Fourth Sunday after Easter

The Fourth Sunday after Easter

News of the Order and commentary appear after the Proper Collect, Epistle and Gospel

 

ALMIGHTY God, which dost make the minds of all faithful men to be of one will; 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.

Source of Collect: Sacramentary of Gelasius [ca 494 AD].

Ezekiel xxxix. 21, Psalm 147, St. James i. 17. St. John xvi. 5.
Homilies

Fix your heart on Jesus

 

WEEKLY BULLETIN

 

calendar

 

Angelia Maria Tam - May 6th

Victor of Milan - May 8th

Pachomius, Monk - May 9th [346]

Ischios, Magistrus, Martyr -- May 10th [286-305]

 

news

 

Tony of Nigeria sent greetings and photos of the work with orphans under the cohort  ST ANTHONY OF PUDUA Cohort of Nigeria and Tanzania Province

 

 

commentary

 

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Easter. Our collect is ancient, and it puts us in mind that the Early Church recognized and affirmed God's mighty hand in ruling his church, his elect, and guiding them toward the great truths. It reminds me of another prayer that says, "O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed…" God is with his elect and his voice speaks to us. As the collect and our Gospel says, may we fix our hearts on his will.

 

The Homily for this Sunday is from Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church. It is newly published on our site. We are reminded that it is through the Holy Spirit, residing in the elect, that God makes his will know to the sheep of his flock. The Spirit opens the Gospel to our hearts and guides us day-by-day in its application. Augustine makes a strong catholic defense of the Trinity, so that none of his flock misunderstood Jesus' words.

Third Sunday after Easter

The Third Sunday after Easter
News of the Order and commentary appear after the Proper Collect, Epistle and Gospel

 

Alleluia The Lord is Risen, O come let us adore him. Alleluia

  

ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Religion, that they may avoid 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.

Source of Collect: Sacramentary of Leo, Bishop of Rome [440-461AD]. The Vigil of Easter was the traditional time for Baptism, and this collect speaks to the newly baptized "all those who are admitted into the fellowship". One had to be baptized to be present during the Eucharist. Christiana professione censentor

1 Samuel ii. 1b, Psalm 113, 1 St. Peter ii. 11. St. John xvi. 16.

Homily of Augustine

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.  

 

Calendar

 

Philip and James, Apostles May 1st

Luigi Lorenzi - May 4th

 

commentary

 

This Sunday is the Third after Easter, we are in the midst of Eastertide, the season in the traditional calendar that begins with Easter Day until Ascension Day. We recall that it was in this period that Jesus appeared many times to his disciples.  There have been changes in modern churches since the 1960s in the calendar. Personally, I think it important to keep Eastertide as a firm reminder of the 40-days between the Resurrection and the Ascension, and a specific time of rejoicing as we remember when the Risen Christ walked amongst us, and as we look for the day when he shall do so again in all his glory and we shall be raised to share in that glory, and perhaps to join in his Last Battle. The Early Church observed Eastertide. In the First Ecumenical Council under S. Constantine in about 326, it was decided that there was to be no fasting on any day in this festive season, or during the following Ascensiontide till after Pentecost, nor any kneeling on any day of the season.

 

Our collect speaks of one of the marks of the true church... that of discipline. Christ will discipline those that are his, teaching them his ways. Before we point the finger at a brother with a sage "aha," we recall that there are three fingers pointing back at us and there are none in this life who walk perfectly before God, who earn their salvation, but rather all have erred and gone astray. That does not mean the visible church need indulge reprobate sinners in its midst. It certainly should not (1Cor 5:12-13)

 

Christ's discipline is one of the promises of Scripture for those who are baptised into his Church. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will find us, his elect who have erred and strayed from his way like lost sheep, following too much the devices and desires of our hearts, and through his sanctifying grace will lead us back (Luke 15:4). He will not permit the evil one to snatch us from his hand (John 10:29) 

 

This collect compliments nicely the collect for the Second Sunday after Easter and for Gospel of the Good Shepherd and the one flock that is the Church Militant for us mortals. In the end he will clean burn away any dross that we carry with us so that we are pure, as we must be, to appear before the Almighty in the Church Triumphant (1Cor3:15).  

 

And finally, if you have not already done so, I invite you to read the short homily of Augustine on the Gospel following:

 

 

Augustine on the Gospel

 

 

This Little While is the whole duration of this present world. In the same sense this same Evangelist saith in his Epistle : It is the last time. The words : Because I go to the Father : refer to the first clause of the text, thus : A little while and ye shall not see me, because I go to the Father. Hence we should not connect them with this latter clause : And again a little while, and ye shall see me. For his going to the Father was about to bring to pass this, namely, that they should see him no more. And on this account he is not to be understood as saying that he was about to die, and that, until he should rise again, he would be withdrawn from their sight ; but rather, that he was going to the Father ; which same he did when (after he had risen, and had manifested himself to them for forty days), he ascended up into heaven.

