8th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 49:14-15; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34 ~ never forgotten

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

The Lord gathers me in to His loving embrace, the Lord who invites me not to worry about tomorrow. Setting my heart on His kingdom, I entrust all my tomorrows to Him and ask Him to help me live for this, His day.
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Lord God, Your care for me surpasses even a mother’s tender love. Renew my trust in Your provident care, that I may abandon all anxiety and seek first Your kingdom. I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 49:14-15 (NLT)

"Mother Jeanne Nursing Her Baby" Mary Cassatt (1907-08) — “Mother Jeanne Nursing Her Baby”
Mary Cassatt (1907-08)

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 (NLT)

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man — all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NLT)

So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time — before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 6:24-34 (NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Intercessions:

Mighty God – my rock, my stronghold – hear the cries of my heart for the needs of Your people:

+ For all who believe, that we may experience Your tender love…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are anxious and fearful, that we may find rest and peace in Your gracious care…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christian leaders, that they may teach the world who You are – Father, Son and Spirit…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For mothers, that they may always be well supported in their task of raising the next generation…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For respect for women, that all cultures may respect women’s rights and dignity…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For fathers, that we may always provide godly love and support for our wives and families…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are suffering hardship, persecution and even death because of their Chrisitan faith…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who are embroiled in violence, wars and rumors of wars – especially in Syria, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine – that Your church may bring light and life, hope and help, to those living in the shadow of death…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who rejoice at the birth of children, and those who mourn at the death of loved one’s, that they may know that their lives are in Your gracious and merciful hands…. Lord, hear my prayer.

Mighty God, my fortress and my strength, hear my prayers on behalf of Your people and help us grow in trust of You. Through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “Holy God, we praise your name” – Ignace Franz

Holy God, we praise your name; Lord of all, we bow before you. Saints on earth your rule acclaim; all in heaven above adore you. Infinite your vast domain; everlasting is your reign.

Hark, the glad celestial hymn / angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord: “Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded: Keep us without sin today, Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

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

Morning Prayer, 01 Mar – John 11:28-37 ~ run to Jesus

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences – Brigid of Kildare (c. 450-523)

Peace be here in the Name of the King of life; the peace of Christ above all peace, the Lord’s blessing over you.

May all be welcomed here as the Christ-child at the stable: in simplicity and joy, and may the smile of the Son of Peace be found here whenever the door is opened.

Morning readings

John 11:28-37 ESV:

jesus wept

When [Martha] had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

Reflections:

Mary runs to Jesus, as had Martha, showing their great attachment to Jesus, which reciprocated his love for them. In coming to Jesus in the midst of suffering the sisters provide a model for all believers.

The wailing of Mary and those with her provokes a strong emotional reaction in Jesus – translated literally, “became angry in spirit and very agitated.” Jesus’ anger is most likely directed at death itself, the pain and sadness it causes, and the reign of terror it exercises. In a Gospel in which life is one of the primary themes, death is clearly the great enemy.

The mourners invitation to “come and see” where Lazarus has been buried wrings Jesus’ heart. He is not in anguish over the death of Lazarus, but rather saddened by the pain and sadness they feel. He is weeping with those who weep because he loves them.

The grief caused by death is one facet of death’s evil that caused Jesus’ anger. He is angry at death and saddened at grief. In both cases the reason is the same, namely, Jesus’ love for his friends. The love of God for us and his wrath toward that which corrupts and destroys us are two sides of a single coin.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer, 28 Feb – John 11:17-27 ~ yes Lord

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences – Brigid of Kildare (c. 450-523)

Peace be here in the Name of the King of life; the peace of Christ above all peace, the Lord’s blessing over you.

May God the Father be the guardian of this place and bring His peace, that fear may find no entry here. May Christ be a chosen companion and friend. May loneliness be banished. May the Spirit bring lightness and laughter, and be the comforter of tears. Courage be at each going out; rest be present at each return; each day, each night, each going out and each returning.

Morning readings

John 11:17-27 ESV:

Resurrection-and-Life

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Reflections:

if only

Martha’s lament recaps her grief over the loss of her brother and her trust in Jesus as a friend and healer. Her belief that Jesus’ prayers are answered picks up on the truth of Jesus’ dependence upon the Father.

even now

Martha believes that it is never too late for Jesus to do something because of his special relationship with the Father.

She continues to believe in Jesus even though Lazarus’ death seems to call into question the messengers’ report that Jesus had said, This sickness will not end in death. Moreover, even though Jesus has delayed coming to help, she continues to believe that Jesus is the agent of the gracious God — despite the fact that this graciousness was not present to heal her brother.

Her trust in God’s love for one that Christ clearly loved is not shaken.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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the resurrection

Martha has expressed her faith in her brother’s future resurrection and Jesus responds by challenging her with a deeper revelation of himself: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Jesus’ own identity spans the gap between the already and the not yet: “The resurrection because the life” (Augustine). The life Jesus is talking about even encompasses the resurrection life of the world to come. In the raising of Lazarus, we have a revelation of Jesus’ authority and his identity as life-giver because he is life itself. Jesus’ role goes far beyond our earthly existence.

the life

Jesus’ claim is mind-boggling. He says it is faith in him that brings one back to life at the resurrection at the last day. But then he goes even further. “I am the life”: and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. The life that comes through believing in Jesus is not interrupted by physical death.

