Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
March-31-2013
Easter Day


The Collect

Easter Day
O God, who for our redemption didst give thine only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen -or this-
O God, who didst make this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in thy Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship thee in sincerity and truth; 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
-or this-
Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by thy life-giving Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Easter
Old Testament Reading

Acts 10:34-43
34 And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." - OR -

Isaiah 51:9-11
9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not thou that didst cut Rahab in pieces, that didst pierce the dragon? 10 Was it not thou that didst dry up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that didst make the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over? 11 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Psalm

Psalm 118:14-29
14The LORD is my strength and my song, *
     and he has become my salvation.
15There is a sound of exultation and victory *
     in the tents of the righteous:
16"The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
     the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
     the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!"
17I shall not die, but live, *
     and declare the works of the LORD.
18The LORD has punished me sorely, *
     but he did not hand me over to death.
19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
     I will enter them;
     I will offer thanks to the LORD.
20"This is the gate of the LORD; *
     he who is righteous may enter."
21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
     and have become my salvation.
22The same stone which the builders rejected *
     has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the LORD'S doing, *
     and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24On this day the LORD has acted; *
     we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25Hosanna, LORD, hosanna! *
     LORD, send us now success.
26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
     we bless you from the house of the LORD.
27God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; *
     form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
28"You are my God, and I will thank you; *
     you are my God, and I will exalt you."
29Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
     his mercy endures for ever.

- OR -

Psalm 118:14-17,22-24
14The LORD is my strength and my song, *
     and he has become my salvation.
15There is a sound of exultation and victory *
     in the tents of the righteous:
16"The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
     the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
     the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!"
17I shall not die, but live, *
     and declare the works of the LORD.
22The same stone which the builders rejected *
     has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the LORD'S doing, *
     and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24On this day the LORD has acted; *
     we will rejoice and be glad in it.



New Testament Reading

Colossians 3:1-4
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. - OR -

Acts 10:34-43
34 And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Gospel Reading

Luke 24:1-10
1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 5 and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Mag'dalene and Jo-an'na and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles;

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, March-24-2013
Palm Sunday



The Collect

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Almighty and everliving God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; 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 Holy Week

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 45:21-25
21Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. 22" Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. 24He shall say, ' Surely in the LORD I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. 25In the LORD all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory.'" -- NKJV - OR -

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
52:13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 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; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by 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; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul,and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For 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 unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors. -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 22:1-21
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
     and are so far from my cry
     and from the words of my distress?
2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
     by night as well, but I find no rest.
3Yet you are the Holy One, *
     enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
4Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
     they trusted, and you delivered them.
5They cried out to you and were delivered; *
     they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
6But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
     scorned by all and despised by the people.
7All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
     they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
8"He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; *
     let him rescue him, if he delights in him."
9Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
     and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
10I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
     you were my God when I was still in my
     mother's womb.
11Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
     and there is none to help.
12Many young bulls encircle me; *
     strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
13They open wide their jaws at me, *
     like a ravening and a roaring lion.
14I am poured out like water;
     all my bones are out of joint; *
     my heart within my breast is melting wax.
15My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd;
     my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
     and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
16Packs of dogs close me in,
     and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
     they pierce my hands and my feet;
     I can count all my bones.
17They stare and gloat over me; *
     they divide my garments among them;
     they cast lots for my clothing.
18Be not far away, O LORD; *
     you are my strength; hasten to help me.
19Save me from the sword, *
     my life from the power of the dog.
20Save me from the lion's mouth, *
     my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
21I will declare your Name to my brethren; *
     in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

- OR -

Psalm 22:1-11
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
     and are so far from my cry
     and from the words of my distress?
2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
     by night as well, but I find no rest.
3Yet you are the Holy One, *
     enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
4Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
     they trusted, and you delivered them.
5They cried out to you and were delivered; *
     they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
6But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
     scorned by all and despised by the people.
7All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
     they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
8"He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; *
     let him rescue him, if he delights in him."
9Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
     and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
10I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
     you were my God when I was still in my
     mother's womb.
11Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
     and there is none to help.



