Your eyes have only to behold *
     to see the reward of the wicked.
⁹Because you have made the LORD your refuge, *
     and the Most High your habitation,
¹⁰There shall no evil happen to you, *
     neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
¹¹For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
     to keep you in all your ways.
¹²They shall bear you in their hands, *
     lest you dash your foot against a stone.
¹³You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; *
     you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
     under your feet.
¹⁴Because he is bound to me in love,
     therefore will I deliver him; *
     I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
¹⁵He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
     I am with him in trouble;
     I will rescue him and bring him to honour.
¹⁶With long life will I satisfy him, *
     show him my salvation.

- OR -

Psalm 91:9-16

⁹Because you have made the LORD your refuge, *
     and the Most High your habitation,
¹⁰There shall no evil happen to you, *
     neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
¹¹For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
     to keep you in all your ways.
¹²They shall bear you in their hands, *
     lest you dash your foot against a stone.
¹³You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; *
     you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
     under your feet.
¹⁴Because he is bound to me in love,
     therefore will I deliver him; *
     I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
¹⁵He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
     I am with him in trouble;
     I will rescue him and bring him to honour.
¹⁶With long life will I satisfy him, *
     show him my salvation.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 4:12-16
¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Gospel Reading

Mark 10:35-45
³⁵ And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." ³⁶ And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" ³⁷ And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." ³⁸ But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" ³⁹ And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; ⁴⁰ but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." ⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. ⁴² And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. ⁴³ But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Collect

Proper 23
Lord, we pray thee that thy grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Amos 5:6-7,10-15
⁶ Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, ⁷ O you who turn justice to wormwood, and cast down righteousness to the earth! ¹⁰ They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. ¹¹ Therefore because you trample upon the poor and take from him exactions of wheat, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. ¹² For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins--you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate. ¹³ Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time. ¹⁴ Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. ¹⁵ Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Psalm

Psalm 90

^{Domine, refugium}
¹Lord, you have been our refuge *
     from one generation to another.
²Before the mountains were brought forth,
     or the land and the earth were born, *
     from age to age you are God.
³You turn us back to the dust and say, *
     "Go back, O child of earth."
⁴For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday
     when it is past *
     and like a watch in the night.
⁵You sweep us away like a dream; *
     we fade away suddenly like the grass.
⁶In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
     in the evening it is dried up and withered.
⁷For we consume away in your displeasure; *
     we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
⁸Our iniquities you have set before you, *
     and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
⁹When you are angry, all our days are gone; *
     we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
¹⁰The span of our life is seventy years,
     perhaps in strength even eighty; *
     yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,
     for they pass away quickly and we are gone.
¹¹Who regards the power of your wrath? *
     who rightly fears your indignation?
¹²So teach us to number our days *
     that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
¹³Return, O LORD; how long will you tarry? *
     be gracious to your servants.
¹⁴Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
     so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
¹⁵Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *
     and the years in which we suffered adversity.
¹⁶Show your servants your works *
     and your splendor to their children.
¹⁷May the graciousness of the LORD our God be upon us; *
     prosper the work of our hands;
     prosper our handiwork.

- OR -

Psalm 90:1-8,12

¹Lord, you have been our refuge *
     from one generation to another.
²Before the mountains were brought forth,
     or the land and the earth were born, *
     from age to age you are God.
³You turn us back to the dust and say, *
     "Go back, O child of earth."
⁴For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday
     when it is past *
     and like a watch in the night.
⁵You sweep us away like a dream; *
     we fade away suddenly like the grass.
⁶In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
     in the evening it is dried up and withered.
⁷For we consume away in your displeasure; *
     we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
⁸Our iniquities you have set before you, *
     and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
¹²So teach us to number our days *
     that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 3:1-6
¹ Therefore, holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. ² He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house. ³ Yet Jesus has been counted worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house has more honor than the house. ⁴ (For every house is built by some one, but the builder of all things is God.) ⁵ Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, ⁶ but Christ was faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if we hold fast our confidence and pride in our hope.

Gospel Reading

Mark 10:17-27(28-31)
¹⁷ And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ¹⁸ And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" ²⁰ And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." ²¹ And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." ²² At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. ²³ And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" ²⁴ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." (²⁸ Peter began to say to him, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you." ²⁹ Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, ³⁰ who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹ But many that are first will be last, and the last first." )

Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Collect

Proper 22
Almighty and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 2:18-24
¹⁸ Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." ¹⁹ So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. ²¹ So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; ²² and the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. ²³ Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." ²⁴ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Psalm

Psalm 8

^{Domine, Dominus noster}
¹O LORD our Governor, *
     how exalted is your Name in all the world!
²Out of the mouths of infants and children *
     your majesty is praised above the heavens.
³You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
     to quell the enemy and the avenger.
⁴When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
     the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
⁵What is man that you should be mindful of him? *
     the son of man that you should seek him out?
⁶You have made him but little lower than the angels; *
     you adorn him with glory and honour;
⁷You give him mastery over the works of your hands; *
     you put all things under his feet:
⁸All sheep and oxen, *
     even the wild beasts of the field,
⁹The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
     and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
¹⁰O LORD our Governor, *
     how exalted is your Name in all the world!

- OR -

Psalm 128

^{Beati omnes}
¹Happy are they all who fear the LORD, *
     and who follow in his ways!
²You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
     happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
³Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
     your children like olive shoots round about your table.
⁴The man who fears the LORD *
     shall thus indeed be blessed.
⁵The LORD bless you from Zion, *
     and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days
     of your life.
⁶May you live to see your children's children; *
     may peace be upon Israel.