It was therefore to them which were then looking on him in the flesh that he said : A little while, and ye shall not see me. A little while, and they would no longer see him as mortal man, such as they saw him to be whilst thus speaking, because he was about to go to the Father. But he added : And again a little while, and ye shall see me : and these words are a promise to the Universal Church, just as are those others : Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Our Lord delayeth not his promised coming. Yea, again a little while, and we shall see him. Yea, and when we thus shall see him, then shall we ask for nothing more ; for no desire will be unsatisfied, and no riddle unsolved.

This Little While seemeth a very long while to us now, while as yet it is still going on, but when it is ended, we shall realize what a little while it was. Let not our joy, then, be like that of the world, whereof it is said : The world shall rejoice. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, and yet, while, as hitherto, our gladness is still coming to the birth through throes of sorrow, let us not be altogether sorrowful, but as the Apostle hath it : Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation. A woman, when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come ; but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And so will it be with us. And with that let me end my sermon. ...

 

Mark - Evangelist 25 April

 

Saint Mark the Evangelist
[25 April]

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ephesians iv. 7. St. John xv. 1.
Homily

Abide in Me

George [23 April]

 

Geogre,Tribune, Martyr
[23 April]

O Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant George boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Patron Saint of England. The cry in the Crusades was, "God for Harry, George, and England". George was a Tribune who suffered at Lydda (Diospolis) in Palestine. The English wore his red cross on their Tunics in the Crusades. The Golden Legend of 1256 featured a story of George slaying a dragon and credited him with saving a damsel. His cross is visible on the Brittish Flag, and was on the first American flag as part of the Union.

Here is David Wood's excellent site on George from his Military Martyrs:

Commentary

We often look for Centuions, like the ledgendary George, who come forth to valiantly to save the weaker of our society from Evil. That is the meaning of George's symbol and myth, for the dragon represents that old Serpent whose intent is to bring evil upon mankind.  I shared the appointed Gospel for the Sunday with my dear aunt, a retired college professor. She wrote back and reminded me that Jesus said the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. She told me that this week we witnessed such a good shepherd:  Professor Liviu Librescu of Virginia Tech barracaded the door of his classroom as his students escaped through the windows while the evil gunman stormed against the door bent on killing as many as he could.  See more here. http://www.isrealli.org/virginia-tech-tragedy-prof-liviu-librescu-among-the-victims/

 

/msc

Second Sunday After Easter

 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

News of the Order and commentary appear after the Proper Collect, Epistle and Gospel

 

ALMIGHTY God, who hast 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 thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Isaih xl. 1, Psalm 23, 1 St. Peter ii. 19. St. John x. 11.

Homily

I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep

---

HOMILY
Augustine
Tractate XLVI


1. The Lord Jesus is speaking to His sheep—to those already so, and to those yet to become such—who were then present; for in the place where they were, there were those who were already His sheep, as well as those who were afterwards to become so: and He likewise shows to those then present and those to come, both to them and to us, and to as many also after us as shall yet be His sheep, who it is that had been sent to them. All, therefore, hear the voice of their Shepherd saying, "I am the good Shepherd." He would not add "good," were there not bad shepherds. But the bad shepherds are those who are thieves and robbers, or certainly hirelings at the best. For we ought to examine into, to distinguish, and to know, all the characters whom He has here depicted. The Lord has already unfolded two points, which He had previously set forth in a kind of covert form: we already know that He is Himself the door, and we know that He is Himself the Shepherd. Who the thieves and robbers are, was made clear in yesterday's lesson; and to-day we have heard of the hireling, as we have heard also of the wolf. Yesterday the porter was also introduced by name. Among the good, therefore, are the door, the doorkeeper, the shepherd, and the sheep: among the bad, the thieves and robbers, the hirelings, and the wolf.

Read more at the link to the homily...

 

 

 

calendar

 

George, Centurion, Martyr - April 23rd

Sabas Stratilatus, Martyr Aurelian -- April 24 [270-275]

Mark, Evangelist -- 25 April

 

 

 

commentary

Some of the Centurions have exchanged thoughts and prayers with one another this week for the victims and their families here in America at Virginia Tech University. It is good to see such and for the saints of the Order to comfort and encourage one another.

 It is a time for all to ponder what evil there is that leads a man to do such harm to his fellows. It is a solemn reminder that the prince of darkness continues to act in our world and all should be wary. Those who ignore such do so at their peril. That, in part, is the topic of today's homily. It is a newly posted homily from Augustine of Hippo from the fourth  century, who was a Doctor of the Western Church. He speaks of satan and those who come to kill the sheep. I commend it to you.

