Go... Readings

12 Sunday after Pentacost- John 6:56-69

2009-08-17T06:34:00.001-07:00

John 6:56-69

Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father."

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Seventh Sunday after Easter- May 24 RCL

2009-05-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Psalm 1 Page 585, BCP

Beatus vir qui non abiit

1: Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *
nor lingered in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2: Their delight is in the law of the LORD, *
and they meditate on his law day and night.
3: They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *
everything they do shall prosper.
4: It is not so with the wicked; *
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5: Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6: For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, *
but the way of the wicked is doomed.

1 John 5:9-13

If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 17:6-19

Looking up to heaven, Jesus prayed, "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth."

May 8th Wedding- Readings

2009-04-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:6-9 (New International Version)

⁶"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'^a]">[a] ⁷'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,^b]">[b] ⁸and the two will become one flesh.'^c]">[c] So they are no longer two, but one. ⁹Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (or put asunder)

notes- 10:6 compare to Gen 1:27

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

notes- 10:8 compare to Gen 2:24

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)

1 Corinthians 13

Love

¹If I speak in the tongues^a]">[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^b]">[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Third Sunday of Easter- April 26, 2009

2009-04-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Acts 4:5-12

The day after they had arrested Peter and John for teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is

`the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.'

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."

Psalm 23 Page 612, BCP

Dominus regit me

1: The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2: He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3: He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5: You spread a table before me in the presence of those; who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6: Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days; of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

1 John 3:16-24

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

John 10:11-18

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."

Advent I or Readings for Nov. 30th

2008-11-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 64:1-9a

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,: so that the mountains would quake at your presence--
as when fire kindles brushwood: and the fire causes water to boil--
to make your name known to your adversaries,: so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,: you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard,: no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,: who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right,: those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;: because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean,: and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,: and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name,: or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,: and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father;: we are the clay, and you are our potter;; we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD,: and do not remember iniquity forever.

Psalm 80 or 80:1-7 Page 702, BCP

Qui regis Israel

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

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mark 13:(24-32)33-37

Jesus said to his disciples, ["In those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,: and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,: and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see `the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.] Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake-- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

Nov 9th or 26th Sunday after Pentacost

2008-10-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors-- Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor-- lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many.

"Now therefore revere the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."

But Joshua said to the people, "You cannot serve the LORD; for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good." And the people said to Joshua, "No, we will serve the LORD!" Then Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him." And they said, "We are witnesses." He said, "Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel." The people said to Joshua, "The LORD our God we will serve, and him we will obey." So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem.

Psalm 78:1-7 Page 694 , BCP

Attendite, popule

1: Hear my teaching, O my people; *
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2: I will open my mouth in a parable; *
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3: That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us, *
we will not hide from their children.
4: We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, *
and the wonderful works he has done.
5: He gave his decrees to Jacob
and established a law for Israel, *
which he commanded them to teach their children;
6: That the generations to come might know,
and the children yet unborn; *
that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7: So that they might put their trust in God, *
and not forget the deeds of God,
but keep his commandments;

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus said, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, `Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in square brackets.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.

Proper 17: Year C

2007-08-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Year C
Ecclesiasticus 10:(7-11)12-18 Hebrews 13:1-8 Luke 14:1,7-14 Psalm 112
Collect
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Ecclesiasticus 10:(7-11)12-18
[Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals,
and injustice is outrageous to both.
Sovereignty passes from nation to nation
on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.
How can dust and ashes be proud?
Even in life the human body decays.
A long illness baffles the physician;
the king of today will die tomorrow.
For when one is dead
he inherits maggots and vermin and worms.]
The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord;
the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.
For the beginning of pride is sin,
and the one who clings to it pours out abominations.
Therefore the Lord brings upon them unheard-of calamities,
and destroys them completely.
The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers,
and enthrones the lowly in their place.
The Lord plucks up the roots of the nations,
and plants the humble in their place.
The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations,
and destroys them to the foundations of the earth.
He removes some of them and destroys them,
and erases the memory of them from the earth.
Pride was not created for human beings,
or violent anger for those born of women.

Psalm 112 Page 755, BCP
Beatus vir
1
Hallelujah!Happy are they who fear the Lord *and have great delight in his commandments!
2
Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3
Wealth and riches will be in their house, *and their righteousness will last for ever.
4
Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
5
It is good for them to be generous in lending *and to manage their affairs with justice.
6
For they will never be shaken; *the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7
They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *their heart is right;they put their trust in the Lord.
8
Their heart is established and will not shrink, *until they see their desire upon their enemies.
9
They have given freely to the poor, *and their righteousness stands fast for ever;they will hold up their head with honor.
10
The wicked will see it and be angry;they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *the desires of the wicked will perish.

Hebrews 13:1-8
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." So we can say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?"
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Luke 14:1,7-14
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, `Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, `Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
He said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

A drifting from intent

2007-07-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

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 2:10-13 Luke 12:32-37 Psalm 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.

For Sunday July 29th

2007-07-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Collect

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hosea 1:2-10
When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, "Go, take for yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD." So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
And the LORD said to him, "Name him Jezreel; for in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."
She conceived again and bore a daughter. Then the LORD said to him, "Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have pity on the house of Israel or forgive them. But I will have pity on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the LORD their God; I will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by war, or by horses, or by horsemen."
When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said, "Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not my people and I am not your God."
Yet the number of the people of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which can be neither measured nor numbered; and in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God."

