Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.105-112

Lucerna pedibus meis

105. THY word is a lantern unto my feet : and a light unto my paths.

106. I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed : to keep thy righteous judgements.

107. I am troubled above measure : quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.

108. Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord : and teach me thy judgements.

109. My soul is always in my hand : yet do I not forget thy law.

110. The ungodly have laid a snare for me : but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.

111. Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever : and why? they are the very joy of my heart.

112. I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway : even unto the end.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Micah 6.1-8

Psalter: Psalm 84, 85 | 74

Epistle Reading: Galatians 5.16-24

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 17.11-19

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity14_07.html

I have the privilege of speaking once a month to a Bible study group that meets weekly at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This last time I spoke on Jeremiah 15.16, and titled it “Critical Crossroads” which you may find helpful. Here is the link to the manuscript: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2016/08/critical-crossroads-jeremiah-1516.html

St. Bartholomew - 24 August 2016

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

August 24

Psalm 115

Non nobis, Domine

1. NOT unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise : for thy loving mercy and for thy truth’s sake.

2. Wherefore shall the heathen say : Where is now their God?

3. As for our God, he is in heaven : he hath done whatsoever pleased him.

4. Their idols are silver and gold : even the work of men’s hands.

5. They have mouths, and speak not : eyes have they, and see not.

6. They have ears, and hear not : noses have they and smell not.

7. They have hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not : neither speak they through their throat.

8. They that make them are like unto them ; and so are all such as put their trust in them.

9. But thou, house of Israel, trust thou in the Lord : he is their succour and defence.

10. Ye house of Aaron, put your trust in the Lord : he is their helper and defender.

11. Ye that fear the Lord, put your trust in the Lord : he is their helper and defender.

12. The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us : even he shall bless the house of Israel, he shall bless the house of Aaron.

13. He shall bless them that fear the Lord : both small and great.

14. The Lord shall increase you more and more : you and your children.

15. Ye are the blessed of the Lord : who made heaven and earth.

16. All the whole heavens are the Lord’s : the earth hath he given to the children of men.

17. The dead praise not thee, O Lord : neither all they that go down into silence.

18. But we will praise the Lord : from this time forth for evermore. Praise the Lord.

The Collect

O almighty and everlasting God, who didst give to thine Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word; Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that Word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 18.15-18

Psalter: Psalm 91

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 4.9-15

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 22.24-30

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

For a short historical piece regarding an event that happened on this day see my blog post:

http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2013/08/st-bartholomews-massacre-1572.html

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Quomodo dilexi!

Psalm 119.97-104

97. LORD, what love have I unto thy law : all the day long is my study in it.

98. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies : for they are ever with me.

99. I have more understanding than my teachers : for thy testimonies are my study.

100. I am wiser than the aged : because I keep thy commandments.

101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way : that I may keep thy word.

102. I have not shrunk from thy judgements : for thou teachest me.

103. O how sweet are thy words unto my throat : yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.

104. Through thy commandments I get understanding : therefore I hate all evil ways.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service ; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

***Here is the 1549: “ALMYGHTIE and mercyfull God, of whose onely gifte it cometh that thy faythfull people doe unto thee true and laudable service; graunte we beseche thee, that we may so runne to thy heavenly promises, that we faile not finally to attayne the same; through Jesus Christe our Lorde.”

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 24.10-22

Psalter: Psalm 81, 82 | 73

Epistle Reading: Galatians 3.16-22

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 10.23-37

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity13_07.html

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.89-96

In aeternum. Domine

89. O LORD, thy word : endureth for ever in heaven.

90. Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another : thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91. They continue this day according to thine ordinance : for all things serve thee.

92. If my delight had not been in thy law : I should have perished in my trouble.

93. I will never forget thy commandments : for with them thou hast quickened me.

94. I am thine, O save me : for I have sought thy commandments.

95. The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me : but I will consider thy testimonies.

96. I see that all things come to an end : but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire, or deserve; Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 29.18-24

Psalter: Psalm 76, 77 | 71, 72

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 3.1-9

Gospel Reading: St. Mark 7.31-37

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity12_ambrose_mysteries_1.html

The Transfiguration of Christ (6 August) and the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Transfiguration of Christ
August 6

Psalm 16

Conserva me, Domine

( . . . )

10. Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced : 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 shew me the path of life; in thy presence is the fulness of joy : and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

( . . . )

The Collect

O GOD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.

