31 March 2012
Today's story is of Judith Saving Her People.
The scriptural basis for this story is found in Judith 13.
" So then, when it had become late, his servants hurried to their lodgings, and Vagao closed the chamber doors, and he went away. But they were all drowsy from the wine. And Judith was alone in the chamber. Moreover, Holofernes, being very inebriated, was fast asleep, reclining on his bed. And Judith told her handmaid to stand outside before the chamber, and to watch. And Judith stood in front of the bed, praying with tears, and her lips moved in silence, saying: “Confirm me, O Lord God of Israel, and in this hour look kindly upon the works of my hands, so that, just as you promised, you may raise up Jerusalem, your city, and so that, believing through you that this plan is able to be accomplished, I may succeed.” And when she had said this, she approached the pillar, which was at the head of the bed, and she released his blade, which was hanging tied to it.
And when she had unsheathed it, she grabbed him by the hair of his head, and she said, “Confirm me, O Lord God, in this hour.” And she struck him twice on his neck, and she cut off his head, and she took off his canopy from the pillars, and she rolled away the trunk of his body. And after a little while, she went out, and she delivered the head of Holofernes to her handmaid, and she ordered her to put it in her bag. And the two went out, according to their custom, as if to prayer, and they passed through the camp, and having circled around the valley, they came to the gate of the city. And Judith, from a distance, spoke to the watchmen on the walls, “Open the gates, for God is with us, and he has acted with his power in Israel.” And it happened that, when the men had heard her voice, they called the elders of the city. And all rushed toward her, from the least to the greatest. For, until then, they held no hope that she would return. And, enflaming the lights, they gathered all around her. But she climbed up to a higher place, and she ordered them to be made silent. And when all had quieted down, Judith said: “Praise the Lord our God, who has not abandoned those who hope in him. And by me, his handmaid, he has fulfilled his mercy, which he promised to the house of Israel. And he has killed the enemy of his people, by my hand this night.” Then, taking the head of Holofernes from the bag, she displayed it to them, saying: “Behold, the head of Holofernes the leader of the military of the Assyrians, and behold his canopy, under which he reclined in his drunkenness, where the Lord our God struck him by the hand of a woman. But, as the Lord himself lives, his angel has been my guardian both from my departure, and while staying there, and when returning from there. And the Lord has not permitted me, his handmaid, to be defiled, but he has called me back to you without the pollution of sin, rejoicing in his victory, in my escape, and in your liberation. Confess everything to him, for he is good, for his mercy is with every generation.” Then everyone adored the Lord, and they said to her, “The Lord has blessed you by his power, because, through you, he has reduced our enemies to nothing.” Furthermore, Uzziah, the leader of the people of Israel, said to her: “O daughter, you have been blessed by the Lord, the most high God, above all the women on earth. Blessed is the Lord, who made heaven and earth, who has guided you in harming the head of the leader of our enemies. For he has so magnified your name this day, that your praise will not retire from the mouth of men, who will be mindful of the power of the Lord forever, because you have risked your life for the sake of the distress and tribulation of your people, and you have prevented our ruin before the sight of our God.” And all the people said: “Amen. Amen.” And so, Achior was called, and he drew near, and Judith said to him: “The God of Israel, to whom you gave testimony, has avenged himself on his enemies. He has cut down the head of all unbelievers, by my hand this night. And, so that you may determine that this is so, behold, the head of Holofernes, who, in the contempt of his pride, despised the God of Israel and threatened Israel with ruin, saying, ‘When the people of Israel have been captured, I will instruct your sides to be pierced through with a sword.’ ” Then Achior, seeing the head of Holofernes, and being distressed by fear, fell upon his face on the ground, and his soul became agitated. In truth, after this, when he had recovered his breath, he fell down before her feet, and he showed reverence for her, and he said: “Blessed are you by your God, in every tabernacle of Jacob, for in every nation that will hear of your name, the God of Israel will be magnified over you.”
Readings of the Day:
Ezekiel 37:21-28
Jeremiah 31:10-13
John 11:45-56
Collect for the Day:
" God, who have made all those reborn in Christ a chosen race and a royal priesthood, grant us, we pray, the grace to will and to do what you command, that the people called to eternal life may be one in the faith of their hearts and the homage of their deeds. 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. Amen."
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
30 March 2012
Today's story is of Daniel in the Lions' Den.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 6.
" Therefore, these men said, “We will not find any complaint against this Daniel, unless it is against the law of his God.” Then the leaders and governors took the king aside privately and spoke to him in this way: “King Darius, live forever. All the leaders of your kingdom, the magistrates and governors, the senators and judges, have taken counsel that an imperial decree and edict should be published, so that all who ask any petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, will be cast into the den of lions. Now, therefore, O king, confirm this judgment and write the decree, so that what is established by the Medes and Persians may not be altered, nor will any man be allowed to transgress it.” And so king Darius set forth the decree and established it. Now when Daniel learned of this, namely, that the law had been established, he entered his house, and, opening the windows in his upper room towards Jerusalem, he knelt down three times a day, and he adored and gave thanks before his God, as he had been accustomed to do previously. Therefore, these men, inquiring diligently, discovered that Daniel was praying and making supplication to his God. And they approached and spoke to the king about the edict. “O king, did you not decree that every man who makes a request to any of the gods or men for thirty days, except to yourself, O king, would be cast into the den of lions?” To which the king replied, saying, “The sentence is true, and according to the decree of the Medes and Persians, it is not lawful to violate it.” Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, of the sons of the captivity of Judah, is not concerned about your law, nor about the decree that you have established, but three times a day he prays his supplication.” Now when the king had heard these words, he was greatly grieved, and, on behalf of Daniel, he set his heart to free him, and he labored even until sunset to rescue him. But these men, knowing the king, said to him, “You know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that every decree which the king has established may not be altered.” Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you always serve, he himself will free you.” And a stone was brought, and it was placed over the mouth of the den, which the king sealed with his own ring, and with the ring of his nobles, so that no one would act against Daniel. And the king departed into his house, and he went to bed without eating, and food was not set before him, moreover, even sleep fled from him. Then the king, getting himself up at first light, went quickly to the den of lions. And coming near to the den, he cried out with a tearful voice to Daniel and spoke to him. “Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, whom you serve always, do you believe he has prevailed to free you from the lions?” And Daniel, answering the king, said, “O king, live forever. My God has sent his angel, and he has closed the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, because before him justice has been found in me, and, even before you, O king, I have committed no offense.” Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and he commanded that Daniel should be taken out of the den. And Daniel was taken out of the den, and no wound was found in him, because he believed in his God Moreover, by order of the king, those men were brought who had accused Daniel, and they were cast into the lions’ den, they, and their sons, and their wives, and they did not reach the bottom of the den before the lions seized them and crushed all their bones. Then king Darius wrote to all peoples, tribes, and languages dwelling in all the land. “May peace be increased with you. It is hereby established by my decree that, in all my empire and my kingdom, they shall begin to tremble and fear the God of Daniel. For he is the living and eternal God forever, and his kingdom will not be destroyed, and his power will last forever. He is the liberator and the savior, performing signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has freed Daniel from the lions’ den.” Thereafter, Daniel continued through the reign of Darius until the reign of Cyrus, the Persian."
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42
Collect for the Day:
"Pardon the offenses of your peoples, we pray, O Lord, and in your goodness set us free from the bonds of the sins we have committed in our weakness. 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. Amen."
Today's story is of Daniel in the Lions' Den.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 6.
" Therefore, these men said, “We will not find any complaint against this Daniel, unless it is against the law of his God.” Then the leaders and governors took the king aside privately and spoke to him in this way: “King Darius, live forever. All the leaders of your kingdom, the magistrates and governors, the senators and judges, have taken counsel that an imperial decree and edict should be published, so that all who ask any petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, will be cast into the den of lions. Now, therefore, O king, confirm this judgment and write the decree, so that what is established by the Medes and Persians may not be altered, nor will any man be allowed to transgress it.” And so king Darius set forth the decree and established it. Now when Daniel learned of this, namely, that the law had been established, he entered his house, and, opening the windows in his upper room towards Jerusalem, he knelt down three times a day, and he adored and gave thanks before his God, as he had been accustomed to do previously. Therefore, these men, inquiring diligently, discovered that Daniel was praying and making supplication to his God. And they approached and spoke to the king about the edict. “O king, did you not decree that every man who makes a request to any of the gods or men for thirty days, except to yourself, O king, would be cast into the den of lions?” To which the king replied, saying, “The sentence is true, and according to the decree of the Medes and Persians, it is not lawful to violate it.” Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, of the sons of the captivity of Judah, is not concerned about your law, nor about the decree that you have established, but three times a day he prays his supplication.” Now when the king had heard these words, he was greatly grieved, and, on behalf of Daniel, he set his heart to free him, and he labored even until sunset to rescue him. But these men, knowing the king, said to him, “You know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that every decree which the king has established may not be altered.” Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you always serve, he himself will free you.” And a stone was brought, and it was placed over the mouth of the den, which the king sealed with his own ring, and with the ring of his nobles, so that no one would act against Daniel. And the king departed into his house, and he went to bed without eating, and food was not set before him, moreover, even sleep fled from him. Then the king, getting himself up at first light, went quickly to the den of lions. And coming near to the den, he cried out with a tearful voice to Daniel and spoke to him. “Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, whom you serve always, do you believe he has prevailed to free you from the lions?” And Daniel, answering the king, said, “O king, live forever. My God has sent his angel, and he has closed the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, because before him justice has been found in me, and, even before you, O king, I have committed no offense.” Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and he commanded that Daniel should be taken out of the den. And Daniel was taken out of the den, and no wound was found in him, because he believed in his God Moreover, by order of the king, those men were brought who had accused Daniel, and they were cast into the lions’ den, they, and their sons, and their wives, and they did not reach the bottom of the den before the lions seized them and crushed all their bones. Then king Darius wrote to all peoples, tribes, and languages dwelling in all the land. “May peace be increased with you. It is hereby established by my decree that, in all my empire and my kingdom, they shall begin to tremble and fear the God of Daniel. For he is the living and eternal God forever, and his kingdom will not be destroyed, and his power will last forever. He is the liberator and the savior, performing signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has freed Daniel from the lions’ den.” Thereafter, Daniel continued through the reign of Darius until the reign of Cyrus, the Persian."
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42
Collect for the Day:
"Pardon the offenses of your peoples, we pray, O Lord, and in your goodness set us free from the bonds of the sins we have committed in our weakness. 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. Amen."
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
29 March 2012
Today's story tells of Susanna's Trial.
The scritural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 13.
"But when the maids had departed, the two elders arose and hurried to her, and they said, “Behold, the doors of the orchard are closed, and no one can see us, and we are in desire for you. Because of these things, consent to us and lie with us. But if you will not, we will bear witness against you that a young man was with you and, for this reason, you sent your maids away from you.” Susanna sighed and said, “I am closed in on every side. For if I do this thing, it is death to me; yet if I do not do it, I will not escape your hands. But it is better for me to fall unavoidably into your hands, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.” And Susanna cried out with a loud voice, but the elders also cried out against her. And one of them hurried to the door of the orchard and opened it. And so, when the servants of the house heard the outcry in the orchard, they rushed in by the back door to see what was happening. But after the old men had spoken, the servants were greatly ashamed, for there had never been anything of this kind said about Susanna. And it happened on the next day, when the people came to Joakim her husband, that the two appointed elders also came, full of wicked plans against Susanna, in order to put her to death. And they said before the people, “Send for Susanna, daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.” And immediately they sent for her. And she arrived with her parents, and sons, and all her relatives. Moreover, Susanna was exceedingly delicate and beautiful in appearance. But those wicked ones commanded that her face should be uncovered, (for she was covered,) so that at least they might be satisfied with her beauty. Therefore, her own and all who knew her wept. Yet the two appointed elders, rising up in the midst of the people, set their hands upon her head. And weeping, she gazed up to heaven, for her heart had faith in the Lord. And the appointed elders said, “While we were taking a walk in the orchard alone, this one came in with two maids, and she shut the doors of the orchard, and she sent the maids away from her. And a young man came to her, who was in hiding, and he lay down with her. Furthermore, since we were in a corner of the orchard, seeing this wickedness, we ran up to them, and we saw them consorting together. And, indeed, we were unable to catch him, because he was stronger than us, and opening the doors, he leaped out. But, since we had apprehended this one, we demanded to know who the young man was, but she was unwilling to tell us. On this matter, we are witnesses.” The multitude believed them, just as if they were elders and the judges of the people, and they condemned her to death. But Susanna cried out with a loud voice and said, “Eternal God, who knows what is hidden, who knows all things before they happen, you know that they have borne false witness against me, and behold, I must die, though I have done none of these things, which these men have maliciously invented against me.” But the Lord heeded her voice. And when she was led away to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young boy, whose name was Daniel. And he cried out with a loud voice, “I am clean of the blood of this one.” And all the people, turning back towards him, said, “What is this word that you are saying?” But he, while standing in the midst of them, said, “Are you so foolish, sons of Israel, that without judging and without knowing what the truth is, you have condemned a daughter of Israel? Return to judgment, because they have spoken false witness against her.” Therefore, the people returned with haste, and the old men said to him, “Come and sit down in our midst and show us, since God has given you the honor of old age.” And Daniel said to them, “Separate these at a distance from one another, and I will judge between them.” And so, when they were divided, one from the other, he called one of them, and he said to him, “You deep-rooted ancient evil, now your sins have come out, which you have committed before, judging unjust judgments, oppressing the innocent, and setting free the guilty, though the Lord declares, ‘The innocent and the just you must not put to death.’ Now then, if you saw her, declare under which tree you saw them conversing together.” He said, “Under an evergreen mastic tree.” But Daniel said, “Truly, you have lied against your own head. For behold, the angel of God, having received the sentence from him, will split you down the middle. And, having put him aside, he commanded the other to approach, and he said to him, “You offspring of Canaan, and not of Judah, beauty has deceived you, and desire has perverted your heart. Thus did you do to the daughters of Israel, and they, out of fear, consorted with you, but a daughter of Judah would not tolerate your iniquity. Now then, declare to me, under which tree you caught them conversing together.” He said, “Under an evergreen oak tree.” And Daniel said to him, “Truly, you also have lied against your own head. For the angel of the Lord waits, holding a sword, to cut you down the middle and put you to death.” And then the entire assembly cried out in a loud voice, and they blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. And they rose up against the two appointed elders, (for Daniel had convicted them, by their own mouth, of bearing false witness,) and they did to them just as they had wickedly done against their neighbor, so as to act according to the law of Moses. And they put them to death, and innocent blood was saved on that day. But Hilkiah and his wife praised God for their daughter, Susanna, with Joakim, her husband, and all her relatives, because there had been found in her no disgrace. And so Daniel became great in the sight of the people from that day, and thereafter. And king Astyages was laid to rest with his fathers. And Cyrus the Persian received his kingdom."
