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2018/03/31

Easter Day (along with Monday and Tuesday) - 2018

(The first line is Arabic: Al Massihu Qam! Haqqan Qam! The third line is Greek: Christos Anesti! Aletheos Avesti! Both declare the middle line)

Easter-Day.

{For Easter Vigil: http://orderofcenturions.org/easter.html}

{At Morning Prayer, instead of the Psalm, O come, let us sing, &c. these Anthems shall be sung or said.}

CHRIST our passover is sacrificed for us : therefore let us keep the feast; Not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness : but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. v. 7
Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more : death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once : but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin : but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 9
Christ is risen from the dead : and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death : by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die : even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. xv. 20.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 25.1-9
Psalter: Psalm 2, 57, 111 | 113, 116, 117
Epistle Reading: Colossians 3.1-7
Gospel Reading: St. John 20.1-10

St. Athanasius: “For that death is destroyed, and that the Cross is become the victory over it, and that it has no more power but is verily dead, this is no small proof, or rather an evident warrant, that it is despised by all Christ’s disciples, and that they all take the aggressive against it and no longer fear it; but by the sign of the Cross and by faith in Christ tread it down as dead. For of old, before the divine sojourn of the Saviour took place, even to the saints death was terrible, and all wept for the dead as though they perished. But now that the Saviour has raised His body, death is no longer terrible; for all who believe in Christ tread him under as nought, and choose rather to die than to deny their faith in Christ. For they verily know that when they die they are not destroyed, but actually [begin to] live, and become incorruptible through the Resurrection. And that devil that once maliciously exulted in death, now that its pains were loosed, remained the only one truly dead. And a proof of this is, that before men believe Christ, they see in death an object of terror, and play the coward before him. But when they are gone over to Christ’s faith and teaching, their contempt for death is so great that they even eagerly rush upon it, and become witnesses for the Resurrection the Saviour has accomplished against it. For while still tender in years they make haste to die, and not men only, but women also, exercise themselves by bodily discipline against it. So weak has he become, that even women who were formerly deceived by him, now mock at him as dead and paralyzed. For as when a tyrant has been defeated by a real king, and bound hand and foot, then all that pass by laugh him to scorn, buffeting and reviling him, no longer fearing his fury and barbarity, because of the king who has conquered him; so also, death having been conquered and exposed by the Saviour on the Cross, and bound hand and foot, all they who are in Christ, as they pass by,
trample on him, and witnessing to Christ scoff at death, jesting at him, and saying what has been written against him of old: “O death, where is thy victory? O grave, where is thy sting”” (“The Incarnation of the Word, Para. 27).
  
Monday in Easter-Week.
Psalm 62
Nonne Deo?
MY SOUL truly waiteth still upon God : for of him cometh my salvation.
2. He verily is my strength and my salvation : he is my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall.
3. How long will ye imagine mischief against every man : ye shall be slain all the sort of you; yea, as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge.
4. Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt : their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart.
5. Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God : for my hope is in him.
6. He truly is my strength and my salvation : he is my defence, so that I shall not fall.
7. In God is my health, and my glory : the rock of my might, and in God is my trust.
8. O put your trust in him alway, ye people : pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope.
9. As for the children of men, they are but vanity : the children of men are deceitful upon the weights, they are altogether lighter than vanity itself.
10. O trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity : if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11. God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same : that power belongeth unto God;
12. And that thou, Lord, art merciful : for thou rewardest every man according to his work.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who through thy only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee, that, as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

For the Epistle: Acts 10.34-43
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 24.13-35

Tuesday in Easter-Week.
Psalm 113
Laudate, pueri
PRAISE the Lord, ye servants : O praise the Name of the Lord.
2. Blessed be the Name of the Lord : from this time forth for evermore.
3. The Lord’s Name is praised : from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4. The Lord is high above all heathen and his glory above the heavens.
5. Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high : and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?
6. He taketh up the simple out of the dust : and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7. That he may set him with the princes : even with the princes of his people.
8. He maketh the barren woman to keep house : and to be a joyful mother of children.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

{***Collect from the 1542 BCP for Tuesday in Easter-Week: ALMYGHTY father, whiche haste geven thy only sonne to dye for our synnes, and to ryse agayne for oure justificacion; Graunt us so to put awaye the leven of malyce and wyckednes, that we maye alwaye serve thee in purenes of lyvynge and truth; through Jesus Christe oure Lorde. }

For the Epistle: Acts 13.26-41
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 24.36-48

2018/03/29

Good Friday and Easter-Even - 2018



Good Friday.
Isaiah 53.1-6
Quis credidit auditui nostro
Who hath believed our report? * and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, *and as a root out of a dry ground:
He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, * there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, * and acquainted with grief:
And we hid as it were our faces from him; *he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: * yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, * he was bruised for our iniquities:
The chastisement of our peace was upon him; * and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; * we have turned every one to his own way;
And the LORD hath laid on him * the iniquity of us all.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.