Epistle Reading: 2 Peter 1.13-18

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 9.28-36

Philippians 3.20-21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

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

The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.81-88

Defecit anima mea

MY SOUL hath longed for thy salvation : and I have a good hope because of thy word.

82. Mine eyes long sore for thy word : saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?

83. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke : yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84. How many are the days of thy servant : when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?

85. The proud have digged pits for me : which are not after thy law.

86. All thy commandments are true : they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.

87. They had almost made an end of me upon earth : but I forsook not thy commandments.

88. O quicken me after thy loving-kindness : and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

The Collect.

O GOD, who declarest thy almighty power most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (1928 BCP).

O GOD, who declarest thy almighty power most chiefly in shewing mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us abundantly  thy grace, that we, running to thy promises, may be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (1549 BCP).

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 26.12-19

Psalter: Psalm 63, 64 | 54, 55

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 15.1-11

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 18.9-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity11_07.html

Tenth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Tenth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.73-80

Manus tuae fecerunt me

THY hands have made me and fashioned me: O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

74. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me : because I have put my trust in thy word.

75. I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right : and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled.

76. O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort : according to thy word unto thy servant.

77. O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live : for thy law is my delight.

78. Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me : but I will be occupied in thy commandments.

79. Let such as fear thee, and have known thy testimonies : be turned unto me.

80. O let my heart be sound in thy statutes : that I be not ashamed.

The Collect.

LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Lamentations 1.1-12

Psalter: Psalm 61, 62 | 48, 49

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 12.1-11

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 19.41-46

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity10_07.html

Here’s my review of a good little commentary on Lamentations: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-message-of-lamentations-by.html

Ninth Sunday after Trinity and St. James the Apostle (25 July) - 2016

The Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.65-72

Bonitatem fecisti

O LORD, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant : according unto thy word.

66. O learn me true understanding and knowledge : for I have believed thy commandments.

67. Before I was troubled, I went wrong : but now I have kept thy word.

68. Thou art good and gracious : O teach me thy statutes.

69. The proud have imagined a lie against me : but I will keep thy commandments with my whole heart.

70. Their heart is as fat as brawn : but my delight hath been in thy law.

71. It is good for me that I have been in trouble : that I may learn thy statutes.

72. The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me : than thousands of gold and silver.

The Collect.

GRANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 10.1-25

Psalter: Psalm 46, 47 | 44, 45

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 10.1-13

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 16.1-9

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity9_08.html

Saint James the Apostle – 25 July

Psalm 148

Laudate Dominum

O PRAISE the Lord of heaven : praise him in the height.

2. Praise him, all ye angels of his : praise him, all his host.

3. Praise him, sun and moon : praise him, all ye stars and light.

4. Praise him, all ye heavens : and ye waters that are above the heavens.

5. Let them praise the Name of the Lord : for he spake the word, and they were made; he commanded, and they were created.

6. He hath made them fast for ever and ever : he hath given them a law which shall not be broken.

7. Praise the Lord upon earth : ye dragons, and all deeps;

8. Fire and hail, snow and vapours : wind and storm, fulfilling his word;

9. Mountains and all hills : fruitful trees and all cedars;

10. Beasts and all cattle : worms and feathered fowls;

11. Kings of the earth and all people : princes and all judges of the world;

12. Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord : for his Name only is excellent, and his praise above heaven and earth.

13. He shalt exalt the horn of his people; all his saints shall praise him : even the children of Israel, even the people the serveth him.

The Collect

Grant, O merciful God, that as thine holy Apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 45.1-5

Psalter: Psalm 34

Epistle Reading: Acts 11.27-12.3

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 20.20-28

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

Eighth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Eighth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.57-64

Portio mea, Domine

THOU art my portion, O Lord : I have promised to keep thy law.

