+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentences:
Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.
Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us.
Lord, open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 1:39-47 (NLT)
A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
Canticle
Teach me, dear Lord, to number my days; that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy me early with Thy mercy, that I may rejoice and be glad all of my days.
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.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon me; and establish Thou the work of my hands.
Blessing:
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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
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.
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.
My eyes, my eyes have seen the King. The vision of His beauty has pierced me deep within. To whom else can I go?
My heart, my heart desires Him. He’s touched something inside of me that’s now reaching out for Him. And I know that I must go.
Morning readings
John 7:1-13 ESV:
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.
Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.
Reflections:
trouble
It appears Jesus’ movement is falling apart. Many disciples have left Jesus, his betrayal is in view, and he has to lay low in Galilee because of death threats in Judea. Jesus’ brothers give him some family advice: he should go back to Judea and do some miracles so that his disciples may see the miracles he does. However, Jesus’ aim is not to gain a following but to reveal his Father by being faithful and obedient to him. Jesus does not need suggestions from others, even those closest to him in his family.
The problem with their timing is precisely that it is theirs and not God’s. Rather than being of God they are of the world; that is, they are among those who are alienated from God. Evil is understood as that which is not of the Father. Jesus’ statement to his brothers is an example of his testimony to the world’s evil, for he reveals that their apparent faith is, in fact, not faith at all.
timing
The fact that Jesus does actually go to the feast suggests that he received instructions from the Father to go after he spoke to his brothers. Such apparent inconsistency is a common feature in the lives of believers who are sensitive to the Lord’s leading. “The one consistency of the saint is not to a principle, but to the Divine life” (Oswald Chambers). Not even those closest to Jesus in human terms could influence him. He must be entirely open and obedient to God.
truth
In our pluralistic society we have lost the sense of significance regarding religious views. Jesus and his opponents cannot both be correct, and the choosing between them has eternal consequences. If Jesus is Lord, then he cannot be wedded to any other religion or philosophy. Rather, he is the standard of truth by which we assess all other claims.
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.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence:
May the splendor of Your majesty, O Lord, shed its light upon our hearts, that we may pass through the shadows of this world and reach the brightness of our eternal home. 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.
A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6 (NLT)
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
“Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord.”
A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 92:1-2a, 7-8, 10b-13 (NLT)
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning….
__________
Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.
__________
You have anointed me with the finest oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents. But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.
A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Ephesus: Ephesians 3:2b-4 (NLT)
God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.
A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Intercessions:
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany. “The Lord and ruler is coming; kingship is his, and government and power.” With these words the Church proclaims that today’s feast brings to a perfect fulfillment all the purposes of Advent. Epiphany, therefore, marks the liturgical zenith of the Advent-Christmas season. — Pius Parsch
Arise shine inheritors of God’s light, bearers of God’s light to our darkened world, the light of God has come into our world, and nations will come to its brightness.
Arise shine, privileged ones who live in the light of Christ, bow before God, not in shame but in awe, all is visible in Christ’s eternal light, in us God’s light never goes out.
Arise shine, in Christ, God’s light has been revealed to us, it reaches across time and space, we have come to see, we have come to follow.
Arise shine, in Christ God’s light has been revealed to all people, God’s glory has been unveiled in all the earth, go and tell, go and share God’s light with our needy world.
Light of all lights – accept our worship and prayer:
+ Come and see the light of God has come into our world – may we proclaim God’s justice and love… overcome the darkness and bring new life.
+ Come and follow Christ our king has redeemed our world – draw us into a loving family from every tribe and family and culture
+ Go and tell, the Spirit has equipped us for service – may we love our neighbours as we do ourselves and bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth
+ Come and see, come and follow, go and tell – in God’s Son the nations of the earth will put their hope
God who revealed yourself to wise men following a star – guide all who search and journey towards your Light today.
God who unveiled yourself in the gift of a son – show yourself through the gift of life today.
God who was baptized with those who declared their repentance in the Jordan river – manifest yourself to all who come with repentant hearts today.
God who fed the five thousand with a handful of fish and loaves – satisfy our hunger with your word of truth and love.
God who changed water into wine at a wedding – fill all who thirst with the free gift of the water of life.
God whose light shines like a bright guiding star have mercy on us.
Lord God Almighty, thank you that Jesus’ epiphany as Son of God reaches across time and space. As we go into this day may we embrace your call to come and see, come and follow, go and tell others. May we remember that we are bearers of Christ’s light sent out to touch others so that they may know him as Son of God and experience the wonderful hope his message brings. Amen.
Spiritual Song: Hallelujah (Light Is Come) – Barlow Girl
Hmm, my baby / Heaven sent You to me / All the world’s been praying / Who will save?
But who am I? / That here tonight / I hold the one / Who’ll bring us life
Hallelujah, we’ve been found / A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior who will set us free / A promise for those who believe
Do You hear the Angels / Sing for You, my baby? / Men and kings have / Come to bow to You
But here in my arms / So close to me / The son of God / Now all can see
Hallelujah, we’ve been found / A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior set us free
So praise to God on high / He has heard our cry
Hallelujah, we’ve been found / Hallelujah, we’ve been found
A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior set us free / A promise for those who believe
Hmm, my baby
__________
Go into the world knowing you are led by the light of Christ, may the love of the Creator go before you, may the life of the Redeemer be within you, may the joy of the Spirit shine through you.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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.”
They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Messiah: You are the hope of Israel… you are the only hope for this world!
All around us the hosts of evil asssail your people and scorn your name… deliver us from evil and free us from our fears… that we might sing your praise. Cure our warring madness… bend our pride to your will… and shame our wanton selfishness and poverty of soul. Save us from weak resignation to deplorable evils… set our feet on the path to eternal life… and arm us with your grace and power. (paraphrase ~ Harry E. Fosdick (1930)
May your Kingdom come… your will be done… on earth as it is in heaven… and especially in me. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 