Psalm 85 or 85:7-13 Page 708, BCP
Benedixisti, Domine
1
You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2
You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *and blotted out all their sins.
3
You have withdrawn all your fury *and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4
Restore us then, O God our Savior; *let your anger depart from us.
5
Will you be displeased with us for ever? *will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6
Will you not give us life again, *that your people may rejoice in you?
7
Show us your mercy, O LORD, *and grant us your salvation.
8
I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *for he is speaking peace to his faithful peopleand to those who turn their hearts to him.
9
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *that his glory may dwell in our land.
10
Mercy and truth have met together; *righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11
Truth shall spring up from the earth, *and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12
The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *and our land will yield its increase.
13
Righteousness shall go before him, *and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

or

Genesis 18:20-32
The LORD said to Abraham, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know."
So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham came near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" And the LORD said, "If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake." Abraham answered, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And he said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." Again he spoke to him, "Suppose forty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of forty I will not do it." Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there." He answered, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there." He said, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it." Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it."

Psalm 138 Page 793, BCP
Confitebor tibi
1
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; *before the gods I will sing your praise.
2
I will bow down toward your holy templeand praise your Name, *because of your love and faithfulness;
3
For you have glorified your Name *and your word above all things.
4
When I called, you answered me; *you increased my strength within me.
5
All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, *when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6
They will sing of the ways of the LORD, *that great is the glory of the LORD.
7
Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; *he perceives the haughty from afar.
8
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;your right hand shall save me.
9
The LORD will make good his purpose for me; *O LORD, your love endures for ever;do not abandon the works of your hands.

Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)
As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.
[Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. ]

Luke 11:1-13
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Proper 11, Year C

2007-07-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Genesis 18:1-10a(10b-14)

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on-- since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said." And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one said, "I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." [And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, `Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son."]

Psalm 15 Page 599, BCP

Domine, quis habitabit?

1: LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
who may abide upon your holy hill?
2: Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
who speaks the truth from his heart.
3: There is no guile upon his tongue;
he does no evil to his friend; *
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.
4: In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
but he honors those who fear the LORD.
5: He has sworn to do no wrong *
and does not take back his word.
6: He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
7: Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.

Colossians 1:21-29

You who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him-- provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Proper 10, Year C, BCP

2007-07-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 30:9-14

Moses said to the people of Israel, "The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the LORD your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

"Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?' No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe."

Psalm 25 or 25:3-9 Page 614, BCP

Ad te, Domine, levavi

1: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2: Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3: Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.
4: Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5: Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6: Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.
7: Gracious and upright is the LORD; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8: He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
9: All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10: For your Name's sake, O LORD, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.
11: Who are they who fear the LORD? *
he will teach them the way that they should choose.
12: They shall dwell in prosperity, *
and their offspring shall inherit the land.
13: The LORD is a friend to those who fear him *
and will show them his covenant.
14: My eyes are ever looking to the LORD, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15: Turn to me and have pity on me, *
for I am left alone and in misery.
16: The sorrows of my heart have increased; *
bring me out of my troubles.
17: Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.
18: Look upon my enemies, for they are many, *
and they bear a violent hatred against me.
19: Protect my life and deliver me; *
let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
20: Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.
21: Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.

Colossians 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 10:25-37

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Proper 9, Year C, BCP

2007-06-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 66:10-16

Thus says the Lord:

"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her,: all you who love her;
rejoice with her in joy,: all you who mourn over her--
that you may nurse and be satisfied: from her consoling breast;
that you may drink deeply with delight: from her glorious bosom.
For thus says the LORD:
I will extend prosperity to her like a river,: and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream;
and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm,: and dandled on her knees.
As a mother comforts her child,: so I will comfort you;; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;: your bodies shall flourish like the grass;
and it shall be known that the hand of the LORD is with his servants,: and his indignation is against his enemies.
For the LORD will come in fire,: and his chariots like the whirlwind,
to pay back his anger in fury,: and his rebuke in flames of fire.
For by fire will the LORD execute judgment,: and by his sword, on all flesh;; and those slain by the LORD shall be many."

Psalm 66 or 66:1-8 Page 673, BCP

Jubilate Deo

1: Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his Name;
sing the glory of his praise.
2: Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *
because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.
3: All the earth bows down before you, *
sings to you, sings out your Name."
4: Come now and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5: He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot, *
and there we rejoiced in him.
6: In his might he rules for ever;
his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let no rebel rise up against him.
7: Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8: Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9: For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10: You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11: You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12: I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13: I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14: Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15: I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16: If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17: But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18: Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.

Galatians 6:(1-10)14-18

[My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.]

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule-- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Luke 10:1-12,16-20

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

"Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Proper 7, Year C, BCP

2007-06-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your lovingkindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Zechariah 12:8-10;13:1

"On the day of the siege against Jerusalem," says the Lord, "I will shield the inhabitants of Jerusalem so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD, at their head. And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that, when they look on the one whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

"On that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity."

Psalm 63:1-8 Page 670, BCP

Deus, Deus meus

1: O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2: Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3: For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
4: So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
5: My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6: When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches.
7: For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8: My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.

Galatians 3:23-29

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.

Luke 9:18-24

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They answered, "John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

Proper 6, Year C, BCP

2007-06-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

2 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13-15

When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son.

But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD, and the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meager fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him." Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."

Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more. Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, for you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife."

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan said to David, "Now the LORD has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child that is born to you shall die." Then Nathan went to his house. The LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became very ill.

