Author: John Thomas Frazier

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 26 and 28; Evening, Psalms 36 and 39;
Daniel 4:28 to 37; 1^st John 4:7 to 21; Luke 4:31 to 37:

“Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.”  (1^st John 4:11 to 13)

Notice that the writer doesn’t say that since God loved us so much we ought to love God. But rather, he says that since God loves us so much, that we ought to love each other as well.  The writer is saying that God sees value in each of us even if we can’t see it in each other. He says that if we love one another that God lives in us. Wow! This moves me to at least see in every human being a place reserved for God, whether the other person realizes it or not.

A few years ago our parish hosted a Vacation Bible School.  We were blessed to have about 15 children attend. One little boy stands out for me.  He was very talkative and had an extraordinary vocabulary.  In one of the stories we told them there was a search for God. Finally, the teacher announced that she found God. They all wanted to see God.  The teacher handed them little mirrors whereby looking at it, each may see God.  Upon seeing himself in the mirror, the little boy said, “This is impossible!” I guess he thought some kind of mistake was made.  We truly are vessels of love. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us.”  We have the potential for being small portions of God’s love.  In this way we make heaven manifest right here on earth.  Thank You Lord Jesus for your example of love.

Also, according to the writer of 1^st John, there is a place in God where we are present.  I hope our presence in God does not corrupt God.  We, all humanity, need a continuously loving God.  We mortals are not always loving; to one another, or to God.  It would be sad to poison the pure love of God. Truthfully however, I don’t think we can.  God would not give us that kind of power.  But if we are loving, God will take us in and let us dwell within God, forever. Therefore, our work here on earth, and in this life, is to learn to be as loving as we can possibly be.

Today we remember George of Lydda (c. 304) and his information may be found at: St. George.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:                                                            

O Loving God almighty, as You are the very essence of love and through Whom all creation came into being, give us the gift, we pray, to see one another through the eyes of love whereby we may see You in each other regardless of skin color, language, nationality, sexual orientation or any other human limitation, but through the love of You Incarnate, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 3^rd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 25; Evening, Psalms 9 and 15: 
Daniel 4:19 to 27; 1^st John 3:19 to 4:6; Luke 4:14 to 30:

“There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’  When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage.” (Luke 4:27 and 28)

Our Lord Jesus recalls how those who were supposed to believe doubted and those who were thought to be excluded, but believed, were saved.  Upon hearing this truth, they were filled with rage.

Often when we hear the painful truth about ourselves, we are filled with rage.  Perhaps it is because we are in denial or fearful that this prophet Jesus, will expose us for who we really are and who He really is.  In any case, our Lord Jesus is who He is. We, on the other hand, can improve.

The people of his hometown in Nazareth in Galilee decided to get rid of him.  Unfortunately, leaving Jesus out of their lives is the path some want-to-be Christians today choose to take when the Christian life becomes too difficult.

If we don’t like who we are, we should improve. Improving is possible through our Lord Jesus. It happens a little bit at a time.  It happens through reading Christian writings, through Church attendance, and through social engagements with persons who are also struggling to live the tough Christian life.

In our Luke reading for today, they wanted to destroy our Lord Jesus. “But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way” (Luke 4:30).  Just as Jesus will also leave us be if we so choose, He will gladly re-enter our lives should we invite him.

I believe “wanting” to be a better people is the first step. After desire, comes determination. And even before the readings, the Church attendance, and the company we keep, comes our prayers. Our Episcopal Collect for Purity is what I have found to fit best.  This opening prayer for our Eucharistic service asks for God to assist us in cleansing our hearts of all that is unloving in order that we might more fully love God and one another. And so, as a Church, we may never resort to the sin of killing people who differ in their faith from us. What a shame, and this stain is on all of us.

Today we remember the Martyrs of the Reformation Era and brief information about these saints may be found at: Martyrs of the Reformation Era.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray; (BCP p. 355)                                                           

“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.” 

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 3^rd Sunday after Easter: Year C

John 21:1 to 19:

 ^“A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” “He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (NRSV John 21:16-17)

As can be seen from a Spanish New Testament and from the original Greek New Testament reading of the above, there is significant difference between the English wording; and the Spanish and Greek wording.  In English, the word “love” is used by Jesus to Peter all three times.  But in Spanish translation of the Greek Jesus uses the word “amas”(love) the first and second time and Peter uses the word “quieres”(like).  On the third time Jesus uses the word “quieres.” So likewise in the Greek NT, Jesus asks with the word ἀγαπᾷς (AGAPE) (sacrificial love), the first two times, while Peter answers with “φιλεῖς” (philos or brotherly like). But Jesus asks the third time, meeting Peter where he is, with the word “φιλεῖς” (Philos).