Readings of the Day:
Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105:4-9
John 8:51-59
Collect for the Day:
"Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the satin of their sins, they may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. 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. Amen."
Today's story tells of Susanna's Trial.
The scritural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 13.
"But when the maids had departed, the two elders arose and hurried to her, and they said, “Behold, the doors of the orchard are closed, and no one can see us, and we are in desire for you. Because of these things, consent to us and lie with us. But if you will not, we will bear witness against you that a young man was with you and, for this reason, you sent your maids away from you.” Susanna sighed and said, “I am closed in on every side. For if I do this thing, it is death to me; yet if I do not do it, I will not escape your hands. But it is better for me to fall unavoidably into your hands, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.” And Susanna cried out with a loud voice, but the elders also cried out against her. And one of them hurried to the door of the orchard and opened it. And so, when the servants of the house heard the outcry in the orchard, they rushed in by the back door to see what was happening. But after the old men had spoken, the servants were greatly ashamed, for there had never been anything of this kind said about Susanna. And it happened on the next day, when the people came to Joakim her husband, that the two appointed elders also came, full of wicked plans against Susanna, in order to put her to death. And they said before the people, “Send for Susanna, daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.” And immediately they sent for her. And she arrived with her parents, and sons, and all her relatives. Moreover, Susanna was exceedingly delicate and beautiful in appearance. But those wicked ones commanded that her face should be uncovered, (for she was covered,) so that at least they might be satisfied with her beauty. Therefore, her own and all who knew her wept. Yet the two appointed elders, rising up in the midst of the people, set their hands upon her head. And weeping, she gazed up to heaven, for her heart had faith in the Lord. And the appointed elders said, “While we were taking a walk in the orchard alone, this one came in with two maids, and she shut the doors of the orchard, and she sent the maids away from her. And a young man came to her, who was in hiding, and he lay down with her. Furthermore, since we were in a corner of the orchard, seeing this wickedness, we ran up to them, and we saw them consorting together. And, indeed, we were unable to catch him, because he was stronger than us, and opening the doors, he leaped out. But, since we had apprehended this one, we demanded to know who the young man was, but she was unwilling to tell us. On this matter, we are witnesses.” The multitude believed them, just as if they were elders and the judges of the people, and they condemned her to death. But Susanna cried out with a loud voice and said, “Eternal God, who knows what is hidden, who knows all things before they happen, you know that they have borne false witness against me, and behold, I must die, though I have done none of these things, which these men have maliciously invented against me.” But the Lord heeded her voice. And when she was led away to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young boy, whose name was Daniel. And he cried out with a loud voice, “I am clean of the blood of this one.” And all the people, turning back towards him, said, “What is this word that you are saying?” But he, while standing in the midst of them, said, “Are you so foolish, sons of Israel, that without judging and without knowing what the truth is, you have condemned a daughter of Israel? Return to judgment, because they have spoken false witness against her.” Therefore, the people returned with haste, and the old men said to him, “Come and sit down in our midst and show us, since God has given you the honor of old age.” And Daniel said to them, “Separate these at a distance from one another, and I will judge between them.” And so, when they were divided, one from the other, he called one of them, and he said to him, “You deep-rooted ancient evil, now your sins have come out, which you have committed before, judging unjust judgments, oppressing the innocent, and setting free the guilty, though the Lord declares, ‘The innocent and the just you must not put to death.’ Now then, if you saw her, declare under which tree you saw them conversing together.” He said, “Under an evergreen mastic tree.” But Daniel said, “Truly, you have lied against your own head. For behold, the angel of God, having received the sentence from him, will split you down the middle. And, having put him aside, he commanded the other to approach, and he said to him, “You offspring of Canaan, and not of Judah, beauty has deceived you, and desire has perverted your heart. Thus did you do to the daughters of Israel, and they, out of fear, consorted with you, but a daughter of Judah would not tolerate your iniquity. Now then, declare to me, under which tree you caught them conversing together.” He said, “Under an evergreen oak tree.” And Daniel said to him, “Truly, you also have lied against your own head. For the angel of the Lord waits, holding a sword, to cut you down the middle and put you to death.” And then the entire assembly cried out in a loud voice, and they blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. And they rose up against the two appointed elders, (for Daniel had convicted them, by their own mouth, of bearing false witness,) and they did to them just as they had wickedly done against their neighbor, so as to act according to the law of Moses. And they put them to death, and innocent blood was saved on that day. But Hilkiah and his wife praised God for their daughter, Susanna, with Joakim, her husband, and all her relatives, because there had been found in her no disgrace. And so Daniel became great in the sight of the people from that day, and thereafter. And king Astyages was laid to rest with his fathers. And Cyrus the Persian received his kingdom."
Readings of the Day:
Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105:4-9
John 8:51-59
Collect for the Day:
"Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the satin of their sins, they may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. 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. Amen."
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
28 March 2012
Today's story tells of The Firey Furnace.
The scritural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 3.
"Then king Nebuchadnezzar was astonished, and he quickly got up and said to his nobles: “Did we not cast three men shackled into the midst of the fire?” Answering the king, they said, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “Behold, I see four men unbound and walking in the midst of the fire, and no harm is in them, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of God.” Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the entrance of the furnace of burning fire, and he said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the supreme God, come out and approach.” And immediately Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went out from the midst of the fire. And when the governors, and the magistrates, and the judges, and the powerful of the king had gathered together, they considered these men because the fire had no power against their bodies, and not a hair of their head had been scorched, and their pants had not been affected, and the smell of the fire had not passed onto them. Then Nebuchadnezzar, bursting out, said, “Blessed is their God, the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel and rescued his servants who believed in him. And they altered the verdict of the king, and they delivered up their bodies, so that they would not serve or adore any god except their God."
Readings of the Day:
Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Daniel 3:52-53, 55-56
John 8:31-42
Collect for the Day:
"Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. 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. Amen."
Today's story tells of The Firey Furnace.
The scritural basis for this story can be found in Daniel 3.
"Then king Nebuchadnezzar was astonished, and he quickly got up and said to his nobles: “Did we not cast three men shackled into the midst of the fire?” Answering the king, they said, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “Behold, I see four men unbound and walking in the midst of the fire, and no harm is in them, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of God.” Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the entrance of the furnace of burning fire, and he said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the supreme God, come out and approach.” And immediately Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went out from the midst of the fire. And when the governors, and the magistrates, and the judges, and the powerful of the king had gathered together, they considered these men because the fire had no power against their bodies, and not a hair of their head had been scorched, and their pants had not been affected, and the smell of the fire had not passed onto them. Then Nebuchadnezzar, bursting out, said, “Blessed is their God, the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel and rescued his servants who believed in him. And they altered the verdict of the king, and they delivered up their bodies, so that they would not serve or adore any god except their God."
Readings of the Day:
Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Daniel 3:52-53, 55-56
John 8:31-42
Collect for the Day:
"Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. 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. Amen."
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
27 March 2012
Today's story tells of Job's Question.
The scripural basis for this story can be found in Job 38.
"But the Lord, responding to Job from a whirlwind, said: Who is this that wraps sentences in unskilled words? Gird your waist like a man. I will question you, and you must answer me. Where were you, when I set the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who set its measurements, if you know, or who stretched a line over it? Upon what have its bases been grounded, and who set forth its cornerstone, when the morning stars praised me together, and all the sons of God made a joyful noise? Who enclosed the sea with doors, when it broke forth as if issuing from the womb, when I stationed a cloud as its garment and wrapped it in a mist as if swaddling an infant? I encircled it with my limits, and I positioned its bars and doors. And I said: “This far you will approach, and you will proceed no further, and here you will break your swelling waves.” Did you, after your birth, command the birth of the sun and show the sunrise its place? And did you hold the extremities of the earth, shaking them, and have you shaken the impious out of it? The seal will be restored like clay, and it will remain in place like a garment. From the impious, the light will be taken away, and the exalted arm will be broken. Have you entered the depths of the sea, and have you taken a walk in the uttermost parts of the abyss? Have the gates of death been opened to you, and have you seen the doors of darkness? Have you considered the breadth of the earth? If you know all things, reveal them to me. Which is the way that holds the light, and which is the place of darkness? In this way, you might lead each thing to its final place, and understand the paths of its house. So then, did you know when you were to be born? And did you know the number of your days? Have you been admitted into the storehouses of the snows, and have you gazed upon the stockpile of the brimstone, which I have prepared for the time of the enemy, for the day of the battle and the war? In what way is the light scattered, and the heat distributed, over the earth? Who gave a course to the rainstorms, and a path to the resounding thunder, so that it would rain on the earth far from man, in the wilderness where no mortal lingers, so that it would fill impassable and desolate places, and would bring forth green plants? Who is the father of rain, or who conceived the drops of dew? From whose womb did the ice proceed, and who created the frost from the air? The waters are hardened to become like stone, and the surface of the abyss freezes over. Will you have the strength to join together the sparkling stars of the Pleiades, or are you able to disperse the circling of Arcturus? Can you bring forth the morning star, in its time, and make the evening star rise over the sons of the earth? Do you know the order of heaven, and can you explain its rules here on the earth? Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that an onslaught of waters will cover you? Can you send forth lightning bolts, and will they go, and on returning, say to you: “Here we are?” Who placed discernment in the guts of man, or who gave the rooster intelligence? Who can describe the rules of the heavens, or who can put to rest the harmony of heaven? When was the dust cast to become the earth, and when were its clods fastened together? Will you seize prey for the lioness, and will you sustain the lives of her young, as they rest in their dens or lie in wait in pits? Who provides the raven with its meal, when her chicks cry out to God, as they wander around because they have no food?"
Readings of the Day:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21
John 8:21-30
Collect for the Day:
"Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying your will, that in our days the people dedicated to your service may grow in both merit and number. 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. Amen."
Today's story tells of Job's Question.
The scripural basis for this story can be found in Job 38.
"But the Lord, responding to Job from a whirlwind, said: Who is this that wraps sentences in unskilled words? Gird your waist like a man. I will question you, and you must answer me. Where were you, when I set the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who set its measurements, if you know, or who stretched a line over it? Upon what have its bases been grounded, and who set forth its cornerstone, when the morning stars praised me together, and all the sons of God made a joyful noise? Who enclosed the sea with doors, when it broke forth as if issuing from the womb, when I stationed a cloud as its garment and wrapped it in a mist as if swaddling an infant? I encircled it with my limits, and I positioned its bars and doors. And I said: “This far you will approach, and you will proceed no further, and here you will break your swelling waves.” Did you, after your birth, command the birth of the sun and show the sunrise its place? And did you hold the extremities of the earth, shaking them, and have you shaken the impious out of it? The seal will be restored like clay, and it will remain in place like a garment. From the impious, the light will be taken away, and the exalted arm will be broken. Have you entered the depths of the sea, and have you taken a walk in the uttermost parts of the abyss? Have the gates of death been opened to you, and have you seen the doors of darkness? Have you considered the breadth of the earth? If you know all things, reveal them to me. Which is the way that holds the light, and which is the place of darkness? In this way, you might lead each thing to its final place, and understand the paths of its house. So then, did you know when you were to be born? And did you know the number of your days? Have you been admitted into the storehouses of the snows, and have you gazed upon the stockpile of the brimstone, which I have prepared for the time of the enemy, for the day of the battle and the war? In what way is the light scattered, and the heat distributed, over the earth? Who gave a course to the rainstorms, and a path to the resounding thunder, so that it would rain on the earth far from man, in the wilderness where no mortal lingers, so that it would fill impassable and desolate places, and would bring forth green plants? Who is the father of rain, or who conceived the drops of dew? From whose womb did the ice proceed, and who created the frost from the air? The waters are hardened to become like stone, and the surface of the abyss freezes over. Will you have the strength to join together the sparkling stars of the Pleiades, or are you able to disperse the circling of Arcturus? Can you bring forth the morning star, in its time, and make the evening star rise over the sons of the earth? Do you know the order of heaven, and can you explain its rules here on the earth? Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that an onslaught of waters will cover you? Can you send forth lightning bolts, and will they go, and on returning, say to you: “Here we are?” Who placed discernment in the guts of man, or who gave the rooster intelligence? Who can describe the rules of the heavens, or who can put to rest the harmony of heaven? When was the dust cast to become the earth, and when were its clods fastened together? Will you seize prey for the lioness, and will you sustain the lives of her young, as they rest in their dens or lie in wait in pits? Who provides the raven with its meal, when her chicks cry out to God, as they wander around because they have no food?"
Readings of the Day:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21
John 8:21-30
Collect for the Day:
"Grant us, we pray, O Lord, perseverance in obeying your will, that in our days the people dedicated to your service may grow in both merit and number. 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. Amen."
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
26 March 2012
Today is also the Feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Please refer to the link at the right for more information about this feast.
Our story today is about Job's Troubles.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Job 5.
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; therefore, do not reject the chastisement of the Lord. For he wounds and he cures; he strikes and his hands will heal. He will deliver you into six tribulations, and in the seventh, evil will not touch you. During famine, he will rescue you from death, and during war, from the hand of the sword. You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and you will not fear calamity when it arrives. In desolation and in famine, you will laugh, and you will not dread the beasts of the earth. For you are in harmony with the stones of the land, and the beasts of the earth will make peace with you. And you will know that your home has peace, and, concerning your appearance, you will not sin. Likewise, you will know that your offspring will be manifold and your progeny will be like the grass of the earth."
Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:23-38
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to become partakers even in his divine nature. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Today is also the Feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Please refer to the link at the right for more information about this feast.
Our story today is about Job's Troubles.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Job 5.
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; therefore, do not reject the chastisement of the Lord. For he wounds and he cures; he strikes and his hands will heal. He will deliver you into six tribulations, and in the seventh, evil will not touch you. During famine, he will rescue you from death, and during war, from the hand of the sword. You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and you will not fear calamity when it arrives. In desolation and in famine, you will laugh, and you will not dread the beasts of the earth. For you are in harmony with the stones of the land, and the beasts of the earth will make peace with you. And you will know that your home has peace, and, concerning your appearance, you will not sin. Likewise, you will know that your offspring will be manifold and your progeny will be like the grass of the earth."
Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:23-38
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to become partakers even in his divine nature. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Lent
25 March 2012
Our story today is about Ezekiel.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Ezekiel 37.