Psalm 32 or 32:1-8 Page 624, BCP

Beati quorum

1: Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *
and whose sin is put away!
2: Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3: While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
4: For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
and did not conceal my guilt.
6: I said," I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." *
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7: Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8: You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10: Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you."
11: Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD.
12: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

Galatians 2:11-21

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?"

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him-- that she is a sinner." Jesus spoke up and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Teacher," he replied, "Speak." "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt." And Jesus said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Trinity Sunday, Year C, BCP

2007-05-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory."

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"

Psalm 29 Page 620, BCP

Afferte Domino

1: Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, *
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; *
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3: The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the LORD is upon the mighty waters.
4: The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor.
5: The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; *
the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6: He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7: The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; *
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8: The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
9: And in the temple of the LORD *
all are crying, "Glory!"
10: The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; *
the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11: The LORD shall give strength to his people; *
the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.

or

Canticle 2 Page 49, BCP

or

Canticle 13 Page 90, BCP

Revelation 4:1-11

After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal.

Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,

"Holy, holy, holy,

the Lord God the Almighty,

who was and is and is to come."

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,: to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,: and by your will they existed and were created."

John 16:(5-11)12-15

Jesus said, ["Now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, `Where are you going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.]

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

4th Sunday of Easter, Year C, BCP

2007-04-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

Acts 13:15-16,26-33(34-39)

When Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Pisidia, they went on the sabbath day into the synagogue, and after the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak:

"You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm,

'You are my Son;: today I have begotten you.'

[As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

`I will give you the holy promises made to David.'

Therefore he has also said in another psalm,

`You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.'

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.]

Numbers 27:12-23

The LORD said to Moses, "Go up this mountain of the Abarim range, and see the land that I have given to the Israelites. When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled with me. You did not show my holiness before their eyes at the waters." (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint someone over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep without a shepherd." So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him; have him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. You shall give him some of your authority, so that all the congregation of the Israelites may obey. But he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the decision of the Urim before the LORD; at his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the Israelites with him, the whole congregation." So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation; he laid his hands on him and commissioned him-- as the LORD had directed through Moses.

Psalm 100 Page 729, BCP

Jubilate Deo

1: Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; *
serve the LORD with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2: Know this: The LORD himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3: Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4: For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Revelation 7:9-17

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

"Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God,: and worship him day and night within his temple,; and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;: the sun will not strike them,; nor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,: and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Acts 13:15-16,26-33(34-39)

[see above]

John 10:22-30

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, BCP

2007-04-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 9:1-19a

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Jeremiah 32:36-41

Now therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city of which you say, "It is being given into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence": See, I am going to gather them from all the lands to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation; I will bring them back to this place, and I will settle them in safety. They shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for all time, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them, never to draw back from doing good to them; and I will put the fear of me in their hearts, so that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing good to them, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.

Psalm 33 or 33:1-11 Page 626, BCP

Exultate, justi

1: Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; *
it is good for the just to sing praises.
2: Praise the LORD with the harp; *
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3: Sing for him a new song; *
sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4: For the word of the LORD is right, *
and all his works are sure.
5: He loves righteousness and justice; *
the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.
6: By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, *
by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7: He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
and stores up the depths of the sea.
8: Let all the earth fear the LORD; *
let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9: For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
he commanded, and it stood fast.
10: The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught; *
he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11: But the LORD'S will stands fast for ever, *
and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12: Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD! *
happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13: The LORD looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
14: From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
15: He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
16: There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army;
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17: The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
18: Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
19: To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
20: Our soul waits for the LORD; *
he is our help and our shield.
21: Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22: Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.

Revelation 5:6-14

Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song:

"You are worthy to take the scroll: and to open its seals,
for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God: saints from every tribe and language and people and nation;
you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,: and they will reign on earth."

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,

"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"

And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Acts 9:1-19a

(See above)

John 21:1-14

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C, BCP

2007-04-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Acts 5:12a,17-22,25-29

Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported. Then someone arrived and announced, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us" But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

Job 42:1-6

Then Job answered the LORD:
"I know that you can do all things,: and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
`Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?'
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,: things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
`Hear, and I will speak;: I will question you, and you declare to me.'
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,: but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,: and repent in dust and ashes."

Psalm 111 Page 754, BCP

Confitebor tibi

1: Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2: Great are the deeds of the LORD! *
they are studied by all who delight in them.
3: His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4: He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5: He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6: He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations.
7: The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure.
8: They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity.
9: He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.
10: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.

or

Psalm 118:19-24 Page 762, BCP

Confitemini Domino

19: Open 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."
21: I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22: The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23: This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24: On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Revelation 1:[1-8] 9-19

[The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. ]

I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force.

When I saw him. I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this."

Acts 5:12a,17-22,25-29

[see above]

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if your retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach our your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Easter Day, Principal, Year C, BCP

2007-03-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection 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 your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to 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 your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Acts 10:34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Isaiah 51:9-11

Awake, awake, put on strength,: O arm of the LORD!
Awake, as in days of old,: the generations of long ago!
Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces,: who pierced the dragon?
Was it not you who dried up the sea,: the waters of the great deep;
who made the depths of the sea a way: for the redeemed to cross over?
So 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 118:14-29 or 118:14-17, 22-24 Page 761, BCP

Confitemini Domino

14: The LORD is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15: There 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!"
17: I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD.
18: The LORD has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19: Open 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."
21: I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22: The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23: This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24: On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25: Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! *
LORD, send us now success.
26: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
27: God 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."
29: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.