This shows how much can be lost in English translations. There are levels of affection that are not always properly expressed in English. (Eros – Philos – Agape: different Greek expressions of love) This is so important given that Jesus is the “Word” of God in human form.

Like Peter, we too are not able to meet Jesus where Jesus meets us. So Jesus changes the language to make it easier for us also. This is why Peter was hurt, not so much because it was the third time as the Evangelist wants us to think, but rather, because of the realization that he was not able to return the level of love that Jesus has for him. Neither are we. And nor was it some kind of payback for denying he even knew Jesus when Jesus was arrested. Jesus, more than just wants or likes us, Jesus loves us, sacrificially and unconditionally. And regardless of how difficult it might seem, we should strive to love him back the same way as we should for all people today.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (BCP p. 224)

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning,  Psalms 20 and 21:1 to 7; Evening Psalm 110:1 to 5, 116 and 117;
Daniel 3:19 to 30; 1^st John 3:11 to 18; Luke 4:1 to 13: 

“All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them.” (1^st John 3:15)

I do believe that hate is bad and one should learn to not let one’s self be reduced to hate.  It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, after a racial encounter with a Southern policeman, that he has seen “firsthand what hate can do to a person.” And he vowed to never let hate happen to him. I personally don’t believe, that because we have hate in us, that we are murderers, particularly if we haven’t acted on such hate; and even if we have, there is always repentance and forgiveness. We can overcome hate and we do it with love.

In 1^st John 3:15 there is also the idea that eternal life is already abiding in us if we don’t have murderous hate in us. For me this is something wonderful to ponder.  This means that some of us have learned to live the code of eternal life while still walking around in this mortal body.  I want that.  Having eternal life abiding in me now will make the transition to that next life so much more doable.

Also, having eternal life abiding in us now, more fully brings us to God’s will being done “on earth as in heaven.”  Eternal life abiding in us now is a way to narrow the separation between heaven and earth. It is the coming of the Lord to us in ways we didn’t expect. It is the gradual, but steady move of humanity to more fully embrace the concept of love for all people. It sounds impossible. And, for many people it probably is. But remember, for God, nothing is impossible.

God may infuse the abiding love of eternal life in us a few people at a time until we have a so-called “herd immunity” against hate.  For us, we think in terms of how much time this will take. God doesn’t seem to be concerned with time as God has no beginning and no end. But God has made provision for those of us who already have eternal life abiding in us.  Are you one of those who have decided to not let hate rule you?  Are you one of those who have decided to let love rule?  Are you one of those who has eternal life abiding in you now? Have you “Decided to follow Jesus?”  If so, you are ahead of your time and have eternal life abiding in you.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 16 and 17; Evening, Psalms 134 and 135; 
Daniel 3:1 to 18; 1^st John 3:1 to 10; Luke 3:15 to 22:

“There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:12)

So, “Certain Chaldeans” went to King Nebuchadnezzar to complain about “Certain Jews.”  My pondering question is, how would these Certain Chaldeans even know about the Certain Jews, if in fact they were observing the order of Nebuchadnezzar themselves?  I agree with the Jews of Daniel’s day. They, and we of today, should eat healthy and worship the Lord our God, not made with hands, and eternal in the heavens.  But most of all, we must not take our eyes off of God to look at others.  When we do, we tend to look upon them with contempt and not see them as God sees them. But rather, let us look at others “through” God and see others with love always.

There are examples of this glare of contempt in the New Testament as well. Often we can read where people will take their eyes off of Jesus to look at Mary or a sibling, or a friend, and Jesus has to set them right. We must look at all others through, not around, God. When we view people through the lens of God we look upon them with love as God does.  I know that sometimes we don’t want to love them. That too is something we need to take to God. How is it that God can love these people whom we, you and I, can clearly see as unrighteous? 

The Chaldeans did not want to love the Jews. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego loved the Lord their God, through whom they even learned to love the Chaldeans, bur not their statue made with hands.  We have a God who is real – a God who loves all people and through whom we too are able to love all, if we choose. We should perhaps ponder whether or not we even want to love all people.  And then, take that decision to God for correction or assistance.

Today we remember Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Theologian and Doctor (May 2, 373) and his information may be found at: Athanasius.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (For the Human Family BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 18:1 to 20; Evening, Psalm 18:21 to 50; 
Daniel 2:31 to 49; 1^st John 2:18 to 29; Luke 3:1 to 14;

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” (Luke 3: 1 and 2)

This opening into chapter 3 of Luke is a lesson onto itself.  It opens with humans in high human positions. We have the Emperor of Rome; we have the Roman governor of Judea; we have the ruler of Galilee and neighboring areas.  We also have the clergy in charge of their respective religious hierarchy. These self-filled men are so full of their importance that there is no room for God.

