Month: May 2020

Pentecost Sunday, 31 May 2020: Acts 2:1-11, Psalm 104, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, John 20:19-23 ~ Lord, send forth your Spirit!

Pentecost Sunday, 31 May 2020 –

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

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“Veni Sancte Spiritus” – Przybądź Duchu Święty !

Come holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth
with your glorious light

You are our only comforter, Peace of the soul.
In the heat you shade us; in our labor you
refresh us, and in trouble you are our strength.

Kindle in our hearts the flame of your love
that in the darkness of the world it my glow and
reach to all forever.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 2:1-11 (NLT)

The Holy Spirit Comes

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
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Psalm 104 – Psalm Project Africa

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A Reading from the Epistles: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NLT)

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-23 (NLT)

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
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Come, Spirit of God · Daniel Kopp · Sarah Liberman

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Prayers of Intercession:

On this day of Pentecost, the Church is filled with joy. Strengthened with measureless hope, we pray to Christ, who is calling his Church together in the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, raised on the cross, you poured out the water of rebirth for the life of the world. Quicken the life of all men with the gift of the Spirit.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

Raised up to God’s right hand, you bestowed on the apostles the Father’s Gift; your Church now waits for the same Gift, the same hope.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

You breathed your Spirit upon the apostles, and gave them the power of forgiveness: set all men free today from the prison of sin.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

You promised to send us the Spirit of truth, that we might become your heralds throughout the world. Through his presence in the Church may we bear faithful witness to you.
+ Lord, renew the face of the earth.

Lord God, you sanctify your Church in every race and nation by the mystery we celebrate on this day. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit on all mankind, and fulfill now in the hearts of your faithful what you accomplished when the Gospel was first preached on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Hymn Of The Holy Spirit – Pat Barrett

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Closing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday of The 7th Week of Easter, 30 May 2020 – John 21:20-25, Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, Psalm 11, John 16:7, 13 ~ “As for you, follow me.”

Saturday of The 7th Week of Easter, 30 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Lord Jesus, make us holy by your Spirit. Send your Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts; Grant us a love that is genuine; Renew the hearts of the faithful by your life-giving grace; and Grant us the power of your Spirit to repair our damaged lives. Lord Jesus, make us holy by your Spirit. Amen.

“I will send the Spirit of truth… to guide you into all truth.”

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Psalm 11 – Tim Ophus

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 21:20-25 (NLT)

Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

 

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
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Responsorial Psalm 11:4, 5, 7

+ I trust in the Lord for protection.

The Lord is in his holy Temple;
the Lord still rules from heaven.

I trust in the Lord for protection.

He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.

I trust in the Lord for protection.

The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.

I trust in the Lord for protection.

For the righteous Lord loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face.

I trust in the Lord for protection./em>
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 (NLT)

When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.

Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard

Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”
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For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
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“PSsalm 11” (Refuge) – My Soul Among Lions

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Closing: John 16: 7,13 (NLT)

“I will send the Spirit of truth… to guide you into all truth.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday of The 7th Week of Easter, 29 May 2020 – John 21:15-19, Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103, John 14:26 ~ “Follow me”

Friday of The 7th Week of Easter, 29 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Lord God, you opened for us the way to eternal life when Christ your Son was taken up to glory and your Holy Spirit came to enlighten your Church. Grant that, as we share in so great a gift, our faith may grow ever stronger, our service ever more loyal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

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“Psalm 103” By Zach Jones

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 21:15-19 (NLT)

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
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Responsorial Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.

+ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 25:13-21 (NLT)

A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix. When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves.

“When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.”
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Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord – Statewide Youth Service (Slavic Center Tacoma)

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Closing: John 14:26 (NLT)

“When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday of The 7th Week of Easter, 28 May 2020 – John 17:20-26, Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, Psalm 16, John 17:21 ~ the witness of oneness

Thursday of The 7th Week of Easter, 28 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Lord God, let your Spirit come upon us in power and fill us with his gifts, to render our minds pleasing to you and make us docile to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“I pray that they will all be one in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 17:20-26 (NLT)

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
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Blessed Quietness – The Swan Silvertones

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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 (NLT)

Paul before the High Council

The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them.
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Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”

This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees— for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
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Psalm 16 (Fullness of Joy) – Shane & Shane

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Closing: John John 17:21 (NLT)

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday of The 7th Week of Easter, 27 May 2020 – John 17:11-19, Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68, John 17:17 ~ “Keep them safe from the evil one.”

Wednesday of The 7th Week of Easter, 27 May 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

God of mercy, you have gathered your Church together by the Holy Spirit. Keep us devoted to your service and united among ourselves. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”

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A Reading from the Gospels: John 17:11-19 (NLT)

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – (Virtual Choir #4)

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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 20:28-38 (NLT)

So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
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Arise Oh Yah Psalm 68 – James Block

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Closing: John 17:17 (NLT)

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” 

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.