The Third Sunday of Advent - 2012

The Third Sunday in Advent.

The Collect.

O LORD Jesu Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

[The Collect from the First Sunday in Advent is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas-Eve.]

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 35

Psalter: Morning-52, 53; Evening-93, 94

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 4.1-5

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 11.2-10

See my commentary on Isaiah 35 at my blog. Here is the link:

http://mphilliber.blogspot.com/2012/12/watching-with-isaiah-do-you-see-what-i_10.html

***Massey Hamilton Shepherd, Jr.: “The Collect. This was composed in 1662 and is based on several phrases in the Epistle and Gospel, and also on Luke i.17 (a passage concerned with John the Baptist). The Old Testament background of these passages may be found in the words of the prophet Malachi (iii.1, iv.5-6). This is one of the few Collects in the Prayer Book directly addressed to Christ. The Christian ministry is likened to that of John the Baptist in the sense that it is a heralding of the Second Advent of our Lord—to turn the hearts of the unrepentant and disobedient to the life of righteousness, so that when He comes they may be accepted into his kingdom” (“The Oxford American Prayer Book Commentary”, 1955, 94-5).

Shine Thou upon Us, Lord

John Ellerton, 1881

Shine Thou upon us, Lord, true Light of men, today,
And through the written Word Thy very self display,
That so from hearts which burn with gazing on Thy face
Thy little ones may learn the wonders of Thy grace.

Breathe Thou upon us, Lord, Thy Spirit’s living flame,
That so with one accord our lips may tell Thy Name.
Give Thou the hearing ear, fix Thou the wandering thought,
That those we teach may hear the great things Thou hast wrought.

Speak Thou for us, O Lord, in all we say of Thee;
According to Thy Word let all our teaching be,
That so Thy lambs may know their own true Shepherd’s voice,
Where’er He leads them go, and in His love rejoice.

Live Thou within us, Lord, Thy mind and will be ours;
Be Thou beloved, adored, and served with all our powers,
That so our lives may teach Thy children what Thou art,
And plead, by more than speech, for Thee with every heart.

-----

The Original 1549 Collect:

“LORD, we beseech thee, give ear to our prayers, and by thy gracious visitation lighten the darkness of our heart, by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Barbee and Zahl on the original Collect:

“The succinct Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent assumes that our human heart has become dark. The Collect presupposes that by the time we reach the point where we should wish to pray this prayer, we would have found, by the sheer passage of years and chronicle of love’s disappointment, that our open and bright self had seized up. A personality once sunny and receptive could discover itself in the arid place of wishing to shut out the joy and light of life, let alone the grace of God, entirely.

The prayer sees the answer to our darkness as the light shining in the face of Christ (II Corinthians 4:6). “By thy gracious visitation, lighten the darkness.” Are you able to see the darkness of life’s conflictedness as dispelled by the ancient yet still present accompaniment of God-with-us? This is the love which pierces the darkness, even when you and I have covered over our windows, the eyes of our heart, with hammered shutters, wooden boards, duct tape, and clear-for-all-to-read “no trespassing” signs” (7).

Primus Pilus II

Michael Philliber

Edmond, OK

The Second Sunday of Advent - 2012

The Second Sunday in Advent.

The Collect.

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

[The Collect from the First Sunday in Advent is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas-Eve.]

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55.1-13

Psalter: Morning-80, 82; Evening-25, 26

Epistle Reading: Romans 15.4-13

Gospel Reading: Luke 21.25-33

[“If you consider, for instance, the selection of Epistle and Gospel lessons for the Sundays in Advent, as they appear in the Book of Common Prayer, you will find that they are precisely those appointed in the Sarum Missal of the medieval Church of England, and are in fact the same as those prescribed in the Comes of St Jerome, which goes back to the Fifth Century. The only change has been Archbishop Cramner’s addition, in 1549, of a few verses to the beginning of the Epistle lesson and the end of the Gospel lesson for the first Sunday in Advent. Apart from the slight lengthening of those two lessons, the Advent lectionary remains unchanged since early Christian times.  What we have in that series is not a random selection of readings, but a coherent series of texts, in which Epistle and Gospel lessons interpret and supplement each other, and in which there is a continuous, logical development of teachings from one week to the next. Each set of texts builds upon the thought of the preceding set, and points ahead to the one that follows” (Dr. Robert Crouse, “The Themes of Advent”, http://pbsusa.org/the-christian-year/4-advent/256-the-themes-of-advent.html).]

