Introduction to the Word for Worship
And Jesus elooked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter gthe kingdom of God!” -Mark 10:23 (ESV)
Why is this the case? We may ask. In fact, the disciples ask this very question, basically, in Mark chapter 10. The reason was already addressed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 6:19-34). In the following short video, Peter Leithart clarifies the truth that it is impossible to serve both God and Mammon (or, wealth).
The Collect of the Day
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: Hebrews 3:1-6
Psalm 90 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:17-31
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 90
1 Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the earth and the world were made, *
you are God from everlasting, and world without end.
3 You turn man back to the dust; *
you say, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, *
even as a day that is past.
5 You scatter them as a night-watch that comes quickly to an end; *
they are even as a dream and fade away.
6 They are like the grass, which in the morning is green, *
but in the evening is dried up and withered.
7 For we consume away in your displeasure *
and are afraid at your wrathful indignation.
8 You have set our misdeeds before you, *
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
9 For when you are angry, all our days are gone; *
we bring our years to an end, as a tale that is told.
10 The days of our life are seventy years, and though some
be so strong that they come to eighty years, *
yet is their span but labor and sorrow; so soon it passes away, and we are gone.
11 But who regards the power of your wrath, *
and who considers the fierceness of your anger?
12 So teach us to number our days, *
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13 Turn again, O Lord, and tarry not; *
be gracious unto your servants.
14 O satisfy us with your mercy in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15 Comfort us again, according to the measure of the days
that you have afflicted us, *
and for the years in which we have suffered adversity.
16 Show your servants your work *
and their children your glory.
17 And may the grace of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands; O prosper our handiwork.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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