Sunday, November 17, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, November-24-2013
Proper 29


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
Jeremiah 23:1-6
1"Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" says the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: "You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings," says the LORD. 3"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking," says the LORD. 5" Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, " That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. -- NKJV
 
Psalm
Psalm 46
Deus noster refugium
1God is our refuge and strength, *
     a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
     and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
3Though its waters rage and foam, *
     and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
4The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
5There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
     the holy habitation of the Most High.
6God is in the midst of her;
     she shall not be overthrown; *
     God shall help her at the break of day.
7The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
     God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
8The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
9Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, *
     what awesome things he has done on earth.
10It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
     he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
     and burns the shields with fire.
11"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
     I will be exalted among the nations;
     I will be exalted in the earth."
12The LORD of hosts is with us; *
     the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

New Testament Reading
Colossians 1:11-20
11strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. -- NKJV
 
Gospel Reading
Luke 23:35-43
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." -- NKJV - OR -

Luke 19:29-38
29And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.'" 32So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 34And they said, "The Lord has need of him." 35Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" -- NKJV

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, November-17-2013
Proper 28



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
Malachi 3:13-4:2
3:13 " Your words have been harsh against Me," Says the LORD, " Yet you say, ' What have we spoken against You?' 14 You have said, ' It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the LORD of hosts? 15 So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.'" 16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. 17 " They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, " On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him." 18 Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.4:1 "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, " That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. -- NKJV - AND -
Malachi 4:5-6
5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. 6And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." -- NKJV
 
Psalm
Psalm 98
Cantate Domino
1Sing to the LORD a new song, *
     for he has done marvelous things.
2With his right hand and his holy arm *
     has he won for himself the victory.
3The LORD has made known his victory; *
     his righteousness has he openly shown in
     the sight of the nations.
4He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to
     the house of Israel, *
     and all the ends of the earth have seen the
     victory of our God.
5Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
     lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
     with the harp and the voice of song.
7With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
     shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
8Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
     the lands and those who dwell therein.
9Let the rivers clap their hands, *
     and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
     when he comes to judge the earth.
10In righteousness shall he judge the world *
     and the peoples with equity.
11Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
     and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
12Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, *
     and give thanks to his holy Name.
- OR -
Psalm 98:5-10
5Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
     lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
     with the harp and the voice of song.
7With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
     shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
8Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
     the lands and those who dwell therein.
9Let the rivers clap their hands, *
     and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
     when he comes to judge the earth.
10In righteousness shall he judge the world *
     and the peoples with equity.

New Testament Reading
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. -- NKJV
 
Gospel Reading
Luke 21:5-19
5Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6"These things which you see-the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down." 7So they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?" 8And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them. 9But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately." 10Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19By your patience possess your souls. -- NKJV 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, November-10-2013
Proper 27
 


Lectionary: 1979  |  Collect & Preface: Traditional
The Collect
Proper 27
O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen
Preface of the Lord's Day
Old Testament Reading
Job 19:23-27
23"Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! 24That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever! 25For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! -- NKJV
Psalm
Psalm 17
Exaudi, Domine
1Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;
     give heed to my cry; *
     listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
     let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
     melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
     I have heeded the words of your lips.
5My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
     in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
     incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
     O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
     from those who rise up against them.
8Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
     hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9From the wicked who assault me, *
     from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10They have closed their heart to pity, *
     and their mouth speaks proud things.
11They press me hard,
     now they surround me, *
     watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *
     and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13Arise, O LORD; confront them and bring them down; *
     deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand *
     from those whose portion in life is this world;
15Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *
     who are well supplied with children
     and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
     when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding
     your likeness.
- OR -
Psalm 17:1-8
1Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;
     give heed to my cry; *
     listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
     let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
     melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
     I have heeded the words of your lips.
5My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
     in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
     incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
     O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
     from those who rise up against them.
8Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
     hide me under the shadow of your wings,

New Testament Reading
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. -- NKJV
Gospel Reading
Luke 20:27(28-33)34-38
27Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, (28saying: "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. 30And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. 31Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died. 32Last of all the woman died also. 33Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife." )34Jesus answered and said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him." -- NKJV 

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, November-03-2013
All Saints Day
(All Saints Day is Observed today and takes precedence over the Regular Sunday)


The Collect

All Saints Day
Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow thy blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
Preface of All Saints

Old Testament Reading

Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10,13-14
1 Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. 2 The Lord apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning. 3 There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and proclaiming prophecies; 4 leaders of the people in their deliberations and in understanding of learning for the people, wise in their words of instruction; 5 those who composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing; 6 rich men furnished with resources, living peaceably in their habitations-- 7 all these were honored in their generations, and were the glory of their times. 8 There are some of them who have left a name, so that men declare their praise. 9 And there are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. 10 But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; 13 Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out. 14 Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations. -- RSV

Psalm

Psalm 149
Cantate Domino
1Hallelujah!
     Sing to the LORD a new song; *
     sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
2Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *
     let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3Let them praise his Name in the dance; *
     let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
4For the LORD takes pleasure in his people *
     and adorns the poor with victory.
5Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *
     let them be joyful on their beds.
6Let the praises of God be in their throat *
     and a two-edged sword in their hand;
7To wreak vengeance on the nations *
     and punishment on the peoples;
8To bind their kings in chains *
     and their nobles with links of iron;
9To inflict on them the judgment decreed; *
     this is glory for all his faithful people.
     Hallelujah!