Barbee and Zahl: 

“Today [in this Collect-MWP] the emphasis rests on a reference point, a text, which exists as a compass to orient our whole lives. ( . . . )For Cranmer, the touchstone or reference point of wisdom is “all holy Scriptures.” He prays that we would not only hear the Scriptures as words, but “inwardly digest” them as the Word by which we may be comforted (i.e., strengthened). Cranmer views the Bible as providing both the grounds for our patience and the fuel for our strengthening. Such patience and strengthening are able to take us by the instrumentality of hope right up to the threshold of natural life. After we cross that threshold, we shall receive the “everlasting life” promised in the last phrase. ( . . . )Cranmer invites us to love the Bible and learn it, not for its own sake, but for the sake of the cause for which it is written: our patience and our comfort” (5).

'

St. Athanasius: 

“This (treatise on “The Incarnation of the Word of God” – MWP) will give you a beginning, and you must go on to prove its truth by the study of the Scriptures. They were written and inspired by God; and we who have learned from inspired teachers who read the Scriptures and became martyrs for the Godhead of Christ, make further contribution to your eagerness to learn. From the Scriptures you will learn also of his Second manifestation to us, glorious and divine indeed, when He shall come not in lowliness but in His proper glory, no longer in humiliation but in majesty, no longer to suffer but to bestow on us all the fruit of His cross—the resurrection and incorruptibility” (95).

“…reading Scripture is about being mastered by Jesus Christ through a biblical text that functionally stands over us as the word of God, not under us as a word we can control, rearrange, and use for our own purposes” (J. Todd Billings, “The Word of God for the People of God,” 203).

"Of the Father's Love Begotten"
by Aurelius C. Prudentius, 413, cento
Translated by John. M. Neale, 1818-1866
and Henry W. Baker, 1821-1977

1. Of the Father's love begotten Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

2. Oh, that birth forever blessed When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bare the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

3. O ye heights of heaven, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

4. This is He whom Heaven-taught singers Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the Long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.

5. Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.

The First Sunday of Advent-2012

The First Sunday of Advent.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

[This Collect is to be repeated every day, with the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas-Eve.]

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 28.14-22

Psalter: Morning-8, 50; Evening-96, 97

Epistle Reading: Romans 13.8-14

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21.1-13

Barbee and Zahl: “The Collect for Advent I (and enjoined to be read each day of Advent in the 1662 revision) was composed by Archbishop Cranmer for the 1549 Prayer Book. Like other Reformation Collects, it is based on the Epistle (Romans 13:8-14) and Gospel (St. Matthew 21:1-13) which follow” (2)

“The Collect for the First Sunday of Advent ( . . . ) ties together not only the first coming and the final coming of God – the two advents of Christ – but it binds together our human present with the future, which is even now rushing towards us. ( . . . )

The point of this first prayer devised by Cranmer for the Christian year is that our present life is the incubator for our future and enduring life. And every moment of this life is accompanied by Him who visited the planet in great humility.

Do you see your life as a unity, a kind of oneness, even in the midst of rags and patches, its experienced many-ness? You are even today the person who was born with your name years ago and you are at the same time the person who will live forever in the Kingdom of God. Your life has inexhaustible  meaning” (3).

St. Athanasius: “There were thus two things which the Saviour did for us by becoming Man. He banished death from us and made us anew; and, invisible and imperceptible as in Himself He is, He became visible through His works and revealed Himself as the Word of the Father, the Ruler and King of the whole creation” (“The Incarnation of the Word” III.16).

Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless?

(by Bp. Wm How)

1. Who is this, so weak and helpless, Child of lowly Hebrew maid,
Rudely in a stable sheltered, Coldly in a manger laid?
’Tis the Lord of all creation, Who this wondrous path has trod;
He is Lord from everlasting, And to everlasting God.

2. Who is this, a Man of Sorrows, Walking sadly life’s hard way,
Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping Over sin and Satan’s sway?
’Tis our God, our glorious Savior, Who above the starry sky
Is for us a place preparing, Where no tear can dim the eye.

3. Who is this? Behold him shedding Drops of blood upon the ground!
Who is this, despised, rejected, Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound?
’Tis our God, Who gifts and graces On His church is pouring down;
Who shall smite in holy vengeance All His foes beneath His throne.

4. Who is this that hangs there dying While the rude world scoffs and scorns,
Numbered with the malefactors, Torn with nails, and crowned with thorns?
’Tis our God Who lives forever ’Mid the shining ones on high,
In the glorious golden city, Reigning everlastingly.

Primus Pilus II

Mike

Collects for the Order of Centurions: 2012-2013

This year I will be taking the weekly Collects from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. I will post the readings, along with any rubrics, under the Collect. And then I will be quoting some meditative thoughts from a work by C. Frederick Barbee and Paul F. M. Zahl, “The Collects of Thomas Cranmer”, Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1999 (ISBN: 0-8028-3845-6). On occasion I may also append some personal observations along with those of the earlier Church fathers. I look forward to this coming year and hope to be able to serve you well.

Primus Pilus II
Michael W. Philliber
Edmond, OK
'Joy is the serious business of Heaven.' C. S. Lewis

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity, MMXII

Almighty and everlasting God, thy mercy show to suppliant people, that we who put no trust in the character of our merits, experience not thy judgment, but indulgence, by the Lord... Latin Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, misericordiam tuam ostende supplicibus: ut qui de meritorum qualitate diffidimus, non judicium tuum, sed indulgentian sentiamus, per  per Dominum English-Lutheran Service Book Almighty God, we beseech thee, show thy mercy unto thy humble servants, that we who put no trust in our own merits may not be dealt with after the severity of thy judgement, but according to thy mercy. Through Introit: Have mercy upon me O Lord... Psalm: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust... Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant... Gradual: I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge ... Gospel: Matthew 24:15-28 While he spake these things unto them, ..  see it all here http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n117/mode/2up This is the last collect I shall address in this study, which is appointed for the Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity. This brings our study of weekly collects in the traditional Lutheran Service Book to an end.  We began on 1st Advent last year, and end on the Sunday next before Advent.   The collect today is not to be found in the Book of Common Prayer, but is drawn from the sacramentary directly.  After the address and attributes, the petition follows that God would show to suppliant people his mercy. Micah wrote, "He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"  God hears the prayers of a contrite and humble heart. Isaiah said, " thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." We recall that Jesus said the humble tax collector who prayed in the Temple next to the puffed-up Pharisee would go home justified. And then follows the result, that God would not exercise his righteous Justice against our sins, but rather grant his mercy for the sake of him who died for us. Hear what St John said, "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins." Ancient Homily of Chrysostom on the Epistle here http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230407.htm Finis (Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia)  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm The Ancient Collect: Its history and form http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html Fundator

