Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:3-7, ESV)
You are a spiritual soldier. This kind of soldier does not sleep on an ivory bed but on the ground. He is not anointed with perfumed oils. These are the concern of those corrupt men who dally with courtesans, of those who act on the stage, of those who live carelessly. You must not smell of perfumes but of virtue. -St. John Chrysostom
The Collect of the Week
O God, our refuge and strength, true source of all godliness: Graciously hear the devout prayers of your Church, and grant that those things which we ask faithfully, we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Ruth 1:1-19
Psalm 113 (see below)
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-15
Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19
Psalm 113
1 Praise the Lord. Sing praises, you servants of the Lord; *
O praise the Name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the Name of the Lord, *
from this time forth for evermore.
3 The Lord’s Name be praised *
from the rising up of the sun to the going down of the same.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who has his dwelling so high, *
and yet humbles himself to behold the things
that are in heaven and earth?
6 He takes up the lowly out of the dust, *
and lifts the poor out of the ashes,
7 That he may set them with the princes, *
even with the princes of his people.
8 He gives the barren woman a home to dwell in, *
and makes her to be a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord.
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