#Shout Alleluia!

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

3rd January >> Mass Readings (Except GB & USA)

3rd January  or The Most Holy Name of Jesus  or Saint Munchin, Bishop.

3rd January 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

First Reading 1 John 2:29-3:6 Everyone must try to be as pure as Christ.

You know that God is righteous – then you must recognise that everyone whose life is righteous has been begotten by him.

Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us. My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.

Surely everyone who entertains this hope must purify himself, must try to be as pure as Christ. Anyone who sins at all breaks the law, because to sin is to break the law. Now you know that he appeared in order to abolish sin, and that in him there is no sin; anyone who lives in God does not sin, and anyone who sins has never seen him or known him.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 97(98):1,3-6

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth, ring out your joy.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today a great light has shone down upon the earth. Alleluia!

Or: John 1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia! The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. To all who received him he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia!

Or: Hebrews 1:1-2

Alleluia, alleluia! At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Alleluia!

Gospel John 1:29-34 'Look: there is the Lamb of God'.

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

----------------------------

The Most Holy Name of Jesus 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Philippians 2:1-11 Be united in your love.

If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus:

His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 8:4-9

R/ How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?

R/ How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

Yet you have made him little less than a god; with glory and honour you crowned him, gave him power over the works of your hand, put all things under his feet.

R/ How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

All of them, sheep and cattle, yes, even the savage beasts, birds of the air, and fish that make their way through the waters.

R/ How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today a great light has shone down upon the earth. Alleluia!

Or: John 1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia! The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. To all who received him he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia!

Or: Hebrews 1:1-2

Alleluia, alleluia! At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Alleluia!

Gospel Luke 2:21-24 His parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

------------------------------------

Saint Munchin, Bishop 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading Exodus 32:7-14 Moses pleads with the Lord his God to spare Israel.

The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried, “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”’ the Lord said to Moses, ‘I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.�� But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Why let the Egyptians say, “Ah, it was in treachery that he brought them out, to do them to death in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth”? Leave your burning wrath; relent and do not bring this disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants to whom by your own self you swore and made this promise: I will make your offspring as many as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I promised I will give to your descendants, and it shall be their heritage for ever.’ So the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Deuteronomy 10:8-9 The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to do him service

Moses said to the people: ‘The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the Lord’s covenant, to stand in the presence of the Lord, to do him service and in his name to pronounce blessing as they still do today. Levi therefore has no share or inheritance with his brothers: the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God told him.’

OR: --------

First reading 1 Samuel 16:1,6-13 David is anointed by Samuel

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons.’ Samuel purified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, he caught sight of Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed one stands there before him’, but the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Take no notice of his appearance or his height for I have rejected him; God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.’ Jesse then called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, ‘The Lord has not chosen this one either.’ Jesse then presented Shammah, but Samuel said, ‘The Lord has not chosen this one either.’ Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ He then asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ He answered, ‘There is still one left, the youngest; he is out looking after the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down to eat until he comes.’ Jesse had him sent for, a boy of fresh complexion, with fine eyes and pleasant bearing. The Lord said, ‘Come, anoint him, for this is the one.’ At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him where he stood with his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 6:1-8 Isaiah's lips cleansed with a burning coal

In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord of Hosts seated on a high throne; his train filled the sanctuary; above him stood seraphs, each one with six wings: two to cover its face, two to cover its feet, and two for flying. And they cried out to one another in this way,

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts. His glory fills the whole earth.’

The foundations of the threshold shook with the voice of the one who cried out, and the Temple was filled with smoke. I said:

‘What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have looked at the King, the Lord of Hosts.’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding in his hand a live coal which he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. With this he touched my mouth and said:

‘See now, this has touched your lips, your sin is taken away, your iniquity is purged.’

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:

‘Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?’

I answered, ‘Here I am, send me.’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:1-3 He has sent me to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken;

to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord, a day of vengeance for our God,

to comfort all those who mourn and to give them for ashes a garland; for mourning robe the oil of gladness, for despondency, praise.

OR: --------

First reading Jeremiah 1:4-9 Go and say whatever I command you and do not fear

The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying,

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’

I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’

But the Lord replied, ‘Do not say, “I am a child.” Go now to those to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you – it is the Lord who speaks!’

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me:

‘There! I am putting my words into your mouth.’

OR: --------

First reading Ezekiel 3:17-21 Warn the wicked man, and you will live

The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from me, warn them in my Name. If I say to a wicked man, “You are to die,” and you do not warn him; if you do not speak and warn him to renounce his evil ways and so live, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man and he does not renounce his wickedness and his evil ways, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life. When the upright man renounces his integrity to do evil and I set a trap for him, he too shall die; since you failed to warn him, he shall die for his sin and the integrity he practised will no longer be remembered; but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you warn the upright man not to sin and he abstains from sinning, he shall live, thanks to your warning, and you too will have saved your life.’

Or:

First Reading Ezekiel 34:11-16 I will look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view.

The Lord God says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view. I shall rescue them from wherever they have been scattered during the mist and darkness. I shall bring them out of the countries where they are; I shall gather them together from foreign countries and bring them back to their own land. I shall pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in every inhabited place in the land. I shall feed them in good pasturage; the high mountains of Israel will be their grazing ground. There they will rest in good grazing ground; they will browse in rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. I myself will pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest – it is the Lord who speaks. I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-8,11

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.’ O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 23:9,10

Alleluia, alleluia! You have only one Father, and he is in heaven; you have only one Teacher, the Christ. Alleluia!

Or: Matthew 28:19,20

Alleluia, alleluia! Go, make disciples of all the nations. I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Alleluia!

Or: Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia! Follow me, says the Lord, and I will make you into fishers of men. Alleluia!

Or: Luke 4:18

Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives. Alleluia!

Or: John 10:14

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!

Or: John 15:5

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Or: 2 Corinthians 5:19

Alleluia, alleluia! God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 9:35-37 The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.

Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness. And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Fri Aug 02nd, 2024 ... Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

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Jer 26:1-9

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim,

son of Josiah, king of Judah,

this message came from the LORD:

Thus says the LORD:

Stand in the court of the house of the LORD

and speak to the people of all the cities of Judah

who come to worship in the house of the LORD;

whatever I command you, tell them, and omit nothing.

Perhaps they will listen and turn back,

each from his evil way,

so that I may repent of the evil I have planned to inflict upon them

for their evil deeds.

Say to them: Thus says the LORD:

If you disobey me,

not living according to the law I placed before you

and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets,

whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them,

I will treat this house like Shiloh,

and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth

shall refer when cursing another.

Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people

heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD.

When Jeremiah finished speaking

all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people,

the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying,

"You must be put to death!

Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD:

'This house shall be like Shiloh,' and

'This city shall be desolate and deserted'?"

And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm

----------------

PS 69:5, 8-10, 14

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Those outnumber the hairs of my head

who hate me without cause.

Too many for my strength

are they who wrongfully are my enemies.

Must I restore what I did not steal?

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Since for your sake I bear insult,

and shame covers my face.

I have become an outcast to my brothers,

a stranger to my mother’s sons,

Because zeal for your house consumes me,

and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

But I pray to you, O LORD,

for the time of your favor, O God!

In your great kindness answer me

with your constant help.

R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Alleluia

--------

1 Pt 1:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of the Lord remains forever;

this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

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Mt 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.

They were astonished and said,

“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?

Is he not the carpenter’s son?

Is not his mother named Mary

and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Are not his sisters all with us?

Where did this man get all this?”

And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them,

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place

and in his own house.”

And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

I have a friend, who in his third year of high school, got caught stealing a package of cigarettes in his neighborhood drugstore. The owner banished him for ever from the store.

Fourteen years later, the week after his ordination as a Jesuit priest, his mother asked him to go to the same drugstore to get her something. He walked in and the older owner shouted, “I told you never again to come in here!” So he left with a big smile and went to a more welcoming place.

In today’s Gospel for this First-Friday Eucharistic liturgy, Jesus is not only returning to His home town, but is teaching to His old neighbors in their Synogogue. These faithful Jews question among themselves about his wisdom and power. They think they know Him, because they knew His parents and extended family. He had been urging the, by His words, to a more faith-based, more personally relationship with the God of their ancient faith. They resisted Him and His words, because they clung. His life-giving Word-Seeds fell on hard soil and so He moved on where there might be a more welcoming growing area.

Jesus did not need popular-acceptance. He was advancing in holy self-acceptance and so came and went. He was growing in the awareness of Who He was. He did not need any validation for His growing into. It would be attractive and easy for me to fill out this Reflection by writing about our need to grow in self-acceptance, so I won’t.

I write just a closing thought about living with memories of what we thought in the past which have frozen into the comfortable concrete. Memories can form images and we grow holding them tightly against the intrusion of the new, different and so uncomfortable.

Now here’s the punchline. What Jesus really came to do was to change the ideas of God! Imagine that! Once a relationship is concretely comfortable, it is dying and probably dead.        So, if we are unmovable and relaxed with our image of Jesus and or the unknowable God, that Jesus and His Father are moving on to more receptive soil.    

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli

(c. 300 – August 1, 371)

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli’s Story

Someone has said that if there had been no Arian heresy denying Christ’s divinity, it would be very difficult to write the lives of many early saints. Eusebius is another of the defenders of the Church during one of its most trying periods.

Born on the isle of Sardinia, he became a member of the Roman clergy, and is the first recorded bishop of Vercelli in Piedmont in northwest Italy. Eusebius was also the first to link the monastic life with that of the clergy, establishing a community of his diocesan clergy on the principle that the best way to sanctify his people was to have them see a clergy formed in solid virtue and living in community.

He was sent by Pope Liberius to persuade the emperor to call a council to settle Catholic-Arian troubles. When it was called at Milan, Eusebius went reluctantly, sensing that the Arian block would have its way, although the Catholics were more numerous. He refused to go along with the condemnation of Saint Athanasius; instead, he laid the Nicene Creed on the table and insisted that all sign it before taking up any other matter. The emperor put pressure on him, but Eusebius insisted on Athanasius’ innocence and reminded the emperor that secular force should not be used to influence Church decisions. At first the emperor threatened to kill him, but later sent him into exile in Palestine. There the Arians dragged him through the streets and shut him up in a little room, releasing him only after his four-day hunger strike. They resumed their harassment shortly after.

His exile continued in Asia Minor and Egypt, until the new emperor permitted him to be welcomed back to his see in Vercelli. Eusebius attended the Council of Alexandria with Athanasius and approved the leniency shown to bishops who had wavered. He also worked with Saint Hilary of Poitiers against the Arians.

Eusebius died peacefully in his own diocese at what was then considered an advanced age.

Reflection

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Catholics in the U.S. have sometimes felt penalized by an unwarranted interpretation of the principle of separation of Church and state, especially in the matter of Catholic schools. Be that as it may, the Church is happily free today from the tremendous pressure put on it after it became an “established” Church under Constantine. We are happily rid of such things as a pope asking an emperor to call a Church council, Pope John I being sent by the emperor to negotiate in the East, or the pressure of kings on papal elections. The Church cannot be a prophet if it’s in someone’s pocket.