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity, MMXII

Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful; that the divine fruit of their work they may more readily fulfill; and of thy goodness and remedies they may perceive greater things, through the Lord... Latin Excita, quaesumus, Domine, tuorum fidelium voluntates:  ut divini operis fructum propensius exsequentes, pietatis  tuae remedia majora percipiant, per Dominum [Galatian Sacrementary] Introit: O Come let us worship and bow down... Psalm: O come let us sing unto the Lord... Epistle: Colossians 1:9-14  For this cause we also... Gradual: I will say of the Lord he is my refuge... Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26  While he spake these things unto them...  see it all here http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n117/mode/2up Original English STIERE [Stir] up we beseche thee, O Lord, the wylles of thy faythfull people, that they, plenteously bringing furth the fruite of good workes; may of thee, be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christe our Lorde. Amen. In my tradition we hear this collect always on the last Sunday before Advent. We have called that Sunday "Stir Up Sunday".  Since most recipes called for Christmas Pudding to stand for several weeks, it became a practical command to stir up the pudding that day."Stir up, we beseech thee, The pudding in the pot, And when we get home, We'll eat it all hot!"    It is practically a request that God stir us up for the coming season too. The Advent is all about the 1st and 2nd coming of Christ, and the Sundays before the Advent help us to close out the old Church year and look forward to the new coming Church year beginning the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew on 30 November. In the Lutheran Tradition under our study this year, this collect is appointed for the 24th Sunday after Trinity with the lessons shown above and at the link.  One may compare today's collect with the Epistle to the Colossians as appointed.  Paul wrotes that he prayed that they may be "filled with the knowledge of his [God's] will".  That is to be stirred up by the Lord, and what is the result of this petition?  Paul wrote, "being fruitful in every good work."  It is not hard to imagine that the minister composing this collect, perhaps Galatia himself, had this passage in mind. Finally, we continue to the reward. Paul points directly to the redemption through the blood of Christ, and our collect calls for us to perceive this greatest good thing, the remedy for our souls.   Ancient Homily of Chrysostom on the Epistle here http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/230302.htm Finis (Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia)  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm The Ancient Collect: Its history and form http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html Fundator

Julius - Centurion of the Augustan Cohort

Julius - Centurion of the Augustan Cohort  http://www.parsagard.com/shipwreck.htm

The Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity MMXII

Absolve, we beseech thee O Lord, the sins of thy people: so that from the bonds of our sins committed in our frailty, we may be delivered by thy bountiful goodness, through ... Original English Translation LORD we beseche thee, assoyle [absolve] thy people from their offences, that through thy bountiful goodnes we maye bee delyvered from the handes of all those synnes, whiche by our frayltye we have committed : Graunt this, &c.  Introit: I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord... Psalm: Lord, thou hast been favorable unto thy land... Epistle:  Philippians 3:17-21  Brethren, be followers together of me... Gradual: Thou has saved us from our enemies... Gospel:  Matthew 22:15-22  Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel... see it all here http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n117/mode/2up This collect is said in course of the closing weeks of the Trinity season and repeated again on the Sunday before Advent in the Lutheran tradition. Here we will see it but once. The collect begins with the petition: Absolve...the sins of thy people  The word absolve literally means "to pronounce somebody blameless: to state publicly or officially that somebody is not guilty and not to be held responsible".  From scripture we have these verses that confirm absolution of sin. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Micah 7:19 He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and You wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.  Heberws 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.  Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. In my tradition the minister still uses this term when pronouncing forgiveness: Almighty God,...hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel. In the midst of the petition is embedded the attribute and address "Almighty God" Then comes the result: "so that from the bonds of our sins committed in our frailty, we may be delivered by thy bountiful goodness" We are indeed in bondage to sin. We are a sick people in our frailty.  There is only one cure, and that comes from the Great Physician who said he came to heal those who were sick...that is, those who are in bondage to sin. It is important to note that this is an ongoing need. That is because we are human and prone to sin, seven times seventy -- and more. But in our Lord's perfect grace, we may be assured that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1:9] You say your don't sin? You say you are not sick? Then the Gospel of Jesus Christ has nothing to offer you in the way of Salvation.  He comes to those of a humble and contrite spirit who acknowledge their sins before Almighty God. He said,  They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. [Luke 5:31-32] Homily-Chrysosom on Matthew http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity23.html Finis (Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day,  by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia)  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm The Ancient Collect: Its history and form http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html Fundator