There are lessons to be learned from this tragedy at Virginia Tech; I, like some fellow centurions, fear often that people think in terms of fixing or treating a problem  with  good intentions, but the wrong medicine.  Recently  some have criticized the  airing of such violence and the  video of the vain  ruminations of the perpetrator of  this heinous act. News programming in the past decade has used the technology of television and media to turn these tragedies into a form of  entertainment that goes well beyond news reporting; meanwhile many remain silent  concerning the  very real problem of  violence for violence sake as a form of entertainment that permeates Hollywood.  It reminds me of the entertainment that the masses flocked to in the arena in the days that Augustine wrote.

Let us endeavor, as our collect this day says, to follow rather in the footsteps of  our Lord and be an example of Light and Peace in this dark world. In a society that often gloats as it feasts on the macabre and the dark side,  let us be very aware of the good shepherds, and the bad, and to whom we listen, and after whom we should follow

pax Christi

Tuesday in Easter Week

Tuesday in Easter Week

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with reverence the Paschal feast, may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Acts xiii. 26. -- St. Luke xxiv. 36.
Homilies

by Jesus all that believe are justified

---

 

Easter Monday

Monday in Easter Week
Ambrose on the Holy Spirit Guiding the Church and Cornelius
Easter Monday Home

O GOD, whose blessed Son did manifest himself to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open, we pray thee, the eyes of our faith, that we may behold thee in all thy works; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him

Acts x. 34 -- St. Luke xxiv. 13

Homily of Ambrose
"Peter Baptizing Cornelius

 

--
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 14:19]

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

Easter Day

 

Easter Day

CHRIST our Passover is sacrificed for us: * therefore let us keep the feast, Not with old leaven, neither 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 firstfruits 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

---

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 the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Source of Collect: Sacramentary of Gelasius [ca 494 AD]. This was changed to reflect the churches fight against the teachings of Pelagain, and English monk who traveled and taught that people could do good withouth God's help.

Isaiah xxv. 1-9, Psalm 93, Colossians iii. 1. St. John xx. 1.
Homilies

They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre,
and we know not where they have laid him.

 

---

.org

Easter Even

Easter Even

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, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Job xiv.1,   Psalm 16,  , Peter iii. 17,   Matthew xxvii. 57.
Homilies

Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can

Good Friday

 

Good Friday

 

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which 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 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all who know thee not as thou art revealed in the Gospel of thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy fold, that they may be made one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

First Collect Source: For Morning Prayer: Sarum Liturgy for Wednesday in Holy Week as a post-communion collect. Related to Mark xiv.10 and the betrayal
Second Collect: Sarum.
Third Collect: Reformational. Changed to present state in 1662. Former one asked for mercy on Jews, Turks, Infidels, and heretics, where it now says "who know thee not as thou..."

Genisis xxii. 1,   Psalm 22,   Hebrews x. 1., & St John xix. 1
Homilies

 

What is truth?

 

Maundy Thrusday

Thursday before Easter, commonly called

Maundy Thursday

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.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 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.

1 Corinthians xi. 23.   St. John 15:12-17

Homilies

"If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me"

Wedmesday before Easter

 

Wednesday before Easter
Chrysostom on the Homily
Wednesday before Easter Home

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.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 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.

Hebrews ix. 16
Homilies

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

---

 excerpt of the homily

 

If then we are heavenly, and have obtained such a sacrifice, let us fear. Let us no longer continue on the earth; for even now it is possible for him that wishes it, not to be on the earth. For to be and not to be on the earth is the effect of moral disposition and choice. For instance; God is said to be in Heaven. Wherefore? not because He is confined by space, far from it, nor as having left the earth destitute of His presence, but by His relation to and intimacy with the Angels. If then we also are near to God, we are in Heaven. For what care I about Heaven when I see the Lord of Heaven, when I myself am become a Heaven? "For," He says, "We will come," I and the Father, "and will make our abode with him." ( John xiv. 23 .)

Let us then make our soul a Heaven. The heaven is naturally bright; for not even in a storm does it become black, for it does not itself change its appearance, but the clouds run together and cover it. Heaven has the Sun; we also have the Sun of Righteousness. I said it is possible to become a Heaven; and I see that it is possible to become even better than Heaven. How? when we have the Lord of the Sun. Heaven is throughout pure and without spot; it changes not either in a storm or in the night. Neither let us then be so influenced either by tribulations or by "the wiles of the devil" ( Eph. vi. 11 ), but let us continue spotless and pure. Heaven is high and far from the earth. Let us also effect this [as regards ourselves]; let us withdraw ourselves from the earth, and exalt ourselves to that height, and remove ourselves far from the earth. Heaven is higher than the rains and the storms, and is reached by none of them. This we also can do, if we will.

It does appear to be, but is not really so affected. Neither then let us be affected, even if we appear to be so. For as in a storm, most men know not the beauty of [heaven,] but think that it is changed, while philosophers know that it is not affected at all, so with regard to ourselves also in afflictions; most men think that we are changed with them, and that affliction has touched our very heart, but philosophers know that it has not touched us.