New Testament Reading

Hebrews 2:(1-8)9-18
(¹ Therefore we must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. ² For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, ⁴ while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. ⁵ For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. ⁶ It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? ⁷ Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, ⁸ putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. )⁹ But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. ¹⁰ For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. ¹¹ For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, ¹² saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." ¹³ And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." ¹⁴ Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. ¹⁶ For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Gospel Reading

Mark 10:2-16
² And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" ³ He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" ⁴ They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away." ⁵ But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. ⁶ But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.' ⁷ `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. ⁹ What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." ¹⁰ And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. ¹¹ And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; ¹² and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." ¹³ And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." ¹⁶ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Collect

Proper 21
O God, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running to obtain thy promises, may be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29
⁴Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: "Who will give us meat to eat? ⁵We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; ⁶but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" ¹⁰Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased. ¹¹So Moses said to the LORD, "Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? ¹²Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers? ¹³Where am I to get meat to give to all these people? For they weep all over me, saying, 'Give us meat, that we may eat.' ¹⁴I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. ¹⁵If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now-if I have found favor in Your sight-and do not let me see my wretchedness!" ¹⁶So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. ²⁴So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD, and he gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle. ²⁵Then the LORD came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. ²⁶But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp. ²⁷And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." ²⁸So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!" ²⁹Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!" -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 19

^{Caeli enarrant}
¹The heavens declare the glory of God, *
     and the firmament shows his handiwork.
²One day tells its tale to another, *
     and one night imparts knowledge to another.
³Although they have no words or language, *
     and their voices are not heard,
⁴Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
     and their message to the ends of the world.
⁵In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
     it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
     it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
⁶It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
     and runs about to the end of it again; *
     nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
⁷The law of the LORD is perfect
     and revives the soul; *
     the testimony of the LORD is sure
     and gives wisdom to the innocent.
⁸The statutes of the LORD are just
     and rejoice the heart; *
     the commandment of the LORD is clear
     and gives light to the eyes.
⁹The fear of the LORD is clean
     and endures for ever; *
     the judgments of the LORD are true
     and righteous altogether.
¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold,
     more than much fine gold, *
     sweeter far than honey,
     than honey in the comb.
¹¹By them also is your servant enlightened, *
     and in keeping them there is great reward.
¹²Who can tell how often he offends? *
     cleanse me from my secret faults.
¹³Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
     let them not get dominion over me; *
     then shall I be whole and sound,
     and innocent of a great offense.
¹⁴Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
     heart be acceptable in your sight, *
     O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

- OR -

Psalm 19:7-14

⁷The law of the LORD is perfect
     and revives the soul; *
     the testimony of the LORD is sure
     and gives wisdom to the innocent.
⁸The statutes of the LORD are just
     and rejoice the heart; *
     the commandment of the LORD is clear
     and gives light to the eyes.
⁹The fear of the LORD is clean
     and endures for ever; *
     the judgments of the LORD are true
     and righteous altogether.
¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold,
     more than much fine gold, *
     sweeter far than honey,
     than honey in the comb.
¹¹By them also is your servant enlightened, *
     and in keeping them there is great reward.
¹²Who can tell how often he offends? *
     cleanse me from my secret faults.
¹³Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
     let them not get dominion over me; *
     then shall I be whole and sound,
     and innocent of a great offense.
¹⁴Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
     heart be acceptable in your sight, *
     O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

New Testament Reading

James 4:7-12
⁷Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. ¹¹Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. ¹²There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? -- NKJV - AND -

[James 4:13-5:6]
4:¹³ Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; ¹⁴ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." ¹⁶ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. 5:¹ Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. ⁴ Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. ⁵ You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
³⁸Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." ³⁹But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰For he who is not against us is on our side. ⁴¹For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. ⁴²"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. ⁴³If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched- ⁴⁵And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched- ⁴⁷And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire- ⁴⁸where ' Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.' -- NKJV

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Collect
Proper 20
Grant us, O Lord, not to mind earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Wisdom 1:16-2:1
1:¹⁶ But ungodly men by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away, and they made a covenant with him, because they are fit to belong to his party. 2:¹ For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a man comes to his end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. -- RSV - AND -
Wisdom 2:(6-11)12-22
(⁶ "Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the full as in youth. ⁷ Let us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass by us. ⁸ Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. ⁹ Let none of us fail to share in our revelry, everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment, because this is our portion, and this our lot. ¹⁰ Let us oppress the righteous poor man; let us not spare the widow nor regard the gray hairs of the aged. ¹¹ But let our might be our law of right, for what is weak proves itself to be useless. )¹² "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training. ¹³ He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. ¹⁴ He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; ¹⁵ the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. ¹⁶ We are considered by him as something base, and he avoids our ways as unclean; he calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father. ¹⁷ Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; ¹⁸ for if the righteous man is God's son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. ¹⁹ Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. ²⁰ Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected." ²¹ Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, ²² and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hope for the wages of holiness, nor discern the prize for blameless souls; -- RSV

Psalm

Psalm 54

^{Deus, in nomine}
¹Save me, O God, by your Name; *
     in your might, defend my cause.
²Hear my prayer, O God; *
     give ear to the words of my mouth.
³For the arrogant have risen up against me,
     and the ruthless have sought my life, *
     those who have no regard for God.
⁴Behold, God is my helper; *
     it is the Lord who sustains my life.
⁵Render evil to those who spy on me; *
     in your faithfulness, destroy them.
⁶I will offer you a freewill sacrifice *
     and praise your Name, O LORD, for it is good.
⁷For you have rescued me from every trouble, *
     and my eye has seen the ruin of my foes.

New Testament Reading

James 3:16-4:6
3:¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 4:¹ Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? ² You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. ⁴ Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? ⁶ But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: " God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Mark 9:30-37
³⁰Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. ³¹For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day." ³²But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him. ³³Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" ³⁴But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. ³⁵And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." ³⁶Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, ³⁷"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." -- NKJV

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