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity MMXII

God, our refuge and our strength, give ear to the pious prayers of thy Church, Author of all Godliness, and grant that what we ask for in faithfulness, we may obtain effectually, by the Lord. Latin Dues, refugium nostrum et virtus: adesto piis Ecclesiae tuae precibus, auctor ipse pietatis, et praesta ut quod fidelitar petimus, efficaciter consequamur, per Dominum. [Gelasian Sacrementary] Original English Translation GOD, our refuge and strength, which art the author of all godlines, be ready to heare the devoute prayers of thy churche; and graunt that those thynges which we aske faithfully we maye obteine effectually; through Jesu Christe our lorde. Amen.[1549 BCP] Introit: If thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities... Ps: Our of the depths have I cried... Epistle:  Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... Gradual: Behold how good and pleasant it is... Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king... see it all here http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n115/mode/2up Lord willing we will continue this study of the ancient collects that are retained in the traditional liturgical worship of the west and complete it on the Sunday before Advent. One church year since we began. What a lovely little prayer we have to consider this week.   I read the lessons for today and the Epistle of Paul seemed to compliment the collect very well.  Let us look at it in some detail: Salutation: Simply "God" with no descriptive adjectives Attribute:  "Author of all Goodness, Our refuge and our strength." In the prayer these two are reversed,  but in my mind these attributes are best discussed as shown above. * Author of all Godliness. I am reminded of James' epistle where he speaks of every good and perfect gift from God.  I remember too the Gospel where Jesus asked if a father would give his children a serpent, and how much more would God the Father give good gifts to his beloved children.  We have a collect in my tradition that I say nearly every morning in season that echos this scripture:  Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift; Send down upon our Bishops, and other Clergy, and upon the Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen May it ever be so for the Order! * "Our refuge and our strength"  Two more excellent qualities enumerated here from the opening of Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. They were made to go with each other. Petition -- "give ear to the pious prayers of thy Church." Again my thoughts return to the Gospel of Luke. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"  That is his promise, and our comfort and assurance of his goodness. Result -- "and grant that what we ask for in faithfulness, we may obtain effectually,"  I now turn to today's Epistle. Paul wrote to the Philippians with love, and told them how confident he was in their eternal salvation. He begins by addressing them as saints. That is good to remember on All Saints Sunday, that all that are in Christ are his saints.  He wrote,  "to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi."  Then Paul delivers the bottom line up front (BLUF) as we say, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."   He will indeed brothers. You may count on his word and pledge, "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Termination "Through the Lord"... Affirmation " Amen" Homily- http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity22_chrysostom_philipians_1-1.html Finis (Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia)  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm The Ancient Collect: Its history and form http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html Fundator

Twenty First Sunday after Trinity MXII

Thy Family, we beseech thee, O Lord, continually keep in godliness, free from all adversities by thy protection, and devoutly given to good works in thy name; through the Lord...

Latin

Familiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, continua pietate custodi: ut a cuncti adversitatibus te protegente sit libera, et in bonis activus tui nominis sit devota, per Dominum

[Galacian Sacramentary]

 

Introit  ...The whole world is thy power, O Lord, King Almighty...

Ps.  ...Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord

Epistle ... Ephesians 6:10-17  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, an din the power of his might...

Gradual  ...Lord thou hast been our dwelling-place

Gospel John 4: 46-54 And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum...

See it all here

http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n115/mode/2up

First English translation:

LORDE we beseche thee to kepe thy housholde the churche in continuall godlines; that throughe thy proteccion it maye be free from al adversities, and devoutly geven to serve thee in good workes, to the glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lorde. Amen.

[1549 BCP]

The Latin version used the word familia, which points to the traditional Roman family that was the basic and most important element of society. It included all in the household, including slaves, and was headed by the pater familias who was responsible for the welfare of all. This concept of the household is the basis of the Gospel story today.

This web page has a small article on the Roman Family which will  give the reader a better understanding of the use of the term in the prayer as relating to God's family.  