Colossians 3:1-4

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Acts 10:34-43

(See Above)

Luke 24:1-10

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

5th Sunday in Lent, Year C, BCP

2007-03-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the LORD,: who makes a way in the sea,; a path in the mighty waters,
who brings out chariot and horse,: army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,: they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
Do not remember the former things,: or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness: and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me,: the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,: rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,: the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.

Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP

In convertendo

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

Philippians 3:8-14

I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 20:9-19

Jesus began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, 'This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean:

'The stone that the builders rejected: has become the cornerstone'?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.

4th Sunday in Lent, Year C, BCP

2007-03-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Joshua 5:9-12

The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.

While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

Psalm 32 Page 624, BCP

Beati quorum

1: Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *
and whose sin is put away!
2: Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3: While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
4: For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
and did not conceal my guilt.
6: I said," I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." *
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7: Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8: You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10: Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you."
11: Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD.
12: Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

From now on, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So Jesus told them this parable:

"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C, BCP

2007-02-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in 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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Exodus 3:1-15

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up." When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." He said further, "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 at God.

Then the LORD said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain."

But Moses said to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM Who I AM." He said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your ancestors, 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 my title for all generations.

Psalm 103 or 103:1-11 Page 733, BCP

Benedic, anima mea

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

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.

Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play." We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Luke 13:1-9

There were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C, BCP

2007-02-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Genesis 15:1-12,17-18

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the word of the LORD came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir." He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Then he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess." But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates."

Psalm 27 or 27:10-18 Page 617, BCP

Dominus illuminatio

1: The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
2: When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who; stumbled and fell.
3: Though an army should encamp against me, *
yet my heart shall not be afraid;
4: And though war should rise up against me, *
yet will I put my trust in him.
5: One thing have I asked of the LORD;
one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days; of my life;
6: To behold the fair beauty of the LORD *
and to seek him in his temple.
7: For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe; in his shelter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8: Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
9: Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
10: Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; *
have mercy on me and answer me.
11: You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." *
Your face, LORD, will I seek.
12: Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13: You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
14: Though my father and my mother forsake me, *
the LORD will sustain me.
15: Show me your way, O LORD; *
lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.
16: Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, *
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
and also those who speak malice.
17: What if I had not believed
that I should see the goodness of the LORD *
in the land of the living!
18: O tarry and await the LORD'S pleasure;
be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; *
wait patiently for the LORD.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Luke 13:(22-30)31-35

[Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then in reply he will say to you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, 'I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."]

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

1st Sunday in Lent, Year C, BCP

2007-02-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 26:(1-4)5-11

[When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us." When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the LORD your God,] you shall make this response before the LORD your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our ancestors; the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O LORD, have given me." You shall set it down before the LORD your God and bow down before the LORD your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house.

Psalm 91 or 91:9-15 Page 719, BCP

Qui habitat

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

Romans 10:(5-8a)8b-13

[Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?]

"The word is near you,: on your lips and in your heart"

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 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. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Worship the Lord your God,: and serve only him.'"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

'He will command his angels concerning you,: to protect you,'

and

'On their hands they will bear you up,: so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Last Epiphany, Year C, BCP

2007-02-06T03:45:00.000-08:00

O God, who before the passion of your onlybegotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to 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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Exodus 34:29-35

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Psalm 99 Page 728, BCP

Dominus regnavit

1: The LORD is King;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim;
let the earth shake.
2: The LORD is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3: Let 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."
5: Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6: Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7: He 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.
9: Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
and worship him upon his holy hill; *
for the LORD our God is the Holy One.

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]

About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

Epiphany 6, Year C, BCP

2007-01-28T05:06:00.000-08:00

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the LORD:
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals: and make mere flesh their strength,; whose hearts turn away from the LORD.
They shall be like a shrub in the desert,: and shall not see when relief comes.
They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,: in an uninhabited salt land.
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD,: whose trust is the LORD.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,: sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,: and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,: and it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is devious above all else;: it is perverse--; who can understand it?
I the LORD test the mind: and search the heart,
to give to all according to their ways,: according to the fruit of their doings.

Psalm 1 Page 585, BCP

Beatus vir qui non abiit

1: Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *
nor lingered in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2: Their delight is in the law of the LORD, *
and they meditate on his law day and night.
3: They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *
everything they do shall prosper.
4: It is not so with the wicked; *
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5: Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6: For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, *
but the way of the wicked is doomed.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ--whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.

Luke 6:17-26

Jesus came down with the twelve apostles, and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

"Blessed are you who are poor,: for yours is the kingdom of God.
"Blessed are you who are hungry now,: for you will be filled.
"Blessed are you who weep now,: for you will laugh.

"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

"But woe to you who are rich,: for you have received your consolation.
"Woe to you who are full now,: for you will be hungry.
"Woe to you who are laughing now,: for you will mourn and weep.

"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Epiphany 3, Year C, BCP

2007-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:2-10

Ezra, the priest, brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 113 Page 756, BCP

Laudate, pueri

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

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Luke 4:14-21

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me: to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives: and recovery of sight to the blind,; to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

2nd Sunday After Epiphany, Year C, BCP

2007-01-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ¹s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 62:1-5

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,: and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,: and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,: and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name: that the mouth of the LORD will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,: and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,: and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,: and your land Married;
for the LORD delights in you,: and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,: so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,: so shall your God rejoice over you.

