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 Thursday

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"

.org

Wednesday before Easter

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   St. Luke xxii. 1.
Homilies

I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer

---

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 l: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

---

--
"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

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

 

--
"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

Palm Sunday

Hosanna, Hosanna filio David.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Hosanna, Hosanna in excelsis.

Amen.

 

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

 

Palm Sunday

Augustine on Psalm CXVII
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 othe day, until Good Friday

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

Zechariah ix. 9, Psalm 97, 110 | 22, 23 , Philippians ii. 5.     St. Matthew xxvii. 1.
Homilies

when he was accused of the chief priests and elders,
he answered nothing

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BULLETIN

 

 

 

calendar

 

 

HOLY DAYS OF THE WEEK BEFORE EASTER

 

Monday Before
Tuesday Before

Wednesday Before

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Even

 

Scripture quotation

 

Josiah..put down the idolatrous priests..brake down the houses of the sodomites..brake in pieces the images and cut down the groves…slew the priests of the high places…and commanded all the people… Keep the Passover.. surely there was not holden such a Passover from the days of he judges…

 

[ 2 Kings 23 ]

 bidding prayer

 

For centurions in harms way. For a just peace in our day. For a holy and reverent week of devotion and preparation for all centurions and their families.

 

commentary

 

We are entering the last week of Passiontide.  It is the most solemn week of the Christian year as one notes in the calendar above. Every day in the West's old calendar is a Holy day. I hope to forward the collects and lessons to the listserve day-by-day. It is a time for final preparation before the feast of the Resurrection. We are reminded in the quotation above of how the good King Josiah cleansed Judah and the Temple of the evil that pervaded it before the greatest Passover of the Old Testament. We remember how Jesus cleansed the Temple in his last days before the greatest Passover the world knew or will ever know. We are called upon to cleanse our houses also, for "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" [1Cor3:17]

 

In that regard, we recall that our Lord said that those who did what he said were of his flock, and those who did not were no part of his [Matthew 7:13ff, John 14:23, etc.]. Peter made this same observation in Acts concerning Cornelius and his family.  Augustine cites this story below as he looks at verse 8 of our appointed and featured psalm for this week: Psalm 97.

 

11. "Sion heard of it, and rejoiced" (ver. 8). What did Sion hear? That all His Angels worship Him....For the Church was not as yet among the Gentiles; in Judaea the Jews had some of them believed, and the very Jews who believed thought that they only belonged to Christ: the Apostles were sent to the Gentiles, Cornelius was preached to; Cornelius believed, was baptized, and they who were with Cornelius were also baptized. But ye know what happened, that they might be baptized: the reader indeed hath not reached this point, but, nevertheless, some recollect; and let those who do not recollect, hear briefly from me. The Angel was sent to Cornelius: the Angel sent Cornelius to Peter; Peter came to Cornelius. And because Cornelius and his household were Gentiles, and uncircumcised: lest they might hesitate to give the Gospel to the uncircumcised: before Cornelius and his household were baptized, the Holy Spirit came, and filled them, and they began to speak with tongues. Now the Holy Spirit had not fallen upon any one who had not been baptized: but upon these It fell before baptism. For Peter might hesitate whether he might baptize the uncircumcised: the Holy Spirit came, they began to speak with tongues; the invisible gift was given, and took away all doubt about the visible Sacrament; they were all baptized....What did Sion hear, and rejoice at? That the Gentiles also had received the word of God. One wall had come, but the corner existed not as yet. The name Sion is here peculiarly given to the Church which was in Judaea. "Sion heard of it, and rejoiced: and the daughters of Judah were glad." Thus it is written, "The apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard." See if the daughters of Judaea rejoiced not. What did they hear? "That the Gentiles had also received the word of God."...Therefore, "The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Thy judgments, O Lord." What is, because of Thy judgments? Because in any nation, and in any people, he that serveth Him is accepted of Him: for He is not the God of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles.

 

Note Augustine's conclusion and apex of this paragraph (emboldened). It echoes Peter's statement – and the model for the Motto of the Order. Let us serve the Lord.

 

Α☧Ω
Order of Centurions

 

 

Longinus, Centurion, [15 March]

Longinus, Centurion,
[March 15 - 1st Century]

Almighty God, our sovereign Lord, who didst inspire the Centurion at Calvary to glorify thy Son; strengthen us in our faith that we might follow his example to glorify thee as faithful members of the Church Militant, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Truly this man was the Son of God

By tradition, the soldier who pierced the side of Jesus on Calvary was a centurion. He is called "Longinus" in the Gospel of Nicodemus / Atcts of Pilate ( probably derived from the Greek 'longche', meaning "lance".)