"The hand of the Lord was set upon me, and he led me away in the Spirit of the Lord, and he released me in the midst of a plain which was full of bones. And he led me around, through them, on every side. Now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceedingly dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, do you think that these bones will live?” And I said, “O Lord God, you know.” And he said to me, “Prophesy about these bones. And you shall say to them: Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will send spirit into you, and you shall live. And I will set sinews upon you, and I will cause flesh to grow over you, and I will extend skin over you. And I will give you spirit, and you shall live. And you shall know that I am the Lord.” And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. But a noise occurred, as I was prophesying, and behold: a commotion. And the bones joined together, each one at its joint. And I saw, and behold: sinews and flesh rose up over them; and skin was extended over them. But they had no spirit within them. And he said to me: “Prophesy to the spirit! Prophesy, O son of man, and you shall say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: Approach, O spirit, from the four winds, and blow across these ones who were slain, and revive them.” And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. And spirit entered into them, and they lived. And they stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. And he said to me: “Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel. They say: ‘Our bones are dried out, and our hope has perished, and we have been cut off.’ Because of this, prophesy, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your tombs, and I will lead you away from your sepulchers, O my people. And I will lead you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I will have opened your sepulchers, and when I will have led you away from your tombs, O my people. And I will place my Spirit within you, and you shall live. And I will cause you to rest upon your own soil. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and acted, says the Lord God.” And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “And as for you, son of man, take up a piece of wood for yourself, and write upon it: ‘For Judah, and for the sons of Israel, his companions.’ And take up another piece of wood, and write upon it: ‘For Joseph, the wood of Ephraim, and for the entire house of Israel, and for his companions.’ And join these, one to the other, for yourself, as one piece of wood. And they will be united in your hand. Then, when the sons of your people will speak to you, saying: ‘Will you not tell us what you intend by this?’ you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take up the wood of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, which are joined to him, and I will put them together with the wood of Judah, and I will make them one piece of wood. And they will be one in his hand. Then the pieces of wood, on which you have written, will be in your hand, before their eyes. And you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take up the sons of Israel, from the midst of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them together on every side, and I will lead them onto their own soil. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will be ruler over all. And they will no longer be two nations, nor will they be divided any more into two kingdoms. And they will no longer be defiled by their idols, and by their abominations, and by all their iniquities. And I will save them, out of all the settlements in which they have sinned, and I will cleanse them. And they will be my people, and I will be their God. And my servant David shall be the king over them, and they shall have one shepherd. They shall walk in my judgments, and they shall keep my commandments, and they shall do them. And they shall live upon the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, in which your fathers lived. And they shall live upon it, they and their sons, and the sons of their sons, even for all time. And David, my servant, shall be their leader, in perpetuity. And I will strike a covenant of peace with them. This will be an everlasting covenant for them. And I will establish them, and multiply them. And I will set my sanctuary in their midst, unceasingly. And my tabernacle shall be among them. And I will be their God, and they will be my people. And the Gentiles shall know that I am the Lord, the Sanctifier of Israel, when my sanctuary will be in their midst, forever.”
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33
Collect for the Day:
"By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, you Son handed himself over to death. 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. Amen."
Our story today is about Ezekiel.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Ezekiel 37.
"The hand of the Lord was set upon me, and he led me away in the Spirit of the Lord, and he released me in the midst of a plain which was full of bones. And he led me around, through them, on every side. Now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceedingly dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, do you think that these bones will live?” And I said, “O Lord God, you know.” And he said to me, “Prophesy about these bones. And you shall say to them: Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will send spirit into you, and you shall live. And I will set sinews upon you, and I will cause flesh to grow over you, and I will extend skin over you. And I will give you spirit, and you shall live. And you shall know that I am the Lord.” And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. But a noise occurred, as I was prophesying, and behold: a commotion. And the bones joined together, each one at its joint. And I saw, and behold: sinews and flesh rose up over them; and skin was extended over them. But they had no spirit within them. And he said to me: “Prophesy to the spirit! Prophesy, O son of man, and you shall say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: Approach, O spirit, from the four winds, and blow across these ones who were slain, and revive them.” And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. And spirit entered into them, and they lived. And they stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. And he said to me: “Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel. They say: ‘Our bones are dried out, and our hope has perished, and we have been cut off.’ Because of this, prophesy, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your tombs, and I will lead you away from your sepulchers, O my people. And I will lead you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I will have opened your sepulchers, and when I will have led you away from your tombs, O my people. And I will place my Spirit within you, and you shall live. And I will cause you to rest upon your own soil. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and acted, says the Lord God.” And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “And as for you, son of man, take up a piece of wood for yourself, and write upon it: ‘For Judah, and for the sons of Israel, his companions.’ And take up another piece of wood, and write upon it: ‘For Joseph, the wood of Ephraim, and for the entire house of Israel, and for his companions.’ And join these, one to the other, for yourself, as one piece of wood. And they will be united in your hand. Then, when the sons of your people will speak to you, saying: ‘Will you not tell us what you intend by this?’ you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take up the wood of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, which are joined to him, and I will put them together with the wood of Judah, and I will make them one piece of wood. And they will be one in his hand. Then the pieces of wood, on which you have written, will be in your hand, before their eyes. And you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take up the sons of Israel, from the midst of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them together on every side, and I will lead them onto their own soil. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will be ruler over all. And they will no longer be two nations, nor will they be divided any more into two kingdoms. And they will no longer be defiled by their idols, and by their abominations, and by all their iniquities. And I will save them, out of all the settlements in which they have sinned, and I will cleanse them. And they will be my people, and I will be their God. And my servant David shall be the king over them, and they shall have one shepherd. They shall walk in my judgments, and they shall keep my commandments, and they shall do them. And they shall live upon the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, in which your fathers lived. And they shall live upon it, they and their sons, and the sons of their sons, even for all time. And David, my servant, shall be their leader, in perpetuity. And I will strike a covenant of peace with them. This will be an everlasting covenant for them. And I will establish them, and multiply them. And I will set my sanctuary in their midst, unceasingly. And my tabernacle shall be among them. And I will be their God, and they will be my people. And the Gentiles shall know that I am the Lord, the Sanctifier of Israel, when my sanctuary will be in their midst, forever.”
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33
Collect for the Day:
"By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, you Son handed himself over to death. 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. Amen."
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
24 March 2012
Our story today is about Jeremiah and the Cistern.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Jeremiah 38.
"Then Shephatiah, the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah, the son of Pashhur, and Jehucal, the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur, the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, saying: “Thus says the Lord: Whoever will remain in this city will die by the sword, and by famine, and by pestilence. But whoever will flee away from the Chaldeans, will live, and his soul will dwell in safety. Thus says the Lord: This city will certainly be delivered into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.” And the leaders said to the king: “We petition you to put this man to death. For he is deliberately weakening the hands of the men of war, who have remained in this city, and the hands of the people, by speaking to them with these words. For this man is certainly not seeking peace for this people, but evil.” And king Zedekiah said: “Behold, he is in your hands. For it is not fitting for the king to deny you anything.” Therefore, they took Jeremiah and cast him into the pit of Malchiah, the son of Amelech, which was at the entrance to the prison. And they lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the pit, in which there was no water, but only mud. And so Jeremiah descended into the mire. Now Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian man, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had sent Jeremiah into the pit, and also that the king was sitting at the gate of Benjamin. And so Ebedmelech departed from the king’s house, and he spoke to the king, saying: “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have perpetrated against Jeremiah the prophet, casting him into the pit so that he would die there from famine. For there is no more bread in the city.” And so the king instructed Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, saying: “Take with you thirty men from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet from the pit, before he dies.” Therefore, Ebedmelech, taking the men with him, entered into the king’s house to a place below the storehouse. And he took from there old garments, no longer in use, and he sent them down by rope to Jeremiah in the pit. And Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, said to Jeremiah: “Place these old garments, and these cut and decaying cloths, under your arms and over the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. And they pulled up Jeremiah with the ropes, and they led him away from the pit. And Jeremiah remained in the vestibule of the prison. And king Zedekiah sent and took Jeremiah the prophet to him at the third gate, which was at the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah: “I will question you about a matter. You shall conceal nothing from me.” Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “If I announce to you, will you not put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” Then king Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah, secretly, saying: “As the Lord lives, who made this soul for us, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of those men who are seeking your life.” And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If, having set out, you go to the rulers of the king of Babylon, your soul will live, and this city will not be burned with fire. And you and your house will be safe. But if you will not go to the rulers of the king of Babylon, this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire. And you will not escape from their hand.” And king Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “I am anxious, because of the Jews who have crossed over to the Chaldeans, lest perhaps I may be delivered into their hands, and they may abuse me.” But Jeremiah responded: “They will not deliver you. Listen, I ask you, to the voice of the Lord, which I am speaking to you, and it will be well with you, and your soul will live. But if you refuse to depart, this is the word that the Lord has revealed to me: Behold, all the women who remain in the house of the king of Judah will be led away to the rulers of the king of Babylon. And the women will say: ‘Your men of peacefulness have led you astray, and they have prevailed against you. They have immersed your feet in mud and have set them in a slippery place. And they have withdrawn from you.’ And all your wives and your sons will be led away to the Chaldeans, and you will not escape from their hands. Instead, you will be seized by the hand of the king of Babylon. And he will burn this city with fire.” Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “Let no one know of these words, and you will not die. But if the leaders hear that I have spoken with you, and if they come to you, and say to you: ‘Tell us what you said to the king. Do not conceal it from us, and we will not put you to death. And tell us what the king said to you,’ then you shall say to them: ‘I presented my supplication before the king, so that he would not order me to be led back to the house of Jonathan, to die there.’ ” Then all the leaders came to Jeremiah, and they questioned him. And he spoke to them in accord with all the words that the king had commanded him. And they withdrew from him, for they had learned nothing. Yet truly, Jeremiah remained at the entrance of the prison, until the day when Jerusalem was seized. And it happened that Jerusalem was captured."
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12
John 7:40-53
Collect for the Day:
"May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace we cannot find favor in your sight. This Saturday, in the early ages of Christianity, was called Sitientes, from the first word of the Introit of the Mass, in which the Church addresses her catechumens in the words of Isaias and invites them that thirst after grace to come and receive it in the holy Sacrament of Baptism."
Our story today is about Jeremiah and the Cistern.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Jeremiah 38.
"Then Shephatiah, the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah, the son of Pashhur, and Jehucal, the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur, the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, saying: “Thus says the Lord: Whoever will remain in this city will die by the sword, and by famine, and by pestilence. But whoever will flee away from the Chaldeans, will live, and his soul will dwell in safety. Thus says the Lord: This city will certainly be delivered into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.” And the leaders said to the king: “We petition you to put this man to death. For he is deliberately weakening the hands of the men of war, who have remained in this city, and the hands of the people, by speaking to them with these words. For this man is certainly not seeking peace for this people, but evil.” And king Zedekiah said: “Behold, he is in your hands. For it is not fitting for the king to deny you anything.” Therefore, they took Jeremiah and cast him into the pit of Malchiah, the son of Amelech, which was at the entrance to the prison. And they lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the pit, in which there was no water, but only mud. And so Jeremiah descended into the mire. Now Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian man, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had sent Jeremiah into the pit, and also that the king was sitting at the gate of Benjamin. And so Ebedmelech departed from the king’s house, and he spoke to the king, saying: “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have perpetrated against Jeremiah the prophet, casting him into the pit so that he would die there from famine. For there is no more bread in the city.” And so the king instructed Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, saying: “Take with you thirty men from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet from the pit, before he dies.” Therefore, Ebedmelech, taking the men with him, entered into the king’s house to a place below the storehouse. And he took from there old garments, no longer in use, and he sent them down by rope to Jeremiah in the pit. And Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, said to Jeremiah: “Place these old garments, and these cut and decaying cloths, under your arms and over the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. And they pulled up Jeremiah with the ropes, and they led him away from the pit. And Jeremiah remained in the vestibule of the prison. And king Zedekiah sent and took Jeremiah the prophet to him at the third gate, which was at the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah: “I will question you about a matter. You shall conceal nothing from me.” Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “If I announce to you, will you not put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” Then king Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah, secretly, saying: “As the Lord lives, who made this soul for us, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of those men who are seeking your life.” And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If, having set out, you go to the rulers of the king of Babylon, your soul will live, and this city will not be burned with fire. And you and your house will be safe. But if you will not go to the rulers of the king of Babylon, this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire. And you will not escape from their hand.” And king Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “I am anxious, because of the Jews who have crossed over to the Chaldeans, lest perhaps I may be delivered into their hands, and they may abuse me.” But Jeremiah responded: “They will not deliver you. Listen, I ask you, to the voice of the Lord, which I am speaking to you, and it will be well with you, and your soul will live. But if you refuse to depart, this is the word that the Lord has revealed to me: Behold, all the women who remain in the house of the king of Judah will be led away to the rulers of the king of Babylon. And the women will say: ‘Your men of peacefulness have led you astray, and they have prevailed against you. They have immersed your feet in mud and have set them in a slippery place. And they have withdrawn from you.’ And all your wives and your sons will be led away to the Chaldeans, and you will not escape from their hands. Instead, you will be seized by the hand of the king of Babylon. And he will burn this city with fire.” Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “Let no one know of these words, and you will not die. But if the leaders hear that I have spoken with you, and if they come to you, and say to you: ‘Tell us what you said to the king. Do not conceal it from us, and we will not put you to death. And tell us what the king said to you,’ then you shall say to them: ‘I presented my supplication before the king, so that he would not order me to be led back to the house of Jonathan, to die there.’ ” Then all the leaders came to Jeremiah, and they questioned him. And he spoke to them in accord with all the words that the king had commanded him. And they withdrew from him, for they had learned nothing. Yet truly, Jeremiah remained at the entrance of the prison, until the day when Jerusalem was seized. And it happened that Jerusalem was captured."
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12
John 7:40-53
Collect for the Day:
"May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace we cannot find favor in your sight. This Saturday, in the early ages of Christianity, was called Sitientes, from the first word of the Introit of the Mass, in which the Church addresses her catechumens in the words of Isaias and invites them that thirst after grace to come and receive it in the holy Sacrament of Baptism."
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
23 March 2012
Today is the Feast of St. Turibio de Mogrovejo.
Please refer to the link at the right for more information about this saint.
Our story today is about Jonah and the Great Fish.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Jonah 2.
"And the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. And Jonah prayed to the Lord, his God, from the belly of the fish. And he said: “I cried out to the Lord from my tribulation, and he heeded me. From the belly of hell, I cried out, and you heeded my voice. And you have thrown me into the deep, in the heart of the sea, and a flood has encircled me. All your whirlpools and your waves have passed over me. And I said: I am expelled from the sight of your eyes. Yet, truly, I will see your holy temple again. The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The abyss has walled me in. The ocean has covered my head. I descended to the base of the mountains. The bars of the earth have enclosed me forever. And you will raise up my life from corruption, Lord, my God. When my soul was in anguish within me, I called to mind the Lord, so that my prayer might come to you, to your holy temple. Those who in vain observe vanities, abandon their own mercy. But I, with a voice of praise, will sacrifice to you. I will repay whatever I have vowed to the Lord, because of my salvation.” And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."