Psalm 96 or 96:1-10 Page 725, BCP

Cantate Domino

1: Sing to the LORD a new song; *
sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.
2: Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
3: Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.
4: For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.
5: As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
6: Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
7: Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the LORD honor and power.
8: Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.
9: Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.
10: Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."
11: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12: Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the LORD when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.
13: He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

First Sunday after Epiphany

2006-12-27T05:57:00.000-08:00

Collect

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Isaiah 42:1-9
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the LORD, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.

Psalm 89:1-29 or 89:20-29 Page 713 or 715, BCP
Misericordias Domini

1
Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; *
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.

2
For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.

3
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:

4
'I will establish your line for ever, *
and preserve your throne for all generations.'"

5
The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O LORD, *
and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones;

6
For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?*
who is like the LORD among the gods?

7
God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, *
great and terrible to all those round about him.

8
Who is like you, LORD God of hosts? *
O mighty LORD, your faithfulness is all around you.

9
You rule the raging of the sea *
and still the surging of its waves.

10
You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; *
you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

11
Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; *
you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.

12
You have made the north and the south; *
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your Name.

13
You have a mighty arm; *
strong is your hand and high is your right hand.

14
Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne; *
love and truth go before your face.

15
Happy are the people who know the festal shout! *
they walk, O LORD, in the light of your presence.

16
They rejoice daily in your Name; *
they are jubilant in your righteousness.

17
For you are the glory of their strength, *
and by your favor our might is exalted.

18
Truly, the LORD is our ruler; *
the Holy One of Israel is our King.

19
You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: *
"I have set the crown upon a warrior
and have exalted one chosen out of the people.

20
I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.

21
My hand will hold him fast *
and my arm will make him strong.

22
No enemy shall deceive him, *
nor any wicked man bring him down.

23
I will crush his foes before him *
and strike down those who hate him.

24
My faithfulness and love shall be with him, *
and he shall be victorious through my Name.

25
I shall make his dominion extend *
from the Great Sea to the River.

26
He will say to me, 'You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation.'

27
I will make him my firstborn *
and higher than the kings of the earth.

28
I will keep my love for him for ever, *
and my covenant will stand firm for him.

29
I will establish his line for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven."

Acts 10:34-38
Peter began to speak to Cornelius and his relatives and close friends: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Luke 3:15-16,21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

The First Sunday After Christmas, All Years, BCP/RCL

2006-12-18T04:31:00.000-08:00

This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow Christmas Day. As necessary, the observance of one, two, or all three of them, is postponed one day.

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

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

Psalm 147 or 147:13-21 Page 804 or 805, BCP

Laudate Dominum

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

Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

Advent 4, Year C, BCP

2006-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Micah 5:2-4

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,: who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me: one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,: from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time: when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return: to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD,: in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great: to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 80 or 80:1-7 Page 702, BCP

Qui regis Israel

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

Hebrews 10:5-10

Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,: but a body you have prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings: you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God': (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."

When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Luke 1:39-49(50-56)

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,: and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.: Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,: and holy is his name.
[His mercy is for those who fear him: from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;: he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,: and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,: and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,: in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,: to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.]

Advent 3, Year C, BCP

2006-12-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Zephaniah 3:14-20

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

Psalm 85 Page 708, BCP

Psalm 85:7-13 Page 709, BCP

Benedixisti, Domine

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

Canticle 9 Page 86, BCP

The First Song of Isaiah Ecce Deus

Isaiah 12:2-6

Surely, it is God who saves me; *: I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *: and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *: from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples; *: see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *: and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *: for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:4-7(8-9)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.]

Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Advent 2, Year C, BCP

2006-11-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Baruch 5:1-9

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

Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP

In convertendo

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

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,: make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,: and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,: and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Advent 1, Year C, BCP

2006-11-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Zechariah 14:4-9

On the day of the LORD his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley; so that one half of the Mount shall withdraw northward, and the other half southward. And you shall flee by the valley of the LORD's mountain, for the valley between the mountains shall reach to Azal; and you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

On that day there shall not be either cold or frost. And there shall be continuous day (it is known to the LORD), not day and not night, for at evening time there shall be light.

On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea; it shall continue in summer as in winter.

And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one.

Psalm 50 or 50:1-6 Page 654, BCP

Deus deorum

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

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Luke 21:25-31

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Christ the King, Year B, BCP

2006-11-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your 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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daniel 7:9-14

As I watched,
thrones were set in place,: and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,: and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,: and its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued: and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,: and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,: and the books were opened.

I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions,

I saw one like a human being: coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One: and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion: and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages: should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion: that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one: that shall never be destroyed.

Psalm 93 Page 722, BCP

Dominus regnavit

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

Revelation 1:1-8

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Look! He is coming with the clouds;: every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;: and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.

So it is to be. Amen.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

John 18:33-37

Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Mark 11:1-11

When Jesus and those who followed were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, `Why are you doing this?' just say this, `The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'" They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

"Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Proper 28, Year B, BCP

2006-11-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daniel 12:1-4a(5-13)

The Lord spoke to Daniel, saying, "At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end."

[Then I, Daniel, looked, and two others appeared, one standing on this bank of the stream and one on the other. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, "How long shall it be until the end of these wonders?" The man clothed in linen, who was upstream, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven. And I heard him swear by the one who lives forever that it would be for a time, two times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end, all these things would be accomplished. I heard but could not understand; so I said, "My lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?" He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are to remain secret and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. From the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that desolates is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days. Happy are those who persevere and attain the thousand three hundred thirty-five days. But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days."]

