28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19 ~ glory to God

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!

The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

A Reading from the Old Teastament: 2 Kings 5:14-17 (NLT)

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!

Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the LORD….”

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

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

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Intercessions:

Wonder-working God: With a grateful heart, I ask that You, once again, respond to the needs of Your people –

For peace with justice for all in Syria and the Middle East — and an end to war and violence (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For refugees and asylum-seekers — that their dignity may be respected and their rights upheld (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For the men and women chosen to spread the Good News — that they may bear the hardships which come with that task (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For all who suffer disease in our world, that full medical help may be available to rich and poor alike (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For those who suffer isolation today, as the lepers once did — that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.
For our emigrants and all who are away from home — that our support may remind them of God’s care for them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear my prayer.

God of many wonders, you bring salvation to all the earth: Remember your people and grant my prayer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “Holy God We Praise Thy Name” – Translator: Clarence A. Walworth; Author (attributed to): Ignace Franz

Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee. All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heav’n above adore Thee. Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the glad celestial hymn / Angel choirs above are raising; Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the heav’ns 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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 ~ faithful witness

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (NLT)

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

A Reading from the Prophet Habakuk: Habakuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4 (NLT)

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.

Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God….”

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 (NLT)

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me — a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 17:5-10 (NLT)

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Intercessions:

Creator God, Maker of heaven and earth, hear the cries of my heart:

For those called to witness to Christ in today’s world, that the Spirit may fill them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the success of the Mission of the Church, that Christians may embrace the Gospel and spread its message of mercy, forgiveness and hope…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For all who received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, that the same Spirit may sustain them in difficult moments…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who want so much to believe, but find it hard, that a strong faith may grow in them…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For respect for human life, from its beginnings to its last moments: that the life of every person may be valued and protected…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For people who feel so crushed by life that they wish to end it, that they may feel the love of God and know they are never alone…. Lord, hear my prayer.
For the dead, those who died during the week and those whose anniversaries occur; and for all who have died in Christ and are part of God’s flock forever…. Lord, hear my prayer.

O God you are our rock, you made us and know all our needs, listen to our prayers and respond according to your Kingdom purposes, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Christ Is Enough for Me” – Hillsong United

Christ is my reward / And all of my devotion / Now there’s nothing in this world / That could ever satisfy / Through every trial / My soul will sing / No turning back / I’ve been set free

Christ is enough for me / Christ is enough for me / Everything I need is in You / Everything I need

Christ my all in all / The joy of my salvation / And this hope will never fail / Heaven is my home / Through every storm / My soul will sing / Jesus is here / To God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus / No turning back / No turning back / The cross before me / The world behind me / No turning back / No turning back

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

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 146:7-10; Amos 6:1A, 4-7; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31 ~ pursue godliness

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

Opening sentence: God of justice and mercy – as I approach Your throne of grace, I am reminded of my unworthiness and confess my sin before You…. Please forgive me.

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit… You bring pardon and peace to the sinner… You bring light to those in darkness… and You forgive all who cry out to You. Lord, have mercy.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10 (NLT)

He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!

A Reading from the Prophet Amos: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (NLT)

What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem….

How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds and lounge on your couches, eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock and of choice calves fattened in the stall. You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David. You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions.

You care nothing about the ruin of your nation. Therefore, you will be the first to be led away as captives. Suddenly, all your parties will end.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (NLT)

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Intercessions:

Lord God – You provide for all who are oppressed… the hungry… the prisoner… the blind… the distressed… the foreigner… and the widow and orphan. Gracious and meciful God – hear my prayer:

For the godly, all who strive to be disciples of Christ, that they may be filled with faith and love…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For the oppressed and exploited of the earth, that they may receive their rightful justice…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For those who see me as rich, that I may not be blind to their needs…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For people in need in my community, that I may be a true friend…. + Lord, hear my prayer

For all who mourn the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For all who have died, that they may be raised up at the last day…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

For my own needs and for those who have asked for my prayer…. + Lord, hear my prayer.

All of this I ask you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “There is a Hope” – Stuart Townend

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

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 113:1-8; Amos 8:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:10-13 ~ cumulative faithfulness

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

Opening sentence: I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 113:1-8 (NLT)

Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Everywhere — from east to west — praise the name of the Lord. For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people!

Reading Psalm 113 to the people of the Garbage Dump in Managua.

A Reading from the Prophet Amos: Amos 8:7 (NLT)

Now the Lord has sworn this oath by his own name, the Pride of Israel: “I will never forget the wicked things you have done!”

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT)

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity — the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating — just telling the truth.

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke: Luke 16:10-13 (NLT)

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

“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.”

Intercessions: God, who heeds the cry of the poor… hear our prayers today. We pray…

For the ministry of service to people who are poor, homeless, hungry or in any other need…

For those who govern with honesty and justice, and for citizens… immigrants… and refugees…

For all who are victims of injustice… and those impoverished by war and neglect…

For all of us to put God, not wealth and possessions, at the center of our lives…

For all Americans serving our country…and for the loved ones who await their safe return…

For those who are seriously ill, hospitalized, or homebound…

For the ministry of healing with people who are broken in body… mind… or spirit…

For the recently deceased, and for all who mourn their loss…

All-powerful and ever-living God, the world is your footstool. Make us always worthy of your trust. This we ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Micha’el Eliyahu Ben David

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

Morning Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1.10-12 NLT – live a worthy life

2 Thessalonians 1.10-12 NLT

"The Last Judgment" by Michelangelo executed on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The work took four years to complete and was done between 1536 and 1541. — “The Last Judgment” by Michelangelo executed on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The work took four years to complete and was done between 1536 and 1541.

“When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people — praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him.

This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

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