58. I made my humble petition in thy presence with my whole heart : O be merciful unto me, according to thy word.

59. I called mine own ways to remembrance : and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60. I made haste, and prolonged not the time : to keep thy commandments.

61. The congregations of the ungodly have robbed me : but I have not forgotten thy law.

62. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee : because of thy righteous judgements.

63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee : and keep thy commandments.

64. The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy : O teach me thy statutes.

The Collect.

O GOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 4.1-10 (11-14)

Psalter: Psalm 39, 41 | 37

Epistle Reading: Romans 8.12-17

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 7.15-21

Homily:  http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity8_07.html

Personal Recommendation: If you're serving in the priesthood or are a minister, I think you will find "In Praise of Plodders" a delightfully helpful book. Here is my review of it: 

http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2016/07/in-praise-of-plodders-by-warren-w.html

Seventh Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Seventh Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.49-56

Memor esto servi tui

O THINK upon thy servant, as concerning thy world : wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust.

50. The same is my comfort in my trouble : for thy word hath quickened me.

51. The proud have had me exceedingly in derision : yet have I not shrinked from thy law.

52. For I remembered thine everlasting judgements, O Lord : and received comfort.

53. I am horribly afraid : for the ungodly that forsake thy law.

54. Thy statutes have been my songs : in the house of my pilgrimage.

55. I have thought upon thy Name, O Lord, in the night-season : and have kept thy law.

56. This I had : because I kept thy commandments.

The Collect.

LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Hosea 14.1-9

Psalter: Psalm 32, 36 | 33, 34

Epistle Reading: Romans 6.19-23

Gospel Reading: St. Mark 8.1-9

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity7_chrysostom_gospel.html

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity (and Independence Day USA) - 2016

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.41-48

Et veniat super me

LET thy loving mercy come also unto me, O Lord : even thy salvation, according unto thy word.

42. So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers : for my trust is in thy word.

43. O take not the word of thy truth utterly out of my mouth : for my hope is in thy judgements.

44. So shall I alway keep thy law : yea, for ever and ever.

45. And I will walk at liberty : for I seek thy commandments.

46. I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings : and will not be ashamed.

47. And my delight shall be in thy commandments : which I have loved.

48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved : and my study shall be in thy statutes.

The Collect.

O GOD, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 57.13b-19

Psalter: Psalm 28, 29 | 30, 31

Epistle Reading: Romans 6.3-11

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 5.20-26

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity6_07.html

Independence Day (USA)

July 4

The Collect

O ETERNAL God, through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old; Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Epistle. Deuteronomy x. 17: THE LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: he doth execute the judg-ment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

The Fifth Sunday after Trinity and Saint Peter the Apostle - 2016

The Fifth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.33-40

Legem pone

TEACH me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes : and I shall keep it unto the end.

34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law : yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart.

35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments : for therein is my desire.

36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies : and not to covetousness.

37. O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity : and quicken thou me in thy way.

38. O stablish thy word in thy servant : that I may fear thee.

39. Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of : for thy judgements are good.

40. Behold, my delight is in thy commandments : O quicken me in thy righteousness.

The Collect.

GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 2.1-23

Psalter: Psalm 21, 23 | 26, 27

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 3.8-15a (15b-17)

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 5.1-11

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity5_07.html

Personal Reflection: This past week I spoke to a Bible study group that has been meeting at our State Capitol for over 30 years. The passage I spoke on was Luke 8.26-39, and I titled the talk, “Demon Piety.” It went in a direction that wasn’t anticipated, but was well received. Though it may not be connected to this Fifth Sunday after Trinity, the readings or the Collect, nevertheless, I think it is beneficial. Here is the link to the notes: http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2016/06/demon-piety-luke-826-39.html

Saint Peter the Apostle (29 June)

Psalm 144

Benedictus Dominus

BLESSED be the Lord my strength : who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.

2. My hope and my fortress, my castle and deliverer, my defender in whom I trust : who subdueth my people that is under me.