Psalm 16 or 16:5-11 Page 599, 600, BCP

Conserva me, Domine

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

Hebrews 10:31-39

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

For yet "in a very little while,: the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith.: My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back."

But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

Mark 13:14-23

Jesus said, "But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. And if anyone says to you at that time, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'Look! There he is!'--do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything."

Proper 27, Year B, BCP

2006-10-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

1 Kings 17:8-16

The word of the LORD came to Elijah, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you." So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink." As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth." She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.

Psalm 146, or 146:4-9 Page 803, BCP

Lauda, anima mea

1: Hallelujah!
Praise the LORD, O my soul! *
I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
2: Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.
3: When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.
4: Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help!*
whose hope is in the LORD their God;
5: Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;
6: Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.
7: The LORD sets the prisoners free;
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; *
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
8: The LORD loves the righteous;
the LORD cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
9: The LORD shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!

Hebrews 9:24-28

Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Mark 12:38-44

Teaching in the temple, Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Proper 26, Year B, BCP

2006-10-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Please Note - These are Proper readings, not the readings for All Saints.

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Moses said: Now this is the commandment--the statutes and the ordinances--that the LORD your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your children's children, may fear the LORD your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Psalm 119:1-16 or 1-8 Page 763, BCP

Aleph: Beati immaculati

1: Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2: Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!
3: Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.
4: You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.
5: Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!
6: Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.
7: I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8: I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

Beth: In quo corrigit?

9: How shall a young man cleanse his way? *
By keeping to your words.
10: With my whole heart I seek you; *
let me not stray from your commandments.
11: I treasure your promise in my heart, *
that I may not sin against you.
12: Blessed are you, O LORD; *
instruct me in your statutes.
13: With my lips will I recite *
all the judgments of your mouth.
14: I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *
than in all manner of riches.
15: I will meditate on your commandments *
and give attention to your ways.
16: My delight is in your statutes; *
I will not forget your word.

Hebrews 7:23-28

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard the Saducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,'--this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Proper 25, Year B, BCP

2006-10-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 59:(1-4)9-19

[See, the LORD's hand is not too short to save,: nor his ear too dull to hear.
Rather, your iniquities have been barriers: between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you: so that he does not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood,: and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies,: your tongue mutters wickedness.
No one brings suit justly,: no one goes to law honestly;
they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies,: conceiving mischief and begetting iniquity.]
Therefore justice is far from us,: and righteousness does not reach us;
we wait for light, and lo! there is darkness;: and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
We grope like the blind along a wall,: groping like those who have no eyes;
we stumble at noon as in the twilight,: among the vigorous as though we were dead.
We all growl like bears;: like doves we moan mournfully.
We wait for justice, but there is none;: for salvation, but it is far from us.
For our transgressions before you are many,: and our sins testify against us.
Our transgressions indeed are with us,: and we know our iniquities:
transgressing, and denying the LORD,: and turning away from following our God,
talking oppression and revolt,: conceiving lying words and uttering them from the heart.
Justice is turned back,: and righteousness stands at a distance;
for truth stumbles in the public square,: and uprightness cannot enter.
Truth is lacking,: and whoever turns from evil is despoiled.
The LORD saw it, and it displeased him: that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no one,: and was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm brought him victory,: and his righteousness upheld him.
He put on righteousness like a breastplate,: and a helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,: and wrapped himself in fury as in a mantle.
According to their deeds, so will he repay;: wrath to his adversaries, requital to his enemies;; to the coastlands he will render requital.
So those in the west shall fear the name of the LORD,: and those in the east, his glory;
for he will come like a pent-up stream: that the wind of the LORD drives on.

Psalm 13 Page 597, BCP

Usquequo, Domine?

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

Hebrews 5:12-6:1,9-12

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food; for everyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is unskilled in the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.

Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God,

Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Mark 10:46-52

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Year B Proper 24 - 10/22/06

2006-10-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 53:4-12

Surely he has borne our infirmities: and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,: struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,: crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,: and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;: we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him: the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,: yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,: and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,; so he did not open his mouth.
By a perversion of justice he was taken away.: Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,: stricken for the transgression of my people.
They made his grave with the wicked: and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence,: and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin,: he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the LORD shall prosper.: Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.: The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,: and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,: and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,: and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm 91 or 91:9-16 Page 719, 720, BCP

Qui habitat

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

Hebrews 4:12-16

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Mark 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Year B Proper 23 - 10/15/06

2006-10-02T11:32:00.001-07:00

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Amos 5:6-7,10-15

Seek the LORD and live,: or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,; and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood,: and bring righteousness to the ground!
They hate the one who reproves in the gate,: and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
Therefore because you trample on the poor: and take from them levies of grain,
you have built houses of hewn stone,: but you shall not live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,: but you shall not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your transgressions,: and how great are your sins--
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,: and push aside the needy in the gate.
Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;: for it is an evil time.
Seek good and not evil,: that you may live;
and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,: just as you have said.
Hate evil and love good,: and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts,: will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Psalm 90 or 90:1-8,12 Page 717, BCP

Domine, refugium

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

Hebrews 3:1-6

Brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling, consider that Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses also "was faithful in all God's house." Yet Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken later. Christ, however, was faithful over God's house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope.

Mark 10:17-27(28-31)

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'" He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

[Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."]