Readings of the Day:
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who gave increase to your Church through the apostolic labors and zeal for truth of the Bishop Saint Turibius, grant that the people consecrated to you may always receive new growth in faith and holiness. 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."
Today is the Feast of St. Turibio de Mogrovejo.
Please refer to the link at the right for more information about this saint.
Our story today is about Jonah and the Great Fish.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Jonah 2.
"And the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. And Jonah prayed to the Lord, his God, from the belly of the fish. And he said: “I cried out to the Lord from my tribulation, and he heeded me. From the belly of hell, I cried out, and you heeded my voice. And you have thrown me into the deep, in the heart of the sea, and a flood has encircled me. All your whirlpools and your waves have passed over me. And I said: I am expelled from the sight of your eyes. Yet, truly, I will see your holy temple again. The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The abyss has walled me in. The ocean has covered my head. I descended to the base of the mountains. The bars of the earth have enclosed me forever. And you will raise up my life from corruption, Lord, my God. When my soul was in anguish within me, I called to mind the Lord, so that my prayer might come to you, to your holy temple. Those who in vain observe vanities, abandon their own mercy. But I, with a voice of praise, will sacrifice to you. I will repay whatever I have vowed to the Lord, because of my salvation.” And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."
Readings of the Day:
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who gave increase to your Church through the apostolic labors and zeal for truth of the Bishop Saint Turibius, grant that the people consecrated to you may always receive new growth in faith and holiness. 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."
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
22 March 2012
Our story today is about the Widow's Kindness.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 2 Kings 4.
"Now a certain woman, from the wives of the prophets, cried out to Elisha, saying: “My husband, your servant, is dead. And you know that your servant was one who fears the Lord. And behold, a creditor has arrived, so that he may take away my two sons to serve him.” And Elisha said to her: “What do you want me to do for you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” And she responded, “I, your handmaid, do not have anything in my house, except a little oil, with which I may be anointed.” And he said to her: “Go, ask to borrow from all your neighbors empty vessels, more than a few. And enter and close your door. And when you are inside with your sons, pour from the oil into all those vessels. And when they are full, take them away.” And so, the woman went and closed the door upon herself and her sons. They were bringing her the vessels, and she was pouring into them. And when the vessels had been filled, she said to her son, “Bring me another a vessel.” And he responded, “I have none.” And there was oil remaining. Then she went and told the man of God. And he said: “Go, sell the oil, and repay your creditor. Then you and your sons may live on what remains.”
Readings for the Day:
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47
Collect for the Day:
"We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. 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. Amen."
Our story today is about the Widow's Kindness.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 2 Kings 4.
"Now a certain woman, from the wives of the prophets, cried out to Elisha, saying: “My husband, your servant, is dead. And you know that your servant was one who fears the Lord. And behold, a creditor has arrived, so that he may take away my two sons to serve him.” And Elisha said to her: “What do you want me to do for you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” And she responded, “I, your handmaid, do not have anything in my house, except a little oil, with which I may be anointed.” And he said to her: “Go, ask to borrow from all your neighbors empty vessels, more than a few. And enter and close your door. And when you are inside with your sons, pour from the oil into all those vessels. And when they are full, take them away.” And so, the woman went and closed the door upon herself and her sons. They were bringing her the vessels, and she was pouring into them. And when the vessels had been filled, she said to her son, “Bring me another a vessel.” And he responded, “I have none.” And there was oil remaining. Then she went and told the man of God. And he said: “Go, sell the oil, and repay your creditor. Then you and your sons may live on what remains.”
Readings for the Day:
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47
Collect for the Day:
"We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. 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. Amen."
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
21 March 2012
Our story today is about the Queen of Sheba and Soloman.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Kings 10.
"Then, too, the queen of Sheba, having heard of the fame of Solomon in the name of the Lord, arrived to test him with enigmas. And entering into Jerusalem with a great retinue, and with riches, and with camels carrying aromatics, and with an exceedingly great quantity of gold and precious stones, she went to king Solomon. And she spoke to him all that she held in her heart. And Solomon taught her, in all the words that she had proposed to him. There was not any word which was able to be hidden from the king, or which he did not answer for her. Then, when the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, and the food of his table, and the dwelling places of his servants, and the rows of his ministers, and their apparel, and the cupbearers, and the holocausts that he was offering in the house of the Lord, she had no longer any spirit in her. And she said to the king: “The word is true, which I have heard in my own land, about your words and your wisdom. But I did not believe those who explained it to me, until I went myself and saw it with my own eyes. And I have discovered that the half of it has not been told to me: your wisdom and works are greater than the report that I have heard. Blessed are your men, and blessed are your servants, who stand before you always, and who hear your wisdom. Blessed is the Lord your God, whom you have greatly pleased, and who has placed you upon the throne of Israel. For the Lord loves Israel forever, and he has appointed you as king, so that you may accomplish judgment and justice.” Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and an exceedingly great amount of aromatics and precious stones. No greater quantity of aromatics was ever again brought forth as these, which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. Then, too, the navy of Hiram, which carried gold from Ophir, brought an exceedingly great quantity of thyine wood and precious stones from Ophir. And the king made, from the thyine wood, the posts of the house of the Lord, and of the house of the king, and citharas and lyres for the musicians. No thyine trees of this kind were ever again brought forth or seen, even to the present day. Then king Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all that she desired and requested of him, aside from what he himself had offered to her from his royal bounty. And she returned and went away to her own land, with her servants."
Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. 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. Amen."
Our story today is about the Queen of Sheba and Soloman.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Kings 10.
"Then, too, the queen of Sheba, having heard of the fame of Solomon in the name of the Lord, arrived to test him with enigmas. And entering into Jerusalem with a great retinue, and with riches, and with camels carrying aromatics, and with an exceedingly great quantity of gold and precious stones, she went to king Solomon. And she spoke to him all that she held in her heart. And Solomon taught her, in all the words that she had proposed to him. There was not any word which was able to be hidden from the king, or which he did not answer for her. Then, when the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, and the food of his table, and the dwelling places of his servants, and the rows of his ministers, and their apparel, and the cupbearers, and the holocausts that he was offering in the house of the Lord, she had no longer any spirit in her. And she said to the king: “The word is true, which I have heard in my own land, about your words and your wisdom. But I did not believe those who explained it to me, until I went myself and saw it with my own eyes. And I have discovered that the half of it has not been told to me: your wisdom and works are greater than the report that I have heard. Blessed are your men, and blessed are your servants, who stand before you always, and who hear your wisdom. Blessed is the Lord your God, whom you have greatly pleased, and who has placed you upon the throne of Israel. For the Lord loves Israel forever, and he has appointed you as king, so that you may accomplish judgment and justice.” Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and an exceedingly great amount of aromatics and precious stones. No greater quantity of aromatics was ever again brought forth as these, which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. Then, too, the navy of Hiram, which carried gold from Ophir, brought an exceedingly great quantity of thyine wood and precious stones from Ophir. And the king made, from the thyine wood, the posts of the house of the Lord, and of the house of the king, and citharas and lyres for the musicians. No thyine trees of this kind were ever again brought forth or seen, even to the present day. Then king Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all that she desired and requested of him, aside from what he himself had offered to her from his royal bounty. And she returned and went away to her own land, with her servants."
Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. 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. Amen."
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
20 March 2012
Our story today is about the David and Goliath.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 17.
"When he had been led to Saul, he said to him: “Let no one lose heart over him. I, your servant, shall go and fight against the Philistine.” And Saul said to David: “You are not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him. For you are a boy, but he has been a warrior from his boyhood.” And David said to Saul: “Your servant was pasturing the flock of his father. And there approached a lion or a bear, and it took a ram from the midst of the flock. And I pursued after them, and I struck them, and I rescued from their mouth. And they rose up against me. And I caught them by the throat, and I strangled and killed them. For I, your servant, have killed both lion and bear. And so this uncircumcised Philistine, too, will be like one of them. Now I will go and take away the reproach of the people. For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, who has dared to curse the army of the living God?” And David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the hand of the lion, and from the hand of the bear, he himself will free me from the hand of this Philistine.” Then Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.” And Saul clothed David with his garments. And he placed a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clothed him with a breastplate. Then David, having girded his sword over his armor, began to see if he could walk in the armor. But he was not accustomed to it. And David said to Saul: “I cannot move about in this way. For I am not used to it.” And he put them aside. And he took up his staff, which he held always in his hands. And he chose for himself five very smooth stones from the torrent. And he put them into the shepherd’s bag that he had with him. And he took up a sling in his hand. And he went out against the Philistine. And the Philistine, advancing, went and drew near against David. And his armor bearer was before him. And when the Philistine had seen and considered David, he despised him. For he was a youth, ruddy and of handsome appearance. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you approach against me with a staff?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And he said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth.” But David said to the Philistine: “You approach me with sword, and spear, and shield. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which you have reproached. Today, the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down. And I will take your head from you. And today, I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth, so that all the earth may know that God is with Israel. And this entire assembly will know that the Lord does not save by sword, nor by spear. For this is his war, and he will deliver you into our hands.” Then, when the Philistine had risen up, and was approaching, and was drawing near against David, David hurried and ran to the fight against the Philistine. And he put his hand into his bag, and took out one stone. And swinging it around, he cast it with the sling and struck the Philistine on the forehead. And the stone became imbedded in his forehead. And he fell on his face, upon the ground. And David prevailed against the Philistine with a sling and a stone. And he struck and killed the Philistine. But since David held no sword in his hand, he ran and stood over the Philistine, and he took his sword, and withdrew it from the sheath. And he killed him and cut off his head. Then the Philistines, seeing that their strongest man was dead, fled away. And the men of Israel and Judah, rising up, shouted and pursued after the Philistines, even until they arrived at the valley and as far as the gates of Ekron. And many wounded among the Philistines fell on the way of Shaaraim, and as far as Gath, and as far as Ekron. And the sons of Israel, returning after they had pursued the Philistines, invaded their camp. Then David, taking up the head of the Philistine, brought it to Jerusalem. Yet truly, he placed his armor in his own tent. Now at the time that Saul had seen David going out against the Philistines, he said to Abner, the leader of the military, “From what stock is this youth descended, Abner?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” And the king said, “You shall inquire as to whose son this boy may be.” And when David had returned, after the Philistine had been struck down, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul, having the head of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said to him, “Young man, from what ancestry are you?” And David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”
Readings of the Day:
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16
Collect for the Day:
"May the venerable exercises of holy devotion shape the hearts of your faithful, O Lord, to welcome worthily the Paschal Mystery and proclaim the praises of your salvation. 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. Amen."
Our story today is about the David and Goliath.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 17.
"When he had been led to Saul, he said to him: “Let no one lose heart over him. I, your servant, shall go and fight against the Philistine.” And Saul said to David: “You are not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him. For you are a boy, but he has been a warrior from his boyhood.” And David said to Saul: “Your servant was pasturing the flock of his father. And there approached a lion or a bear, and it took a ram from the midst of the flock. And I pursued after them, and I struck them, and I rescued from their mouth. And they rose up against me. And I caught them by the throat, and I strangled and killed them. For I, your servant, have killed both lion and bear. And so this uncircumcised Philistine, too, will be like one of them. Now I will go and take away the reproach of the people. For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, who has dared to curse the army of the living God?” And David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the hand of the lion, and from the hand of the bear, he himself will free me from the hand of this Philistine.” Then Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.” And Saul clothed David with his garments. And he placed a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clothed him with a breastplate. Then David, having girded his sword over his armor, began to see if he could walk in the armor. But he was not accustomed to it. And David said to Saul: “I cannot move about in this way. For I am not used to it.” And he put them aside. And he took up his staff, which he held always in his hands. And he chose for himself five very smooth stones from the torrent. And he put them into the shepherd’s bag that he had with him. And he took up a sling in his hand. And he went out against the Philistine. And the Philistine, advancing, went and drew near against David. And his armor bearer was before him. And when the Philistine had seen and considered David, he despised him. For he was a youth, ruddy and of handsome appearance. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you approach against me with a staff?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And he said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth.” But David said to the Philistine: “You approach me with sword, and spear, and shield. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which you have reproached. Today, the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down. And I will take your head from you. And today, I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth, so that all the earth may know that God is with Israel. And this entire assembly will know that the Lord does not save by sword, nor by spear. For this is his war, and he will deliver you into our hands.” Then, when the Philistine had risen up, and was approaching, and was drawing near against David, David hurried and ran to the fight against the Philistine. And he put his hand into his bag, and took out one stone. And swinging it around, he cast it with the sling and struck the Philistine on the forehead. And the stone became imbedded in his forehead. And he fell on his face, upon the ground. And David prevailed against the Philistine with a sling and a stone. And he struck and killed the Philistine. But since David held no sword in his hand, he ran and stood over the Philistine, and he took his sword, and withdrew it from the sheath. And he killed him and cut off his head. Then the Philistines, seeing that their strongest man was dead, fled away. And the men of Israel and Judah, rising up, shouted and pursued after the Philistines, even until they arrived at the valley and as far as the gates of Ekron. And many wounded among the Philistines fell on the way of Shaaraim, and as far as Gath, and as far as Ekron. And the sons of Israel, returning after they had pursued the Philistines, invaded their camp. Then David, taking up the head of the Philistine, brought it to Jerusalem. Yet truly, he placed his armor in his own tent. Now at the time that Saul had seen David going out against the Philistines, he said to Abner, the leader of the military, “From what stock is this youth descended, Abner?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” And the king said, “You shall inquire as to whose son this boy may be.” And when David had returned, after the Philistine had been struck down, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul, having the head of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said to him, “Young man, from what ancestry are you?” And David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”
Readings of the Day:
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16
Collect for the Day:
"May the venerable exercises of holy devotion shape the hearts of your faithful, O Lord, to welcome worthily the Paschal Mystery and proclaim the praises of your salvation. 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. Amen."
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
19 March 2012
Today is also the Feast of St. Joseph, husband to Mary and step-father to Jesus.
Please refer to the link to the right for more information about this saint.
Our story today is about the Anointing of David.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 16.