 

Tuesday before Easter

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.

 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 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.

 

Isaiah i:5     Mark xv. 1.
Homilies

they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns,
and put it about his head, and began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews

 

Monday before Easter

 

The 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.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 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.

She hath done what she could:
she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying

Isaiah lxiii. 1. St. Mark xiv.
Homilies

Palm Sunday

 

 

CALENDAR

Monday before Easter

Tuesday before Easter

Wednesday before Easter

Maundy Thursday
Good Friday

Easter Even

Great Vigil of Easter

 

 

This Sunday is known as Palm Sunday, in remembrance of the palm leaves that the people spread before the way of our Lord when he entered into Jerusalem with much rejoicing - the coming of the Messiah, the Son of David, "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord". In some churches ministers will bless the palms this Sunday and give them to the people who will process in remembrance of our Lord's procession. . The earliest account we have of this day is in the life of Euthymius [473AD] as reported by Cyril of Alexandria. See a history here. 

 

Next Sunday is Easter! I encourage you to use this week as one of preparation for the most important observance of the year. Ever wonder where wearing of the Easter Sunday Best and Easter Parades came from? Well our centurions of old saw it. Constantine put out an order that all Christians were to wear their best clothing and attend Easter Services. With the lifting  of the persecutions by Constantine, the newly baptized Christians would walk through the streets in their white baptismal togas, and finally, Easter, along with Christmas and Pentecost were obligatory for attendance and reception of the communion as decided in a synod of about 508. 

 

 I've featured Chrysostom on his first homily on today's appointed proper epistle. John really lays it on the heretics in this passage I've excerpted. Take a look at the links if you would like more information into heresies of his day... we have  more than a few heresies brewing in the church now that could use a swift stroke of that double edged Sword of the Spirit... and some Centurions who have already invoked it, and are yet invoking it, I might add.  By the way, you can find strains of these heresies throughout the "Christian" world today... One gets the impression from John's impassioned sermon that he himself had been a first-hand witness to the legions in battle, as he describe the battle against heretics. As a brother centurion often says to me.... Lest we forget.

 

The Sunday next before Easter
Palm Sunday

The First Homily of Chrysostom on the Epistle to the Philippians ii. 5ff
Palm Sunday Home

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 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.

To be said daily, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Good Friday

Source: Sacramentary of Galesius, Bishop of Rome [494 AD]. "Palms" were carried by people on this Sunday in remembrances of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

Philippians ii. 5
Homily

He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross

---

 

Excerpt of John Chrysostom on Philippians.

 

For as a sharp two-edged sword, wheresoever it falls, though it be among ten thousand phalanxes, easily cuts through and destroys, because it is sharp on every side, and nought can bear its edge; so are the words of the Spirit. (Heb. iv. 12; Rev. i. 16.) For by these words he has laid low the followers of Arius of Alexandria, of Paul of Samosata, of Marcellus the Galatian , of Sabellius the Libyan, of Marcion that was of Pontus, of Valentinus , of Manes, of Apollinarius of Laodicea, of Photinus, of Sophronius, and, in one word, all the heresies. Rouse yourselves then to behold so great a spectacle, so many armies falling by one stroke, lest the pleasure of such a sight should escape you. For if when chariots contend in the horse race there is nothing so pleasing as when one of them dashes against and overthrows whole chariots with their drivers, and after throwing down many with the charioteers that stood thereon, drives by alone towards the goal, and the end of the course, and amid the applause and clamor which rises on all sides to heaven, with coursers winged as it were by that joy and that applause, sweeps over the whole ground; how much greater will the pleasure be here, when by the grace of God we overthrow at once and in a body the combinations and devilish machinations of all these heresies together with their charioteers?     

read it all at the link above.

 

.org

"The Cry of the Centurion"

Friends: 

 

I commend this article by  Patrick Henry Reardon as he looks at the various Gospel accounts of the witness of the Centurion at Calvary.

 

http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles7/ReardonCenturion.php 

 

We note that Reardon ascribes the Centurion's cry to God's inspiration and revelation, as we do also hold in the prayer of the Order.

 

 

from the article

 

"It is at the cross that the centurion, who thus becomes a symbol of Christian faith, addresses the Father's affirmation about His Son....Matthew's centurion illustrates, in addition, the principle that Jesus enunciated earlier with respect to the recognition of His own identity, namely, that "no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (11:27). As the recipient of this divine revelation, Matthew's centurion is a spokesman for the Church, sharing in Simon Peter's foundational confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (16:16).