Year B Proper 23 - 10/15/06

2006-10-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Amos 5:6-7,10-15

Seek the LORD and live,: or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,; and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood,: and bring righteousness to the ground!
They hate the one who reproves in the gate,: and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
Therefore because you trample on the poor: and take from them levies of grain,
you have built houses of hewn stone,: but you shall not live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,: but you shall not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your transgressions,: and how great are your sins--
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,: and push aside the needy in the gate.
Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;: for it is an evil time.
Seek good and not evil,: that you may live;
and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,: just as you have said.
Hate evil and love good,: and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts,: will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Psalm 90 or 90:1-8,12 Page 717, BCP

Domine, refugium

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

Hebrews 3:1-6

Mark 10:17-27(28-31)

Year B, Proper 22 10/8/06

2006-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Genesis 2:18-24

The LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

"This at last is bone of my bones: and flesh of my flesh;
this one shall be called Woman,: for out of Man this one was taken."

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Psalm 8 Page 592, BCP

Domine, Dominus noster

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

Psalm 128 Page 783, BCP

Beati omnes

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

Hebrews 2:(1-8)9-18

[We must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.

Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere,

"What are human beings that you are mindful of them,: or mortals, that you care for them?
You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;: you have crowned them with glory and honor,; subjecting all things under their feet."

Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them,] but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."

And again,

"I will put my trust in him."

And again,

"Here am I and the children whom God has given me."

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Mark 10:2-9

Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her." But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

7th Sunday of Easter- 5/28/06

2006-05-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Acts 1:15-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms,

`Let his homestead become desolate,
and let there be no one to live in it';
and

`Let another take his position of overseer.'

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

or

Exodus 28:1-4,9-10,29-30
The Lord said to Moses: Bring near to you your brother Aaron, and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve me as priests-- Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. You shall make sacred vestments for the glorious adornment of your brother Aaron. And you shall speak to all who have ability, whom I have endowed with skill, that they make Aaron's vestments to consecrate him for my priesthood. These are the vestments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a checkered tunic, a turban, and a sash. When they make these sacred vestments for your brother Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests,

You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth.

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place, for a continual remembrance before the LORD. In the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD; thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before the LORD continually.

Psalm 68:1-20 Page 676, BCP
Exsurgat Deus

1
Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.

2
Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at

the presence of God.

3
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
let them also be merry and joyful.

4
Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!

5
Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!

6
God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.

7
O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,

8
The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9
You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.

10
Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.

11
The Lord gave the word; *
great was the company of women who bore the tidings:

12
"Kings with their armies are fleeing away; *
the women at home are dividing the spoils."

13
Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, *
you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver,
whose feathers are like green gold.

14
When the Almighty scattered kings, *
it was like snow falling in Zalmon.

15
O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! *
O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!

16
Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain,
at the hill which God chose for his resting place? *
truly, the LORD will dwell there for ever.

17
The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of thousands; *
the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.

18
You have gone up on high and led captivity captive;
you have received gifts even from your enemies, *
that the LORD God might dwell among them.

19
Blessed be the Lord day by day, *
the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens.

20
He is our God, the God of our salvation; *
God is the LORD, by whom we escape death.

or
Psalm 47 Page 650, BCP
Omnes gentes, plaudite

1
Clap your hands, all you peoples; *
shout to God with a cry of joy.

2
For the LORD Most High is to be feared; *
he is the great King over all the earth.

3
He subdues the peoples under us, *
and the nations under our feet.

4
He chooses our inheritance for us, *
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.

5
God has gone up with a shout, *
the LORD with the sound of the ram's-horn.

6
Sing praises to God, sing praises; *
sing praises to our King, sing praises.

7
For God is King of all the earth; *
sing praises with all your skill.

8
God reigns over the nations; *
God sits upon his holy throne.

9
The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *
with the people of the God of Abraham.

10
The rulers of the earth belong to God, *
and he is highly exalted.

1 John 5:9-15
If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.

Acts 1:15-26
[See above]

John 17:11b-19
Jesus prayed for his disciples, saying, "Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth."

6th Sunday of Easter - 5/21/06

2006-05-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

Acts 11:19-30

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."

At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Isaiah 45:11-13,18-19

Thus says the LORD,: the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:
Will you question me about my children,: or command me concerning the work of my hands?
I made the earth,: and created humankind upon it;
it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,: and I commanded all their host.
I have aroused Cyrus in righteousness,: and I will make all his paths straight;
he shall build my city: and set my exiles free,
not for price or reward,: says the LORD of hosts.
For thus says the LORD,
who created the heavens: (he is God!),
who formed the earth and made it: (he established it;
he did not create it a chaos,: he formed it to be inhabited!):
I am the LORD, and there is no other.
I did not speak in secret,: in a land of darkness;
I did not say to the offspring of Jacob,: "Seek me in chaos."
I the LORD speak the truth,: I declare what is right.

Psalm 33 or 33:1-8,18-22 Page 626, BCP

Exultate, justi

1: Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; *
it is good for the just to sing praises.
2: Praise the LORD with the harp; *
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3: Sing for him a new song; *
sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4: For the word of the LORD is right, *
and all his works are sure.
5: He loves righteousness and justice; *
the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.
6: By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, *
by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7: He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
and stores up the depths of the sea.
8: Let all the earth fear the LORD; *
let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9: For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
he commanded, and it stood fast.
10: The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught; *
he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11: But the LORD'S will stands fast for ever, *
and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12: Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD! *
happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13: The LORD looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
14: From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
15: He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
16: There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army;
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17: The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
18: Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
19: To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
20: Our soul waits for the LORD; *
he is our help and our shield.
21: Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22: Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.