"And the Lord said to Samuel: “How long will you mourn for Saul, though I have rejected him, so that he would not reign over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and approach, so that I may send you to Jesse of Bethlehem. For I have provided a king from among his sons for myself.” And Samuel said: “How shall I go? For Saul will hear of it, and he will put me to death.” And the Lord said: “You shall take, by your hand, a calf from the herd. And you shall say, ‘I have arrived in order to immolate to the Lord.’ And you shall call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will reveal to you what you should do. And you shall anoint whomever I will indicate to you.” Therefore, Samuel did just as the Lord told him. And he went to Bethlehem, and the elders of the city wondered. And meeting him, they said, “Is your arrival peaceful?” And he said: “It is peaceful. I have arrived in order to immolate to the Lord. Be sanctified, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and he called them to the sacrifice. And when they had entered, he saw Eliab, and he said, “Could he be the Christ in the sight of the Lord?” And the Lord said to Samuel: “You should not look with favor on his face, nor on the height of his stature. For I have rejected him. Neither do I judge by the appearance of a man. For man sees those things that are apparent, but the Lord beholds the heart.” And Jesse called Abinadab, and he brought him before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse brought Shammah. And he said about him, “And the Lord has not chosen this one.” And so Jesse brought his seven sons before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Could the sons now be completed?” But he responded, “There still remains a little one, and he pastures the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse: “Send and bring him. For we shall not recline to eat, until he arrives here.” Therefore, he sent and brought him. Now he was ruddy, and beautiful to behold, and with a stately face. And the Lord said, “Rise up, anoint him! For it is he.” Therefore, Samuel took the horn of oil, and he anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord was guiding David from that day and thereafter. And Samuel rose up, and he went away to Ramah. But the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from Saul, and a wicked spirit from the Lord disturbed him. And the servants of Saul said to him: “Behold, an evil spirit from God disturbs you. May our lord order, and your servants, who are before you, will seek a man skillful in playing a stringed instrument, so that when the evil spirit from the Lord assails you, he may play with his hand, and you may bear it more easily.” And Saul said to his servants, “Then provide for me someone who can play well, and bring him to me.” And one of the servants, responding, said: “Behold, I have seen the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, a skillful player, and very strong and robust, a man fit for war, and prudent in words, a handsome man. And the Lord is with him.” Therefore, Saul sent messengers to Jesse, saying, “Send to me your son David, who is in the pastures.” And so, Jesse took a donkey laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid from one of the goats, and he sent them, by the hand of his son David, to Saul. And David went to Saul, and stood before him. And he loved him exceedingly, and he made him his armor bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying: “Let David remain before my sight. For he has found favor in my eyes.” And so, whenever the evil spirit from the Lord assailed Saul, David took up his stringed instrument, and he struck it with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and uplifted. For the evil spirit withdrew from him."
Readings of the Day:
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 16, 18-21, 24
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care. 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. Amen."
Today is also the Feast of St. Joseph, husband to Mary and step-father to Jesus.
Please refer to the link to the right for more information about this saint.
Our story today is about the Anointing of David.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 16.
"And the Lord said to Samuel: “How long will you mourn for Saul, though I have rejected him, so that he would not reign over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and approach, so that I may send you to Jesse of Bethlehem. For I have provided a king from among his sons for myself.” And Samuel said: “How shall I go? For Saul will hear of it, and he will put me to death.” And the Lord said: “You shall take, by your hand, a calf from the herd. And you shall say, ‘I have arrived in order to immolate to the Lord.’ And you shall call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will reveal to you what you should do. And you shall anoint whomever I will indicate to you.” Therefore, Samuel did just as the Lord told him. And he went to Bethlehem, and the elders of the city wondered. And meeting him, they said, “Is your arrival peaceful?” And he said: “It is peaceful. I have arrived in order to immolate to the Lord. Be sanctified, and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and he called them to the sacrifice. And when they had entered, he saw Eliab, and he said, “Could he be the Christ in the sight of the Lord?” And the Lord said to Samuel: “You should not look with favor on his face, nor on the height of his stature. For I have rejected him. Neither do I judge by the appearance of a man. For man sees those things that are apparent, but the Lord beholds the heart.” And Jesse called Abinadab, and he brought him before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse brought Shammah. And he said about him, “And the Lord has not chosen this one.” And so Jesse brought his seven sons before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Could the sons now be completed?” But he responded, “There still remains a little one, and he pastures the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse: “Send and bring him. For we shall not recline to eat, until he arrives here.” Therefore, he sent and brought him. Now he was ruddy, and beautiful to behold, and with a stately face. And the Lord said, “Rise up, anoint him! For it is he.” Therefore, Samuel took the horn of oil, and he anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord was guiding David from that day and thereafter. And Samuel rose up, and he went away to Ramah. But the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from Saul, and a wicked spirit from the Lord disturbed him. And the servants of Saul said to him: “Behold, an evil spirit from God disturbs you. May our lord order, and your servants, who are before you, will seek a man skillful in playing a stringed instrument, so that when the evil spirit from the Lord assails you, he may play with his hand, and you may bear it more easily.” And Saul said to his servants, “Then provide for me someone who can play well, and bring him to me.” And one of the servants, responding, said: “Behold, I have seen the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, a skillful player, and very strong and robust, a man fit for war, and prudent in words, a handsome man. And the Lord is with him.” Therefore, Saul sent messengers to Jesse, saying, “Send to me your son David, who is in the pastures.” And so, Jesse took a donkey laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid from one of the goats, and he sent them, by the hand of his son David, to Saul. And David went to Saul, and stood before him. And he loved him exceedingly, and he made him his armor bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying: “Let David remain before my sight. For he has found favor in my eyes.” And so, whenever the evil spirit from the Lord assailed Saul, David took up his stringed instrument, and he struck it with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and uplifted. For the evil spirit withdrew from him."
Readings of the Day:
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 16, 18-21, 24
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care. 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. Amen."
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Lent
18 March 2012
Today is traditionally know as Laetare Sunday. This was meant to represent the hope that our Lenten Journey would soon be completed.
Our story today tells of Hannah Praying for a Child.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 1.
"There was a certain man from Ramah of Zophim, on Mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the second was Peninnah. And Peninnah had sons. But Hannah did not have children. And this man went up from his city, on the established days, so that he might adore and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. Now the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests of the Lord, were in that place. Then the day arrived, and Elkanah immolated. And he gave portions to his wife Peninnah, and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave one portion with sorrow. For he loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival afflicted her and vehemently distressed her, to a great extent, for she rebuked her that the Lord had closed her womb. And she did so every year, when the time returned for them to ascend to the temple of the Lord. And she provoked her in this way. And so, she wept and did not take food. Therefore, her husband Elkanah said to her: “Hannah, why are you weeping? And why do you not eat? And for what reason do you afflict your heart? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” And so, after she ate and drank at Shiloh, Hannah rose up. And Eli, the priest, was sitting on the seat before the door of the temple of the Lord. And since Hannah was bitter in soul, she prayed to the Lord, weeping greatly. And she made a vow, saying, “O Lord of hosts, if, in looking with favor, you will see the affliction of your servant and will remember me, and will not forget your handmaid, and if you will give to your servant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall pass over his head.” Then it happened that, while she multiplied prayers before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. For Hannah was speaking in her heart, and only her lips moved, and her voice was barely heard. Therefore, Eli considered her to be drunk, and so he said to her: “How long will you be inebriated? You should take only a little wine, but instead you are drenched.” Responding, Hannah said: “By no means, my lord. For I am an exceedingly unhappy woman, and I drank neither wine, nor anything that can inebriate. Instead, I have poured out my soul in the sight of the Lord. You should not repute your handmaid as one of the daughters of Belial. For I have been speaking from the abundance of my sorrow and grief, even until now.” Then Eli said to her: “Go in peace. And may the God of Israel grant to you your petition, which you have begged of him.” And she said, “I wish that your handmaid may find grace in your eyes.” And the woman went on her way, and she ate, and her countenance was no longer changed for the worse. And they rose up in the morning, and they worshipped before the Lord. And they returned and arrived at their own house at Ramah. Then Elkanah knew his wife Hannah. And the Lord remembered her. And it happened that, in the course of days, Hannah conceived and bore a son. And she called his name Samuel, because she had requested him from the Lord. Now her husband Elkanah ascended with his entire house, so that he might immolate to the Lord a solemn sacrifice, with his vow. But Hannah did not go up. For she said to her husband, “I will not go, until the infant has been weaned, and until I may lead him, so that he may appear before the sight of the Lord, and may remain always there.” And her husband Elkanah said to her: “Do what seems good to you, and stay until you wean him. And I pray that the Lord may fulfill his word.” Therefore, the woman remained at home, and she breastfed her son, until she withdrew him from milk. And after she had weaned him, she brought him with her, along with three calves, and three measures of flour, and a small bottle of wine, and she led him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. But the boy was still a young child. And they immolated a calf, and they presented the boy to Eli. And Hannah said: “I beg you, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord: I am that woman, who stood before you here, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted to me my petition, which I asked of him. Because of this, I have also lent him to the Lord, for all the days when he shall be lent to the Lord.” And they adored the Lord in that place. "
Readings of the Day:
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137:1-6
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. 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. Amen."
Today is traditionally know as Laetare Sunday. This was meant to represent the hope that our Lenten Journey would soon be completed.
Our story today tells of Hannah Praying for a Child.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in 1 Samuel 1.
"There was a certain man from Ramah of Zophim, on Mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the second was Peninnah. And Peninnah had sons. But Hannah did not have children. And this man went up from his city, on the established days, so that he might adore and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. Now the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests of the Lord, were in that place. Then the day arrived, and Elkanah immolated. And he gave portions to his wife Peninnah, and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave one portion with sorrow. For he loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival afflicted her and vehemently distressed her, to a great extent, for she rebuked her that the Lord had closed her womb. And she did so every year, when the time returned for them to ascend to the temple of the Lord. And she provoked her in this way. And so, she wept and did not take food. Therefore, her husband Elkanah said to her: “Hannah, why are you weeping? And why do you not eat? And for what reason do you afflict your heart? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” And so, after she ate and drank at Shiloh, Hannah rose up. And Eli, the priest, was sitting on the seat before the door of the temple of the Lord. And since Hannah was bitter in soul, she prayed to the Lord, weeping greatly. And she made a vow, saying, “O Lord of hosts, if, in looking with favor, you will see the affliction of your servant and will remember me, and will not forget your handmaid, and if you will give to your servant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall pass over his head.” Then it happened that, while she multiplied prayers before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. For Hannah was speaking in her heart, and only her lips moved, and her voice was barely heard. Therefore, Eli considered her to be drunk, and so he said to her: “How long will you be inebriated? You should take only a little wine, but instead you are drenched.” Responding, Hannah said: “By no means, my lord. For I am an exceedingly unhappy woman, and I drank neither wine, nor anything that can inebriate. Instead, I have poured out my soul in the sight of the Lord. You should not repute your handmaid as one of the daughters of Belial. For I have been speaking from the abundance of my sorrow and grief, even until now.” Then Eli said to her: “Go in peace. And may the God of Israel grant to you your petition, which you have begged of him.” And she said, “I wish that your handmaid may find grace in your eyes.” And the woman went on her way, and she ate, and her countenance was no longer changed for the worse. And they rose up in the morning, and they worshipped before the Lord. And they returned and arrived at their own house at Ramah. Then Elkanah knew his wife Hannah. And the Lord remembered her. And it happened that, in the course of days, Hannah conceived and bore a son. And she called his name Samuel, because she had requested him from the Lord. Now her husband Elkanah ascended with his entire house, so that he might immolate to the Lord a solemn sacrifice, with his vow. But Hannah did not go up. For she said to her husband, “I will not go, until the infant has been weaned, and until I may lead him, so that he may appear before the sight of the Lord, and may remain always there.” And her husband Elkanah said to her: “Do what seems good to you, and stay until you wean him. And I pray that the Lord may fulfill his word.” Therefore, the woman remained at home, and she breastfed her son, until she withdrew him from milk. And after she had weaned him, she brought him with her, along with three calves, and three measures of flour, and a small bottle of wine, and she led him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. But the boy was still a young child. And they immolated a calf, and they presented the boy to Eli. And Hannah said: “I beg you, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord: I am that woman, who stood before you here, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted to me my petition, which I asked of him. Because of this, I have also lent him to the Lord, for all the days when he shall be lent to the Lord.” And they adored the Lord in that place. "
Readings of the Day:
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137:1-6
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. 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. Amen."
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
17 March 2012
Today is also the Feast Deay of St. Patrick.
Please follow the link to the right to find out more about this saint.
Our story today tells of Naomi and Ruth.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Ruth 1.
" In the days of one of the judges, when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a man from Bethlehem in Judah departed to sojourn in the region of the Moabites with his wife and two children. He called himself Elimelech, and his wife Naomi, and his two sons, the one Mahlon, and the other Chilion, Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. And entering into the region of the Moabites, they stayed there. And Elimelech the husband of Naomi died; and she remained with her sons. They took wives from among the Moabites, of whom one was called Orpah, and the other Ruth. And they lived there ten years. And they both died, namely Mahlon and Chilion, and the woman was left alone, bereaved of her two children and her husband. And she arose so that she might journey to her native land, with both her daughters-in-law, from the region of the Moabites. For she had heard that the Lord had provided for his people and had given them food. And so she departed from the place of her sojourn, with both her daughters-in-law, and having set out upon the way, she was about to return to the land of Judah. She said to them, “Go to the home of your mother. May the Lord deal mercifully with you, just as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May he grant you to find rest in the houses of the husbands, whom you will obtain by lot.” And she kissed them. They lifted up their voice, and began to weep, and to say, “We will journey with you to your people.” But she answered them, “Return, my daughters. Why come with me? Do I have any more sons in my womb, so that you could hope for husbands from me? Return, my daughters, go forth. For I am now exhausted by old age, and not fit for the bond of marriage. Even if I were to conceive on this night, and bear sons, if you were willing to wait until they were grown and had completed the years of adolescence, you would be elderly before you could marry. Do not do so, I beg you, my daughters. For your difficulties weigh upon me greatly, and the hand of the Lord has been set against me.” In response, they lifted up their voice and began to weep again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, and then turned back. Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. Naomi said to her, “See, your kinswoman returns to her people, and to her gods. Hurry after her.” She answered, “Do not be against me, as if I would abandon you and go away; for wherever you will go, I will go, and where you will stay, I also will stay with you. Your people are my people, and your God is my God. Whichever land will receive you dying, in the same I will die, and there I will have the place of my burial. May God cause these things to happen to me, and add more also, if anything except death alone should separate you and I.” Therefore, Naomi saw that Ruth, being firmly resolved in her soul, was determined to go with her, and that she was unwilling to be dissuaded, and that nothing further could convince her to return to her own. And so they set out together, and they came to Bethlehem. When they had entered the city, the news quickly spread among them all. And the women said, “This is that Naomi.” But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi (that is, beautiful), but call me Mara (that is, bitter). For the Almighty has greatly filled me with bitterness. I went out full and the Lord led me back empty. So then, why call me Naomi, whom the Lord has humbled and the Almighty has afflicted?” Therefore, Naomi went with Ruth, the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, from the land of her sojourn, and returned to Bethlehem, at the time of the first reaping of the barley."
Readings of the Day:
Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21
Luke 18:9-14
Collect for the Day:
" O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all. 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. Amen."