The Collects.
ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Hereticks, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 22.1-18
Psalter: Psalm 22
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 10.1-15
Gospel Reading: St. John 19.1-37


Easter-Even.
The Collect.
GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him : and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection ; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Job 14.1-14
Psalter: Psalm 16
Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 3.17-22
Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 27.57-66


2018/03/23

The Sunday next before Easter (Palm Sunday) and Monday through Thursday before Easter - 2018



The Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday.
Zephaniah 3.14-20
Lauda filia Sion
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; * be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, *he hath cast out thine enemy:
The king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: * thou shalt not see evil any more.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: * and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, * he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, * who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: * and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out;
And I will get them praise and fame in every land * where they have been put to shame.
At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: * for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth,
When I turn back your captivity * before your eyes, saith the LORD.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 9.9-13
Psalter: Psalm 97, 110 | 22, 23
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2.5-11
Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 27.1-54


Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 25 March
The Collect
We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 7.10-15
Psalter: Psalm 8, 113 | 111, 138
Epistle Reading: [Hebrews 2.5-18]
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 1.26-38

--------
Monday before Easter
{ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1928 BCP}

{Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God: that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities; may be restored through the Passion and intercession of Thine only-begotten Son; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost; ever One God, world without end. Amen. Lutheran Brotherhood Prayer Book}

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 63.1-19
Gospel Reading: St. Mark 14.1-72

Tuesday before Easter
{O LORD God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, gave his back to the smiters and hid not his face from shame; Grant us grace to take joyfully the sufferings of the present time, in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1928 BCP}

{Almighty and Everlasting God: grant us grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion, that we may obtain the pardon of our sins; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost; ever One God, world without end. Amen. Lutheran Brotherhood Prayer Book}

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50.5-11
Gospel Reading: St. Mark 15.1-39

Wednesday before Easter
{ASSIST us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation; that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1928 BCP}

{Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God: that we, who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted, may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine only-begotten Son; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost; ever One God, world without end. Amen. Lutheran Brotherhood Prayer Book}

Epistle Reading: Hebrews 9.16-28
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 22.1-71

Thursday before Easter
{ALMIGHTY Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him, who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal; the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. 1928 BCP}

{O Lord God, who hast left unto us in a wonderful Sacramenta memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so use this Sacrament of Thy body and blood; that the fruits of Thy redemption may continually be manifest in us; Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen. Lutheran Brotherhood Prayer Book}

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 11.17-34
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 23.1-49

2018/03/17

Fifth Sunday in Lent (commonly called Passion Sunday) - 2018



The Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Lamentations 3.21-33
Hoc recolens in corde meo
This I recall to my mind, * therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, * because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: * great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; * therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, * to the soul that seeketh him.
It is good that a man should both hope * and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man * that he bear the yoke in his youth.
He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, * because he hath borne it upon him.
He putteth his mouth in the dust; * if so be there may be hope.
He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: * he is filled full with reproach.
For the Lord will not * cast off for ever:
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion * according to the multitude of his mercies.
For he doth not afflict willingly * nor grieve the children of men.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
  
The Collect.
WE beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1.10-20
Psalter: Psalm 42, 43 | 119.145-176
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 9.11-15
Gospel Reading: St. John 8.46-59


N.B.: I put my own hand to crafting the Canticle from Lamentations 3.21-33. I will do a few more in the weeks ahead.

2018/03/09

Fourth Sunday in Lent - 2018



The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Habakkuk 3.12-19
In fremitu
Thou didst march through the land in indignation, * thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.
Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, * even for salvation with thine anointed;
Thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, * by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: * their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, * through the heap of great waters.
When I heard, my belly trembled; * my lips quivered at the voice:
Rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, * that I might rest in the day of trouble:
When he cometh up unto the people, * he will invade them with his troops.
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, * neither shall fruit be in the vines;
The labour of the olive shall fail, * and the fields shall yield no meat;
The flock shall be cut off from the fold, * and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, * I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, * and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

The Collect.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 39.21-29
Psalter: Psalm 142, 143 | 119.105-144
Epistle Reading: Galatians 4.21-31
Gospel Reading: St. John 6.1-14


The Canticle from Habakkuk, especially the last few lines, always strike me as bold and wholesome. To paraphrase, “Even if there’s no groceries at the grocery store, nor produce at the farmer’s market; even if the financial bottom falls out, and my 401k is stripped bare; yet I will trust you!” Lord, may our faith and trust in you be this resilient! I did a three part sermon series on Habakkuk some years back. If you’d be interested in listening to those three sermons you can go here: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2013/07/habakkuk-righteous-will-live-by-faith.html

2018/03/03

Third Sunday in Lent - 2018


The Third Sunday in Lent.
Habakkuk 3.2-11
Domine audivi
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: * O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years,
In the midst of the years make known; * in wrath remember mercy.
God came from Teman, * and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah.
His glory covered the heavens, * and the earth was full of his praise.
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: * and there was the hiding of his power.
Before him went the pestilence, * and burning coals went forth at his feet.
He stood, and measured the earth: * he beheld, and drove asunder the nations;
And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: * his ways are everlasting.
I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: * and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? * was thine anger against the rivers? 
Was thy wrath against the sea, * that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation?
Thy bow was made quite naked, * according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. * The mountains saw thee, and they trembled:
The overflowing of the water passed by: * the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, * and at the shining of thy glittering spear.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen. 

The Collect.
WE beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 6
Psalter: Psalm 56, 58 | 119.73-104
Epistle Reading: Ephesians 5.1-14
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 11.14-28


Personal: Last night I posted on my blog two quotations from Dorothy Sayers and C. FitzSimmons Allison that are priceless. They both have to do with the deep value of dogma or disarray: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2018/03/dogma-or-disarray.html