 

and the Order's prayer

Almighty God, our sovereign Lord, who called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles, who healed the servant at Capernaum in accordance with the Centurion's great faith, and who inspired the Centurion at Calvary to glorify Jesus; strengthen us in our faith that we might follow their example to love, serve, and glorify you as faithful members of the Church Militant, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Annunciation (Transferred)

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

[March 25.]

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.

Isaiah vii. 10 St. Luke i. 26
Homilies

thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son

 

Passion Sunday

This Sunday is known as Passion Sunday,  the first Sunday of the two-week  mini-season within Lent of Passiontide. Next week will be Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.  Here is a little history on Passion Sunday

 

 I've added an homily of John Chrysostom on the Epistle to the Hebrews appointed for this Sunday. As I've pointed out before, our lectionary is in most cases the same as that of the Early Church. In most instances you read the same bible passages in the Order's propers that were read in the 5th Century and before. Note in this excerpt from Chrysostom's homily today, that as he preaches on this passage from Hebrews, he reminds all that it is delivered in the season of Lent. In thinking on his words below and his admonishment to his cure, I am put in mind of the words and the charge of Paul to worship God with dignity and solemnity, and of this verse from Psalm 96, .

 

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness, let the whole earth stand in awe of him

 

 

Passion Sunday
John Chrysostom on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Passion Sunday Home

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.

Source: Sacramentary of Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD]. The people here was familiain Latin. "Passion" had its roots in Medieval times

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who 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.

Hebrews ix. 11
Homily of Chrysostom on the Hebrews

but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

---

John Chrysostom
Extract of Homily XV
Hebrews ix
 

Everywhere the devil leads the dance, he has entered into all, is master of all. Christ is dishonored, is thrust aside; the Church is made no account of. Do ye not hear Paul saying, Let "filthiness and foolish talking and jesting" ( Eph. v. 4 ) be put away from you? He places "jesting" along with "filthiness," and dost thou laugh? What is "foolish talking"? that which has nothing profitable. And dost thou, a solitary, laugh at all and relax thy countenance? thou that art crucified? thou that art a mourner? tell me, dost thou laugh? Where dost thou hear of Christ doing this? Nowhere: but that He was sad indeed oftentimes. For even when He looked on Jerusalem, He wept; and when He thought on the Traitor He was troubled; and when He was about to raise Lazarus, He wept; and dost thou laugh? If he who grieves not over the sins of others deserves to be accused, of what consideration will he be worthy, who is without sorrow for his own sins, yea laughs at them? This is the season of grief and tribulation, of bruising and bringing matter [the body], of conflicts and sweatings, and dost thou laugh? Dost not thou see how Sarah was rebuked? dost thou not hear Christ saying, "Woe to them that laugh, for they shall weep"? ( Luke vi. 25 .) Thou chantest these things every day, for, tell me, what dost thou say? "I have laughed?" By no means; but what? "I labored in my groaning." ( Ps. vi. 6 .)
 

read it all at the link above.

 

.org

Fourth Sunday in Lent and News

Greetings Friends on this Fourth Sunday inLent: 

 

News:  I have received a letter from our brother Centurion Simeon of Kenya. He sends pictures of his church building there and bids the prayers of the Order.

 

 

 

 

The last time I shared pictures of Simeon's ministry his congregation was gathered outside under trees. Note that the building lacks windows and doors. If anyone would like to correspond with Simeon and those of his cure, or to contribute to the ministry in Kenya;  please contact me for Simeon's email at primus.pilus@gmail.com .

 

CALENDAR

Thomas Cranmer, Bishop, Soldier, Martyr -- 21 March

Nicholas von der Flue, Soldier and Hermit -- March 22nd

Annunciation -- 25 March

 

 

 For this Sunday's homily, I've added the homily of John Chrysostom on Matthew xiv. 13ff, the parallel Gospel story to the feeding of the 5,000 that is set for today in the propers from John. Chrysostom, after his exegesis of the miracle, takes opportunity to admonish his listeners to follow the example of our Lord and to avoid extravagance and artsy concerns. Seems like not too much has changed in 1600 years.

 

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Homily of Chrysostom on the parallel Gospel story in Matthew xiv. 13
Named Mothering Sunday for this Epistle

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.
Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD].

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who 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. Matthew xiv. 13
Homily of Chrysostom on the parallel Gospel Story in Matthew xiv. 13

They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

---

An excerpt of John Chysostom's homily on Matthew xiv. 13ff

 

7. What then can be worse than this unseemliness, this absurdity [i.e., an ornamented and glittering sandal]? For the thing marks a soul, in the first place effeminate, then unfeeling and cruel, then curious and idly busy. For when will he be able to attend to any necessary matter, who is taken up with these superfluous things? when will such a youth endure to take heed to his soul, or to consider so much as that he hath a soul? Yes, he surely will be a trifler who cannot help admiring such things; he cruel, who for their sake neglects the poor; he void of virtue, who spends all his diligence on them.

