Fourth Sunday in Lent and Pastoral Letter - 2025

 

The Fourth Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 130. De profundis.

OUT of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord; * Lord, hear my voice.

2 O let thine ears consider well * the voice of my complaint.

3 If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, * O Lord, who may abide it?

4 For there is mercy with thee; * therefore shalt thou be feared.

5 I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him; * in his word is my trust.

6 My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch; * I say, before the morning watch.

7 O Israel, trust in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, * and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he shall redeem Israel * from all his sins.

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

 

Homily

 

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My letter to my congregation this week:

I have been interacting with some people, of late, who are dear to me, whose mental wellbeing is being hit very hard, blanketing them with dark miseries, turning their mental health inside-out and upside-down. You probably know one or two people, yourself, who are in some serious emotional or mental difficulties right now. There are parents grieving over their kids (younger ones and adults). Relationship plights that are sucking hope out of some souls. Hearts breaking. Tears flowing. Bleak futures that seem empty of direction. Therefore, Psalm 102 should catch our attention and give us focus in prayer for these we know. The inscription of the Psalm tells it all: “A Prayer for One Afflicted, When He Is Faint and Pours Out His Complaint before the LORD.” After contemplating that Psalm, here is how my prayer looked:

 

“Thank you for providing this Psalm and making it part of your Sacred Scriptures and giving us words to say! There are some I know right now who are afflicted and faint, some aggrieved by heartbreaking troubles in their immediate families, and other circumstances, such as _________, ___________, ____________, _____________, and ______________, etc. Lord, hear their prayer, hide not your face from them in this day of their distress. Answer them speedily, for they have become thin wisps like smoke, withered hearts with loud groanings, desiccated by grief, lonely, sleepless, and more. It feels as if your indignation and anger are washing over them; that you have taken them up and thrown them down and made them sheer as shadows.

But, you are sovereign over all, and especially over your church. It is time to rise up and replenish your church. And thank you that you have regard for the prayer of the destitute, and do not despise their prayer. May it be told for generations to come how you have rescued them from dire straits. 

Ah, Lord, nevertheless, it feels as if you have broken their strength in midcourse and shortened their days. I say with, and for, these ‘take me not away in the midst of my days – you whose years endure throughout all generations!’ Even in the midst of the most calamitous situations, the most world-shattering events, you do not change and you will ensure that your children will dwell secure and be established before you. It is to you, then, we pour out our grief and pain and fear. Hear our prayer, and let our cry come unto you, for the sake of your dearly loved Son, who walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. Amen.”

 

For those of you up to your eyeballs in dark worries and conditions, Psalm 102 was written just for you. I hope today’s letter encourages you. Spend time in that Psalm and maybe use this prayer if it helps. And if you know others going through catastrophic circumstances, pray things like this for them. Spend time in Psalm 102 for their sakes. 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). 

Pastor Mike

Third Sunday in Lent; Pastoral Letter; The Annunciation (25 March) - 2025

 

The Third Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 102. 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 like grass; * so that I forget to eat my bread.

5 For the voice of my groaning, * my bones will scarce cleave to my flesh.

6 I am become like a pelican in the wilderness, * and like an owl that is in the desert.

7 I have watched, and am even as it were a sparrow, * that sitteth alone upon the housetop.

8 Mine enemies revile me all the day long; * and they that are mad upon me are sworn together against me.

9 For I have eaten ashes as it were bread, * and mingled my drink with weeping;

10 And that, because of thine indignation and wrath; * for thou hast taken me up, and cast me down.

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 nations 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.

19 For he hath looked down from his sanctuary; * out of the heaven did the Lord behold the earth;

20 That he might hear the mournings of such as are in captivity, * and deliver them that are appointed unto death;

21 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Sion, * and his worship at Jerusalem;

22 When the peoples are gathered together, * and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.

23 He brought down my strength in my journey, * and shortened my days.

24 But I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age; * as for thy years, they endure throughout all generations.

25 Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, * and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: * they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

27 And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed; * but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

28 The children of thy servants shall continue, * and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight.

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

 

Homily

Pastoral Letter: I was talking with someone this morning and made a reference to how the Heidelberg Catechism gives us a heart-enriching, touching description of God’s providence. I thought I’d review this with you today. 

The Heidelberg Catechism was penned for children in 1563. This was a time when mortality rates for children and adults were high, wars flared up and burned long, and privation, pestilence and plague were plentiful. No parent had any assurance that any of their kids would reach adulthood. And no child had any guarantee that when they reached adulthood they’d still have any living parents or family. And so, the touching depth of the Heidelberg Catechism comes out in several places. We’re all very familiar with the first question and answer, “What is your only comfort in life and in death.” We use it as one of our confessions of faith every six to eight weeks. But I am giving you two questions and their answers (27-28) which are some of my favorites. Then I will end by giving you a prayer I wrote long ago that reflects the value of these statements. Please take some time to read and think through them. I am confident they will lift your heart and give you sustenance.