New Testament Reading

Philippians 2:5-11
5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

[Luke 22:39-71]
39Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation." 47And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" 49When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." 54Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with Him." 57But he denied Him, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." 58And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" 59Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." 60But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 62So Peter went out and wept bitterly. 63Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 64And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" 65And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him. 66As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 67"If You are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. 69Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God." 70Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am." 71And they said, "What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth." -- NKJV - OR -

Luke 23:1-49(50-56)
1Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King." 3Then Pilate asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered him and said, "It is as you say." 4So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no fault in this Man." 5But they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place." 6When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other. 13Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16I will therefore chastise Him and release Him" 17(for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). 18And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas"- 19who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. 20Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" 22Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." 23But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. 27And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!' 30Then they will begin 'to say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' 31For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?" 32There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." 36The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself." 38And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 40But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." 44Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.'" Having said this, He breathed His last. 47So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!" 48And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. (50Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 51He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 55And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. ) -- NKJV

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, March-17-2013
Fifth Sunday in Lent


The Collect

Fifth Sunday in Lent
O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: Grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 43:16-21
16Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, 17Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): 18" Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 20The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. 21This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. -- NKJV

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 3:8-14
8Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 20:9-19
9Then He began to tell the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out. 13"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.' 14But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' 15So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others." And when they heard it they said, "Certainly not!" 17Then He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written: ' The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone'? 18Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." 19And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people-for they knew He had spoken this parable against them. -- NKJV

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, March-03-2013
Third Sunday in Lent



The Collect

Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Preface of Lent

Old Testament Reading

Exodus 3:1-15
1Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn." 4So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." 5Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." 6Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. 7And the LORD said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 12So He said, "I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." 13Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" 14And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 15Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.' -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 103
Benedic, anima mea
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, *
     and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, *
     and forget not all his benefits.
3He forgives all your sins *
     and heals all your infirmities;
4He redeems your life from the grave *
     and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;
5He satisfies you with good things, *
     and your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
6The LORD executes righteousness *
     and judgment for all who are oppressed.
7He made his ways known to Moses *
     and his works to the children of Israel.
8The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *
     slow to anger and of great kindness.
9He will not always accuse us, *
     nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
     nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
     so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
12As far as the east is from the west, *
     so far has he removed our sins from us.
13As a father cares for his children, *
     so does the LORD care for those who fear him.
14For he himself knows whereof we are made; *
     he remembers that we are but dust.
15Our days are like the grass; *
     we flourish like a flower of the field;
16When the wind goes over it, it is gone, *
     and its place shall know it no more.
17But the merciful goodness of the LORD endures for ever on those
     who fear him, *
     and his righteousness on children's children;
18On those who keep his covenant *
     and remember his commandments and do them.
19The LORD has set his throne in heaven, *
     and his kingship has dominion over all.
20Bless the LORD, you angels of his,
     you mighty ones who do his bidding, *
     and hearken to the voice of his word.
21Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, *
     you ministers of his who do his will.
22Bless the LORD, all you works of his,
     in all places of his dominion; *
     bless the LORD, O my soul.

- OR -

Psalm 103:1-11
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, *
     and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, *
     and forget not all his benefits.
3He forgives all your sins *
     and heals all your infirmities;
4He redeems your life from the grave *
     and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;
5He satisfies you with good things, *
     and your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
6The LORD executes righteousness *
     and judgment for all who are oppressed.
7He made his ways known to Moses *
     and his works to the children of Israel.
8The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *
     slow to anger and of great kindness.
9He will not always accuse us, *
     nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
     nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
     so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
New Testament Reading

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
1Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 13:1-9
1There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." 6He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' 8But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'" -- NKJV

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, February-17-2013
First Sunday in Lent