***

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[orthodoxadventure]

Orthodox Prayers against Addiction: Akathist to the Icon of the Theotokos - Inexhaustible Cup

Kontakion I

A wonderful and marvelous healing has been given to us by your Holy Icon, O Sovereign Lady Theotokos. By its appearance we have been delivered from spiritual and physical ills, and from sorrowful circumstances. So we bring you our thankful praise, O All-Merciful Protectress. O Sovereign Lady, whom we call the Inexhaustible Cup, bend down your ear and mercifully hear our lamentation and tears that we bring to you, and give your healing to those who suffer from drunkenness, so that we may cry out to you with faith:

Rejoice, O Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Ikos I

Angelic powers and multitudes of saints continually glorify you, the Theotokos, Queen of all, the intercessor for us sinful Christians wallowing in lawlessness and remaining in sins. It is for our consolation and salvation that you, in your mercy, gave us your miraculous Icon, so that looking upon it, as the one and only star among a multitude of stars on a starlit night, we may prostrate ourselves, shouting from the very depths of our heart:

Rejoice, dwelling place of the unapproachable God! Rejoice, our constant wonder! Rejoice, you make our sorrow wipe away our sins! Rejoice, you make our grief heal our ills! Rejoice, through your miraculous Icon, you bring us your heavenly mercy! Rejoice, O joy of our grieving heart! Rejoice, our wonderful reconciliation with God! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion II

On seeing the deep sorrow and grief of people possessed by the destructive vice of drunkenness, and also their true repentance, you have willed, O Most Holy Lady, to show your mercy to the blessed city of Serpoukhov, by the appearance of your miraculous Icon, The Inexhaustible Cup, so that all who fall down before it with faith and a contrite heart will receive healing from this grievous illness, and thus may cry to God from the depths of their heart: Alleluia!

Ikos II

Having understood the meaning of the threefold apparition of Saint Varlaam and his order to go to the city of Serpoukhov, the man possessed by the illness of alcoholism did so, and there in a monastery he found your Holy Icon called The Inexhaustible Cup. On seeing such mercy bestowed on us sinners, we cry out to you with veneration:

Rejoice, through pious people you show to us sinners the glory of your marvelous work! Rejoice, sagacious guide, showing us the way of salvation! Rejoice, O Good Teacher, by your goodness you attract us to yourself! Rejoice, by bestowing on us your great blessings, you teach us gratefulness! Rejoice, by making us know hope beyond doubt, you give us gladness of heart! Rejoice, you destroy our destructive passions! Rejoice, you help us in our good intentions! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion III

The power of the Almighty and the grace of the Sovereign Mother of God strengthened a man suffering from alcoholism, when in obedience to an order of the Theotokos, given to him by Saint Varlaam, he set out for the city of Serpoukhov, despite his paralyzed legs. On his arrival, he found the Icon of the Most Pure Theotokos, and was healed from illness of the soul and that of the body. Therefore from the very depth of his heart, he gratefully exclaimed to God: Alleluia!

Ikos III

You are an inexhaustible fountain, a cup of heavenly gifts that ever remains full. And the people of the city of Serpoukhov, as well as all Orthodox from every city and village who come to your most wonderful Icon, The Inexhaustible Cup, are healed. And so, with grateful lips, they cry out to you:

Rejoice, O vessel of holy water that dissolves our sorrow! Rejoice, O cup by which we receive the joy of our salvation! Rejoice, you attend to our spiritual and physical ills! Rejoice, your prayers tame our passions! Rejoice, you give to each according to his needs! Rejoice, you give generously to all! Rejoice, you have opened for us the treasury of mercy! Rejoice, you show mercy to the fallen one! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion IV

People laden with passions and addictions, doubting of ever finding deliverance, come with repentance to your inexpressible mercy. And on having been healed, from the very depths of their hearts, they cry to our Saviour born of you: Alleluia!

Ikos IV

On seeing the sorrow and tears of parents, wives, and children whose family member is possessed by the passion of addiction, the Lord gave us your Icon, O Theotokos, and all who come to it receive consolation and spiritual joy. And so we cry out to you with tears of gratitude:

Rejoice, O lamb, you gave birth to the Lamb of God! Rejoice, you are the ladle that draws up joy from the source of immortality! Rejoice, you are the alleviation of the grief of sorrowing mothers! Rejoice, you are the hope of the hopeless! Rejoice, you gracefully protect those who come to you! Rejoice, you are the delight and joy of those in grief! Rejoice, your helping hand is there for those who seek it! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion V

O Most Gracious Lady, you have shown us your Holy Icon to be the star that leads to God, so that looking upon it and praying to you, we may say: O Theotokos, give healing to those who are suffering from drunkenness and any other illness of mind and body, and teach us all to praise God, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos V

O Theotokos, on seeing the marvels and wonders granted to those who humbly venerate you, wonders pouring from your Icon that miraculously appeared in Serpoukhov, and also from those that were but copies of it, we cry out to you:

Rejoice, you are a speedy protectress of all who come to you! Rejoice, you hear our prayers! Rejoice, you have blessed the city of Serpoukhov! Rejoice, you have shown the glory of your miracles in the region of Moscow! Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure for all who are in need of healing! Rejoice, O almighty help to those who strive for sobriety! Rejoice, O almighty help to those who fight against the world, flesh, Satan and addictions! Rejoice, you defend those who lead a good life in this world! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion VI

O Theotokos, we proclaim your wonders that pour forth from your Icon, The Inexhaustible Cup, and with tears we pray to you: Save us all from the passion of drunkenness and from other addictions and sins, and teach us, O Pure One, to abstain from all impurity, and to sing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos VI

In the light of the Divine Glory, you look at your Son, the eternal God and Lord Jesus Christ, standing in the chalice as shown on your Icon mysteriously called The Inexhaustible Cup, and you give from it deliverance from drunkenness to us who come to you and bring to you this unceasing praise:

Rejoice, for the angelic powers and the human race rejoice because of you! Rejoice, for your glory surpasses both human and heavenly praise! Rejoice, you have revealed to us the mystery of the Divine Eucharist by showing the image of your Son in the chalice! Rejoice, you show us the Lamb born of you who is always eaten but never consumed! Rejoice, O cup of life and immortality that leads us to the gates of eternal life! Rejoice, you fill our thirsty souls with the water from the fountain of immortality! Rejoice, you do not withhold your blessing even from the most rejected and despised! Rejoice, by your compassion you pull us away from the pit of perdition! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion VII

A man wanted to thank you, O Theotokos, for healing from alcoholism, so he adorned your miraculous Icon that is in Serpoukhov, singing to God from the depths of his heart: Alleluia!

