Tag: Bible Reading

Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ~ Father, forgive me

Ash Wednesday

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

Opening prayer:

Today begins the season of Lent – a journey of reflection and repentance that will bring us to the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time.
__________

Gracious and merciful God, You look with love upon a sinful people and desire only our return to You. I beg of you the grace to live this holy season, to persevere in prayer, self-denial, and almsgiving. Through the disciplines of Lent, purify my heart of all pretension, bring me back to You, and make the whole Church ready to celebrate the mysteries of Easter.

Grant this through Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Joel 2:12-18 (NLT)

Kori Dirks, Kolton DirksThe Lord says,

“Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”

Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.

Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people — the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar.

Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’”

Then the Lord will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17 (NLT)

For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner — yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
__________

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
__________

Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
__________

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 (NLT)

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (NLT)

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do — blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
__________

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Intercessions:

Our God is full of mercy and compassion – Lord help us:

+ That God’s people scattered throughout the world – particularly those who are signed with ashes today – may turn back to God during this Lenten season…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That those who have grown lukewarm, or drifted far away, may return to God and find new enthusiasm in their faith…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That people in need throughout the world may benefit from our Lenten sacrifices of prayer, of self, of generosity…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That, during this Lenten season, we may learn to set our own interests aside and work for the good of others…. Lord, hear my prayer.

God of mercy and compassion, you cleanse us and give us your help: hear my prayers made in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: God of Mercy and Compassion

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

LENT (wikipedia) is a solemn religious observance in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations that begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Day.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial – for the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the tradition and events of the New Testament beginning on Friday of Sorrows, further climaxing on Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, which ultimately culminates in the joyful celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The English word “Lent” was adopted for the season in the middle ages and simply referred, at that time, to the coming of spring with its lengthening days.

Morning Prayer, 04 Mar – John 11:45-57 ~ one for all

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)

Christ in our coming and in our leaving, the Door and the Keeper; for us and our dear ones, this day and every day, blessing for always. Amen.

Morning readings

John 11:45-57 ESV:

chief-priest

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

Reflections:

faith and fear

There are a variety of responses to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus – many put faith in him, but others inform the authorities. The report alarms the Pharisees, and so the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

Like many religious leaders since, Jesus is accused of being a threat to national security. Jesus’ popularity could look like a popular uprising that would require calling in the Roman legions destroying both their religious positions and the entire nation. The irony is that they do destroy the temple of Jesus’ body, but this does not prevent the Romans from destroying their temple and their nation, nor does it prevent increasing numbers of people from believing in Jesus.

Their plot prevented neither of the things they feared, even though they succeeded in getting Jesus killed.

atonement and oneness

Caiaphas unwittingly prophesies that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, but John sees the divine intent that Jesus die in place of the nation for their sin… and for the sin of all humanity. Jesus’ death is also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. Jesus’ work as the Good Shepherd is accomplished through his death.

The oneness with God that the atonement accomplishes is complemented by the oneness of the people of God drawn from the whole of the human race. They are already referred to as children of God since each one who enters Christ’s community has been given to him by the Father and has responded in faith and has been born again. It is Christ, especially Christ crucified, that unites the people of God.

seclusion and speculation

Jesus goes back into seclusion because of the increased danger. His movement in and out of seclusion shows him working around the intentions of his enemies as he works out the intentions of his Father. There is a similar pattern in his work in the lives of his followers today. He moves in and out of seclusion in our lives, not because his life is threatened but as part of his love for us, to wean us from false attachments, even false views we may have of God himself.

Meanwhile, as Passover approaches, friends and foes speculate whether or not Jesus will come to the feast, aware that the chief priests and Pharisees are seeking his arrest. But Jesus has already departed from the temple and will not be standing where they are standing as they ask such questions. He will come up to this feast, but he will not be coming to the temple. Rather, the one true sacrifice is about to take place in the temple of his body.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

__________


__________

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

_____________________________________

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, 03 Mar – John 11:38-44 ~ You raise me up

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.