He is one of the three Centurions of the New Testament we salute, and he confessed Jesus as the Son of God - a Righteous Man. Tradition says later he was a deacon of the church, preached the Gospel, and was martyred.

John 19:32 The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him: but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water. And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe. For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God....And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

Luke 23:47 And when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man

The Centurion is sometimes known as Gaius Cassius Longinus. There was such a person, a Roman General, who plotted against Julius Caesar who was assassinated on the Ides of March - the Feast Day of the Centurion of Calvary

Medeival Golden Legend of Longinus | Holy Lance Commentary | The Word of a Warrior | St Longinus

_________

Order of Centurions

Passion Sunday

 

Judge me, O God

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

 

Passion Sunday
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Passiontide

Homily of Augustine on Psalm XLII

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 familia in Latin.  

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.

Isaiah i. 10, Psalm 42, 43 | 119:145–176 , Hebrews ix. 11, St. John viii. 46.
Homily of Augustine on Psalm XLII

Which of you convinceth me of sin?

---

BULLETIN

 

 

quotation

 

This was the water for which the soul of David thirsted. The hart desires the fountain of these waters, not thirsting for the poison of serpents. For the water of the grace of the Spirit is living, that it may purify the inner parts of the mind, and wash away every sin of the soul, and purify the transgression of hidden faults.

 

[Ambrose, referring to Living Waters and Psalm XLII, in Ch XV, Book 1, to the Emperor Gratian]

news

Vatican rules out 'feminist' baptism formula . Another heresy suppressed.

"Was Jesus in a Sexual Relationship with the Beloved Disciple?"  by Robert Gagnon professor of NT at Pittsburg Theological Seminary. A good and short apology against this recent attack against the Church.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Praying in the name of Jesus in Tulsa.   The Tulsa City Council has lifted its ban on "sectarian" prayers;  [Jn 15:16]

Early Christian Writers – Links to works chronologically arranged. Very good resource for the student of the Early Church.

commentary

 

Passiontide is the short season that marks the last two weeks of the Lenten Fast.  It begins on Passion Sunday.

 

This Sunday is also know as Judica Sunday (Judge me, O God) for the intoit from Psalm 43 that is traditionally said on this Sunday and was not appointed to be said again on any day until after Easter. The Sarum Rite of the middle ages signified the season with crimson-colored vestments.

 

This week we examine Psalm 42. The quotation of Ambrose addresses it, as does Augustine's homily. His comment, on verse 6, is especially appropriate  in this season of Lent.

 

 "My soul is disquieted on account of myself"

 

 Is it disquieted on account of God? It is on my own account it is disquieted. By the Unchangeable it was revived; it is by the changeable it is disquieted. I know that the righteousness of God remaineth; whether my own will remain stedfast, I know not. For I am alarmed by the Apostle's saying, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." [1 Cor. x. 12] Therefore since "there is no soundness in me for myself," there is no hope either for me of myself. "My soul is disquieted on account of myself."..."Therefore I remember Thee, O Lord, from the land of Jordan, and from the little hill of Hermon." From whence did I remember thee? From the "little hill," and from the "land of Jordan." Perhaps from Baptism, where the remission of sins is given. For no one runs to the remission of sins, except he who is dissatisfied with himself; no one runs to the remission of sins, but he who confesses himself a sinner; no one confesses himself a sinner, except by humbling himself before God. Therefore it is from "the land of Jordan I have remembered thee, and from the hill;" observe, not "of the great hill," that thou mayest make of the "little hill" a great one: for "whoso exalteth himself shall be abased, and whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted." If you would also ask the meanings of the names, Jordan means "their descent." Descend then, that thou mayest be "lifted up:" be not lifted up, lest thou be cast down. "And the little hill of Hermon." Hermon means "anathematizing." Anathematize thyself, by being displeased with thyself; for if thou art pleased with thyself, God will be displeased with thee. Because then God gives us all good things, because He Himself is good, not because we are worthy of it; because He is merciful, not because we have in anything deserved it; it is from "the land of Jordan, and from Hermon," that I remember thee. And because he so remembers with humility, he shall earn his exaltation to fruition, for he is not "exalted" in himself, who "glories in the Lord."

 

 

Α☧Ω
Order of Centurions

Fourth Sunday in Lent

 

Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow:

that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Psalm)

I  rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord.

 

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

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Mothering Sunday / Laetera (Rejoice) Sunday

Homily of Augustine on Psalm CXLII

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.