Today is also the Feast Deay of St. Patrick.
Please follow the link to the right to find out more about this saint.
Our story today tells of Naomi and Ruth.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Ruth 1.
" In the days of one of the judges, when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a man from Bethlehem in Judah departed to sojourn in the region of the Moabites with his wife and two children. He called himself Elimelech, and his wife Naomi, and his two sons, the one Mahlon, and the other Chilion, Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. And entering into the region of the Moabites, they stayed there. And Elimelech the husband of Naomi died; and she remained with her sons. They took wives from among the Moabites, of whom one was called Orpah, and the other Ruth. And they lived there ten years. And they both died, namely Mahlon and Chilion, and the woman was left alone, bereaved of her two children and her husband. And she arose so that she might journey to her native land, with both her daughters-in-law, from the region of the Moabites. For she had heard that the Lord had provided for his people and had given them food. And so she departed from the place of her sojourn, with both her daughters-in-law, and having set out upon the way, she was about to return to the land of Judah. She said to them, “Go to the home of your mother. May the Lord deal mercifully with you, just as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May he grant you to find rest in the houses of the husbands, whom you will obtain by lot.” And she kissed them. They lifted up their voice, and began to weep, and to say, “We will journey with you to your people.” But she answered them, “Return, my daughters. Why come with me? Do I have any more sons in my womb, so that you could hope for husbands from me? Return, my daughters, go forth. For I am now exhausted by old age, and not fit for the bond of marriage. Even if I were to conceive on this night, and bear sons, if you were willing to wait until they were grown and had completed the years of adolescence, you would be elderly before you could marry. Do not do so, I beg you, my daughters. For your difficulties weigh upon me greatly, and the hand of the Lord has been set against me.” In response, they lifted up their voice and began to weep again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, and then turned back. Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. Naomi said to her, “See, your kinswoman returns to her people, and to her gods. Hurry after her.” She answered, “Do not be against me, as if I would abandon you and go away; for wherever you will go, I will go, and where you will stay, I also will stay with you. Your people are my people, and your God is my God. Whichever land will receive you dying, in the same I will die, and there I will have the place of my burial. May God cause these things to happen to me, and add more also, if anything except death alone should separate you and I.” Therefore, Naomi saw that Ruth, being firmly resolved in her soul, was determined to go with her, and that she was unwilling to be dissuaded, and that nothing further could convince her to return to her own. And so they set out together, and they came to Bethlehem. When they had entered the city, the news quickly spread among them all. And the women said, “This is that Naomi.” But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi (that is, beautiful), but call me Mara (that is, bitter). For the Almighty has greatly filled me with bitterness. I went out full and the Lord led me back empty. So then, why call me Naomi, whom the Lord has humbled and the Almighty has afflicted?” Therefore, Naomi went with Ruth, the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, from the land of her sojourn, and returned to Bethlehem, at the time of the first reaping of the barley."
Readings of the Day:
Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21
Luke 18:9-14
Collect for the Day:
" O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all. 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. Amen."
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday of the Third Week of Lent
16 March 2012
Our story today tells of the Death of Samson.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Judges 16.
"And when the Philistines had seized him, they immediately plucked out his eyes. And they led him, bound in chains, to Gaza. And enclosing him in a prison, they made him work a millstone. And now his hair began to grow back. And the leaders of the Philistines convened as one, so that they might offer great sacrifices to Dagon, their god. And they feasted, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy, Samson, into our hands.” Then, too, the people, seeing this, praised their god, and they said the same, “Our god has delivered our adversary into our hands: the one who destroyed our land and who killed very many.” And rejoicing in their celebration, having now taken food, they instructed that Samson be called, and that he be mocked before them. And having been brought from prison, he was mocked before them. And they caused him to stand between two pillars. And he said to the boy who was guiding his steps, “Permit me to touch the pillars, which support the entire house, and to lean against them, so that I may rest a little.” Now the house was full of men and women. And all the leaders of the Philistines were there, as well as about three thousand persons, of both sexes, on the roof and in the upper level of the house, who were watching Samson being mocked. Then, calling upon the Lord, he said, “O Lord God remember me, and restore to me now my former strength, O my God, so that I may avenge myself against my enemies, and so that I may receive one vengeance for the deprivation of my two eyes.” And taking hold of both the pillars, on which the house rested, and holding one with his right hand and the other with his left, he said, “May my life die with the Philistines.” And when he had shaken the pillars strongly, the house fell upon all the leaders, and the rest of the multitude who were there. And he killed many more in his death than he had killed before in his life. Then his brothers and all his relatives, going down, took his body, and they buried it between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the burying place of his father, Manoah. And he judged Israel for twenty years."
Readings of the Day:
Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mark 12:28-34
Collect for the Day:
"Pour your grace into our hearts, we pray, O Lord, that we may be constantly drawn away from unruly desires and obey by your own gift the heavenly teaching you give us. 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. Amen."
Our story today tells of the Death of Samson.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Judges 16.
"And when the Philistines had seized him, they immediately plucked out his eyes. And they led him, bound in chains, to Gaza. And enclosing him in a prison, they made him work a millstone. And now his hair began to grow back. And the leaders of the Philistines convened as one, so that they might offer great sacrifices to Dagon, their god. And they feasted, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy, Samson, into our hands.” Then, too, the people, seeing this, praised their god, and they said the same, “Our god has delivered our adversary into our hands: the one who destroyed our land and who killed very many.” And rejoicing in their celebration, having now taken food, they instructed that Samson be called, and that he be mocked before them. And having been brought from prison, he was mocked before them. And they caused him to stand between two pillars. And he said to the boy who was guiding his steps, “Permit me to touch the pillars, which support the entire house, and to lean against them, so that I may rest a little.” Now the house was full of men and women. And all the leaders of the Philistines were there, as well as about three thousand persons, of both sexes, on the roof and in the upper level of the house, who were watching Samson being mocked. Then, calling upon the Lord, he said, “O Lord God remember me, and restore to me now my former strength, O my God, so that I may avenge myself against my enemies, and so that I may receive one vengeance for the deprivation of my two eyes.” And taking hold of both the pillars, on which the house rested, and holding one with his right hand and the other with his left, he said, “May my life die with the Philistines.” And when he had shaken the pillars strongly, the house fell upon all the leaders, and the rest of the multitude who were there. And he killed many more in his death than he had killed before in his life. Then his brothers and all his relatives, going down, took his body, and they buried it between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the burying place of his father, Manoah. And he judged Israel for twenty years."
Readings of the Day:
Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mark 12:28-34
Collect for the Day:
"Pour your grace into our hearts, we pray, O Lord, that we may be constantly drawn away from unruly desires and obey by your own gift the heavenly teaching you give us. 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. Amen."
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
15 March 2012
Our story today tells of a Deborah.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Judges 5.
"In that day, Deborah and Barak, the son of Abinoam, sang out, saying: “All you of Israel who have willingly offered your lives to danger, bless the Lord! Listen, O kings! Pay attention, O princes! It is I, it is I, who will sing to the Lord. I will sing a psalm to the Lord, the God of Israel! O Lord, when you departed from Seir, and you crossed through the regions of Edom, the earth and the heavens were moved, and the clouds rained down water. The mountains flowed away before the face of the Lord, and Sinai, before the face of the Lord God of Israel. In the days of Shamgar, the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the paths were quiet. And whoever entered by them, walked along rough byways. The strong men ceased, and they rested in Israel, until Deborah rose up, until a mother rose up in Israel. The Lord chose new wars, and he himself overturned the gates of the enemies. A shield with a spear was not seen among the forty thousand of Israel. My heart loves the leaders of Israel. All you who, of your own free will, offered yourselves during a crisis, bless the Lord. You who ride upon donkeys laboring, and you who sit in judgment, and you who walk along the way, speak out. Where the chariots were struck together, and the army of the enemies was choked, in that place, let the justices of the Lord be described, and let his clemency be for the brave of Israel. Then did the people of the Lord descend to the gates, and obtain leadership. Rise up, rise up, O Deborah! Rise up, rise up, and speak a canticle! Rise up, Barak, and seize your captives, O son of Abinoam. The remnants of the people were saved. The Lord contended with the strong. Out of Ephraim, he destroyed those with Amalek, and after him, out of Benjamin, those of your people, O Amalek. From Machir, there descended leaders, and from Zebulun, those who led the army to war. The commanders of Issachar were with Deborah, and they followed the steps of Barak, who endangered himself, like one rushing headlong into a chasm. Reuben was divided against himself. Contention was found among great souls. Why do you live between two borders, so that you hear the bleating of the flocks? Reuben was divided against himself. Contention was found among great souls. Gilead rested beyond the Jordan, and Dan was occupied with ships. Asher was living on the shore of the sea, and dwelling in the ports. Yet truly, Zebulun and Naphtali offered their lives to death in the region of Merom. The kings came and fought; the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach, beside the waters of Megiddo. And yet they took no spoils. The conflict against them was from heaven. The stars, remaining in their order and courses, fought against Sisera. The torrent of Kishon dragged away their carcasses, the onrushing torrent, the torrent of Kishon. O my soul, tread upon the stalwart! The hoofs of the horses were broken, while the strongest of the enemies fled away with fury, and rushed on to ruin. ‘Cursed be the land of Meroz!’ said the Angel of the Lord. ‘Cursed be its inhabitants! For they did not come to the aid of the Lord, to the assistance of his most valiant men.’ Blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. And blessed is she in her tabernacle. He begged her for water, and she gave him milk, and she offered him butter in a dish fit for princes. She put her left hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workman’s mallet. And she struck Sisera, seeking in his head a place for the wound, and strongly piercing his temples. Between her feet, he was ruined. He fainted away and passed on. He curled up before her feet, and he lay there lifeless and miserable. His mother gazed through a window and wailed. And she spoke from an upper room: ‘Why does his chariot delay in returning? Why are the feet of his team of horses so slow?’ One who was wiser than the rest of his wives responded to her mother-in-law with this: ‘Perhaps he is now dividing the spoils, and the most beautiful among the women is being selected for him. Garments of diverse colors are being delivered to Sisera as spoils, and various goods are being collected for the adornment of necks.’ O Lord, so may all your enemies perish! But may those who love you shine with splendor, as the sun shines at its rising.” And the land rested for forty years."
Reading of the Day:
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Luke 11:14-23
Collect for the Day:
"We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards the worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery. 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. Amen."
Our story today tells of a Deborah.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Judges 5.
"In that day, Deborah and Barak, the son of Abinoam, sang out, saying: “All you of Israel who have willingly offered your lives to danger, bless the Lord! Listen, O kings! Pay attention, O princes! It is I, it is I, who will sing to the Lord. I will sing a psalm to the Lord, the God of Israel! O Lord, when you departed from Seir, and you crossed through the regions of Edom, the earth and the heavens were moved, and the clouds rained down water. The mountains flowed away before the face of the Lord, and Sinai, before the face of the Lord God of Israel. In the days of Shamgar, the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the paths were quiet. And whoever entered by them, walked along rough byways. The strong men ceased, and they rested in Israel, until Deborah rose up, until a mother rose up in Israel. The Lord chose new wars, and he himself overturned the gates of the enemies. A shield with a spear was not seen among the forty thousand of Israel. My heart loves the leaders of Israel. All you who, of your own free will, offered yourselves during a crisis, bless the Lord. You who ride upon donkeys laboring, and you who sit in judgment, and you who walk along the way, speak out. Where the chariots were struck together, and the army of the enemies was choked, in that place, let the justices of the Lord be described, and let his clemency be for the brave of Israel. Then did the people of the Lord descend to the gates, and obtain leadership. Rise up, rise up, O Deborah! Rise up, rise up, and speak a canticle! Rise up, Barak, and seize your captives, O son of Abinoam. The remnants of the people were saved. The Lord contended with the strong. Out of Ephraim, he destroyed those with Amalek, and after him, out of Benjamin, those of your people, O Amalek. From Machir, there descended leaders, and from Zebulun, those who led the army to war. The commanders of Issachar were with Deborah, and they followed the steps of Barak, who endangered himself, like one rushing headlong into a chasm. Reuben was divided against himself. Contention was found among great souls. Why do you live between two borders, so that you hear the bleating of the flocks? Reuben was divided against himself. Contention was found among great souls. Gilead rested beyond the Jordan, and Dan was occupied with ships. Asher was living on the shore of the sea, and dwelling in the ports. Yet truly, Zebulun and Naphtali offered their lives to death in the region of Merom. The kings came and fought; the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach, beside the waters of Megiddo. And yet they took no spoils. The conflict against them was from heaven. The stars, remaining in their order and courses, fought against Sisera. The torrent of Kishon dragged away their carcasses, the onrushing torrent, the torrent of Kishon. O my soul, tread upon the stalwart! The hoofs of the horses were broken, while the strongest of the enemies fled away with fury, and rushed on to ruin. ‘Cursed be the land of Meroz!’ said the Angel of the Lord. ‘Cursed be its inhabitants! For they did not come to the aid of the Lord, to the assistance of his most valiant men.’ Blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. And blessed is she in her tabernacle. He begged her for water, and she gave him milk, and she offered him butter in a dish fit for princes. She put her left hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workman’s mallet. And she struck Sisera, seeking in his head a place for the wound, and strongly piercing his temples. Between her feet, he was ruined. He fainted away and passed on. He curled up before her feet, and he lay there lifeless and miserable. His mother gazed through a window and wailed. And she spoke from an upper room: ‘Why does his chariot delay in returning? Why are the feet of his team of horses so slow?’ One who was wiser than the rest of his wives responded to her mother-in-law with this: ‘Perhaps he is now dividing the spoils, and the most beautiful among the women is being selected for him. Garments of diverse colors are being delivered to Sisera as spoils, and various goods are being collected for the adornment of necks.’ O Lord, so may all your enemies perish! But may those who love you shine with splendor, as the sun shines at its rising.” And the land rested for forty years."
Reading of the Day:
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Luke 11:14-23
Collect for the Day:
"We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards the worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery. 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. Amen."
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
14 March 2012
Our story today tells of a Moses Meeting God on Mt. Sinai.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Exodus 19.
