A drifting from intent

The following are the readings appointed for the Feast of St. Clare for Saturday, Aug 11th. Since two of us are going to be involved (one ordinand and one preacher) we thought it might wise to blog these passages as opposed to the readings for that Sunday. As there are only about 4 of us who view this page we thought the world would probably not melt away at our slight diversion. Happy blogging. The Ordinand will also be reflecting on the examination as found on pg 531 in the BCP. It follows the Gospel.

(When a blogger blogs in a forrest of bit encrypted data, does anybody read it?)


The Lessons Appointed for Use
on the Feast of
Clare
Abbess at Assisi, 1253
August 11
Song of Solomon 2:10-13Luke 12:32-37Psalm 63:1-8 orPsalm 34:1-8

The Preface of Saint (2)
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Song of Solomon 2:10-13
My beloved speaks and says to me:
"Arise, my love, my fair one,
and come away;
for now the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom;
they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one,
and come away."

Psalm 34:1-8 Page 627, BCP
Benedicam Dominum
1
I will bless the LORD at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2
I will glory in the LORD; * let the humble hear and rejoice.
3
Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; * let us exalt his Name together.
4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.
5
Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.
6
I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.
7
The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.
8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; * happy are they who trust in him!

Luke 12:32-37
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them."

The Examination BCP 531

My brother, the church is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. All Baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world. Now you are called to work as a pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the Church.

As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. You are to preach, to declare God's forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God's blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ's Body and Blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to you.

In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ's people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.

My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to this priesthood?
Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your Bishop?
Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?
Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?
Will you do your best to pattern your life and that of your family in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sactification of the Holy Spirit?
May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.
AMEN.