For he that is curious about the beauty of threads, and the bloom of colors, and the tendrils made of such woven work, when will he be able to look upon the heaven? when will he admire the beauty there, who is excited about a kind of beauty that belongs to pieces of leather, and who is bending to the earth? And whereas God hath stretched out the Heaven, and lighted up the sun, drawing thy looks upwards; thou constrainest thyself to look downwards, and to the earth, like the swine, and obeyest the devil. For indeed this wicked demon hath devised this unseemliness, to draw thee off from that beauty. For this intent hath he drawn thee this way; and God, showing Heaven, is outvied by a devil showing certain skins, or rather not even skins (for indeed these too are God's works), but effeminacy and a bad kind of skill.

And the young man goes about bending down towards the earth, he that is required to seek wisdom concerning the things in Heaven; priding himself more on these trifles than if he had accomplished some great and good work, and walking on tiptoe in the forum, and hereby begetting to himself superfluous sorrows and distresses, lest he should stain them with the mud when it is winter; lest he should cover them with the dust, when summer is come.

What sayest thou, O man? Hast thou cast thy whole soul into the mire through this extravagance, and dost thou overlook it trailing on the ground, and art thou so anxious about a pair of shoes? Mark their use, and respect the verdict thou passest on them. For to tread on mud and mire, and all the spots on the pavement, for this were thy shoes made. Or if thou canst not bear this, take and hang them from thy neck, or put them on thy head.

And ye indeed laugh at hearing this. But I am inclined to weep for these men's madness, and their earnest care about these matters. For in truth they would rather stain their body with mud, than those pieces of leather.

Triflers then they become in this way, and fond of money again in another way. For he that has been used to be frantic and eager upon such matters, requires also for his clothes and for all other things much expense, and a large income.

And if he have a munificent father, his thraldom becomes worse, his absurd fancy more intense; but if a parsimonious one, he is driven to other unseemliness, by way of getting together a little money for such expenses.

Hence many young men have even sold their manhood, and have become parasites to the rich, and have undertaken other servile offices, purchasing thereby the fulfillment of such desires.

So then, that this man is sure to be at once fond of money, and a trifler, and about important things the most indolent of all men, and that he will be forced to commit many sins, is hereby evident. And that he is cruel and vainglorious, neither this will any one gainsay: cruel, in that when he sees a poor man, through the love of finery he makes as though he did not even see him, but while he is decking out these things with gold, overlooks him perishing of hunger; vainglorious, since even in such little matters he trains himself to hunt after the admiration of the beholders. For I suppose no general prides himself so much on his legions and trophies, as our profligate youths on the decking out of their shoes, on their trailing garments, on the dressing of their hair; yet surely all these are works of other persons, in their trades. But if men do not cease from vain boasting in the works of others, when will they cease from it in their own?
 

 See more at the homily link above.

Patrick's Breastplate

Today, the 17th, marks the date the church in many places commemorate a very famous Christian Roman.. Patrick, first bishop of Ireland.

 

I've always admired Patrick's Breastplate. Its verses remind me of a litany of prayers. I encourage you to listen to or sing along with the beautiful version written at the end of the 19th century based on an old Gaelic poem called Lorica. It is one I've enjoyed for years.

 

Dr Toon of the Prayer Book Society says the version at the following link is a literal translation of the poem. The last verses follow which I will often use after morning prayer.  You can see the entire thing here.. quite good!

http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2007/03/st-patricks-famous-prayer-breastplate.html

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop [deck],
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone

who speaks to me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
 

Although Patrick has no place on our centurion roster as a soldier, he was captured by a raiding party from Ireland and enslaved, so he is in kind a prisoner of war in that on-going conflict between the Celts and Romans in the late 5th Century. This page gives a good history of Patrick including two letters dated from the 5th century ascribed to Patrick

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick

 

Patrick's blessing is hard to beat for this special day in the church

 

Cearbheoil

in fide et in bello fortis 

 

ps. our military historians may enjoy this nice little two-page site on the wars between Romans and the Celts  . Some good reenactment pictures of the Celtic warriors.

Third Sunday in Lent

 

CALENDAR

 

Maximilian, Legionary, Martyr - March 12th

Longinus, Centurion at Calvary, Martyr - March 15th

Marinus, Optio, Martyr -- March 17

 

 

This homily for this week comes from John Chrysostom on the parallel passages of Matthew on the accusation of Jesus had cast out evil spirits by the power of Satan. I've placed an excerpt, his bottom line, below the artwork. It is a message that all Christians need to take to heart, especially in this period of Lent.   

  

The Third Sunday in Lent
Homily of John Chrysostom on the parallel Gospel in Matthew xii. 22-32
Third Sunday in Lent Home

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.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who 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.
[Collect of Ash Wednesday said daily until Palm Sunday]

Matthew xii. 22-32
Homily

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come .