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/familyanddailylife/p/RomanFamily.htm

Today many believe the family is under considerable pressure from many sources that tend to weaken it.  Concerned citizens have responded with support as Focus on the Family.  It has take on a political and social meaning as well with Family Values

 

Homily--http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity21.html

Finis

(Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia) http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm
 
The Ancient Collect: Its history and form
http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html

--
Released by Fundator, Ordo Centurionum
Legio Christi-Ecclesia Militans
"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]

* ORDO CENTURIONUM * IN HOC SIGNO VINCES * TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity MMXII

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to thy faithful people indulgence and peace, that we may be cleansed of all offenses and secure with a quiet mind serve thee, O Lord ...

[Strodach modified]

Latin

Largire, quaesumus, Domine, fidelibus tuis indulgentiam placatus et pacem: ut pariter ad omnibus mundetur offensis et secura tibi mente deserviant , per Domine

[Galacian Sacramentary]

 

Introit  ...The whole world is thy power, O Lord, King Almighty...

Ps.  ...Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord

Epistle ... Ephesians 6:10-17  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, an din the power of his might...

Gradual  ...Lord thou hast been our dwelling-place

Gospel John 4: 46-54 And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum...

See it all here

http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n115/mode/2up

First English translation:

GRAUNT we beseche thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithfull people pardon and peace, that they maye bee clensed from all. their synnes, and serve thee with a quiet mynde. Through Jesus Christ our Lorde.

[1549 BCP]

This is a prayer for cleansing.  "Though thy sins be as scarlet , they shall be white as snow...", " I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions...remember them no more"

Christ's own may take great confidence in his promises.  They may be secure in their minds and souls.  They may find that perfect freedom to serve him.   Their will has become bound to him; and they serve him in all holiness.  This is the Gospel--the Good News in Christ Jesus.

I am reminded of another collect with a similar theme of service and peace in our hearts. It is one I normally say every evening: 

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

[1662 BCP Evening Prayer]

Latin: 

DEUS, a quo sancta desideria, recta consilia, et justa sunt opera; Da servis tuis illam quam mundus dare non potest pacem; ut et corda nostra mandatis tuis dedita, et hostium sublata formidine tempora sint tua protectione tranquilla. Per merita Jesu Christi Salvatoris nostri. Amen.

 

 

Homily--http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity20.html

Finis

(Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia) http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm
 
The Ancient Collect: Its history and form
http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html

--
Released by Primus Pilus
Legio Christi-Ecclesia Militans
"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]

* ORDO CENTURIONUM * IN HOC SIGNO VINCES * TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep away from us all adversity, so that relieved equally in mind and body, we, with minds at peace, may press after those things which are thine: through ...

[Strodach]

Latin

Omnipotens et misericors Deus, universa nobis adversantia propitiatus exclude: ut mente et corpore partier expediti, quae sunt liberis mentibus exequamur, per ...

[Galacian Sacramentary]

Orig English 1549

GRAUNT we beseche thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithfull people pardon and peace, that they maye bee clensed from all their synnes, and serve thee with a quiet mynde. Through Jesus Christ our Lorde.

 

Introit  Say into my soul, I am thy salvation...

Ps.  Give ear, O my people, to my law...

Epistle 4:22-28  That ye put off concerning for former conversation of the old man...

Gradual  Let my prayer be set forth before the as incense...

Gospel Matt 9:1-8  And he entered into a ship, and passed over...

 

See it all here

http://www.archive.org/stream/commonserviceb00unknuoft#page/n113/mode/2up

The Epistle reading this day complements the collect.  When the "old man" is beset with the things of this world, "the former conversation" as the KJV translates it, he is indeed in bondage. He cannot fully receive what God has offered.  He is often troubled. He seeks happiness, but true happiness aludes him.  He becomes a slave to the things of this world and sometimes the very work of the devil.  Who can set him free?