Ikos VII

We see a new miracle from your Holy Icon, O Theotokos. A servant of God, Stephen, a victim of the disease of alcoholism, was imploring your maternal intercession, and he has been granted a cure. So, in gratitude, he adorned your Icon with rich gifts, and falling before it, he called to you with tears:

Rejoice, lifegiving fountain of healing! Rejoice, heavenly cup of divine gifts! Rejoice, river that carries healing! Rejoice, the sea into which sink all our passions! Rejoice, with your tender and maternal hands, you raise up those who fall under the weight of drunkenness. Rejoice, you do not turn down gifts of gratitude! Rejoice, joy of pious people! Rejoice, you grant us those of our petitions that are good for us! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion VIII

It must be strange and incredible to unbelievers to hear that your Icon, The Inexhaustible Cup, procures miracles. But to us who believe in your words proclaimed about your first Icon, "The grace of the One who is born of me and my own blessings will always be with this Icon," this present Icon also exudes your mercy. And so, reverently, we venerate it, crying to God: Alleluia!

Ikos VIII

People suffering from alcoholism and addictions do put all their hope in you, O Sovereign Lady. Bend down to our ills and our passions. For who but you, O Theotokos, shall rise us out of the pit of perdition and of physical and spiritual misery? And thus, having bent our knees, we cry out to you:

Rejoice, you do not reject the prayers of those who are sinful! Rejoice, you give your help to those who ask for it! Rejoice, you show the depth of your compassion for the sinner! Rejoice, you give courage to those who have lost all hope! Rejoice you extend your helping hand to those who suffer from drunkenness! Rejoice, by your gift of grace you console those who suffer patiently! Rejoice, you nurse our physical and emotional ills! Rejoice, you teach us to despise the empty pleasures of this life! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion IX

All the angels are amazed at your mercy, O Lord, for You have given to sinful mankind a strong Protectress and Helper. She looks down at our weakness and heals those suffering from the bitter disease of drunkenness and teaches the faithful to sing: Alleluia!

Ikos IX

The most exalted human mind cannot praise enough the appearance of your glorious Icon, O Sovereign Lady, nor can we sinners bring from our sinful lips a glorification worthy of our Protectress. On having seen innumerable miracles coming from your Icon, we rejoice in our heart and spirit and proclaim:

Rejoice, from your holy face miracles pour forth! Rejoice, you speedily deliver us from grief and sorrow! Rejoice, you put to shame those who deny you! Rejoice, you protect from every evil those who come to you! Rejoice, by your gentle radiance you disperse the darkness of our passions and our sins! Rejoice, you fill our hearts with love for your Son and for yourself! Rejoice, you show us the path of repentance! Rejoice, you are our mediator before the righteous judge! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion X

Wishing to save all those who suffer from the diseases of alcoholism and other addictions, you have given us your wonderful Icon, O Theotokos, so that all who suffer may come to your miraculous image and, having been healed, may tenderly cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos X

You are the wall and the shield, O Lady Theotokos, for those who suffer from drunkenness and also for all those who come to you fervently and who piously venerate your Holy Icon; for the Lord gave it to us to help us and to heal us from this destructive addiction and, thus, He inspires us to sing to you:

Rejoice, you alleviate our sufferings and give hope to those who despair! Rejoice, you are the healing of our ills! Rejoice, with your purity you wipe away our corruption! Rejoice, by your holiness you illumine our darkness! Rejoice, by your cloak of compassion you clothe our mortal body! Rejoice, by your strength you fortify our prayers! Rejoice, you strengthen us in our weakness! Rejoice, you disperse the dark clouds of passions that surround us! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion XI

O Pure One, do not despise our humble singing that we bring to you from fullness of love and zeal, and do not turn away your face from those who suffer from drunkenness and despair, but do help us so that we also may be cleansed from every impurity and may rightly and justly sing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos XI

O Most Holy Lady, on your Icon, you are seen like a burning candle in rays of grace, surrounded by the assembly of saints and holy martyrs; and as you indicate to us the path of righteousness, we call to you and say:

Rejoice, by the intercession of Saint Domnica you save us from this world of trouble! Rejoice, by her pleading you help us to overcome passions of the flesh! Rejoice, by the prayers of the holy martyr Varlaam you fill our hearts with pious thoughts! Rejoice, by his pleading you illumine our conscience! Rejoice, by the prayers of the holy martyr Paraskeva you deliver those who suffer from drunkenness! Rejoice, by her intercession you call us to repentance and watchfulness! Rejoice, together with the holy martyr Antipas you mellow the bitter heart! Rejoice, with him you save those who call on your name! Rejoice, O Sovereign Lady, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion XII

The grace that shines through your Icon, The Inexhaustible Cup, calls to it all those who suffer, all the unfortunate, widows and orphans, and especially those who are ill with the disease of alcoholism; and no one goes away empty handed from your inexhaustible cup, O merciful one, but all are filled with divine gifts, so that having received healing and help they may sing to you: Alleluia!