---

 

 

An Excerpt from Chrysostom's homily on Matthew 12:22-32

 

6. But if thou desire not to be punished even here, pass judgment on thyself, exact thine own penalty. Listen to Paul, when he saith, "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." If thou do this, proceeding in order thou shalt even arrive at a crown.

 

But how are we to exact our own penalty? one may ask.

 

Lament, groan bitterly, humble, afflict thyself, call to remembrance thy sins in their particulars. This thing is no small torture to a man's soul. If any man hath been in a state of contrition, he knows that the soul is punished by this more than anything. If any hath been living in remembrance of sins, he knows the anguish thence arising. Therefore doth God appoint righteousness as a reward for such repentance, saying, "Be thou first to tell thy sins, that thou mayest be justified." For it is not, it is not indeed, a small step towards amendment, to lay together all our sins, and to be continually revolving and reckoning them up with their particulars. For he that is doing this will be so heart-broken, as not to think himself worthy so much as to live; and he that thinks thus, will be tenderer than any wax. For tell me not of acts of fornication only, nor of adulteries, nor of these things that are manifest, and acknowledged amongst all men: but lay together also thy secret crafts, and thy false accusations, and thine evil speakings, and thy vain gloryings, and thine envy, and all such things. For neither will these bring a trifling punishment. For the reviler too shall fall into hell; and the drunkard hath no part in the kingdom; and he that lovest not his neighbor so offends God, as to find no help even in his own martyrdom; and he that neglects his own hath denied the faith, and he who overlooks the poor is sent into the fire.

 

Account not then these things to be little, but put all together, and write them as in a book. For if thou write them down, God blots them out; even as on the other hand, if thou omit writing them, God both inscribes them, and exacts their penalty. It were then far better for them to be written by us, and blotted out above, than on the contrary, when we have forgotten them, for God to bring them before our eyes in that day.

 

Therefore that this may not be so, let us reckon up all with strictness, and we shall find ourselves answerable for much. For who is clear from covetousness? Nay, tell me not of the quantity, but since even in a small amount we shall pay the same penalty, consider this and repent. Who is rid of all insolence? Yet this casts into hell. Who hath not secretly spoken evil of his neighbor? Yet this deprives one of the Kingdom. Who hath not been self-willed? Yet this man is more unclean than all. Who hath not looked with unchaste eyes? Yet this is a complete adulterer. Who hath not been "angry with his brother without a cause"? Yet such an one is "in danger of the council." Who hath not sworn? Yet this thing is of the evil one. Who hath not forsworn himself? but this man is something more than of the evil one. Who hath not served mammon? but this man is fallen away from the genuine service of Christ.

 

I have also other things greater than these to mention: but even these are enough, and able, if a man be not made of stone, nor utterly past feeling, to bring him to compunction. For if each one of them casts into hell, what will they not bring to pass when all are met together?

 

How then can one be saved? it may be asked. By application of the countervailing remedies: alms, prayers, compunction, repentance, humility, a contrite heart, contempt of possessions. For God hath marked out for us innumerable ways of salvation, if we be willing to attend. Let us then attend, and let us every way cleanse out our wounds, showing mercy, remitting our anger against them that have displeased us, giving thanks for all things to God, fasting according to our power, praying sincerely, "making unto ourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness." For so shall we be able to obtain pardon for our offenses, and to win the promised good things; whereof may we all be counted worthy, by the grace and love toward man of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and might forever and ever. Amen.

  

--
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 14:19]

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

Second Sunday in Lent

 

The Second Sunday in Lent
Chrysostom on Thessalonians iv

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.

 

Augustine of Hippo fought against the heretic Pelagius, who preached that men had the capability to do good, and thus earn their justification, within themselves, if they just would do so. Later the Synod of Orange issued canons against pelagianism... and although original sin and the fallen state of man has been dogma since then, pelagianism and its daughter semi pelagianism are alive and well amongst some.  I mention this  because of the collect appointed for this day.. Please read it closely.  I think you will see how it reflects the very doctrine that Paul gave us in Romans, and Augustine articulated in his writings.

 

Proverbs v., Psalm 51, 1 Thessalonians iv. 1. 21

"For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification."

 The artwork is by William Blake , entitled The Whore of Babylon, a Pen and watercolour over pencil, 266 x 223 mm, 1809, London, British Museum 1847-3-18-123. I encourage you to read of him -- a contemporary of Wilberforce and fellow advocate of abolition. CS Lewis called him a "great genius". He was a mystic and a visionary.  And now for this Sunday's collect, lessons, and homily.

 T

 

excerpt....