The Collect

First Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Preface of Lent

Old Testament Reading

Deuteronomy 26:(1-4)5-11
(1 "When you come into the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, and have taken possession of it, and live in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the LORD your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place which the LORD your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there. 3 And you shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, `I declare this day to the LORD your God that I have come into the land which the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.' 4 Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God. )5 "And you shall make response before the LORD your God, `A wandering Aramean was my father; and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number; and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage. 7 Then we cried to the LORD the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice, and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression; 8 and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders; 9 and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O LORD, hast given me.' And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God; 11 and you shall rejoice in all the good which the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

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 91:9-15
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.



New Testament Reading

Romans 10:(5-8)9-13
(5 Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 or "Who will descend into the abyss?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); )9 because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. 13 For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."

Gospel Reading

Luke 4:1-13
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit 2 for forty days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone.'" 5 And the devil took him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it shall all be yours." 8 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" 9 And he took him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it is written, `He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you,' 11 and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, February-10-2013
Last Sunday in Epiphany


The Collect

Last Sunday in Epiphany
O God, who before the passion of thy only-begotten Son didst reveal his glory upon the holy mount: Grant unto us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; 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 Epiphany

Old Testament Reading

Exodus 34:29-35
29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tables of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30And when Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. 32And afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai. 33And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, 35the people of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; and Moses would put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Psalm

Psalm 99
Dominus regnavit
1The LORD is King;
     let the people tremble; *
     he is enthroned upon the cherubim;
     let the earth shake.
2The LORD is great in Zion; *
     he is high above all peoples.
3Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
     he is the Holy One.
4"O mighty King, lover of justice,
     you have established equity; *
     you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."
5Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
     and fall down before his footstool; *
     he is the Holy One.
6Moses and Aaron among his priests,
     and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
     they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
     they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8"O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; *
     you were a God who forgave them,
     yet punished them for their evil deeds."
9Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
     and worship him upon his holy hill; *
     for the LORD our God is the Holy One.



New Testament Reading

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13
12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; 10 but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. 13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Gospel Reading

Luke 9:28-36
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah"--not knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, February-03-2013
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany


The Collect

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and in our time grant us thy peace; 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 Epiphany, or of the Lord's Day

Old Testament Reading

Jeremiah 1:4-10
4Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5" Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." 6Then said I: " Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." 7But the LORD said to me: " Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD. 9Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: " Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant." -- NKJV

Psalm

Psalm 71:1-17
1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; *
     let me never be ashamed.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
     incline your ear to me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
     you are my crag and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
     from of the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5For you are my hope, O LORD God, *
     my confidence since I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
     from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *
     my praise shall be always of you.
7I have become a portent to many; *
     but you are my refuge and my strength.
8Let my mouth be full of your praise *
     and your glory all the day long.
9Do not cast me off in my old age; *
     forsake me not when my strength fails.
10For my enemies are talking against me, *
     and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11They say, "God has forsaken him;
     go after him and seize him; *
     because there is none who will save."
12O God, be not far from me; *
     come quickly to help me, O my God.
13Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and
     be disgraced; *
     let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn
     and reproach.
14But I shall always wait in patience, *
     and shall praise you more and more.
15My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
     and saving deeds all day long; *
     though I cannot know the number of them.
16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
     I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
     and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.

- OR -

Psalm 71:1-6,15-17
1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; *
     let me never be ashamed.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
     incline your ear to me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
     you are my crag and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
     from of the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5For you are my hope, O LORD God, *
     my confidence since I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
     from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *
     my praise shall be always of you.
15My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
     and saving deeds all day long; *
     though I cannot know the number of them.
16I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
     I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
     and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
New Testament Reading

1 Corinthians 14:12-20
12Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 13Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. -- NKJV

Gospel Reading

Luke 4:21-32
21And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" 23He said to them, "You will surely say this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.'" 24Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." 28So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. 31Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. -- NKJV