Child of my heart, the joy of God be in thy face, joy to all who see thee.

The circle of God around thee, angels of God shielding thee.

Joy of night and day be thine; joy of sun and moon be thine; joy of men and women be thine.

Each land and sea thou goest, each land and sea thou goest, be every season happy for thee; be every season bright for thee; be every season glad for thee.

Be thine the compassing of the God of life; be thine the compassing of the Christ of love; be thine the compassing of the Spirit of grace: to befriend thee and aid thee, thou beloved child of my heart.

Morning readings

John 11:38-44 ESV:

'The Raising of Lazarus' Duccio di Buoninsegna (1310–11) Kimbell Art Museum
‘The Raising of Lazarus’
Duccio di Buoninsegna (1310–11)
Kimbell Art Museum

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone.

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth.

Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Reflections:

bodily resurrection

Martha’s objection that there would be a stench due to decomposition highlights the greatness of this sign. Jesus is raising someone who should already have begun to decay. There is no indication in the story that Lazarus comes out bearing marks of decay. Here we see a revelation of Jesus’ power and authority as the agent of creation. He does not just bring the person back to life by reuniting soul and body, he also restores the body itself.

Not only is the raising of Lazarus a sign of Jesus’ identity and authority as life-giver, it also reflects the reality of the resurrection of the body. God is able to restore physical bodies after decay. The analogy is not complete, since Lazarus is not raised as an imperishable, spiritual body, as will be the case at the resurrection of the dead. But there is a continuity between the spiritual body and the physical body: it is a bodily resurrection. The overcoming of corruption in the raising of Lazarus thus provides, in part, a sign of the future resurrection.

God the Father

Here is the most powerful sign of Jesus’ power and authority, but it does not point to him except as evidence that he is doing what he sees the Father doing. He is here to glorify God, not himself.

This dependency upon the Father is further emphasized in Jesus’ prayer. Indeed, for Christians, God is now known primarily as the Father of Jesus. Our language for God as Father has its source in Jesus’ own revelation of God. It is his relationship with God that a Christian enters into and thus comes to know God as Jesus knows him, within the limitations of our human nature.

God the Son

Jesus vocalizes his prayer for the sake of the crowd – it is not enough for people to be impressed with Jesus. They must believe in him as the one sent from God. It is precisely because Jesus is sent from God and does as God directs him that he is heard by God. The Father as the sender is primary. Jesus is not a wonderworker who is able to get God to do what he wants him to do. He is the obedient Son sent by the Father to do the Father’s will. The Father’s will and the Son’s petition coincide exactly.

In saying the purpose of this prayer is that they might believe, Jesus is again acting with divine graciousness and mercy. Such belief brings eternal life. Thus, this miracle is not just for the sake of Lazarus and his sisters, who already do have such faith and the life it brings, but for others that they may have life. The miracle reveals Jesus as the life-giver sent from the Father, and one receives life from him as one has faith in him.

Word of life

Jesus could have healed Lazarus when he was still sick with a word of command, even across the miles. But now he utters a mightier word across a much greater distance — that between the living and the dead. The Word through whom all was made here speaks forth life. Those standing around were given tasks to do, such as taking away the stone and unbinding Lazarus. The physical contact helped drive home the reality of what was happening. But for Jesus, his work is his word.

Jesus’ command – “Take off the grave clothes and let him go” – is a cry of victory. The grave has been defeated and liberty achieved – it is a great sign of the life that is stronger than death, which those who believe in Jesus share. And it is a graphic sign of Jesus’ own power and authority.

This story speaks to all Christians bound by the fear of death and, on another level, bound by various sins. The Christian is in union with the one who himself is resurrection and life. As Christ offers freedom from the power of sin, so faith in Christ as resurrection and life brings freedom from the fear of death.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

__________

__________

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

_____________________________________

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.

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.
__________

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.
__________


__________

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

__________


__________

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

_____________________________________

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.