Tag: Worship

Morning Prayer: 13 Oct – Revelation 12:10-12 ~ salvation, power and kingdom authority

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

__________

__________

Revelation 12:10-12 (ESV) – to be read aloud

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION – THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (8:2-14:20)

Interlude (12:1-14:20)

Overview (12:10-12)

The great tribulation about to break upon the church was a direct result of the defeat of Satan in heavenly conflict. The salvation, power, and Kingdom of God are present realities. Although defeated, Satan is still a powerful foe…. The point of this passage is not to establish a chronology but to reveal the supernatural cause behind Satan’s opposition to the church whenever and wherever it occurs. It should be no surprise that as the end draws near, this hostility will increase in intensity. (Mounce, p.238)

The triumph of God’s Kingdom (12:10-11)

Somewhere in the World a Believer is Being Martyred Right Now……..Today
Somewhere in the World a Believer is Being Martyred
Right Now……..Today

The defeat of Satan leads to the establishment of the authority of the Messiah in the world. The result is Satan’s accusations against God’s people are frustrated…. The victory over Satan… actually was accomplished in history at the cross. The shed blood of Christ is the real means of victory over Satan. The secondary means of victory… is the martyrs’ witness to the saving power of the blood of Christ.

Their very martyrdom was their victory over Satan: it proved that his accusations against the brethren were empty. It is clear that victory over Satan is a spiritual victory which is often won even in the terrible experience of martyrdom. (Ladd, p.172-3)

Rejoice! (12:12)

While the rejoicing is called for from the inhabitants of heaven it is plain that people on earth can rejoice too. Their citizenship is in heaven. And, though they suffer grievous troubles on earth, they are assured that these are temporary and that already the triumph is being savoured in heaven. But for now there is woe for them on earth and sea. The devil has come down in great anger, knowing that he has only a little time, the time that remains before the second advent…. The troubles of the persecuted righteous arise not because Satan is too strong, but because he is beaten. He is doing all the harm he can while he can. But he will not be able to do this much longer. (Morris, 158)
__________

__________

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: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

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.) On Sundays, we’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.

28th Ordinary Sunday: Is 25:6-10; Ps 23:1-6; Phil 4:12-14, 19-20; Mt 22:1-14 ~ Come to the banquet!

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

God of goodness and kindness – You invite all people to the banquet and offer them a feast beyond compare. Give us Your saving grace to keep unstained the white robe of our baptism until that day when You welcome us to heaven’s joyful table. We ask this through our 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 25:6-10 (NLT)

In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” For the Lord’s hand of blessing will rest on Jerusalem.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
__________


__________

A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 (NLT)

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
_____

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 22:1-14 (NLT)

Chalice on the altar with crucifix in background. Lower chapel of Our Lady of Mercy church, Hicksville, New York. Reference image 2142 taken January 15, 2006 by John Archer.
Chalice on the altar with crucifix in background. Lower chapel of Our Lady of Mercy church, Hicksville, New York. Image taken January 15, 2006 by John Archer.

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
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__________

Intercessions:

Gracious God, who gently shepherds all the flock, hear our prayers –

+ For Christians everywhere — that our belief in life after death may sustain us in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who care for the bereaved — that their own faith in the resurrection may sustain them…. Lord, hear us.

+ For people who live with violence — that the Lord may grant peace to those parts of the world most battered by war…. Lord, hear us.

+ For each one of us in our everyday lives — that we may encourage one another and reflect Your peace and joy…. Lord, hear us.

+ For couples preparing for marriage — that the gentle shepherd may lead them along right paths…. Lord, hear us.

+ For Christian families everywhere – that the peace of Christ and the love of Christ might be a daily reality…. Lord, hear us.

+ For those who have died – that a place at the heavenly banquet may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.

God our shepherd, You invite us to Your table in heaven: give us the grace we need on our journey there, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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__________

Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

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

Morning Prayer: 11 Oct – Revelation 12:7-12 ~ Holy War

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 12:7-12 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The Fall of the Rebel Angels Frans Floris I , 1554 Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp
The Fall of the Rebel Angels
Frans Floris I , 1554
Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world — he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION – THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (8:2-14:20)

Interlude (12:1-14:20)

Holy War (12:7-12)

Our struggles are not to be shrugged off as insignificant. They are part of the great conflict between good and evil. (Morris, p.156)

This conflict is… a warfare in heaven itself. It is an all-out attempt on the part of Satan to regain his position in the presence of God… the cosmic prelude to the consummation, an “end-time event.” At the same time it is the heavenly counterpart to the victory of Christ in his death and resurrection (John 12:31). The triumph of the Messiah (vs 5) is now expressed in terms of the Holy War.