Ikos XII

Praising your wondrous work and great mercy that you show to those who suffer from addictions, we beg you, O Compassionate One: save, have mercy on us, show us the right path, and do not reject us who seek your protection and call out to you:

Rejoice, you sustain us on the way to soberness! Rejoice, by the dew of your mercy you deliver us from the passion of alcohol! Rejoice, by your mercy you heal us from addictions! Rejoice, you are a speedy help to those who suffer from all kinds of dependence! Rejoice, you support those who are even-tempered! Rejoice, you humble the prideful! Rejoice, you exalt the humble and wish salvation to all! Rejoice, O Holy Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion XIII 3 times

O All-Merciful Mother of our Lord and God Jesus Christ, hear our prayer and deliver us from all ills, physical and emotional, and especially your servant/s (name/s) who suffer from this disease, so that he/she/they may not perish, but might be saved and thus would sing to God: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Ikos I

Angelic powers and multitudes of saints continually glorify you, the Theotokos, Queen of all, the intercessor for us sinful Christians wallowing in lawlessness and remaining in sins. It is for our consolation and salvation that you, in your mercy, gave us your miraculous Icon, so that looking upon it, as the one and only star among a multitude of stars on a starlit night, we may prostrate ourselves, shouting from the very depths of our heart:

Rejoice, dwelling place of the unapproachable God! Rejoice, our constant wonder! Rejoice, you make our sorrow wipe away our sins! Rejoice, you make our grief heal our ills! Rejoice, through your miraculous Icon, you bring us your heavenly mercy! Rejoice, O joy of our grieving heart! Rejoice, our wonderful reconciliation with God! Rejoice, O Theotokos, the Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Kontakion I

A wonderful and marvelous healing has been given to us by your Holy Icon, O Sovereign Lady Theotokos. By its appearance we have been delivered from spiritual and physical ills, and from sorrowful circumstances. So we bring you our thankful praise, O All-Merciful Protectress. O Sovereign Lady, whom we call the Inexhaustible Cup, bend down your ear and mercifully hear our lamentation and tears that we bring to you, and give your healing to those who suffer from drunkenness, so that we may cry out to you with faith:

Rejoice, O Inexhaustible Cup that quenches our spiritual thirst!

Prayer I

O our merciful and holy Lady Theotokos, hope and refuge of the orphan, defense of the stranger, help of those in need, and protection of those who are bitter: you see our misfortune, you see our sorrow. From all sides, we are assailed by temptations, and there is no one to protect us. You yourself help us, for we are weak. Feed us, for we are strangers. Show us the way, for we are lost. Heal us, for we hurt. Save us, for there is no hope for us. We have no other recourse, neither protection nor consolation, but you, O Mother of all who suffer and are burdened. Look down upon us sinners who are harsh and bitter, and protect us by your holy omophor, that we may be delivered from all evil that assails us, and especially from drunkenness, so that we may always glorify your all-holy name. Amen.

Prayer II

O all-merciful sovereign Lady, we come to your protection. Do not despise our petitions, but kindly hear us—wives, children, husbands, parents, and all those who suffer from heavy affliction of addictions of all sorts—and restore those who, because of it, fall away from our holy Mother the Church and its salvation. O merciful Theotokos, touch their heart and speedily restore them from their fallen state, and lead them to salutary repentance. Implore your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our trespasses and not to turn away His mercies from His people, but that He would strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O all-holy Theotokos, the petitions of mothers shedding tears about their children, wives sobbing for their husbands, children, orphans, beggars, and all those who were forsaken, and all of us who venerate your Icon, and let your prayers carry our petitions to the throne of the Almighty. Cover us and keep us from all snares of the enemy and the traps of the evil one, and at the dreadful hour of our death, help us to pass the ordeal without stumbling. By your prayers, save us from eternal condemnation so that God's mercy may cover us for the ages to come. Amen.

Troparion in Tone IV

Today we faithful come to the divine and miraculous Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, who fills the faithful from the Inexhaustible Cup of her mercy and shows them great miracles; and we who have seen them and heard of them rejoice in our heart and cry out, with deep feeling and devotion, O all-merciful sovereign Lady, heal our ills and our passions by praying to your Son, Christ our God, that he may save our souls!

[lowcountry-gothic]

In a week, we may shout our Easter Alleluias, but the truth is that our days cry out hosanna ['save us now!']. Children and teachers die in pools of blood at school, lies pervade and divide a desperate people, the rich steal everyone’s share, courts unwind decades of justice, and even a poisoned earth and sky rage against us. Pax Americana? We may have believed that once, subject to its deceptive promises. But the mask comes off and a faux peace makes itself known. A peace enforced by fear and violence, a peace of privilege and guns.

Diana Butler Bass, “Hosanna, not Alleluia“

[transparentgentlemenmarker]

King Charles III kneels and places his hands on the Coronation Bible to make his Coronation oath

The Bible is presented to The King as the Ascension Choir sings the Alleluia

The King turns to each of the four points of the compass before The Archbishop of Canterbury proclaims him the ‘undoubted King’. The congregation shouts ‘God Save King Charles!’

May 6 2023

[sunadomusic]

HYMN Lyrics Text: The Strife is O’er HYMN Lyrics Text: The Strife is O’er Refrain Alleluia! Alleluia!! Alleluia!! 1. The strife is o’er the battle done Now is the victors triumph won Now let the song of praise be sung Alleluia! 2. Death; mightiest pow’rs have done their worst And Jesus hath His foes dispersed Let shout of praise and joy out […] Read more here: https://sunadomusic.sundayadoga.com.ng/hymn-lyrics-text-the-strife-is-oer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hymn-lyrics-text-the-strife-is-oer

[aeterna-auroral-avenger]

Merry Christmas!

Heavenly hosts cry, "Glory glory!" For the Lord is with us. Let all the earth shout, "Worthy worthy! Love has come to save us." ❤️

Allelu, alleluia! <3

[eruanna1875]

Growing up, this was always one of my favourite tunes in our church's liturgy. I had it in my head this morning, and I finally looked it up to listen to it again.

I mean, listen to it! It sounds thankful! Boldly, joyfully thankful! I love it so much.

Lyrics:

Thank the Lord and sing His praise!

Tell everyone what He has done!

Let everyone who seeks the Lord

Rejoice and proudly bear His Name!

He recalls His promises

And leads His people forth in joy

With shouts of thanksgiving!

Alleluia, Alleluia!

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of Monday, October 14, 2024

Reading 1

GAL 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1

Brothers and sisters: It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise. Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 113:1B-2, 3-4, 5A AND 6-7

R./ Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. or: R./ Alleluia, alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever. R./ Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. or: R./ Alleluia, alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory. R./ Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. or: R./ Alleluia, alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who looks upon the heavens and the earth below?  He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. R./ Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. or: R./ Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

LK 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment  the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation  and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here."