So, the word of God finds space to dwell in one who has emptied himself. “The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.”  John lived out on the fringes, living off the land.  He had no ego issues about who he was. He had room for the word of God to dwell.

This is a valuable lesson for me.  I must remember that it is possible for me to fill my cup so full that God has to pass by me because there is no room in my inn.  Yes, this lesson is important for all who want to have the peace of God in their hearts.  It may require us to evaluate the junk that fills our space. We might have to do some house- cleaning. If we don’t, we risk being like Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Annas and Caiaphas. They were so full of themselves that the word of God had to “Passover” them.  But where John was able to sit quietly and ponder in nature, the word of God settled, was planted, and bloomed.

The beginning of the cleaning of our house is the quiet time we give ourselves.  I again share the quote from Blaise Pascal, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”  John the Baptist made plenty of time to welcome the Presence of God.  This quiet time is not something we often get in Church. A little of it may be acquired by small group silent retreats.  But by far the best way to be open to the Word of God is silent prayer, spiritual reading and just pondering the presence of the Holy.  God will visit you. Just empty yourself and be open to receive.

Today we remember Philip and James, Apostles, and their information may be found at: Philip and James, Apostles

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm  119:1 to 24; ; Evening, Psalms 12, 13 and 14; 
Daniel 2:17 to 30; 1^st John 2:12 to 17; John 17:20 to 26  

“And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.” (1^st John 17:17)

Over and over in this 1^st John reading for today, John repeatedly says that, “I am writing to you”, or, “I write to you,” as a way of leaving us with the beginning of faith. From John we learn that faith has its value in its ability to help us overcome the toxicity of our hearts and its vanishing desires, or rather, its desires for vanishing things. Such desires are the by-products of creation.  God never meant for us to focus our craving and desire on created things, but rather, on the Creator.

It is good and pleasing to enjoy creation and one another. We are brought into this world to do the will of God and this often means caring for creation and one another.  Caring for creation and one another is the will of God and are therefore eternal vocations.

Even as creation passes away, or “evolves,” we, the caregivers of it, also evolve. Our devoted lives to the will of God does not end, it just changes.  Believing this, causes us to live our lives in support of God’s plan for continued life; life that God brought into existence for God’s pleasure, and ours as well. Such believing is faith. Faith is a word hard to find in the writings of John, in his Gospel accounts, or his letters. Faith is a noun. Believing is a verb. John wants active ministry. Active ministry does not pass away.  It continues for all eternity.

Once we learn to live our lives in faith, supporting God by caring for all of God’s creation, which includes all people, and loving to do this work, we have set ourselves up for eternal life in the presence of God.  This desire to appreciate the gift of life that God has brought into being makes itself manifest in love; love of God and thanksgiving to God. We didn’t have to be. But we do exist, thanks to God. And as human beings, we have the unique invitation to live on in the service of God by doing the will of God. Our goal should be to love. It is the love of God that brought us into being. And we are created in the Image of God. this Image is not the physical, anthropomorphic image, but the spiritual loving Image. We are love embodied.

John writes to us that we might believe. I write to you that you might believe.  How will your life change once you shift from love of the created, to love of the Creator?  Doing the will of God will enable you to live forever in love and happiness.

Today we remember Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Editor and prophetic Witness, 1879, and her information may be found at: Sara Hale.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Ever-loving and Creating Lord God, You prayed us into being and walked among us as a model of love and harmony; be present with us still and teach us to follow where You lead the Way in this life, in order that we may continue forever in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 5 and 6; Evening, Psalms 10 and 11;
Daniel 2:1 to 16; 1^st John 2:1 to 11; John 17:12 to 19:

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1^st John 2:1 and 2)

I need to read and hear these words from Saint John often.  I truly am a little child in the faith.  However, I fall into sin just like all others. Long ago I preached on Dietrich Bonheoffer, Pastor and activist. Bonheoffer was shown to have conspired to have Hitler killed. He wrote “The Cost of Discipleship.”  Sin is a very confusing thing. Only God knows the mind and heart of a person.

While I will admit that I have not conspired to kill anyone, I have had thoughts, and actions that are contrary to what most accept as Christian behavior.  And, in my own defense, not all Christians are on the same page.  I am on the Episcopal path of the Jesus movement where same-sex marriage by consenting, loving adults is supported by our faith community. As an Episcopal Priest I have conducted a same sex marriage.  I think it was one of the best weddings that I have ever done.  And, in no way am I saying this is a sin. However, in some Christian traditions it may be. What is real sin is determined by God, not humanity.