 

Ø  “What do you understand by the providence of God? God's providence is His almighty and ever present power, whereby, as with His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come not by chance but by His fatherly hand.”

 

Ø  “What does it benefit us to know that God has created all things and still upholds them by His providence? We can be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and with a view to the future we can have a firm confidence in our faithful God and Father that no creature shall separate us from His love; for all creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they cannot so much as move.” 

Now, here’s the prayer I wrote long ago, as I pondered those two catechism answers: 

Mighty God, whose almighty and everywhere present power – as it were by your own hand – upholds heaven, earth, and all creatures, and so governs them that herb and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty – indeed all things – come not by chance or mechanical procedure, but by your fatherly hand: Grant me to be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and with a view to the future may I have good confidence in you – O faithful God and Father – that no creature or condition will ever separate me from your love, since all creatures are so in your hand that without your will they cannot so much as move. All of this I ask through our great high priest, the Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Even after being hit with a stroke last week, I can still happily give a full-throated amen to this prayer! I hope you will, as well.

 

Pastor Mike

 

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 25 March

Psalm 131

Domine, non est

LORD, I am not high-minded : I have no proud looks.

2. I do not exercise myself in great matters : which are too high for me.

3. But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother : yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.

4. O Israel, trust in the Lord : from this time forth 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

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 

Homily

Second Sunday in Lent - 2025

 

The Second Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 38. Domine, ne in furore.

PUT me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger; * neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure:

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, * and thy hand presseth me sore.

3 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure; * neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin.

4 For my wickednesses are gone over my head, * and are like a sore burden, too heavy for me to bear.

5 My wounds stink, and are corrupt, * through my foolishness.

6 I am brought into so great trouble and misery, * that I go mourning all the day long.

7 For my loins are filled with a sore disease, * and there is no whole part in my body.

8 I am feeble and sore smitten; * I have roared for the very disquietness of my heart.

9 Lord, thou knowest all my desire; * and my groaning is not hid from thee.

10 My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me, * and the light of mine eyes is gone from me.

11 My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble, * and my kinsmen stood afar off.

12 They also that sought after my life laid snares for me; * and they that went about to do me evil talked of wickedness, and imagined deceit all the day long.

13 As for me, I was like a deaf man, and heard not; * and as one that is dumb, who doth not open his mouth.

14 I became even as a man that heareth not, * and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in thee, O Lord, have I put my trust; * thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.

16 I have required that they, even mine enemies, should not triumph over me; * for when my foot slipt, they rejoiced greatly against me.

17 And I truly am set in the plague, * and my heaviness is ever in my sight.

18 For I will confess my wickedness, * and be sorry for my sin.

19 But mine enemies live, and are mighty; * and they that hate me wrongfully are many in number.

20 They also that reward evil for good are against me; * because I follow the thing that good is.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God; * be not thou far from me.

22 Haste thee to help me, * O Lord God of my salvation.

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 seest that we have no power of 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. 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: 1 Kings 8.37-43

Psalter: Psalm 6, 38 | 119.33-72

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 15.21-28 

Homily

First Sunday in Lent, Embers, and Pastoral Letter - 2025

 

The First Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 32. Beati quorum.

BLESSED is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven, * and whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin, * and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3 For whilst I held my tongue, * my bones consumed away through my daily complaining.

4 For thy hand was heavy upon me day and night, * and my moisture was like the drought in summer.

5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee; * and mine unrighteousness have I not hid.

6 I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord; * and so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin.

7 For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found; * surely the great water-floods shall not come nigh him.

8 Thou art a place to hide me in; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; * thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

9 I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go; * and I will guide thee with mine eye.

10 Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding; * whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle, else they will not obey thee.

11 Great plagues remain for the ungodly; * but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth him on every side.

12 Be glad, O ye righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; * and be joyful, all ye that are true of heart.

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 LORD, who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. 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 58.1-14

Psalter: Psalm 51, 54 | 119.1-32

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 6.1-10

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 4.1-11 

Homily 

Ember days are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Here are the readings (morning and evening) along with the Collect.

------------------------ 

My letter to my congregation this last week was on “God’s Delight: Psalm 147:10-11”. 

Psalm 147:10-11 are two potent verses about God’s displeasure and God’s pleasure. They run like this: 

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,

in those who hope in his steadfast love. 