[eugene114]

Ahab Dies in Battle

29So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. 30And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.

31Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” 32So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “Surely it is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned aside to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried out. 33And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 34Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”

35The battle increased that day; and the king was propped up in his chariot, facing the Syrians, and died at evening. The blood ran out from the wound onto the floor of the chariot. 36Then, as the sun was going down, a shout went throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country!”

37So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. 38Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while��[c]the harlots bathed, according to the word of the Lord which He had spoken.

39Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, the ivory house which he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 40So Ahab [d]rested with his fathers. Then Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.

1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, to his feet thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me his praise should sing? Alleluia, alleluia, praise the everlasting King.

2 Praise him for his grace and favour to our fathers in distress; praise him still the same for ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless: Alleluia, alleluia, glorious in his faithfulness.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

25th December >> Mass Readings (USA)

Christmas Day - Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn and Mass during the Day.

Christmas Day - Vigil Mass

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

First Reading Isaiah 62:1–5 The Lord delights in you.

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch.

Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall people call you “Forsaken,” or your land “Desolate,” but you shall be called “My Delight,” and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:4–5, 16–17, 27, 29

R/ Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.

R/ Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted.

R/ Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

He shall say of me, “You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.” Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.

R/ Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading Acts of the Apostles 13:16–17, 22–25 Paul bears witness to Christ, the Son of David.

When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue, he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it. Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia. Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 1:1–25 The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-------------------------------

Christmas Day - Midnight Mass 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

First Reading Isaiah 9:1–6 A son is given us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1–2, 2–3, 11–12, 13

R/ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R/ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R/ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R/ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.

R/ Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Second Reading Titus 2:11–14 The grace of God has appeared to all.

Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 2:10-11

Alleluia, alleluia. I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 2:1–14 Today a Savior has been born for you.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------------

Christmas Day - Mass at Dawn 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

First Reading Isaiah 62:11–12 Behold, your Savior comes!

See, the LORD proclaims to the ends of the earth: say to daughter Zion, your savior comes! Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. They shall be called the holy people, the redeemed of the LORD, and you shall be called “Frequented,” a city that is not forsaken.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 97:1, 6, 11–12

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory.

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to his holy name.

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Second Reading Titus 3:4–7 Because of his mercy, he saved us.

Beloved: When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 2:14

Alleluia, alleluia. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 2:15–20 The shepherds found Mary and Joseph and the infant.

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

---------------------------------

Christmas Day

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

First Reading Isaiah 52:7–10 All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2–3, 3–4, 5–6

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Second Reading Hebrews 1:1–6 God has spoken to us through the Son.

Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe,

who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:

“You are my son; this day I have begotten you”?

Or again:

“I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”?

And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:

“Let all the angels of God worship him.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia. A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 1:1–18 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Fri June 07th, 2024 ... Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B/Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reading 1

____________

Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9

Thus says the LORD:

When Israel was a child I loved him,

out of Egypt I called my son.

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

who took them in my arms;

I drew them with human cords,

with bands of love;

I fostered them like one

who raises an infant to his cheeks;

Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,

they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed,

my pity is stirred.

I will not give vent to my blazing anger,

I will not destroy Ephraim again;

For I am God and not a man,

the Holy One present among you;

I will not let the flames consume you.

Responsorial Psalm

______________

Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;

among the nations make known his deeds,

proclaim how exalted is his name.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;

let this be known throughout all the earth.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,

for great in your midst

is the Holy One of Israel!

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Reading 2

____________

Eph 3:8-12, 14-19

Brothers and sisters:

To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,

to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,

and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery

hidden from ages past in God who created all things,

so that the manifold wisdom of God

might now be made known through the church

to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.

This was according to the eternal purpose

that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

in whom we have boldness of speech

and confidence of access through faith in him.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory

to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,

and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, rooted and grounded in love,

may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,

so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Alleluia

________

Mt 11:29ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord;

and learn from me, for I am meek and gentle of heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or

_________

1 Jn 4:10b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God first loved us

and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

________

Jn 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day,

in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs,

but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

and immediately blood and water flowed out.

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;

he knows that he is speaking the truth,

so that you also may come to believe.

For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:

Not a bone of it will be broken.

And again another passage says:

They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

One just has to open a newspaper today or watch the daily news to see a plethora of examples where the world’s darkness reveals that the light of God’s love needs to be shone more brightly. In the spirit that lives within all of us, we too may hold onto a heavy-hearted darkness about ourselves, or places where there may be stumbling blocks to God’s love truly finding a home in our hearts.  So, to celebrate a day of unconditional love, a sacred love, flowing forth from the heart of Jesus, is a devotion and a day of solemnity that brings hope to our world and a joy to our hearts.

I would like to reflect a bit on why this solemnity of the Sacred Heart is a dear devotion for me and a devotion to which I owe my vocation to the priesthood recall the genesis of this devotion, and why for us it is a solemn day of celebration and a transforming devotion that will change our hearts and the heart of our world for good, for God. 

First, a personal story. When I was a young boy, our home parish, Immaculate Conception in Waukegan, Illinois, had to the left of the Altar, a huge mosaic to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I used to love to sit in front of that piece of art and was mesmerized in the connection between the love that Christ had in his eyes and the love that that exposed heart symbolized.

Second, all celebrations, like this solemnity, have their beginnings. This story, is all about heart, the heart of a nun’s story, the heart of the Jesuit’s story.  heart of our story. First, the heart of a nun’s story. The place was the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial in France. Between 1673 and 1675, our Lord appeared three times to a contemplative nun, Margaret Mary Alacoque, showed her his heart. In the first appearance, Jesus commissioned her to spread devotion to his sacred heart. In the second, he asked for Holy Communion and a Holy Hour of Reparation.