Source: Sacramentary of Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD]. This Sunday was sometimes known as "Refreshment Sunday" for "be releived" from the Latin resperimus and the Gospel where Jesus relieved the multitude of their hunger. Sometimes known as "Mothering Sunday" as Paul says in the Gospel, "the Jerusalem above is the mother of us all"

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.

Ezekiel xxxix. 21,   Psalm 142, 143 | 119:105–144   Galatians iv. 21. St. John vi. 1.
Homily of Augustine on Psalm CXLII

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes:
but what are they among so many?

---

 

 

 

BULLETIN

 

 

quotation

 

[Lent] is a season during which the Church demands more than ordinary devotion from her children. Her services are increased--are of a more solemn character-- are such as are best adapted to lead our thoughts away from the things of this world, to contemplate the mysteries of Redemption. Every day she would have her children prostrate themselves in God's house, and pray that He would "create and make within them new and contrite hearts." The services of the Church keep two facts prominently before our minds: our sinfulness, Christ's holiness; our need, Christ's sufficiency.

 

[Chaplain Charles Todd Quintard, 1861, Later Bishop of Tennessee ]

 

calendar

Emeterius and Chelidonius, Legionaries of Calahorra, Spain - March 3rd

Adrian - Roman Officer & Martyr March 4th [304]

news

Seal of Jezebel – The most recent edition of the Biblical Archeological Review is online, and there is a very interesting article concerning a seal dated to the ninth century BC with the name "Jezebel."  The entire issue of BAR is online this month.

Earlier this week I bid your thanksgiving prayers for the life of William F. Buckley.  I've put together a little web page to mark the departure of this brother in arms, and have placed a link to it in the Order's historical section. 

commentary

 

In today's quotation a centurion of 19^th Century reminds his readers in a Lenten Tract that their primary devotion in Lent is not abstinence, but rather contrition, and reform [see Isaiah 58], but yet, fasting and abstinence are not to be neglected.

 

In the old tradition the 4^th Sunday in Lent is known as  Laetare Sunday for the traditional introit, and Mothering Sunday for the epistle in today's readings [Galatians 4:22-31.] and in England it is "Mothers Day".  Laetare Sunday and the golden the procession of the Bishop of Rome with the Golden Rose was credited as being an "ancient custom" by Leo IX in 1054. You might even find pink vestments in church this Sunday

 

The homily of Augustine today looks at Psalm 142. In reading over this psalm in the Coverdale translation, I thought of feelings of despondency, desperation, and forlornness. I thought of despair and as though there was  no place to turn. Nowhere -- except to the One who has revealed himself to each of his elect through the gift of his Holy Spirit. We cry to him in prayers of intercession and supplication. Scripture tells us that we do not pray alone, for our guardian angel stands before God making supplication, and the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf with groans that we cannot know.

 

Augustine puts it this way:

 

With my voice have I cried unto the Lord" (ver. 1). It were enough to say, "with voice:" not for nothing perhaps has "my" been added. For many cry unto the Lord, not with their own voice, but with the voice of their body. Let the "inner man" then, in whom "Christ" hath begun to "dwell by faith," cry unto the Lord, not with the din of his lips, but with the affection of his heart. God heareth not, where man heareth: unless thou criest with the voice of lungs and side and tongue, man heareth thee not: thy thought is thy cry to the Lord. "With my voice have I prayed unto the Lord." What he meant by, "I have cried," he explained when he said, "I have prayed." For they too who blaspheme, cry unto the Lord. In the former part he set down his crying, in the latter he explained what it was. As though it were demanded, With what cry hast thou cried unto the Lord? Unto the Lord, saith he, I have prayed. My cry is my prayer, not reviling, not murmuring, not blaspheming.  

 

A great homily, read it all at the link above.

Α☧Ω
Order of Centurions

--
"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

--
"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

William F. Buckley, Jr. [27 February]

William F. Buckley, Jr.
Lieutenant, US Army, WWII, Journalist & Apologist
[27 February 2008]

Almighty God, we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in William F. Buckley, Jr. and all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace and the lights of the world in their several generations. May we have grace to direct our lives after their good examples, that this life ended, we may be made partakers with them of the glorious resurrection, and the life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

This I believe: that it is intellectually easier to credit a divine intelligence
than to submit dumbly to felicitous congeries about nature.

---

William F Buckley was commissioned a Lieutenant in 1943 but did not see combat. He was part of the honor guard for President Roosevelt near the end of the war. After the war, he graduated from Yale University where he found a state of apostasy in a school formed on the basis of Christian belief, and wrote his first book, God & Man at Yale

After a brief stint with the Central Intelligence Agency he turned to journalism. A few years later he founded the National Review as a conservative journal. He hosted the television show "Firing Line" from 1966 to 1999.