It is the defeat of Satan (whether described in terms of Christ’s redemptive work or the battle in heaven) that explains the hostility to be poured out upon the church in the days of final tribulation. It is precisely because Satan has lost the battle that he now launches one last assault on the church. (Mounce, p.235-6)

In redemptive history the victory over Satan was won by Christ shedding his blood on the cross. John, however, is not concerned here with the way the victory is won but merely the fact that satan is defeated…. The overthrow and final defeat of evil is altogether the work of Christ. (Ladd, p.171)

Michael and his angels (12:7-8)

Michael appears in Scripture as… the guardian angel of Israel. In the present passage, he is represented as the defender of God’s people as a whole against the evil power of Satan. The single intent of the passage is to assure those who meet satanic evil on earth that it is really a defeated power, however contrary it might seem to human experience. (Ladd, p.171)

Satan the deceiver (12:9)

The dragon and his angels are hurled down to the earth. It is the beginning of the end.

Satan is known as… the Adversary, the prosecutor who accuses people before God in the heavenly court…. Satan is also known as the Slanderer, the deceiver of the whole world…. It is a momentous event when this prince of evil is defeated in battle and cast forever from the court of heaven. (Mounce, p.237)

The present passage describes a victory over Satan by virtue of which his accusations against God’s people lose their force (vs. 10)…. In symbolic language, john is asserting that the presence and power of the Kingdom of God on earth in the persons of Jesus and his disciples meant the toppling of Satan from his place of power. (Ladd, p.172)
__________

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..
__________

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: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

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.) On Sundays, we’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: 10 Oct – Revelation 12:1-6 ~ the child

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 12:1-6 (ESV) – to be read aloud

Illustration of the male child Revelation 12:5
Illustration of the male child
Revelation 12:5

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.

She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION – THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (8:2-14:20)

Interlude (12:1-14:20)

The child: (12:5-6)

The child is God’s anointed who is destined to reign in God’s Kingdom over all the earth (Ps 2:9; Rev 2:27; 19:15). (Ladd, p. 169)

The child was destined for world dominion… absolute authority… firmness…. In Revelation God is all-sovereign. He does what he wills. So now John’s point is that he protects the incarnate Son from destruction by Satan.

Here John’s subject is not strictly Christ, but the church. He is showing how the incarnation gives encouragement to believers. Satan tried hard to destroy Christ. But he did not succeed. Christ came right through to the ascension. Let believers take heart. God always effects his purpose. (Morris, p.155)
_____

Frustrated in his efforts to destroy the Messiah, Satan turned on his mother – the heavenly woman. But his efforts again were in vain. God protected and preserved the woman even as he had saved his anointed one…. Even in the time of most severe trouble, God will preserve the heavenly woman; and this in turn includes the idea that he will preserve his church on earth. (Ladd, p.170)

For John’s readers the wilderness in this context… would suggest a place of spiritual refuge. The purpose of the vision is to assure those facing martyrdom that God has prepared for them a place of spiritual refuge and will enable them to stand fast against the devil. The duration of divine nourishment corresponds to the period of persecution (cf. 11:2; 13:5). The place is one set in readiness by God himself. (Mounce, p.234)
__________


__________

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: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

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.) On Sundays, we’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: 09 Oct – Revelation 12:1-6 ~ the red dragon

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 12:1-6 (ESV) – to be read aloud

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.

Mosaic depicting Revelation 12 Washington DC ~ Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Mosaic depicting Revelation 12
Washington DC ~ Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.

She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION – THE SEVEN TRUMPETS (8:2-14:20)

Interlude (12:1-14:20)

The red dragon: (12:3-4)

A second sign now appears in the sky – an enormous red dragon with seven heads – called the devil, or Satan (vs 9)…. Allusions to dragons are not uncommon in the OT. More often than not they refer metaphorically to Israel’s enemies…. Against this background the dragon of John’s vision would immediately be understood as the archenemy of God and his people…. The color symbolizes the murderous character of Satan…. John’s fondness for the number “seven” as a symbol for completeness suggests that the seven heads of the dragon depict the universality of his power. The ten horns recall Daniel 7:7,24… indicating that Satan’s earthly emissaries are like him in destructive power. The crowns… are Satan’s presumptuous claim of royal power over against “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” upon whose head are many diadems (19:12,16).

The cataclysmic action of the dragon’s sweeping tail emphasizes the tremendous size and awesome power of the dragon. That he hurls down a third of the stars indicates no more than that he does so to a very great number. John is not teaching a theology of fallen angels but reporting a pageant in the sky.

The dragon stands in readiness before the woman with child so that when the child is born he can devour it. This explains the violent antagonism with which the child of the messianic community was met during the years of his life on earth. (Mounce, p.232-3)
_____

John is describing spiritual realities in vivid mythological terms. Here is the ultimate purpose of Satan: to frustrate the work of Christ. (Ladd, p.169)
_________


__________

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: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

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.) On Sundays, we’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.