Third, during the octave of Corpus Christi in 1675, Jesus asked her to see a special feast established in reparation to his heart for the injuries done it. He added: "Go to my servant the Jesuit Father, Claude de La Colombiére and tell him from me to do all in his power to establish this devotion and give this pleasure to my heart." And Claude did "all in his power." The young Jesuit whom Jesus identified to Margaret Mary as "my faithful servant and perfect friend" preached the devotion to the end of his short life. (source: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/the-revelation-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-paral-le-monial-france-13719.

This devotion remains a devotion that is promoted and defended in the Society of Jesus to this day.  even though celebrated with remains alive in the Society.  In a more recent Jesuit General Congregation (General Congregation 35, 2008) the Jesuits stressed and emphasized promoting Christ’s sacred heart when it proclaims, “Nothing could be more desirable and more urgent today, since the heart of Christ burns with love for this world, with all its troubles, and seeks companions who can serve it with him.”

And finally, Christ’s sacred heart and us. And so, what’s wrong with a little devotion, why has it become an outmoded practice. The word devotion is a word of affection, of love, of knowing that someone is so in love with us they are devoted to us, and in return we, in our love for them, and the things that represent them, like the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are so in love, so devoted to them.  So, the heart of Christ, as well as our own hearts, symbolizes something wonderful, something that is about the lifeblood flowing through our veins yes, but also, of what is and should be the heart of our faith, the heart of our very life, and this, this is love divine.

For love has the power to transform our very lives, to transform our world, in radical and wonderful ways, away from our own brokenness and need for healing, and into those places in this world that still live in darkness, oppression, hatred, and injustice, so that these places, these hearts of ours can feel too love’s clear promise of heaven.  We recollect this image of Christ’s sacred heart, and see there a love given freely, a love fraught with all meaning, and see Christ’s love encouraging us to be brave, to not be afraid, for it’s only love after all.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Bl. Franz Jagerstatter

(May 20, 1907 – August 9, 1943)

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter’s Story

Called to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it.

Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction.

In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss–annexation–of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town’s mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted.

In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there.

During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God’s will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin.

Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God’s hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.”

On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.”

Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome’s St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz’s liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[pastortomsteers]

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 5, 2024

Pastor Tom Steers

Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto

 

OPENING HYMN:  823  “May God Bestow on Us Grace”

by Martin Luther (1483-1546) 

Lutheran Service Book

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnhQJ8m3B3o

 

The Invocation   Page 184

 

Pastor:  Halleluiah, Christ is risen!

Congregation:  He is risen indeed.  Halleluiah!

Confession and Absolution  (Please stand)  Page 184-185

Introit (read by the Pastor)                                                                                                                                Psalm 66:1-2, 8-9,20; antiphon: Psalm 66:16                                                                                                                  Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.                                                                

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;      sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!                                                                                                                     Bless our God, O peoples;     let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept our soul among the living     and has not let our feet slip.                                                                                                                                                                        

Blessed be God,  because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!                                                                         

Glory be to the Father and to the Son                                                   and to the Holy Spirit;  as it was in the beginning,  is now, and will be forever. Amen.                                                                                     

 Come and hear, all you who fear God,  and I will tell what he has done for my soul.                                                                                                                                                                          

Pastor:  Halleluiah, Christ is risen!

Congregation:  He is risen indeed.  Halleluiah!                                                                                                                                                      

  The Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy)                                                                                                                                Congregation:                                                                                                     Lord, have mercy upon us.                                                                                                                       Christ, have mercy upon us.     

Lord, have mercy upon us.

The Salutation –                                                                                                                               Pastor: The Lord be with you.                                                                                                   

Congregation: And also with you. 

                                                             

Our Collect Payer:

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Our Bible Readings:

First Reading  Acts 10:34-48

Psalm 98                                                                                                                                 Epistle Reading      1st John 5:1-8

The Verse (Romans 6:9; John 16:33b)

Alleluia. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Alleluia. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Alleluia.

Our Gospel Reading   John 15:9-17

Nicene Creed   Page 191

HYMN OF THE DAY:  556  “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” verses 1-4                                                                                                 

by Martin Luther

THE SERMON –

Today's Gospel text begins where last Sunday's passage left off. 

Last week we heard Jesus compare our relationship to Him as a branch connected to a vine. 

Just as a branch can’t produce anything without a vine, we cannot do anything without Christ. 

Jesus wants us to keep this image in mind of a branch lovingly grafted in. 

Last week we learned that abiding means to simply remain within. 

The Holy Spirit places us in Jesus through faith, and we are to abide in Jesus where He feeds us with forgiveness, life, and salvation within His true Church.

As we hear more of Christ’s teaching today, we learn that one of the main nutrients Jesus feeds us is the nutrient of love. 

Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

This can lead to misunderstanding.

‘Love’ is one of the most overused words in the English language. 

We use it for so many things. 

We love our spouse, children, pets, our favourite songs. 

If you look up the word love in the dictionary, you’ll find a long entry.

But when we come to the confession of our faith, we say we receive salvation because of God's love. 

Don’t misunderstand. 

It’s perfectly right and worthwhile to say God saves us through His love. 

However, if we don't explain what we mean when we say God loves us, we haven’t appreciated the true gift of His love as we abide in Him.

We can begin by looking at the original Greek John’s Gospel was written in. 

The word translated as love is agape -- ἀγάπη. 

Agape gets us away from self-centered love, the result of fulfilling our own pleasures. 

It rules out the overly sentimental love of romance novels.

Agape is a selfless love that seeks nothing in return; it has grit and courage.

Αgape does what is right, even when it’s hard. 

It is sacrificial love.

This Greek word provides a closer understanding of the love Jesus gives us.

In today's Gospel, Jesus takes agape love to its fulfilment, when He says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." 

Jesus did more than talk about the Gospel. 

Even while Jesus was speaking these words, Judas was on his way to the authorities. 

He would lead soldiers to Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and betray Jesus. 

The next day, Christ would demonstrate His description of love through suffering and death on the cross. 