 

God understood this plight of man, and he sent his only Son, Jesus the Christ,  into the world to give the way to the very freedom that it would take to reconcile the elect.  First came the message of John Baptist who prepared the way to usher in the Savior.  "Repent," he cried in the city and in the wilderness.  Repent and turn to God. 

 

Before one may repent, one must recognize the state of his perverted soul and actions, and how far gone it is from that which God originally created in the Garden.  Some never get to this point.  The deny sin outright. They deny any need for salvation.  The seek their salvation not in Jesus but in the things they do. They are lost. 

 

Then there are the elect who God has called. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"  They hear the Good News. They become convicted of their sin. They turn to God, and God protects his own. He keeps them from adversity and gives them peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

 

 This week I read in one of the daily lessons the Gospel story of Peter walking on the water.  You may remember that he walked to meet our Lord, but the wind shook his confidence. He began to sink. The deep and the wind were his adversaries.  Did God abandon him?  Did he tell him as he was drowning that it was his fault because he did not have enough faith?  Will God abandon you who are adopted as his own?  God forbid!  He will not abandon you but will protect you from adversity and will be there to rescue you when you faulter.  If we do not have this assurance, then certainly we are all doomed, for none is perfect and none can assure his own salvation. 

 

With the real presence of Jesus in our lives through the power of the Holy Ghost we may rest assured that as Christ's own we are indeed to be "releived equally in mind and body".  It may not come all at once, but it should grow as a mark of a mature Christian.  I admire the stories of those who have passed with such peace.  One that comes to mind is General Thomas J. Jackson, who said he lived his life so he was always ready to go when called. He had peace of mind. He had put off the old man for the new. He endeavored in every instant, day by day, to live for God, Country, Family. With his mind at peace, he "pressed after those things which are Gods"....

 

 

 I do not concern myself about that [death], but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. ... and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit so long as your ... Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.

 

Homily--http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity19_chrysostom_ephesians_4-17.html

Finis

(Portions were paraphrased and passages cited from The Collect of the Day, by Paul Zeller Strodach, 1939, The United Lutheran Press, Philadelphia)  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/r/strodach_pz.htm
 
The Ancient Collect: Its history and form
http://orderofcenturions.org/collect-form.html



--
Released by Primus Pilus
Legio Christi-Ecclesia Militans
"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]

* ORDO CENTURIONUM * IN HOC SIGNO VINCES * TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

Direct our hearts, O Lord, we beseech thee, by the operation of thy mercy, for without thee we are not able to please thee; through... 

Source: Sacramentary of Bishop Gelasius of Rome [494]. 

Latin

Dirigat corda nostra quaesumus Domine tuae miserationis operatio, quia tibi sine te placere non possumus. Per

Original English 

O GOD, for asmuche as without thee, we are not able to please thee; Graunte that the workyng of thy mercie maye in all thynges directe and rule our heartes; Through Jesus Christ our Lorde.

Cranmer, in 1549, reversed the order of mercy and our inability. 

One is reminded again of our Lord's promise send the Comforter to direct us, and of Isaiah 64:6 "we are all as an unclean thing... our righteousness is as a filthy rag...."

We, of and by ourselves, are not worthy to stand before God - not even to see him, until we are perfected by his grace. For he is "of purer eyes to behold iniquity" [Hab 1:13]

This prayer may have been a rebuke of the Pelagian heresy -- that is the doctrine that every man is good and does not need Christ; but rather just to do good. When our Lord was referred to as good, what did he say?  

"Why call me good? none is good, except one, that is, God."

Of course he was good. The question to the lawyer was rhetorical. He was good because he and the Father are one. In the same way, when we are adopted by the Father and are marked as Christ's own, then we are born again with a new spirit and are made one with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is only through God finishing the good work he has begun in us that we are perfected and pleasing to God--for he shall brook nothing less. 

Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was "confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"

May Almighty God "make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

(Hebrews 13:21)

Mobilis