1 John 4:7-21

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

Acts 11:19-30

[See above]

John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another."

5th Sunday of Easter - 5/14/06

2006-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Acts 8:26-40

An angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:

"Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,: and like a lamb silent before its shearer,; so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.: Who can describe his generation?; For his life is taken away from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Deuteronomy 4:32-40

Ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of? Has any people ever heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have heard, and lived? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by terrifying displays of power, as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? To you it was shown so that you would acknowledge that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, while you heard his words coming out of the fire. And because he loved your ancestors, he chose their descendants after them. He brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, giving you their land for a possession, as it is still today. So acknowledge today and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time.

Psalm 66:1-11 or 66:1-8 Page 673, BCP

Jubilate Deo

1: Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his Name;
sing the glory of his praise.
2: Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *
because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.
3: All the earth bows down before you, *
sings to you, sings out your Name."
4: Come now and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5: He turned the sea into dry land,
so that they went through the water on foot, *
and there we rejoiced in him.
6: In his might he rules for ever;
his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let no rebel rise up against him.
7: Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8: Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9: For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10: You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11: You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.

1 John 3:(14-17)18-24

[We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?]

Acts 8:26-40

[See above]

John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

4th Sunday of Easter - 5/7/06

2006-04-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:(23-31)32-37

[After they were released, Peter and John went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

`Why did the Gentiles rage,: and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,: and the rulers have gathered together; against the Lord and against his Messiah.'

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.] Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Ezekiel 34:1-10

The word of the LORD came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them-- to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and scattered, they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep were scattered, they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill; my sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with no one to search or seek for them. Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild animals, since there was no shepherd; and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep; therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD, I am against the shepherds; and I will demand my sheep at their hand, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep; no longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, so that they may not be food for them.

Psalm 23 Page 612, BCP

Dominus regit me

1: The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2: He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3: He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5: You spread a table before me in the presence of those; who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6: Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days; of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 100 Page 729, BCP

Jubilate Deo

1: Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; *
serve the LORD with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2: Know this: The LORD himself is God; *
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3: Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; *
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4: For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; *
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

1 John 3:1-8

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Acts 4:(23-31)32-37

[see above]

John 10:11-16

3rd Sunday of Easter - 4/30/06

2006-04-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:5-12

The next day after the man lame from birth had been healed, the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners, Peter and John, stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is

`the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.'

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."

Micah 4:1-5

In days to come: the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,: and shall be raised up above the hills.
Peoples shall stream to it,: and many nations shall come and say:
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,: to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways: and that we may walk in his paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,: and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between many peoples,: and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,: and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,: neither shall they learn war any more;
but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,: and no one shall make them afraid;; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.
For all the peoples walk,: each in the name of its god,
but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God: forever and ever.

Psalm 98 or 98:1-5 Page 727-728, BCP

Cantate Domino

1: Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
2: With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3: The LORD has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4: He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to; the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5: Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6: Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7: With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
8: Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9: Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10: In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.

1 John 1:1-2:2

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Acts 4:5-12

[see above]

Luke 24:36b-48

While the disciples were telling how they had seen Jesus risen from the dead, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

2nd Sunday of Easter - 4/23/06

2006-04-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Acts 3:12a,13-15,17-26

In the portico of the temple, Peter addressed the people who were astonished by the healing of the lame man, "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

"And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. Moses said, `The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you. And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.' And all the prophets, as many as have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, also predicted these days. You are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant that God gave to your ancestors, saying to Abraham, `And in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

Isaiah 26:2-9,19

Open the gates,: so that the righteous nation that keeps faith; may enter in.
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace--: in peace because they trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,: for in the LORD GOD; you have an everlasting rock.
For he has brought low: the inhabitants of the height;; the lofty city he lays low.
He lays it low to the ground,: casts it to the dust.
The foot tramples it,: the feet of the poor,; the steps of the needy.
The way of the righteous is level;: O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous.
In the path of your judgments,: O LORD, we wait for you;
your name and your renown: are the soul's desire.
My soul yearns for you in the night,: my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.
For when your judgments are in the earth,: the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise.: O dwellers in the dust, awake and sing for joy!
For your dew is a radiant dew,: and the earth will give birth to those long dead.

Psalm 111 Page 754, BCP

Confitebor tibi

1: Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2: Great are the deeds of the LORD! *
they are studied by all who delight in them.
3: His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4: He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5: He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6: He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations.
7: The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure.
8: They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity.
9: He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.
10: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.

or

Psalm 118:19-24 Page 762, BCP

Confitemini Domino

19: Open 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."
21: I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22: The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23: This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24: On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.

1 John 5:1-6

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

Acts 3:12a,13-15,17-26

[See above]

John 20:19-31

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Easter Day - Principal Service

2006-04-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Acts 10:34-43

Peter began to speak to the gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples: a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,; of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain: the shroud that is cast over all peoples,; the sheet that is spread over all nations;; he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces,: and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,; for the LORD has spoken.
It will be said on that day,: Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.; This is the LORD for whom we have waited;; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 118:14-29 or 118:14-17, 22-24 Page 761, BCP

Confitemini Domino

14: The LORD is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15: There 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!"
17: I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD.
18: The LORD has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19: Open 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."
21: I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22: The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23: This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24: On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25: Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! *
LORD, send us now success.
26: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
27: God 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."
29: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.

Colossians 3:1-4

If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Acts 10:34-43

(See Above)

Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.