Fourth Sunday in Lent - 2015

The Fourth Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 46

Deus noster refugium

GOD is our hope and strength : a very present help in trouble.

2. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved : and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;

3. Though the waters thereof rage and swell : and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.

4. The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God : the holy place of the tabernacle of the most Highest.

5. God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed : God shall help her, and that right early.

6. The heathen make much ado, and the kingdoms are moved : but God hath shewed his voice, and the earth shall melt away.

7. The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob is our refuge.

8. O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord : what destruction he hath brought upon the earth.

9. He maketh wars to cease in all the world : he breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder, and burneth the chariots in the fire.

10. Be still then, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.

11. The Lord of hosts is with us : the God of Jacob is our refuge.

The Collect.

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 39.21-29

Psalter: Psalm 142, 143 | 119.105-144

Epistle Reading: Galatians 4.21-31

Gospel Reading: St. John 6.1-14

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent4.html#homily

Third Sunday in Lent - 2015

The Third Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 43

Judica me, Deus

GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people : O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.

2. For thou art the God of my strength, why hast thou put me from thee : and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?

3. O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me : and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling.

4. And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness : and upon the harp I will give thanks unto thee, O God, my God.

5. Why art thou so heavy, O my soul : and why art thou so disquieted within me?

6. O put thy trust in God : for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.

The Collect.

WE beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 6

Psalter: Psalm 56, 58 | 119.73-104

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 5.1-14

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 11.14-28

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent3.html#homily

Second Sunday in Lent - 2015

The Second Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 130

De profundis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 8.37-43

Psalter: Psalm 6, 38 | 119.33-72

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 15.21-28

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent2.html#homily

The First Sunday of Lent - 2015

The First Sunday in Lent.

Psalm 32

eati, quorum

BLESSED is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven : and whose sin is covered.

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

3. For while I held my tongue : my bones consumed away through my daily complaining.

4. For thy hand is heavy upon me day and night : and my moisture is like the drought in summer.

5. I will acknowledge my sin unto thee : and mine unrighteousness have I not hid.

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

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

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

9. I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go : and I will guide thee with mine eyes.

10. Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have no understanding : whose mouths must be held with bit and bridle. lest they fall upon thee.

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

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

The Collect.

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

{The Collect from the First Day of Lent is to be read every day in Lent after the Collect appointed for the Day.}

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 58.1-14

Psalter: Psalm 51, 54 | 119.1-32

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 6.1-10

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 4.1-11

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent1.html#homily

The First day of Lent, Commonly called Ash-Wednesday - 2015

The First day of Lent,

Commonly called Ash-Wednesday.

Psalm 6

Domine, ne in furore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Away from me, all ye that work vanity : for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.

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

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

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Old Testament Reading: Joel 2.12-17

Psalter: Psalm 51

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 6.16-21

Devotional Thoughts from James Kushiner, Executive Director of the Fellowship of St. James: “Into the Desert with Him” - http://www.fsj.org/new/editor/2015-02-13-into-the-desert-with-him.php

Quinquagesima, or the next Sunday before Lent - 2015

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

Psalm 26

Judica me, Domine

BE THOU my judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently : my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall.

2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me : try out my reins and my heart.

3. For thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes : and I will walk in thy truth.

4. I have not dwelt with vain persons : neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.

5. I have hated the congregation of the wicked : and will not sit among the ungodly.

6. I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord : and so will I go to thine altar.

7. That I may shew the voice of thanksgiving : and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house : and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9. O shut not up my soul with the sinners : nor my life with the blood-thirsty.

10. In whose hands is wickedness : and their right hand is full of gifts.

11. But as for me, I will walk innocently : O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.

12. My foot standeth right : I will praise the Lord in the congregations.

The Collect.

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

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 10.12-11.1

Psalter: Psalm 15, 16 | 111, 112

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 13.1-13

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 18.31-43

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/quinquagesima.html#homily

Sexagesima, or the Second Sunday before Lent - 2015

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

Psalm 24

Domini est terra

THE earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is : the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.

2. For he hath founded it upon the seas : and prepared it upon the floods.

3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord : or who shall rise up in his holy place?

4. Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart : and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.

5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord : and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6. This is the generation of them that seek him : even of them that seek thy face, O Jacob.

7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in.

8. Who is the King of glory : it is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.

9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in.

10. Who is the King of glory : even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

The Collect.

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

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50.4-9

Psalter: Psalm 33, 93 | 139

Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 11.19-12.9

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 8.4-15

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/sexagesima.html#homily

The Third Sunday before Lent (Septuagesima); and the Presentation of Christ - 2015

The Sunday called Septuagesima, or the third Sunday before Lent.

Psalm 23

Dominus regit me.

THE Lord is my shepherd : therefore can I lack nothing.

2. He shall feed me in a green pasture : and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

3. He shall convert my soul : and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name’s sake.

4. Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

5. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me : thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.

6. But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Joshua 1.1-9

Psalter: Psalm 8, 148 | 104

Epistle Reading:1 Corinthians 9.24-27

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 20.1-16

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/septuagesima.html#homily

The presentation of Christ in the temple, commonly called the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin

Psalm 134

Ecce nunc

BEHOLD now, praise the Lord : all ye servants of the Lord;

2. Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord : even in the courts of the house of our God.

3. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary : and praise the Lord.

4. The Lord that made heaven and earth : give thee blessing out of Sion.

The Collect

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly beseech thy Majesty, that, as thy only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto thee with pure and clean hearts, by the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Malachi 3.1-5

Psalter: Psalm 84

Epistle Reading: Galatians 1.1-24

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 2.22-40

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/presentation.html#homily

Third Sunday after Epiphany and the Conversion of St. Paul - 2015

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany.

