Introduction to the Word for Worship
And the scribe said to [Jesus], “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:32-34)
The lawyer had weighed and appraised the answer that Jesus had made; but to his surprise and the consternation of the bystanders, he found that, even as he was answering, Jesus had been appraising him. When humans dare to sit in judgment on the claims of Christ, they find instead that Christ is sitting in judgment on them: they stand either self-condemned or justified by their attitude to him.
-R. Alan Cole
The Collect of the Day
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, as we live among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; 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: Hebrews 7:23-28
Psalm 119:1-16 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:28-34
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 119:1-16
1 Blessed are those who are undefiled in their ways, *
and walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies *
and seek him with their whole heart,
3 Even those who do no wickedness *
and perfectly walk in his ways.
4 You have ordered your precepts *
that we should diligently keep them.
5 O that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!
6 ThenwouldInotbeputtoshame*
while I give heed unto all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an upright heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes; *
O do not forsake me utterly.
9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *
By ruling himself according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought you; *
O let me not go astray from your commandments.
11 Your words have I hidden within my heart, *
that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord; *
teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips have I been telling *
of all the judgments of your mouth.
14 I have had greater delight in the way of your testimonies *
than in all manner of riches.
15 I will meditate on your commandments *
and have respect for all your ways.
16 My delight will be in your statutes, *
and I will not forget your word.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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