First, God has no pleasure in certain human arts and skills (v.10). The “strength of the horse” and the “legs of a man” have much to do with war machinery, powerful soldering, martial arts, and battle prowess. Power and potency often wow us. We have powerlifting contests, sports events, and the Olympics that show off how impressed we are with strength and skill. We are also moved by military might, even having whole movie genres that exalt the fight, and especially the fight against all odds. In many ways this is all fine. And yet, the very things that impress us, don’t impress God! Wealth, skill, capacity, speed, fire power – do not make God sit back wide-eyed with his hand over his mouth. God has no delight in what often arouses our admiration, and he has no pleasure in what normally arrests our attention. We’re impressed with stamina, strength, speed and success, awed by quarterbacks who break out and make touchdowns, full backs who plow through mounds of musty muscles and mass to force their way to the goal. We’re enthralled by men who manufacture large churches and pile up fortunes and fame. And we reward them with compliments, cash, eminence, and esteem. And if you let it take over your perceptions and perspectives it’s not long before it all becomes soul-crushing. Therefore, part of the good news here is – thank God – he isn’t impressed, and he isn’t wowed; and so he doesn’t treat as favorites those who display power! 

The rest of the good news comes out in this next verse (v.11). Instead of being pleased with strength and supremacy, or delighted with brawny biceps, God is pleased with those who are awed by him. He is delighted by those who are wowed by his holiness and enraptured with his persistent love! And therefore, he has pleasure in those who trust in him; that he is the hero of their story; that he is the hero of their ministry; that he is the hero of their life; that he is the hero of their career; that he is the hero of their family! And we have ample reasons to be wowed with him and come to trust him. Simply run back through this Psalm and you will see them. He builds his church; he gathers the outcasts; he heals the brokenhearted; he binds up their wounds; he determines the number of stars and names them; he covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain; he makes grass grow; he gives beasts and birds their food; he strengthens his people; he blesses our children; he makes peace around us; he fills us with good things; he sends forth his command to creation, giving snow and frost; he sends out his word to melt them, sending warm wind to thaw them; and he declares to his people his word, statutes and rules for our good! Wow! And so, “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” 

Sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers, revel in this God, be wowed by him, overawed at his majesty and durable steadfast love! For: 

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,

in those who hope in his steadfast love. 

Pastor Mike

Sunday before Lent (Quinquagesima) and the Beginning of Lent (5 March) - 2025

 

The Sunday called Quinquagesima, or the next Sunday before Lent.

1 Chronicles 29.10-13

Benedictus es, Domine Deus Israel

Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, * for ever and ever.

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: * for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;

Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, * and thou art exalted as head above all.

Both riches and honour come of thee, * and thou reignest over all;

And in thine hand is power and might; *and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, * and praise thy glorious name.

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 LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 10.12-11.1

Psalter: Psalm 15, 16 | 111, 112

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 13.1-13

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 18.31-43 

Homily 

The First day of Lent,

Commonly called Ash-Wednesday.

Psalm 6. Domine, ne in furore

O  LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation, * neither chasten me in thy displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; * O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul also is sore troubled: * but, Lord, how long wilt thou punish me?

4 Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul; * O save me, for thy mercy’s sake.

5 For in death no man remembereth thee; * and who will give thee thanks in the pit?

6 I am weary of my groaning; * every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears.

7 My beauty is gone for very trouble, * and worn away because of all mine enemies.

8 Away from me, all ye that work iniquity; * for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

9 The Lord hath heard my petition; * the Lord will receive my prayer.

10 All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed; * they shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly.

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. 

A Litany

A Penitential Office 

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. 

{This Collect is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.} 

Old Testament Reading: Joel 2.12-17

Psalter: Psalm 51

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 6.16-21 

Homily

Second Sunday before Lent (Sexagesima) and St. Matthias (24 February) - 2025

 

The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the Second Sunday before Lent.

Psalm 87. Fundamenta ejus.

HER foundations are upon the holy hills: * the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

2 Very excellent things are spoken of thee, * thou city of God.

3 I will make mention of Egypt and Babylon, * among them that know me.

4 Behold, Philistia also; and Tyre, with Ethiopia; * lo, in Sion were they born.

5 Yea, of Sion it shall be reported, this one and that one were born in her; * and the Most High shall stablish her.

6 The Lord shall record it, when he writeth up the peoples; * lo, in Sion were they born.

7 The singers also and trumpeters shall make answer: * All my fresh springs are in thee.

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 LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50.4-9

Psalter: Psalm 33, 93 | 139

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 11.19-12.10

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 8.4-15 

Homily 

Saint Matthias’s Day (24 February) 

The Collect

Almighty God, who into the place of the traitor Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve Apostles; Grant that thy Church, being alway preserved from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 2.27-35

Psalter: Psalm 15

Epistle Reading: Acts 1.15-26

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 11.25-30 

Homily