Third Sunday after Easter, Pastoral Letter, and Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles (1 May) - 2026

 

The Third Sunday after Easter.

Psalm 111. Confitebor tibi.

I WILL give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, * sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works, * that they ought to be had in remembrance.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him; * he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath showed his people the power of his works, * that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; * all his commandments are true.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * and are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; * a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth for ever.

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 shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1b-10

Psalter: Psalm 120, 121, 122 | 123, 124, 125

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-17

Gospel Reading: St. John 16:16-24 

Homily

My letter to my congregation included a call to prayer: Ride Out Victoriously!

 

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1:1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14:1-14 

Homily

First Sunday after Easter and St. Phillip's and St. James' Day (1 May) - 2025

 

The First Sunday after Easter.

Psalm 16. Conserva me, Domine.

PRESERVE me, O God; * for in thee have I put my trust.

2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, * Thou art my God; I have no good like unto thee.

3 All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth, * and upon such as excel in virtue.

4 But they that run after another god * shall have great trouble.

5 Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, * neither make mention of their names within my lips.

6 The Lord himself is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; * thou shalt maintain my lot.

7 The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground; * yea, I have a goodly heritage.

8 I will thank the Lord for giving me warning; * my reins also chasten me in the night season.

9 I have set the Lord alway before me; * for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall.

10 Wherefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: * my flesh also shall rest in hope.

11 For why? thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; * neither shalt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.

12 Thou shalt show me the path of life: in thy presence is the fulness of joy, * and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore. 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 Father, who has given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43.1-12

Psalter: Psalm 110, 111 | 2, 57

Epistle Reading: 1 John 5.4-12

Gospel Reading: St. John 20.19-23 

Homily 

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14 

Homily

Fourth Sunday after Easter and Sts Phillip and James (1 May) - 2024

 

The Fourth Sunday after Easter.

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 nations, * 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.

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.

O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 39.21-29

Psalter: Psalm 126, 127, 128 | 129, 130, 131

Epistle Reading: James 1.17-21

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.5-15 

Homily

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1

 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14 

Homily

Third Sunday after Easter and Sts Phillip and James (1 May) - 2023

 

The Third Sunday after Easter.

Psalm 111. Confitebor tibi.

I WILL give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, * sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works, * that they ought to be had in remembrance.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him; * he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath showed his people the power of his works, * that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; * all his commandments are true.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * and are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; * a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth for ever.

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 shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 2.1b-10

Psalter: Psalm 120, 121, 122 | 123, 124, 125

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 2.11-17

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.16-24 

Homily

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14 

Homily

Second Sunday after Easter and Sts Phillip and James (1 May) - 2022

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

Psalm 57. Miserere mei, Deus.

BE merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee; * and under the shadow of thy wings shall be my refuge, until this tyranny be overpast.

2 I will call unto the Most High God, * even unto the God that shall perform the cause which I have in hand.

3 He shall send from heaven, * and save me from the reproof of him that would eat me up.

4 God shall send forth his mercy and truth: * my soul is among lions;

5 And I lie even among the children of men, that are set on fire, * whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

6 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens; * and thy glory above all the earth.

7 They have laid a net for my feet, and pressed down my soul; * they have digged a pit before me, and are fallen into the midst of it themselves.

8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; * I will sing and give praise.

9 Awake up, my glory; awake, lute and harp: * I myself will awake right early.

10 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the peoples; * and I will sing unto thee among the nations.

11 For the greatness of thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, * and thy truth unto the clouds.

12 Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens; * and thy glory above all the earth.

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 has given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 40.1-11

Psalter: Psalm 21, 23 | 116, 117

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 2.19-25

Gospel Reading: St. John 10.11-16 

Homily

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14 

Homily

Fourth Sunday after Easter and St. Phillip and St. James (1 May) - 2021

 

The Fourth Sunday after Easter.

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 nations, * 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.

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.

O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 39.21-29

Psalter: Psalm 126, 127, 128 | 129, 130, 131

Epistle Reading: James 1.17-21

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.5-15 

Homily 

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles 
May 1 

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14 

Homily

Feast of Sts Philip and James (1 May) and the Third Sunday after Easter - 2020

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles
May 1

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14

Homily

The Third Sunday after Easter.

Psalm 111. Confitebor tibi.

I WILL give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, * sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvellous works, * that they ought to be had in remembrance.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him; * he shall ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath showed his people the power of his works, * that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; * all his commandments are true.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * and are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and reverend is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; * a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; his praise endureth for ever.

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 shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 2.1b-10

Psalter: Psalm 120, 121, 122 | 123, 124, 125

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 2.11-17

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.16-24

Homily

Fourth Sunday after Easter and Sts. Phillip and James (1 May) - 2018

The Fourth Sunday after Easter.