"In the third month of the departure of Israel from the land of Egypt, in that day, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. Thus, setting out from Raphidim, and going directly to the desert of Sinai, they encamped in the same place, and there Israel pitched their tents away from the region of the mountain. Then Moses ascended to God. And the Lord called to him from the mountain, and he said: “This you shall say to the house of Jacob, and announce to the sons of Israel: ‘You have seen what I have done to the Egyptians, in what way I carried you upon the wings of eagles and how I have taken you for myself. If, therefore, you will hear my voice, and you will keep my covenant, you will be to me a particular possession out of all people. For all the earth is mine. And you will be to me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you will speak to the sons of Israel.” Moses went, and calling together those greater by birth among the people, he set forth all the words which the Lord had commanded. And all the people responded together: “Everything that the Lord has spoken, we shall do.” And when Moses had related the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to him: “Soon now, I will come to you in the mist of a cloud, so that the people may hear me speaking to you, and so that they may believe you continuously.” Therefore, Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord, who said to him: “Go to the people, and sanctify them today, and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments. And let them be prepared on the third day. For on the third day, the Lord will descend, in the sight of all the people, over Mount Sinai. And you will establish limits for the people all around, and you will say to them: ‘Take care not to ascend to the mountain, and that you do not touch its parts. All who touch the mountain, shall die a death.’ Hands shall not touch him, but he shall be crushed with stones, or he shall be pierced through with darts. Whether it be a beast or a man, he shall not live. For when the trumpet begins to sound, perhaps they might go up toward the mountain.” And Moses came down from the mountain to the people, and he sanctified them. And when they had washed their garments, he said to them, “Be prepared on the third day, and do not draw near to your wives.” And now, the third day arrived and the morning dawned. And behold, thunders began to be heard, and also lightning flashed, and a very dense cloud covered the mountain, and the noise of the trumpet resounded vehemently. And the people who were in the camp were fearful. And when Moses had led them out to meet God, from the place of the camp, they stood at the base of the mountain. Then all of Mount Sinai was smoking. For the Lord had descended over it with fire, and smoke ascended from it, as from a furnace. And the entire mountain was terrible. And the sound of the trumpet gradually increased to be louder, and extended to be longer. Moses was speaking, and God was answering him. And the Lord descended over Mount Sinai, to the very top of the mountain, and he called Moses to its summit. And when he had ascended there, he said to him: “Descend, and call the people to witness, lest they might be willing to transgress the limits, so as to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them might perish. Likewise, the priests who approach toward the Lord, let them be sanctified, lest he strike them down.” And Moses said to the Lord: “The people are not able to ascend to Mount Sinai. For you testified, and you commanded, saying: ‘Set limits around the mountain, and sanctify it.’ ” And the Lord said to him, “Go, descend. And you shall ascend, and Aaron with you. But let not the priests or the people transgress the limits, nor ascend to the Lord, lest perhaps he may put them to death.” And Moses descended to the people, and he explained everything to them."
Readings of the Day:
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 5:17-19
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. 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. Amen."
Our story today tells of a Moses Meeting God on Mt. Sinai.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Exodus 19.
"In the third month of the departure of Israel from the land of Egypt, in that day, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. Thus, setting out from Raphidim, and going directly to the desert of Sinai, they encamped in the same place, and there Israel pitched their tents away from the region of the mountain. Then Moses ascended to God. And the Lord called to him from the mountain, and he said: “This you shall say to the house of Jacob, and announce to the sons of Israel: ‘You have seen what I have done to the Egyptians, in what way I carried you upon the wings of eagles and how I have taken you for myself. If, therefore, you will hear my voice, and you will keep my covenant, you will be to me a particular possession out of all people. For all the earth is mine. And you will be to me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you will speak to the sons of Israel.” Moses went, and calling together those greater by birth among the people, he set forth all the words which the Lord had commanded. And all the people responded together: “Everything that the Lord has spoken, we shall do.” And when Moses had related the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to him: “Soon now, I will come to you in the mist of a cloud, so that the people may hear me speaking to you, and so that they may believe you continuously.” Therefore, Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord, who said to him: “Go to the people, and sanctify them today, and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments. And let them be prepared on the third day. For on the third day, the Lord will descend, in the sight of all the people, over Mount Sinai. And you will establish limits for the people all around, and you will say to them: ‘Take care not to ascend to the mountain, and that you do not touch its parts. All who touch the mountain, shall die a death.’ Hands shall not touch him, but he shall be crushed with stones, or he shall be pierced through with darts. Whether it be a beast or a man, he shall not live. For when the trumpet begins to sound, perhaps they might go up toward the mountain.” And Moses came down from the mountain to the people, and he sanctified them. And when they had washed their garments, he said to them, “Be prepared on the third day, and do not draw near to your wives.” And now, the third day arrived and the morning dawned. And behold, thunders began to be heard, and also lightning flashed, and a very dense cloud covered the mountain, and the noise of the trumpet resounded vehemently. And the people who were in the camp were fearful. And when Moses had led them out to meet God, from the place of the camp, they stood at the base of the mountain. Then all of Mount Sinai was smoking. For the Lord had descended over it with fire, and smoke ascended from it, as from a furnace. And the entire mountain was terrible. And the sound of the trumpet gradually increased to be louder, and extended to be longer. Moses was speaking, and God was answering him. And the Lord descended over Mount Sinai, to the very top of the mountain, and he called Moses to its summit. And when he had ascended there, he said to him: “Descend, and call the people to witness, lest they might be willing to transgress the limits, so as to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them might perish. Likewise, the priests who approach toward the Lord, let them be sanctified, lest he strike them down.” And Moses said to the Lord: “The people are not able to ascend to Mount Sinai. For you testified, and you commanded, saying: ‘Set limits around the mountain, and sanctify it.’ ” And the Lord said to him, “Go, descend. And you shall ascend, and Aaron with you. But let not the priests or the people transgress the limits, nor ascend to the Lord, lest perhaps he may put them to death.” And Moses descended to the people, and he explained everything to them."
Readings of the Day:
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 5:17-19
Collect for the Day:
"Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. 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. Amen."
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
13 March 2012
We apologize for the disruption in posts over the last few days. We were experiencing technical difficulties that have since been corrected. Thank you for your patience.
Our story today tells of a God's Gift of Manna to the Israelites in the Desert.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Exodus 16.
"And the sons of Israel said to them: “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat around bowls of meat and ate bread until filled. Why have you led us away, into this desert, so that you might kill the entire multitude with famine?” Then the Lord said to Moses: “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Let the people go out and collect what is sufficient for each day, so that I may test them, as to whether or not they will walk in my law. But on the sixth day, let them prepare what they use for carrying, and let there be double what they were accustomed to collect on a single day.” And Moses and Aaron said to the sons of Israel: “In the evening, you will know that the Lord has led you away from the land of Egypt. And in the morning, you will see the glory of the Lord. For he has heard your murmuring against the Lord. But as for us, truly what are we, that you would whisper against us?” And Moses said: “In the evening, the Lord will give you flesh to eat, and in the morning, bread in fullness. For he has heard your murmurings that you have murmured against him. For what are we? Your murmuring is not against us, but against the Lord.” Moses also said to Aaron: “Say to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘Approach before the Lord. For he has heard your murmuring.’ ” And when Aaron spoke to the entire assembly of the sons of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. And behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “I have heard the murmuring of the sons of Israel. Say to them: ‘In the evening, you will eat flesh, and in the morning, you will be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” Therefore, it happened in the evening: quails, rising up, covered the camp. Likewise, in the morning, a dew lay all around the camp. And when it had covered the face of the earth, it appeared, in the wilderness, small and as if crushed with a pestle, similar to hoar-frost on the ground. When the sons of Israel had seen it, they said one to another: “Manhu?” which means “What is this?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them: “This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. This is the word that the Lord has instructed. Let each one collect as much of it as is sufficient to eat. One omer for each head. According to the number of your souls which live in a tent, so will you take of it.” And the sons of Israel did so. And they collected: some more, others less. And they measured by the measure of an omer. He who collected more, did not have too much; nor did he who prepared less, find too little. But each one gathered according to what they were able to eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it behind until morning.” And they did not listen to him, but they left some of it behind until morning, and it began to swarm with worms, and it putrefied. And Moses became angry against them. Then each one collected, in the morning, as much as would be sufficient to eat. And after the sun became hot, it melted. But on the sixth day, they collected a double portion, that is, two omers for each man. Then all the leaders among the multitude came, and they discoursed with Moses. And he said to them: “This is what the Lord has spoken: Tomorrow, the rest day of the Sabbath, has been sanctified to the Lord. Whatever would be done, do it now. And whatever would be cooked, cook it now. Then anything that will have been left over, store it until morning.” And they did just as Moses had instructed, and it did not putrefy, nor were there any worms found in it. And Moses said: “Eat it today, because it is the Sabbath of the Lord. Today it will not be found in the field. Gather for six days. But on the seventh day, it is the Sabbath of the Lord, for which reason it will not be found.” And the seventh day arrived. And some of the people, going out to collect it, did not find it. Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will you be unwilling to keep my commandments and my law? See how the Lord has given you the Sabbath, and, because of this, on the sixth day he distributes to you a double portion. Let each one remain with his own, and let no one go forth from his place on the seventh day.” And the people kept the Sabbath on the seventh day. And the house of Israel called its name ‘Manna.’ It was like white coriander seed, and its taste was like wheat flour with honey. Then Moses said: “This is the word that the Lord has instructed: Fill an omer of it, and let it be kept for future generations hereafter, so that they may know the bread, with which I nourished you in the wilderness, when you had been led away from the land of Egypt.” And Moses said to Aaron, “Take one vessel, and put manna into it, as much as an omer is able to hold. And store it in the sight of the Lord, to keep for your generations, just as the Lord instructed Moses.” And so, Aaron placed it in the tabernacle, in reserve. Now the sons of Israel ate manna for forty years, until they arrived in a habitable land. With this food they were nourished, even until they touched the borders of the land of Canaan. Now an omer is a tenth part of an ephah."
Readings of the Day:
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35
Collect for the Day:
"Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for you. 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. Amen."
We apologize for the disruption in posts over the last few days. We were experiencing technical difficulties that have since been corrected. Thank you for your patience.
Our story today tells of a God's Gift of Manna to the Israelites in the Desert.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Exodus 16.
"And the sons of Israel said to them: “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat around bowls of meat and ate bread until filled. Why have you led us away, into this desert, so that you might kill the entire multitude with famine?” Then the Lord said to Moses: “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Let the people go out and collect what is sufficient for each day, so that I may test them, as to whether or not they will walk in my law. But on the sixth day, let them prepare what they use for carrying, and let there be double what they were accustomed to collect on a single day.” And Moses and Aaron said to the sons of Israel: “In the evening, you will know that the Lord has led you away from the land of Egypt. And in the morning, you will see the glory of the Lord. For he has heard your murmuring against the Lord. But as for us, truly what are we, that you would whisper against us?” And Moses said: “In the evening, the Lord will give you flesh to eat, and in the morning, bread in fullness. For he has heard your murmurings that you have murmured against him. For what are we? Your murmuring is not against us, but against the Lord.” Moses also said to Aaron: “Say to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘Approach before the Lord. For he has heard your murmuring.’ ” And when Aaron spoke to the entire assembly of the sons of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. And behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “I have heard the murmuring of the sons of Israel. Say to them: ‘In the evening, you will eat flesh, and in the morning, you will be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” Therefore, it happened in the evening: quails, rising up, covered the camp. Likewise, in the morning, a dew lay all around the camp. And when it had covered the face of the earth, it appeared, in the wilderness, small and as if crushed with a pestle, similar to hoar-frost on the ground. When the sons of Israel had seen it, they said one to another: “Manhu?” which means “What is this?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them: “This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. This is the word that the Lord has instructed. Let each one collect as much of it as is sufficient to eat. One omer for each head. According to the number of your souls which live in a tent, so will you take of it.” And the sons of Israel did so. And they collected: some more, others less. And they measured by the measure of an omer. He who collected more, did not have too much; nor did he who prepared less, find too little. But each one gathered according to what they were able to eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it behind until morning.” And they did not listen to him, but they left some of it behind until morning, and it began to swarm with worms, and it putrefied. And Moses became angry against them. Then each one collected, in the morning, as much as would be sufficient to eat. And after the sun became hot, it melted. But on the sixth day, they collected a double portion, that is, two omers for each man. Then all the leaders among the multitude came, and they discoursed with Moses. And he said to them: “This is what the Lord has spoken: Tomorrow, the rest day of the Sabbath, has been sanctified to the Lord. Whatever would be done, do it now. And whatever would be cooked, cook it now. Then anything that will have been left over, store it until morning.” And they did just as Moses had instructed, and it did not putrefy, nor were there any worms found in it. And Moses said: “Eat it today, because it is the Sabbath of the Lord. Today it will not be found in the field. Gather for six days. But on the seventh day, it is the Sabbath of the Lord, for which reason it will not be found.” And the seventh day arrived. And some of the people, going out to collect it, did not find it. Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will you be unwilling to keep my commandments and my law? See how the Lord has given you the Sabbath, and, because of this, on the sixth day he distributes to you a double portion. Let each one remain with his own, and let no one go forth from his place on the seventh day.” And the people kept the Sabbath on the seventh day. And the house of Israel called its name ‘Manna.’ It was like white coriander seed, and its taste was like wheat flour with honey. Then Moses said: “This is the word that the Lord has instructed: Fill an omer of it, and let it be kept for future generations hereafter, so that they may know the bread, with which I nourished you in the wilderness, when you had been led away from the land of Egypt.” And Moses said to Aaron, “Take one vessel, and put manna into it, as much as an omer is able to hold. And store it in the sight of the Lord, to keep for your generations, just as the Lord instructed Moses.” And so, Aaron placed it in the tabernacle, in reserve. Now the sons of Israel ate manna for forty years, until they arrived in a habitable land. With this food they were nourished, even until they touched the borders of the land of Canaan. Now an omer is a tenth part of an ephah."
Readings of the Day:
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35
Collect for the Day:
"Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for you. 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. Amen."
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday of the Second Week of Lent
9 March 2012
Today is also the Feast Days of St. Frances of Rome and St. John Ogilvie. Please refer to the links to the right for more information about these Saints.
Our story today tells of Joseph meeting his brothers.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Genesis 43.
"Meanwhile, the famine pressed heavily on all the land. And having consumed the provisions that they had brought out of Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Return and buy us a little food.” Judah answered: “The man himself declared to us, under the attestation of an oath, saying: ‘You will not see my face, unless you bring your youngest brother with you.’