The very nature of the life of the believer is one that death cannot destroy since the believer is in union with Jesus who is the Life. By taking humanity into Himself He has revealed the permanence of man’s individuality and being. But this permanence can be found only in union with Him. Thus two main thoughts are laid down: Life (resurrection) is present, and this Life is in a Person.

yes Lord

Martha’s faith is genuine and solid, for it is in Jesus himself. She is not grasping all that he is saying about himself, but she is sticking with him and confessing as much as she knows, which is what faith is all about. As the events of the raising of Lazarus unfold Jesus will instruct her in what he has just claimed, thus bringing her step by step in her knowledge of who he is and what he is offering so she may respond in faith.

This example of patient progress in our Lord’s dealing with Martha should be a great encouragement to those of us who are not always quick on the uptake when it comes to God’s revelation of himself to us.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer, 27 Feb – John 11:1-16 ~ holy delay

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences – Brigid of Kildare (c. 450-523)

I would welcome the poor and honour them. I would welcome the sick in the presence of angels and ask God to bless and embrace us all.

Seeing a stranger approach, I would put food in the eating place, music in the listening place, and look with joy for the blessing of God, who often comes to my home in the blessing of a stranger.

We call upon the Sacred Three to save, shield and surround this house, this home, this day, this night, and every night.

Morning readings

John 11:1-16 ESV:

"Lazarus" by Carol L. Douglas — “Lazarus”
by Carol L. Douglas

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”

The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”

Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Reflections:

their need

The sisters present their need to Jesus but do not dictate how he should respond; their submission and humility allow God’s will to be done in a seemingly impossible situation – they are trusting in Jesus’ love for them and their brother.

God’s glory

In all that Jesus does we see the glory of God, for we see God’s love and life-giving power. Now, in the raising of Lazarus, we will have the most spectacular manifestation of this glory. God is the one who brings life to the dead out of his love for those in such need.

This is the heart of the Gospel. God’s glory is thus seen in his victory over death — indeed, it is “possible only through death — first the death of Lazarus, and then the death of Jesus himself!”

holy delay

Jesus behaves in an especially shocking manner – he delays for two days. Jesus’ activity is scandalous – his love does not feel like love but it is love, and it is for the best in their lives. His delay leads to a greater blessing.

Jesus has no doubt that he could have cured Lazarus if he had been there, but something even more helpful for the disciples’ faith is now going to take place.

light of day

Jesus uses the imagery of light to put his return to Judea into perspective. In the natural realm one is able to walk without stumbling while there is light, and there is light for a set period of time. One need not worry about stumbling while it is day.

The point is that they need not worry about what will happen to them for they have the Light of the World with them, for with him they are able to get on with the work of the Father. They should stick with Jesus even when he seems to lead them into danger, for no matter what happens it will work out for the best, even as Lazarus’s illness will work for the glory of God.

faith on the move

Faith is a progressive thing, for here Jesus is talking to those who have believed in him already, and yet he says this miracle is so that you may believe. Faith must be exercised in the face of each new revelation, and each new revelation is taking the disciples nearer to the ultimate revelation in the most extremely scandalous event, the cross — the ultimate revelation of God’s light and life and love and thus the ultimate manifestation of God that faith must grasp hold of.

As God reveals more of himself and his ways to us we must likewise have a faith that both grasps firmly onto him as he is revealed in Jesus and also is able to be stretched and deepened. Faith enables us to rest in God, but God himself also keeps us on the move as we continue to grow closer to him for ever.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer, 26 Feb – John 10:22-42 ~ Son of God

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences – Brigid of Kildare (c. 450-523)

Come to a warm place in this house, come in the name of Christ. My heart and I agree, welcome in the name of the Lord.

There is a fiery power in the gentle heart of the Spirit. Our hearts are agreed as we kneel by the hearth, and call on the Sacred Three to save, shield and surround us and our kin, this house, this home, this day, this night, and every night, each single night.

Morning readings

John 10:22-42 ESV:

At that time the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”

The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came — and Scripture cannot be broken — do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

Reflections:

my sheep

[Those who belong to Jesus] hear his voice, are known by him, follow him and have eternal life. And, because the Father has given them to Jesus, are safe and secure.

This passage of infinite comfort touches once again upon the mysteries of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We have both the call of God and the response of faith on the part of the sheep. If man falls at any stage in his spiritual life, it is not from want of divine grace, nor from the overwhelming power of adversaries, but from his neglect to the means of grace available to him. We cannot be protected against ourselves in spite of ourselves.

The sense of the divine protection is at any moment sufficient to inspire confidence, but not to render effort (abiding, remaining, following) unnecessary.

Oneness

“I and the Father are one.” What is this oneness? The Father not only gave Jesus life, as he has done for believers, but has made him the giver of life, a divine attribute illustrated in what Jesus says about the bread and the water and which will be climactically demonstrated in the raising of Lazarus. It implies a oneness in essence since “infinite power is an essential attribute of God; and it is impossible to suppose that two beings distinct in essence could be equal in power” – it is a powerful claim to deity.

Son of God

What Jesus means by the title Son of God goes beyond anything they had thought before, but it is not a denial of the truths of Scripture. Nevertheless, as with all other arguments, it only makes sense if the listener is open to entertaining the truth of who Jesus is.

Jesus’ deeds are like the deeds of God, both in power and in graciousness – they are not only powerful or awesome or supernatural, they are also in keeping with God’s own character — they manifest his gracious love (“The Father is in me and I am in the Father”).

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

_____________________________________

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

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