He would endure not only death, but also the anger of God at our sins. 

This is the love that saves us.

The true nature of this love becomes even clearer when we consider the object of God's love. 

As much as we hate to admit it, we have no redeeming qualities of our own. 

We are sinners.

The Apostle Paul said it clearly in Ephesians, Chapter 5:

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved . . . .”

When we are preparing for confirmation, Lutherans learn the Ten Commandments.

As we consider the Commandments honesty, we realize we break them.

The Bible tells us when we break one of God’s Laws, we break them all. (James 2:10)

We know from God’s Word that we are not sinners because we sin.

We sin because we are sinners. 

The Bible tells us we inherited this sinful nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God. 

No one has to teach a child how to lie. 

We don’t instruct children to be selfish. 

No one has to coach a child to consider themselves the centre of the universe. 

We know all these things from the womb. 

As we reflect on the Ten Commandments, we understand that our condition, if left untreated, leads to nothing but punishment -- here in time, and forever in eternity.

In spite of all this, God still loves us. 

The love of Jesus Christ on the cross is the perfect expression of God's love for us. 

Romans 5:8 explains, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

His love depends on His nature, not our own. 

His love for us is always perfect, beyond our understanding. 

This is the love of the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. 

It is the love of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 

The love of the God-man who stood between our Heavenly Father and us and took the full force of the Almighty’s righteous anger against sin. 

This is the love that bled on the cross and said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."  (Luke 23:34)

And this is the love that rose from the dead, and promises believers eternal life.

The devil, the world, and our sinful flesh seek to cut off this relationship between our Saviour and us. 

The faith’s enemies constantly say we don't need God -- that we can be our own ‘gods.’

They direct us to earthly pleasure, worldly riches, popularity, and other fallible sources of love. 

In those things we find ourselves in a never-ending spiral of disappointment, and defeat.

The world is always ready to supply the next enticing thing when the current fad doesn't satisfy. 

If only we drove the right car, wore the right styles, or lived in the right house we would be happy. 

Many spend their lives obtaining things that don’t satisfy for eternity, while ignoring the God who wants to give us the ultimate, lasting love for free.

The Apostle John in his Epistle text today explained, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1st John 5:4-5)

The Holy Spirit has placed us in Christ through the gift of faith. 

In our First Reading, Luke describes the conversion of gentiles.

As the Apostle Peter was preaching, “the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.”

“Then Peter declared, ‘Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Act 10:44, 46-47)

The same is true for us today.

God’s Word and Sacraments are the means of grace the Holy Spirit uses to work faith in our Saviour within us.

Any work we do to ‘buy’ God’s forgiveness with our own merits only serves to reject that faith, and sever us from Christ's love. 

Abiding in God's love means He will work in us to strengthen our faith toward Him.

And He will work through us to show fervent love towards one another.

God is the only source of pure, unconditional, ‘agape’ love. 

It is in this love that God created, and sustains us. 

It is this love that compelled the Son of God to take on human flesh and sacrifice Himself on the cross to save us from sin. 

It is in this love that we abide by faith. 

Just as God's love raised Christ from the dead, it promises that He will be with us here on earth, and that we shall be with Him forever in Heaven. 

He that began the good work by planting us into the true vine, Jesus Christ, will perform it until that great day of glory.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH   

                                                                                                                               SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT

Page194                                                                                    

(Our Communion Hymn is 627 “Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Saviour”)                                                                                                                                Communion Collect  (Left-hand column)    Page 201 

CLOSING HYMN:   895  “Now Thank We All Our God”

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 19: Enslaved to God

Imagine the cascade of emotions John must have been experiencing in this gripping vision of judgment, destruction, grief, shock, and heavenly command to rejoice. Immediately, the inhabitants of heaven responded with shouts of acclamation. #Revelation19

Imagine the cascade of emotions John must have been experiencing in this gripping vision of judgment, destruction, grief, shock, and the heavenly command to rejoice. Immediately, the inhabitants of heaven responded with shouts of acclamation. After these things I heard a sound like a great throng, multitudes of people in heaven, saying, “Alleluia, the salvation and the glory and the power of…

[piouscatholic]

[St. Anthony of Padua Prayers]

1. Prayer for Grace

“Let us therefore pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that he give us the grace to seek his Kingdom and to build within ourselves a moral Jerusalem.

By doing this, we will be able to merit our place in the heavenly Jerusalem to sing Alleluia in its streets with all the saints and angels.

But the One whose Kingdom is eternal for all ages must help us to do so.”

2. Your Name Is Joy

“Sweet Jesus, is there anything sweeter than you?

To remember you is more delightful than everything else.

Your name is joy; it is the true gate of our salvation.

What else are you, Jesus, if not our Savior?

Be our Redeemer.

Give us the virtues of hope and love, just as you have given us faith, our primary joy.

Give us the words that we need to praise you always.

With the help and through the prayers of your mother.

You who are blessed throughout the ages. Amen.”

3. Behold the Cross

“Behold the Cross of the Lord!

Begone, you evil powers!

The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. Alleluia!”

4. Hear the Word of Joy

“To the ends of the earth…proclaim the word of joy….

‘Ask, that your joy may be full.’

Proclaim it not only to the just who are in the Church’s midst, but to the outer bounds of the earth…., that is, outside the precepts of the Lord, which are for us the bounds within which we must live.

Let them hear the word of joy so that they might obtain the full joy which has no bounds.

May Jesus Christ lead us to this joy. Amen.”

5. Prayer for the Spirit of Salvation

“We beseech you, Lord Jesus, that in the seven brief days of this life you help us to conceive the spirit of salvation and bring to birth through a sorrowful heart an heir to eternal life.

May we merit to drink from the river of living water and rejoice together with you in heavenly Jerusalem.

Grant us this, you, who are blessed, glorious, laudable, lovable, sweet, and immortal through all centuries.

And let every creature shout: Amen. Alleluia.”

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