New Testament Reading

Revelation 7:2-4,9-17
2 Then I saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, out of every tribe of the sons of Israel, 9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen." 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?" 14 I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night within his temple; and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Gospel Reading

Matthew 5:1-12
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, October-27-2013
Proper 25



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

Jeremiah 14:(1-6)7-10
(1 The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: 2 "Judah mourns and her gates languish; her people lament on the ground, and the cry of Jerusalem goes up. 3 Her nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns, they find no water, they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads. 4 Because of the ground which is dismayed, since there is no rain on the land, the farmers are ashamed, they cover their heads. 5 Even the hind in the field forsakes her newborn calf because there is no grass. 6 The wild asses stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail because there is no herbage. )7 "Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O LORD, for thy name's sake; for our backslidings are many, we have sinned against thee. 8 O thou hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why shouldst thou be like a stranger in the land, like a wayfarer who turns aside to tarry for a night? 9 Why shouldst thou be like a man confused, like a mighty man who cannot save? Yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not." 10 Thus says the LORD concerning this people: "They have loved to wander thus, they have not restrained their feet; therefore the LORD does not accept them, now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins." - AND -

Jeremiah 14:19-22
19 Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? Does thy soul loathe Zion? Why hast thou smitten us so that there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. 20 We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, and the iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against thee. 21 Do not spurn us, for thy name's sake; do not dishonor thy glorious throne; remember and do not break thy covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Art thou not he, O LORD our God? We set our hope on thee, for thou doest all these things.

Psalm

Psalm 84
Quam dialect!
1How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
     My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of
     the LORD;
     my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2The sparrow has found her a house
     and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
     by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,
     my King and my God.
3Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
     they will always be praising you.
4Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
     whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5Those who go through the desolate valley will find
     it a place of springs, *
     for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6They will climb from height to height, *
     and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
     hearken, O God of Jacob.
8Behold our defender, O God; *
     and look upon the face of your Anointed.
9For one day in your courts is better than
     a thousand in my own room, *
     and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God
     than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10For the LORD God is both sun and shield; *
     he will give grace and glory;
11No good thing will the LORD withhold *
     from those who walk with integrity.
12O LORD of hosts, *
     happy are they who put their trust in you!

- OR -

Psalm 84:1-6
1How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
     My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of
     the LORD;
     my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2The sparrow has found her a house
     and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
     by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,
     my King and my God.
3Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
     they will always be praising you.
4Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
     whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5Those who go through the desolate valley will find
     it a place of springs, *
     for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6They will climb from height to height, *
     and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.



New Testament Reading

2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
6 For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 16 At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, October-20-2013
Proper 24



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

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 32:3-8,22-30
3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Se'ir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, "Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, `I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now; 5 and I have oxen, asses, flocks, menservants, and maidservants; and I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.'" 6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him." 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies, 8 thinking, "If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it, then the company which is left will escape." 22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob's thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." 27 And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." 28 Then he said, "Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." 29 Then Jacob asked him, "Tell me, I pray, your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peni'el, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved."

Psalm

Psalm 121
Levavi oculos
1I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
     from where is my help to come?
2My help comes from the LORD, *
     the maker of heaven and earth.
3He will not let your foot be moved *
     and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
     shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5The LORD himself watches over you; *
     the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
     nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
     it is he who shall keep you safe.
8The LORD shall watch over your going out and
     your coming in, *
     from this time forth for evermore.



New Testament Reading

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. 5 As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

Gospel Reading

Luke 18:1-8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Lectionary Readings
Book of Common Prayer - 1979
Sunday, October-13-2013
Proper 23


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

Ruth 1:(1-7)8-19
(1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elim'elech and the name of his wife Na'omi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chil'ion; they were Eph'rathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elim'elech, the husband of Na'omi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years; 5 and both Mahlon and Chil'ion died, so that the woman was bereft of her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she started with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she was, with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. )8 But Na'omi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The LORD grant that you may find a home, each of you in the house of her husband!" Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." 11 But Na'omi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me." 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; 17 where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if even death parts me from you." 18 And when Na'omi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. 19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, "Is this Na'omi?"

Psalm

Psalm 113
Laudate, pueri
1Hallelujah!
     Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
     praise the Name of the LORD.
2Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
     from this time forth for evermore.
3From the rising of the sun to its going down *
     let the Name of the LORD be praised.
4The LORD is high above all nations, *
     and his glory above the heavens.
5Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, *
     but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6He takes up the weak out of the dust *
     and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7He sets them with the princes, *
     with the princes of his people.
8He makes the woman of a childless house *
     to be a joyful mother of children.



New Testament Reading

2 Timothy 2:(3-7)8-15
(3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. )8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, 9 the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; 12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. 14 Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Gospel Reading

Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."