Introduction to the Word and Liturgy for Worship
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
-Mark 5:36 (ESV)
When the chief of the synagogue asked him about his daughter, Jesus said to him: “Only firmly believe and your daughter shall live.” He believed and so his daughter lived and arose. Similarly when Lazarus died, our Lord said to Martha, “If you believe, your brother shall rise.” Martha said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe.” And he raised him after four days.… So let us draw near then, my beloved, to faith, since its powers are so many. For faith raised up [Enoch] to the heavens and conquered the deluge. Faith causes the barren to sprout forth. It delivers from the sword. It raises up from the pit. It enriches the poor. It releases the captives. It delivers the persecuted. It brings down the fire. It divides the sea. It cleaves the rock, and gives to the thirsty water to drink. It satisfies the hungry. It raises the dead, and brings them up from Sheol. It stills the billows. It heals the sick. It conquers hosts. It overthrows walls. It stops the mouths of lions, and quenches the flame of fire. It humiliates the proud, and brings the humble to honor. All these mighty works are wrought by faith.Now this is faith; when one believes in God the Lord of all, Who made the heavens and the earth and the seas and all that is in them. He made Adam in his image. He gave the law to Moses. He sent his Spirit upon the prophets. Moreover he sent his Christ into the world, that we should believe in the resurrection of the dead; and should also trust in the efficacy of our baptism. This is the faith of the church of God.
-Aphrahat, Demonstration 4.17–19
The Collect of the Day
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 112 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 5:22-43
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the one who fears the Lord, *
who has great delight in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.
3 Riches and plenteousness shall be in his house, *
and his righteousness shall endure for ever.
4 For the upright, there rises light in the darkness; *
he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5 It is good for him to be generous in lending *
and to guide his words with discretion.
6 For he shall never be moved, *
and the righteous shall be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of any evil tidings, *
for his heart is steadfast and trusts in the Lord.
8 His heart is established, and will not fear; *
at the last he shall see his desire upon his enemies.
9 He has given freely to the poor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever;
his horn shall be exalted with honor.
10 The ungodly shall see it, and shall be angry; *
he shall gnash his teeth, and waste away;
the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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