My sins are between me, my confessor, and my God. Your sins are between you and whomever you trust, and God.  But we can take great comfort in knowing that our Lord Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world. This comfort is not a license to sin, but rather, a call to repentance and reconciliation.  Our Lord Jesus gives us the opportunity to live more fully into an open and loving relationship with God and with all the world.

Today we remember Catherine of Siena: Reformer and Spiritual Teacher (April 29 1380) and her information may be found at: Catherine of Siena. I think is a good idea to read her bio as the world awaits a new Pope. I wish she was here to comfort us today.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (BCP p. 360)

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 2^nd Week of Easter: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 1, 2, 3; Evening, Psalm 4, 7 
Daniel 1:1-21; 1 John 1:1-10; John 17:1-11

“I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” (John 17:4 and 5)

There are several optional readings for today, especially given that it is the day we remember Saint Mark. But the words from John of our regular Daily Office spoke to me more.

If Jesus sets the example for us to live by, and I believe He does, then what work has God given each of us to do? And maybe God gives us continued work to do as we mature.

I feel I wasted much of my early years without a clear focus of what I was doing. I joined the military at age 24 and spent 30 years in the Marine Corps. It was in the Marines that I was brought to the Episcopal Church, this part was definitely not a waste.  After my military service I was blessed to go to Seminary and become an Episcopal priest. Again, not a waste. I am retired from being the rector of a small parish now and asking God about “what’s next.”  I want to continue finishing the work God is giving me to do.

How about you? If you follow the example set for us by Jesus, you will examine what you are doing and know that God is bringing you to a glory prepared for you before the world existed. Such a glory won’t be as Jesus, but it will be with Jesus. I believe we are continually called to do the Lord’s work. And yes, as Yogi Berri once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”  And who knows? Perhaps God has work for us to do in eternal life as well, I certainly hope so.

Today we remember Saint Mark the Evangelist (normally April 25).                        

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: For Guidance (BCP p. 832)

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday of Easter: Year C

John 20:19-31:

 “But Thomas (who was called the Twin – also Didymus) one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” (John 20:24-25a)

We know that of the twelve, Judas has died.  All the rest, the eleven now, stayed together. Most of the time after the resurrection, and it is revealed that they huddled together in a room behind a locked door. The writers make that point to let us know that the door was locked but the Resurrected Jesus appeared within the room anyway.

So why was Thomas not with them?  I recall Thomas as one who suggested that they all go to Jerusalem and die with Jesus; (John 11:16). So he was no coward.  Also Thomas was not afraid to speak up when Jesus made statements about his followers, supposedly knowing where he was going. Thomas spoke up and said that in fact they did not know where he was going, and he wondered how could they know the way; (John 14:5).  This shows something of the character of Thomas.  He was a person of dedication, integrity, courage, and honesty about what he knows and does not know.  Perhaps he was tired of the weakness of the other ten.  He was tired enough to be away from them as they stayed locked up in their upperroom.

Now these men came out of their self imprisonment to approach Thomas with news of the Resurrection. Thomas doubts the same people who also doubted the person who first brought the news to them, Mary Magdalene.  Yet they come to Thomas with the same words, “We have seen the Lord.”

Yes, Thomas does say that unless certain criteria are met he would not believe.  But maybe this was more about his relationship with the ten than a real doubt about the Risen Jesus.  While Jesus invites Thomas to touch him we don’t have it in writing that he actually does.  Just seeing Jesus was enough to see that the others were in fact telling the truth, and Thomas proclaims Jesus as his Lord and his God. (John 20:28)

What does it mean for us today to hear “We have seen the Lord”?  I think whenever we are blessed enough to see something good happen, particularly when it was against all odds, we have seen Jesus present with us.  When we see life given back to someone who was dying, or a life saving operation, or an accident that could have been much worse, we have seen the Lord.  Jesus is made manifest in the many miracles that happen all around us.  And they are still happening all the time.

Sometimes, like Thomas, we are not so sure of the sources that report the miracles.  But we must remember, it’s really not about them, it’s about Jesus and his invitation to just believe even if we have not seen but have been told.  And because we have been told, and yet not personally seen, we believe, and so, are blessed. We should live our lives with the understanding of the very public heavenly view that we are in. Heaven sees everything. Locked doors or secret places are not hidden or blocked from divine eyes. The quicker we accept the peace of Christ, the less our hearts will be troubled.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: A Collect for Sundays (BCP p. 98)

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.