Buckley was a light in his generation and a prophetic voice against the threat of atheistic communism. His influence through his activities and by providing a forum for conservative thought had a significant impact on many who are credited with the fall of Communism. He was recognized for his contributions with America's highest award for a civilian, the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Let us hear his own voice now.

"I will not cede more power to the state. I will not willingly cede more power to anyone... I will hoard my power like a miser, resisting every effort to drain it away from me. I will then use my power, as I see fit. I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth."
[ William F. Buckley Jr., in Up From Liberalism]

The quotation above embodies that which we hold sacred: to Fear God and do what is right. May William rest in peace, and may his example encourage Christians to stand firm in defense of the faith, truth, and right.

---

I highly encourage the reader to listen to Buckley and read his apology for belief in God in: How is it possible to believe in God?
an interview on NPR in 2005 This I Believe


and from a Christian leader and friend on Buckley:

"What a loss this is. Conservatives owe a tremendous debt to this brilliant man, full of grace and possessing a great sense of humor in addition to his keen insight. He was a true patriot and an American hero. His faith was foremost in his life and it showed. May God's light perpetually shine upon him. Grace and peace in Christ to his family and friends.

[Bettylee Payne of Kentucky on Stand Firm Blog, 2008]

Saint Matthias [24 February] Transferred

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.

The Third Sunday in Lent

The Third Sunday in Lent

Homily of Augustine on Psalm LVI

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.

Source: Saramentary of Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD] In the Gospel today Jesus heals a man possesed, stretching forth his had

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]

Deut vi.,   Psalm 56, 86 | 119:73–104 ,   Ephesians v. 1. St. Luke xi. 14.

Homily of Augustine on Psalm LVI

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

BULLETIN

 

quotation

 

"If a man loves righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude, which are such things as man can have nothing more profitable in their life."

 [Wisdom of Solomon 8, 7]

 

news

Web sites for consideration:

Biblical Hermeneutics.  Many web resources are listed, and some journals looked interesting. The webmaster's Short Guide to Biblical Interpretation is good and short reading.

CrossMarks - For our preachers, an interesting exegetical site with notes on readings for the Revised Common Lectionary, or listed by book, chapter, and verses

Biblical Words Pronunciation Guide - For our readers/lectors

commentary

 

Psalm 56 is  appointed for this Sunday. It is certainly one that a centurion can embrace to guide them.  I think now of our fellow centurions who are in harms way, and this portion of David's psalm:

 

Be merciful unto me, O God, for man goeth about to devour

me; he is daily fighting, and troubling me. Mine enemies

are daily at hand to swallow me up; for they be many

that fight against me, O thou Most Highest. Nevertheless,

though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in thee

 

I have often heard men speak of the natural fear they encounter when in danger, and their ability to continue their mission with a quiet spirit in spite of that very natural fear – we call that courage, and those who muster that strength, "the brave".  Fortitude is one of the four cardinal virtues listed in today's quotation from Wisdom.  For a Christian, the trust that his eternal destiny rests in God's providence is an aid in time of danger and threat, and well equips him to carry on with that which is before him in the face of adversity.

 

"My religious belief teaches me that I am as safe in battle as in bed.  God has fixed the time of my death.  I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me.  That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave"

[Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson]

 

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Order of Centurions

George Washington, General, Churchman [Washington's Birthday Observance]

Centurions, Greetings

 

Today in the United States, our American brothers celebrate the birth of a great Christian centurion of the 18th Century, George Washington. We have added him to our calendar on the day he joined our Lord, Dec 14th, and also recognize him on this holiday with our American centurions.

 

General George Washington

Soldier and Churchman
[B. February 22nd , D. December 17th]

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

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Psalm 44:1-8

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Romans 4: 1-3

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

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Colonel Washington was a regular churchman and member of Truo Church (Church of England) in Virginia, where he served as Warden in 1767; he regularly took communion there. General Washington, as commander of the Colonial Army in the War of Independence, respected all faiths, and worshipped with several denominations. This ecumenical charity continued in his role as the first President of the Republic and its first Commander in Chief.

His quotations below speak most clearly of his beliefs.

"May that being, who is powerful to save, and in whose hands is the fate of nations, look down with an eye of tender pity and compassion upon the whole of the United Colonies; may He continue to smile upon their counsels and arms, and crown them with success, whilst employed in the cause of virtue and mankind.

"
[1776 Address to the Massachusetts Legislature]

"….should providence be pleased to crown our Arms in the course of the Campaign, with one more fortunate stroke, I think we shall have no great cause for anxiety respecting the future designs of Britain. I trust all will be well in his good time."