 

He says, "That each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel." It is, then, a matter to be learnt, and that diligently, not to be wanton. But we possess our vessel, when it is pure; when it is impure, sin possesses it. And reasonably. For it does not do the things which we wish, but what sin commands. "Not in the passion of lust," he says. Here he shows also the manner, according to which one ought to be temperate; that we should cut off the passions of lust. For luxury, and wealth, and idleness, and sloth, and ease, and all such things, lead us on to irregular lust. "Even as the Gentiles," he says, "which know not God." For such are they who do not expect that they shall suffer punishment..... see more here

 

 

--

Ember Days

Greetings Centurions on this Wednesday of Lenten Ember Days:

 

I received a nice note from a Centurion  concerning our discussion of Wilberforce, noting that the movie was released during America's Black History month of February. Earlier he had sent an email reminding us of the Black Saints which can be seen on this page http://www.africanamericans.com/BlackSaints.htm. One will note Augustine of Hippo , a North African Berber, who is considered a Doctor of  the Church and whose sermons we frequently feature in the Order of Centurions. Perhaps one of the most important contributions of Augustine was that of his work on the concept of Just War which guides Western nations to this day, and for his work against the heresy of the monk Pelagius that was codified after his death in the Synod of Orange in 529. I commend a study of Augustine during these Ember Days.

 

Let us pray for the ministers of the Order and our local, national, and international churches in these days.

 

 

Ember Days
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Four Seasons

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast committed to the hands of men the ministry of reconciliation; We humbly beseech thee, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to put it into the hearts of many to offer themselves for this ministry; that thereby mankind may be drawn to thy blessed kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Advent, Lent, and Whitsuntide this collect is followed with the seasonal collect

Isaiah lxi. 1, Acts xiii. 44   &   St. Luke iv. 16
Daily Readings for the Four Seasons
Collects, Litany & Hymns
History & Meaning
Homilies

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

 

 

 

--
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 14:19]

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

First Sunday in Lent

The First Sunday in Lent
John Chrysostom on 2nd Corintians vi. 1
First Lent Home

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.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who 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.
[Collect of Ash Wednedsay]

Isaiah 58   Psalm 50   2 Corinthians vi. 1   &   St. Matthew iv. 1

In labors, in watchings, in fastings; in pureness.  

---

Homily XII.
2 Cor. vi. 1, 2

 

 Excerpt... link to full homily below:

 

 

For, "Behold," he saith, "now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Let us therefore not let slip the favorable opportunity but display a zeal worthy of the grace. For therefore is it that we also press forward, knowing both the shortness and the suitableness of the time. Wherefore also he said; "And working together we intreat also. Working together" with you; 'for we work together with you, rather than with God for Whom we are ambassadors. For He is in need of nothing, but the salvation all passeth over to you.' But if it is even with God that he speaks of working together, he repudiates not even this [interpretation]; for he says in another place, "we are God's fellow-workers:" (1 Cor. iii. 9.) in this way, saith he, to save men. Again, "We entreat also." For he indeed, when beseeching, doth not barely beseech, but sets forth these His just claims; namely, that He gave His Son, the Righteous One that did not so much as know sin, and made Him to be sin for us sinners, that we might become righteous: which claims having, and being God, He displayed such goodness. But what we beseech is that ye would receive the benefit and not reject the gift. Be persuaded therefore by us, and "receive not the grace in vain." For lest they should think that this of itself is "reconciliation," believing on Him that calleth; he adds these words, requiting that earnestness which respects the life. For, for one who hath been freed from sins and made a friend to wallow in the former things, is to return again unto enmity, and to "receive the grace in vain," in respect of the life. For from "the grace" we reap no benefit towards salvation, if we live impurely; nay, we are even harmed, having this greater aggravation even of our sins, in that after such knowledge and such a gift we have gone back to our former vices. This however he does not mention as yet: that he may not make his work harsh, but says only that we reap no benefit. Then he also reminds of a prophecy, urging and compelling them to bestir themselves in order to lay hold of their own salvation.

"For," saith he, "He saith,

"At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee,

"And in a day of salvation did I succor thee:

"behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation."

  Homily

.org

Matthias [24 Feb]

Saint Matthias
[February 24]

O 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.

1 Sam ii. 27, Ps 15, Acts i. 15 and Matthew xi. 25
Homilies

Other Readings:
Eve Ps 33, 1 Sam 16:1-13, 1 John 2:15ff
Morning Ps 15,24; 1 Sam 2:27-35; Matt 7:15-27
Evening Ps 145, 1 Sam 12:1-5, Acts 20:17-35

and the lot fell upon Matthias;
and he was numbered with the eleven apostles

Matthias just, today his dignity we own
In that the Apostles' lot gave him the vacant throne;
Last chosen of the Twelve, hear him, O Lord of love,
That throned in light and bliss, we too may reign above.

Note: Matthias by tradition "preached the Gospel for more than 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. Remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sensual and irregular desires. Martyr. Died stoned to death at Colchis in 80 AD; some relics in the abatical church of Triers, others in Saint Mary Major in Rome"

---

---