The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

O ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Sacramentary of Bishop Gelasius of Rome [494]. Much minor reworking from the Latin. [Barbee and Zalh]

Ephesians v. 15   Psalm 116 &  St. Matthew xxii. 1
Augustine on Psalm CXVI

For many are called, but few are chosen
 

 

 

BULLETIN

 

  

calendar

John of Capistrano - October 23rd

Alfred, King & Warrior - October 26th

Demetrius of Thessolonica - October 26th [Maximian 286-305]

In Hoc Signo Vinces & Saxa Ruba - October 27th

Simon and Jude, Apostles -- October 28th

Fidelis, Exantus, and Carpophorus - October 28th

 

commentary

 

This Sunday Psalm 116 is appointed. In my prayer book it begins as "My delight is in the Lord." I am reminded of David's time in the wilderness, avoiding Saul's wrath (this may have been the time he wrote this psalm.) "Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath done good to thee"  When Saul encamped against David, the Lord put a deep sleep on Saul and his men, so that David was able to walk into the camp and take Saul spear, but render him no harm.   I think too of our own centurions in harms way this very day. This psalm must have special meaning to them. The snares (IEDs) of death surround them. Their enemy plot against them. May God in his mercy comfort, help, and preserve them, and may their souls find peace and rest in his presence.

 

 I commend Augustine's exposition of the psalm at the link above.

 

semper fidelis

msc