If therefore you are willing to send him with us, we will travel together, and we will buy necessities for you. But if you are not willing, we will not go. For the man, as we have often said, declared to us, saying: ‘You will not see my face without your youngest brother.’ ” Israel said to them, “You have done this for my misery, in that you revealed to him that you also had another brother.” But they responded: “The man questioned us in order, concerning our family: whether our father lived, if we had a brother. And we answered him respectively, according to what he demanded. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother with you?’ ” Likewise, Judah said to his father: “Send the boy with me, so that we may set out and be able to live, lest we and our little ones should die. I accept the boy; require him at my hand. Unless I lead him back and restore him to you, I will be guilty of a sin against you for all time. If a delay had not intervened, by now we would have returned here a second time.” Therefore, their father Israel said to them: “If it is necessary to do so, then do what you will. Take, in your vessels, from the best fruits of the land, and carry down gifts to the man: a little resin, and honey, and storax ointment, oil of myrrh, turpentine, and almonds. Also, take with you double the money, and carry back what you found in your sacks, lest perhaps it was done in error. But also take your brother, and go to the man. Then may my Almighty God cause him to be pleased by you. And send your brother, whom he holds, back with you, along with this one, Benjamin. But as for me, without my children, I will be like one who is bereaved.” Therefore, the men took the gifts, and double the money, and Benjamin. And they went down into Egypt, and they stood in the presence of Joseph. And when he had seen them and Benjamin together, he instructed the steward of his house, saying: “Lead the men into the house, and kill victims, and prepare a feast, because they will be eating with me at midday.” He did what he had been ordered to do, and he brought the men into the house. And there, being terrified, they said one to another: “Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we have been brought in, so that he may unleash a false accusation against us, and by violence subjugate both us and our donkeys into servitude.” For this reason, approaching the steward of the house at his door, they said: “We beg you, lord, to hear us. We came down once before to buy food. And having bought it, when we arrived at the inn, we opened our sacks and found the money in the mouths of the sacks, which we now have carried back in the same amount. But we have also brought other silver, so that we may buy those things that are necessary for us. It is not on our conscience who had placed it in our bags.” But he responded: “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you the treasure in your sacks. As for the money that you gave to me, I held it as a test.” And he led Simeon out to them. And having led them into the house, he brought water, and they washed their feet, and he gave fodder to their donkeys. But they also prepared the gifts, until Joseph entered at midday. For they had heard that they would eat bread there. And so Joseph entered his house, and they offered him the gifts, holding them in their hands. And they reverenced prone on the ground. But he, gently greeting them again, questioned them, saying: “Is your father, the old man about whom you spoke to me, in good health? Is he still alive?” And they answered: “Your servant, our father, is safe; he is still alive.” And bowing, they reverenced him. Then Joseph, lifting up his eyes, saw Benjamin, his brother of the same womb, and he said, “Is this your little brother, about whom you spoke to me?” And again, he said, “May God be compassionate to you, my son.” And he hurried out, because his heart had been moved over his brother, and tears gushed out. And going into his chamber, he wept. And when he had washed his face, coming out again, he composed himself, and he said, “Set out bread.” they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his state of life. And they wondered exceedingly, taking the portions that they received from him. And the greater portion went to Benjamin, so much so that it exceeded five parts. And they drank and became inebriated along with him."
Readings of the Day:
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who have given us in Saint Frances of Rome a singular model of both married and monastic life, grant us perseverance in your service, that in every circumstance of life we may see and follow you. 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. Amen."
Today is also the Feast Days of St. Frances of Rome and St. John Ogilvie. Please refer to the links to the right for more information about these Saints.
Our story today tells of Joseph meeting his brothers.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Genesis 43.
"Meanwhile, the famine pressed heavily on all the land. And having consumed the provisions that they had brought out of Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Return and buy us a little food.” Judah answered: “The man himself declared to us, under the attestation of an oath, saying: ‘You will not see my face, unless you bring your youngest brother with you.’
If therefore you are willing to send him with us, we will travel together, and we will buy necessities for you. But if you are not willing, we will not go. For the man, as we have often said, declared to us, saying: ‘You will not see my face without your youngest brother.’ ” Israel said to them, “You have done this for my misery, in that you revealed to him that you also had another brother.” But they responded: “The man questioned us in order, concerning our family: whether our father lived, if we had a brother. And we answered him respectively, according to what he demanded. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother with you?’ ” Likewise, Judah said to his father: “Send the boy with me, so that we may set out and be able to live, lest we and our little ones should die. I accept the boy; require him at my hand. Unless I lead him back and restore him to you, I will be guilty of a sin against you for all time. If a delay had not intervened, by now we would have returned here a second time.” Therefore, their father Israel said to them: “If it is necessary to do so, then do what you will. Take, in your vessels, from the best fruits of the land, and carry down gifts to the man: a little resin, and honey, and storax ointment, oil of myrrh, turpentine, and almonds. Also, take with you double the money, and carry back what you found in your sacks, lest perhaps it was done in error. But also take your brother, and go to the man. Then may my Almighty God cause him to be pleased by you. And send your brother, whom he holds, back with you, along with this one, Benjamin. But as for me, without my children, I will be like one who is bereaved.” Therefore, the men took the gifts, and double the money, and Benjamin. And they went down into Egypt, and they stood in the presence of Joseph. And when he had seen them and Benjamin together, he instructed the steward of his house, saying: “Lead the men into the house, and kill victims, and prepare a feast, because they will be eating with me at midday.” He did what he had been ordered to do, and he brought the men into the house. And there, being terrified, they said one to another: “Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we have been brought in, so that he may unleash a false accusation against us, and by violence subjugate both us and our donkeys into servitude.” For this reason, approaching the steward of the house at his door, they said: “We beg you, lord, to hear us. We came down once before to buy food. And having bought it, when we arrived at the inn, we opened our sacks and found the money in the mouths of the sacks, which we now have carried back in the same amount. But we have also brought other silver, so that we may buy those things that are necessary for us. It is not on our conscience who had placed it in our bags.” But he responded: “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you the treasure in your sacks. As for the money that you gave to me, I held it as a test.” And he led Simeon out to them. And having led them into the house, he brought water, and they washed their feet, and he gave fodder to their donkeys. But they also prepared the gifts, until Joseph entered at midday. For they had heard that they would eat bread there. And so Joseph entered his house, and they offered him the gifts, holding them in their hands. And they reverenced prone on the ground. But he, gently greeting them again, questioned them, saying: “Is your father, the old man about whom you spoke to me, in good health? Is he still alive?” And they answered: “Your servant, our father, is safe; he is still alive.” And bowing, they reverenced him. Then Joseph, lifting up his eyes, saw Benjamin, his brother of the same womb, and he said, “Is this your little brother, about whom you spoke to me?” And again, he said, “May God be compassionate to you, my son.” And he hurried out, because his heart had been moved over his brother, and tears gushed out. And going into his chamber, he wept. And when he had washed his face, coming out again, he composed himself, and he said, “Set out bread.” they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his state of life. And they wondered exceedingly, taking the portions that they received from him. And the greater portion went to Benjamin, so much so that it exceeded five parts. And they drank and became inebriated along with him."
Readings of the Day:
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who have given us in Saint Frances of Rome a singular model of both married and monastic life, grant us perseverance in your service, that in every circumstance of life we may see and follow you. 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. Amen."
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
8 March 2012
Today is also the Feast Day of St. John of God.
Please refer to the link on the right for more information about this loving saint.
Our story today tells of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's Dreams.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Genesis 41.
"After two years, Pharaoh saw a dream. He thought himself to be standing above a river, from which ascended seven cows, exceedingly beautiful and stout. And they pastured in marshy places. Likewise, another seven emerged from the river, filthy and thoroughly emaciated. And they pastured on the same bank of the river, in green places. And they devoured those whose appearance and condition of body was so wonderful. Pharaoh, having been awakened, slept again, and he saw another dream. Seven ears of grain sprung up on one stalk, full and well-formed. Likewise, other ears of grain, of the same number, rose up, thin and struck with blight, devouring all the beauty of the first. Pharaoh, when he awakened after his rest, and when morning arrived, being terrified with fear, sent to all the interpreters of Egypt and to all of the wise men. And when they were summoned, he explained to them his dream; but there was no one who could interpret it. Then at last the chief cupbearer, remembering, said, “I confess my sin. The king, being angry with his servants, ordered me and the chief miller of grain to be forced into the prison of the leader of the military. There, in one night, both of us saw a dream presaging the future. In that place, there was a Hebrew, a servant of the same commander of the military, to whom we explained our dreams. Whatever we heard was proven afterwards by the event of the matter. For I was restored to my office, and he was suspended on a cross.” Immediately, by the king’s authority, Joseph was led out of prison, and they shaved him. And changing his apparel, they presented him to him. And he said to him, “I have seen dreams, and there is no one who can unfold them. I have heard that you are very wise at interpreting these.” Joseph responded, “Apart from me, God will respond favorably to Pharaoh.” Therefore, Pharaoh explained what he had seen: “I thought myself to be standing on the bank of a river, and seven cows climbed up from the river, exceedingly beautiful and full of flesh. And they grazed in a pasture of a marshy greenery. And behold, there followed after these, another seven cows, with such deformity and emaciation as I had never seen in the land of Egypt. These devoured and consumed the first, giving no indication of being full. But they remained in the same state of emaciation and squalor. Awakening, but being weighed down into sleep again, I saw a dream. Seven ears of grain sprang up on one stalk, full and very beautiful. Likewise, another seven, thin and struck with blight, rose up from the stalk. And they devoured the beauty of the first. I explained this dream to the interpreters, and there is no one who can unfold it.” Joseph responded: “The dream of the king is one. What God will do, he has revealed to Pharaoh. The seven beautiful cows, and the seven full ears of grain, are seven years of abundance. And so the force of the dreams is understood to be the same. Likewise, the seven thin and emaciated cows, which ascended after them, and the seven thin ears of grain, which were struck with the burning wind, are seven approaching years of famine. These will be fulfilled in this order. Behold, there will arrive seven years of great fertility throughout the entire land of Egypt. After this, there will follow another seven years, of such great barrenness that all the former abundance will be delivered into oblivion. For the famine will consume all the land, and the greatness of this destitution will cause the greatness of the abundance to be lost. Now, as to what you saw the second time, it is a dream pertaining to the same thing. It is an indication of its firmness, because the word of God shall be done, and it shall be completed swiftly. Now therefore, let the king provide a wise and industrious man, and place him over the land of Egypt, so that he may appoint overseers throughout all the regions. And let a fifth part of the fruits, throughout the seven fertile years that now have already begun to occur, be gathered into storehouses. And let all the grain be stored away, under the power of Pharaoh, and let it be kept in the cities. And let it be prepared for the future famine of seven years, which will oppress Egypt, and then the land will not be consumed by destitution.” The counsel pleased Pharaoh and all his ministers. And he said to them, “Would we be able to find another such man, who is full of the Spirit of God?” Therefore, he said to Joseph: “Because God has revealed to you all that you have said, would I be able to find anyone wiser and as much like you? You will be over my house, and to the authority of your mouth, all the people will show obedience. Only in one way, in the throne of the kingdom, will I go before you.” And again, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have appointed you over the entire land of Egypt.”
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 16:19-31
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who filled Saint John of God with a spirit of compassion, grant, we pray, that, giving ourselves to works of charity, we may merit to be found among the elect in your Kingdom. 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. Amen."
Today is also the Feast Day of St. John of God.
Please refer to the link on the right for more information about this loving saint.
Our story today tells of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's Dreams.
The scriptural basis for this story can be found in Genesis 41.
"After two years, Pharaoh saw a dream. He thought himself to be standing above a river, from which ascended seven cows, exceedingly beautiful and stout. And they pastured in marshy places. Likewise, another seven emerged from the river, filthy and thoroughly emaciated. And they pastured on the same bank of the river, in green places. And they devoured those whose appearance and condition of body was so wonderful. Pharaoh, having been awakened, slept again, and he saw another dream. Seven ears of grain sprung up on one stalk, full and well-formed. Likewise, other ears of grain, of the same number, rose up, thin and struck with blight, devouring all the beauty of the first. Pharaoh, when he awakened after his rest, and when morning arrived, being terrified with fear, sent to all the interpreters of Egypt and to all of the wise men. And when they were summoned, he explained to them his dream; but there was no one who could interpret it. Then at last the chief cupbearer, remembering, said, “I confess my sin. The king, being angry with his servants, ordered me and the chief miller of grain to be forced into the prison of the leader of the military. There, in one night, both of us saw a dream presaging the future. In that place, there was a Hebrew, a servant of the same commander of the military, to whom we explained our dreams. Whatever we heard was proven afterwards by the event of the matter. For I was restored to my office, and he was suspended on a cross.” Immediately, by the king’s authority, Joseph was led out of prison, and they shaved him. And changing his apparel, they presented him to him. And he said to him, “I have seen dreams, and there is no one who can unfold them. I have heard that you are very wise at interpreting these.” Joseph responded, “Apart from me, God will respond favorably to Pharaoh.” Therefore, Pharaoh explained what he had seen: “I thought myself to be standing on the bank of a river, and seven cows climbed up from the river, exceedingly beautiful and full of flesh. And they grazed in a pasture of a marshy greenery. And behold, there followed after these, another seven cows, with such deformity and emaciation as I had never seen in the land of Egypt. These devoured and consumed the first, giving no indication of being full. But they remained in the same state of emaciation and squalor. Awakening, but being weighed down into sleep again, I saw a dream. Seven ears of grain sprang up on one stalk, full and very beautiful. Likewise, another seven, thin and struck with blight, rose up from the stalk. And they devoured the beauty of the first. I explained this dream to the interpreters, and there is no one who can unfold it.” Joseph responded: “The dream of the king is one. What God will do, he has revealed to Pharaoh. The seven beautiful cows, and the seven full ears of grain, are seven years of abundance. And so the force of the dreams is understood to be the same. Likewise, the seven thin and emaciated cows, which ascended after them, and the seven thin ears of grain, which were struck with the burning wind, are seven approaching years of famine. These will be fulfilled in this order. Behold, there will arrive seven years of great fertility throughout the entire land of Egypt. After this, there will follow another seven years, of such great barrenness that all the former abundance will be delivered into oblivion. For the famine will consume all the land, and the greatness of this destitution will cause the greatness of the abundance to be lost. Now, as to what you saw the second time, it is a dream pertaining to the same thing. It is an indication of its firmness, because the word of God shall be done, and it shall be completed swiftly. Now therefore, let the king provide a wise and industrious man, and place him over the land of Egypt, so that he may appoint overseers throughout all the regions. And let a fifth part of the fruits, throughout the seven fertile years that now have already begun to occur, be gathered into storehouses. And let all the grain be stored away, under the power of Pharaoh, and let it be kept in the cities. And let it be prepared for the future famine of seven years, which will oppress Egypt, and then the land will not be consumed by destitution.” The counsel pleased Pharaoh and all his ministers. And he said to them, “Would we be able to find another such man, who is full of the Spirit of God?” Therefore, he said to Joseph: “Because God has revealed to you all that you have said, would I be able to find anyone wiser and as much like you? You will be over my house, and to the authority of your mouth, all the people will show obedience. Only in one way, in the throne of the kingdom, will I go before you.” And again, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have appointed you over the entire land of Egypt.”
Readings of the Day:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 16:19-31
Collect for the Day:
"O God, who filled Saint John of God with a spirit of compassion, grant, we pray, that, giving ourselves to works of charity, we may merit to be found among the elect in your Kingdom. 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. Amen."
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