Psalm 15

Domine, quis habitabit?

LORD, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle : or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?

2. Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life : and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.

3. He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour : and hath not slandered his neighbour.

4. He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes : and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.

5. He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not : thou it were to his own hindrance.

6. He that hath not given his money upon usury : nor taken reward against the innocent.

7. Whoso doeth these things : shall never fall.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 41.8-10, 17-20

Psalter: Psalm 20, 21 | 27, 29

Epistle Reading: Romans 12.16-21

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 8.1-13

Homily from St. Augustine: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/epiphany3.html#homily

The Conversion of Saint Paul (25 January)

Psalm 138

Confitebor tibi

I WILL give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart : even before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name, because of thy loving-kindness and truth : for thou hast magnified thy Name and thy word above all things.

3. When I called upon thee, thou heardest me : and enduedst my soul with much strength.

4. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord : for they have heard the words of thy mouth.

5. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : that great is the glory of the Lord.

6. For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly : as for the proud, he beholdeth them afar off.

7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me : thou shalt stretch forth thy hand upon the furiousness of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8. The lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me : yea, thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever; despise not then the works of thine own hands.

The Collect

O God, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may shew forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 1.4-10

Psalter: Psalm 67

Epistle Reading: Acts 9.1-22

Gospel Reading: *St. Matthew 19.27-30

The Second Sunday after Epiphany (and the Conversion of St. Peter) - 2015

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany.

Psalm 14

Dixit insipiens

THE fool hath said in his heart : There is no God.

2. They are corrupt, and become abominable in their doings : there is none that doeth good, no not one.

3. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men : to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God.

4. But they are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become abominable : there is none that doeth good, no not one.

5. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues have they deceived : the poison of asps is under their lips.

6. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness : their feet are swift to shed blood.

7. Destruction and unhappiness is in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known ; there is no fear of God before their eyes.

8. Have they no knowledge, that they are all such workers of mischief : eating up my people as it were bread, and call not upon the Lord?

9. There were they brought in great fear, even where no fear was : for God is in the generation of the righteous.

10. As for you, ye have made a mock at the counsel of the poor : because he putteth his trust in the Lord.

11. Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Sion? When the Lord turneth the captivity of his people : then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 45.1-15

Psalter: Psalm 96, 97 | 45, 46

Epistle Reading: Romans 12.6-16

Gospel Reading: St. Mark 1.1-11

Homily: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/epiphany2.html

The Conversion of Saint Peter
Commemorated January 19th, 2015
(transferred from Sunday, January 18th)

Almighty Father, who didst inspire Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep thy Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reignth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Somesay that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-19 AV).

The First Sunday after the Epiphany - 2015

The First Sunday after the Epiphany.

Psalm 13

Usque quo, Domine?

HOW long wilt thou forget me, O Lord, for ever : how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

2. How long shall I seek counsel in my soul, and be so vexed in my heart : how long shall mine enemies triumph over me?

3. Consider, and hear me, O Lord my God : lighten mine eyes, that I sleep not in death.

4. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him : for if I be cast down, they that trouble me will rejoice at it.

5. But my trust is in thy mercy : and my heart is joyful in thy salvation.

6. I will sing of the Lord, because he hath dealt so lovingly with me : yea, I will praise the Name of the Lord most Highest.

The Collect.

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60.1-9

Psalter: Psalm 47, 48 | 66, 67

Epistle Reading: Romans 12.1-5

Gospel Reading: St. Luke 2.41-52

Homily from Ambrose: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/epiphany1.html#homily

Second Sunday after Christmas and Epiphany - 2015

The Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Psalm 37 (v.1-6)

Noli aemulari

FRET not thyself because of the ungodly : neither be thou envious against the evil-doers.

2. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass : and be withered even as the green herb.

3. Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and be doing good : dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4. Delight thou in the Lord : and he shall give thee thy heart’s desire.

5. Commit thy way unto the Lord, and put thy trust in him : and he shall bring it to pass.

6. He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light ; and thy just dealing as the noon-day.

The Collect

ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61.1-3

Psalter: Psalm 85, 87 | 90, 91

{Epistle Reading: Philippians 2.12-18}

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 2.19-23

Homily from Jerome: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/christmas2.html#homily

The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

Psalm 96

Cantate Domino

O SING unto the Lord a new song : sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.

2. Sing unto the Lord, and praise his Name : be telling of his salvation from day to day.

3. Declare his honour unto the heathen : and his wonders unto all people.

4. For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised : he is more to be feared than all gods.

5. As for all the gods of the heathen, they are but idols : but it is the Lord that made the heavens.

6. Glory and worship are before him : power and honour are in his sanctuary.

7. Ascribe unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people : ascribe unto the Lord worship and power.

8. Ascribe unto the Lord the honour due unto his Name : bring presents, and come into his courts.

9. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : let the whole earth stand in awe of him.

10. Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is King : and that it is he who hath made the round world so fast that it cannot be moved; and how that he shall judge the people righteously.

11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad : let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is.

12. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it : then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.

13. For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth.

The Collect.

O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: Mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60.1-9]

Psalter: Psalm 96

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 3.1-11

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 2.1-12

Homily from Chrysostom: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/christmas2.html#homily

Feast of Order of Centurions and Renewal of Vows - 2015

Feast of the Order of Centurions (3 January)

Renewal of our Vows

http://orderofcenturions.org/feast_order.html