Ephesians 1.3-14

Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, * who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, * that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, * according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, * wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, * the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us * in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, * according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times * he might gather together in one all things in Christ,

Both which are in heaven, * and which are on earth; even in him:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, *being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, * who first trusted in Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, * the gospel of your salvation:

In whom also after that ye believed, * ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, * unto the praise of his glory.

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.

O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 39.21-29

Psalter: Psalm 126, 127, 128 | 129, 130, 131

Epistle Reading: James 1.17-21

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.5-15

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/easter4_09.html

Personal: Here’s a devotion I wrote recently “The Righteous Shall Live by His Faith” and it is primarily about Habakkuk 3.17-19a: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-righteous-shall-live-by-his-faith.html

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles
May 1

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/philip_james.html#firstpart

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles (1 May 2017)

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles
May 1

Psalm 102:1-4, 11-18

Domine, exaudi

HEAR my prayer, O Lord : and let my crying come unto thee.

2. Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble : incline thine ear unto me when I call; O hear me, and that right soon.

3. For my days are consumed away like smoke : and my bones are burnt up as it were a firebrand.

4. My heart is smitten down, and withered liked grass : so that I forget to eat my bread.

……….

11. My days are gone like a shadow : and I am withered like grass.

12. But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever : and thy remembrance throughout all generations.

13. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion : for it is time that thou have mercy upon her, yea, the time is come.

14. And why? thy servants think upon her stones : and it pitieth them to see her in the dust.

15. The heathen shall fear thy Name, O Lord : and all the kings of the earth thy majesty;

16. When the Lord shall build up Sion : and when his glory shall appear;

17. When he turneth him unto the prayer of the poor destitute : and despiseth not their desire.

18. This shall be written for those that come after : and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord.

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/philip_james.html#firstpart

Rogation Sunday, Rogation Days and Saints Phillip and James - 2016

The Fifth Sunday after Easter (or Rogation Sunday).

Psalm 84

Quam dilecta!

O HOW amiable are thy dwellings : thou Lord of hosts!

2. My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

3. Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young : even thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be alway praising thee.

5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee : in whose heart are thy ways.

6. Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well : and the pools are filled with water.

7. They will go from strength to strength : and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.

8. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer :hearken, O God of Jacob.

9. Behold, O God our defender : and look upon the face of thine Anointed.

10. For one day in thy courts : is better than a thousand.

11. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God : than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.

12. For the Lord God is a light and defence : the Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing shall he withhold from them that live a godly life.

13. O Lord God of hosts : blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.

The Collect.

O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1.10-20

Psalter: Psalm 146, 147 | 132, 133, 134

Epistle Reading: James 1.22-27

Gospel Reading: St. John 16.23-33

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/easter5_08.html

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles
[May 1]

The Collect

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: James 1.1-12

Gospel Reading: John 14.1-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/philip_james.html#homily

The Rogation Days
Being the Three Days before Ascension Day

Psalm 147

Laudate Dominum

( . . . )

7. O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving : sing praises upon the harp unto our God;

8. Who covereth the heavens with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth : and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains, and herb for the use of men;

9. Who giveth fodder unto the cattle : and feedeth the young ravens that call upon him.

10. He hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse : neither delighteth he in any man’s legs.

11. But the Lord’s delight is in them that fear him : and put their trust in his mercy.

( . . . )

ALMIGHTY God, Lord of heaven and earth; We beseech thee to pour forth thy blessing upon this land, and to give us a fruitful season; that we, constantly receiving thy bounty, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday AM: Psalm 104. 1^st Lesson – Deuteronomy 8.1-11, 17-20. 2^nd Lesson – Matthew 5.5-15.

Monday PM: Psalm 34. 1^st Lesson – Deuteronomy 28.1-14. 2^nd Lesson – James 1.1-17

Tuesday AM: Psalm 80. 1^st Lesson – Deuteronomy 11.10-17. 2^nd Lesson – Matthew 6.24-34

Tuesday PM: Psalm 65, 67. 1^st Lesson – 1 Kings 8.22-30. 2^nd Lesson – James 4.8-17

Wednesday AM: Psalm 144. 1^st Lesson – Jeremiah 14.1-9. 2^nd Lesson – 1 John 5.5-15

Wednesday PM: Psalm 93, 99. 1^st Lesson – Isaiah 11.1-5. 2^nd Lesson – Luke 24.44-48

A modern custom for Rogation Days has been to focus prayers and actions toward charity to help feed poor folk. On this page we have provided three ways to do that: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/rogation.html