[Letter to Israel Putnam, October 19, 1777]

"…the General hopes and trusts, that, every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Right and Liberties of his country."

[July 9, 1776, General Orders of the Day]

"If we make Freedom our choice, we now determine to be enslaved or free. If we make Freedom our choice, we must obtain it, by the Blessing of Heaven on our United and Vigorous Efforts."

[To his officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Associators, August 8, 1776.]

"...it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."

[Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789]"George Washington and Religion

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS

 Note: The Order salutes all the members whose ancestors fought under General Washington on this holiday. For example, Centurion Zetta of Kentucky had two ancestors who were long-time friends with Washington from the time when he was a youth surveying the Western lands, and they served under him in the French and Indian War and the War of Independence: Valentine Crawford (her 4th great grandfather) who died in an accident during the war, and his brother William who was burned by Indians at the stake during the war. Here is the Washington-Crawford Letters Collection  that gives a good glimpse of Washington the commander.

 

The Second Sunday in Lent

 

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

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

 

The Second Sunday in Lent 

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.

Source: Sacrementary of Gregory - Bishop of Rome. [600 AD] The petition is not only for assualts from without, but also from within.

 

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.

1 Kings viii. 37 Psalm 6, 38 | 119:33–72   1 Thessalonians iv. 1. & St. Matthew xv. 21

Homily of Augustine on Psalm VI

And her daughter was made whole from that very hour

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 commentary 

We who preach and write books, we write in a manner altogether different from the manner in which the canon of the Scriptures has been written. We write while we make progress. We learn something new every day. We dictate at the same time as we explore. We speak as we still knock for understanding . . . I urge your Charity, on my behalf and in my own case, that you should not take any previous book or preaching of mine as Holy Scripture . . . If anyone criticizes me when I have said what is right, he does me an injustice. But I would be more angry with the one who praises me and takes what I have written for Gospel truth (canonicum) than I would be with the one who criticizes me unfairly.

 

[Augustine]

 

The quotation from Augustine is as true today as it was in 400 AD. I echo the words of Augustine to the Order:  "I urge your Charity, on my behalf and in my own case." I call on our brothers who are scholars to help us to keep within the bounds of Scripture, and early orthodoxy and catholic faith (approximately the first five centuries).

 

This is the Second Sunday of Lent and our featured scripture in Psalm VI. It is one of the Seven Penitential Psalms. In the rubric for this Psalm in the version from which Augustine read in his homily today, it was written "in the hymns of the eighth"  In our Chapel, we cite eight hymns, and so this might relate to that set of eight.

 

I've added a rendering of  Psalm VI  based on Coverdale's Translation into English  out of the Latin Vulgate (primarily). The Vulgate would have been a source for Augustine as he was a contemporary in the West with Jerome. He also had available the Septuagint Greek to which he refers in his homily today.

 

Augustine interprets the opening verses of this psalm with an Early Church understanding of the scriptures concerning the Lord's healing of the saints before their glorification:

 

"Reprove me not, O Lord, in Thine anger. Nor in Thy rage chasten me."

 

But they are amended, that is, purged, who "upon this foundation build wood, hay, stubble. For they shall suffer loss, but shall be saved, as by fire." [1 Cor. iii. 11, 12, 13, 15] What then does he pray, who would not be either reproved or amended in the anger of the Lord? what else but that he may be healed? For where sound health is, neither death is to be dreaded, nor the physician's hand with caustics or the knife.

 

We as humans will  add stubble to the Church's strong foundation. That is a just fact we cannot escape. Yet, the stubble will not prevail; not even the gates of Hell can prevail. Through recognition of our fallen human nature and our acts of commission and omission, confession, contrition, and amendment of life, we may look with assurance for our Father's healing hand rather than his wrath.

 

"Make me whole," he says, "for Thy pity's sake." He knows that it is not of his own merits that he is healed: for to him sinning, and transgressing a given command, was just condemnation due. Heal me therefore, he says, not for my merit's sake, but for Thy pity's sake.

 

Specifically, for our Saviour's sake, whose one meritorious sacrifice is sufficient for our sins, and not ours alone, but also for the sins of the whole world [1 John ii.2]

 

 Augustine continues through his homily to develop the theme of the redemption of the saints in the Last Day, as opposed to the utter loss and destruction of unrepentant sinners.  I highly commend his homily on Psalm VI in this season of Lent.

 

 

Α☧Ω
Order of Centurions

 

 

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"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

--
"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

Ember 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

Bio on Polycarp

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me