3. Lord, what is man, that thou hast such respect unto him : or the son of man, that thou so regardest him?

4. Man is like a thing of nought : his time passeth away like a shadow.

5. Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down : touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

6. Cast forth thy lightning, and tear them : shoot out thine arrows, and consume them.

7. Send down thine hand from above : deliver me, and take me out of the great waters, from the hand of strange children.

8. Whose mouth talketh of vanity : and their right hand is a right hand of wickedness.

9. I will sing a new song unto thee, O God : and sing praises unto thee upon a ten-stringed lute.

10. Thou hast given victory unto kings : and hast delivered David thy servant from the peril of the sword.

11. Save me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children : whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity.

12. That our sons may grow up as the young plants : and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple.

13. That our garners may be full and plenteous with all manner of store : that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.

14. That our oxen may be strong to labour, that there be no decay : no leading into captivity, and no complaining in our streets.

15. Happy are the people that are in such a case : yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God.

The Collect

O almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock: Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: Acts 12.1-11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16.13-19

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

Saint John Baptist's Day - 2016

Saint John Baptist’s Day

(June 24)

Psalm 98

Cantate Domino

O SING unto the Lord a new song : for he hath done marvellous things.

2. With his own right hand, and with his holy arm : hath he gotten himself the victory.

3. The Lord declared his salvation : his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

4. He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel : and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.

5. Shew yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands : sing, rejoice, and give thanks.

6. Praise the Lord upon the harp : sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.

7. With trumpets also and shawms : O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord the King.

8. Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is : the round world, and they that dwell therein.

9. Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord : for he is come to judge the earth.

10. With righteousness shall he judge the world : and the people with equity.

The Collect

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of they Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance: Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching, and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading (For the Epistle): Isaiah 40.1-11

Gospel Reading: Luke 1.57-80

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/baptist_07.html

Fourth Sunday after Trinity - 2016

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.25-32

Adhaesit pavimento

MY SOUL cleaveth to the dust : O quicken thou me, according to thy word.

26. I have acknowledged my ways, and thou heardest me : O teach me thy statutes.

27. Make me to understand the way of thy commandments : and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28. My soul melteth away for very heaviness : comfort thou me according unto thy word.

29. Take from me the way of lying : and cause thou me to make much of thy law.

30. I have chosen the way of truth : and thy judgements have I laid before me.

31. I have stuck unto thy testimonies : O Lord, confound me not.

32. I will run the way of thy commandments : when thou hast set my heart at liberty..

The Collect.

O GOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Lamentations 3.22-33

Psalter: Psalm 19, 20 | 24, 25

Epistle Reading: Romans 8.18-23

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 6.36-42

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity4_07.html

Personal note: I have just returned from a week-long mission trip among the Kiowa and Apaches here in southwestern Oklahoma. We (Heritage Presbyterian Church) came along side of an Indian United Methodist Church in that area, helped them with repairs etc, and worked their VBS. We’ve been doing this for a few years and I feel like it’s building some emotional and relational capital. This Collect reminds me how much I need to pray these things for them, myself and my congregation. The picture at the top of this post is the Church building where we worked this past week.

Feast of St. Barnabas and Third Sunday after Trinity - 2016

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

(11 June)

Psalm 1

Beatus vir, qui non abiit, &c.

1. BLESSED is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners : and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.

2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord : and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.

3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : that will bring forth his fruit in due season.

4. His leaf also shall not wither : and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.

5. As for the ungodly, it is not so with them : but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.

6. Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

7. But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Collect

O Lord God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost; Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle Reading: Acts 11.22-30

Gospel Reading: John 15.12-16

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

The Third Sunday after Trinity.

Psalm 119.17-24

Retribue servo tuo

O DO well unto thy servant : that I may live, and keep thy word.

18. Open thou mine eyes : that I may see the wondrous things of thy law.

19. I am a stranger upon earth : O hide not thy commandments from me.

20. My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire : that it hath alway unto thy judgements.

21. Thou hast rebuked the proud : and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments.

22. O turn from me shame and rebuke : for I have kept thy testimonies.

23. Princes also did sit and speak against me : but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes.

24. For thy testimonies are my delight : and my counsellors.

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom though hast given an hearty desire to pray, may be comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 31.1-14

Psalter: Psalm 16, 17 | 18

Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 5.5-11

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 15.1-10

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity3_09.html