Click on a date to view commentary.
Please let me know if links don’t function: bishop@gulfcoastsynod.org
How is Matthew used in Year A?
Advent: Matthew 24, 3, 11 and 1
Christmas: Luke 2, Matthew 2, John
Epiphany: Matthew 2-7
Transfiguration: Matthew 17
Lent: Matthew 6, 4, 17, 21, 26, 27 (and Lent 3: John 4 (woman at the well), Lent 4: John 9 (healing of the man born blind, Lent 5: John 11 (raising of Lazarus)
Three Days: John Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter (option for Matthew 28 Easter Day)
Easter Season: All John and Luke
Summer: Matthew 7-16
Fall: Matthew 18-25
Matthew’s gospel is neatly arranged into 5 sections like the five books of Moses. Matthew presents Jesus as the new Moses, the new law-giver. “You have heard it said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Sermon on the Mount. Moses said… now I say to you…
In the early 20th century B. W. Bacon noticed that Jesus used the phrase, “When Jesus finished saying these things…” (Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους…) five times, at the end of five long discourses, or sermons (Mt. 7:28, 11:1, 13:53, 19:1, 26:1). He pointed out the five-fold narrative/discourse structure. To oversimplify, one could organize Matthew’s gospel as follows:
Introduction: Matthew 1
1. Narrative: Matthew 2-4. Discourse: Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)
2. Narrative: Matthew 8-9. Discourse: Matthew 10 (Missionary Discourse).
3. Narrative: Matthew 11-12. Discourse: Matthew 13 (Parables of the Kingdom).
4. Narrative: Matthew 14-17. Discourse: Matthew 18 (Living in Community).
5. Narrative: Matthew 19-22. Discourse: Matthew 23-25 (Olivet Discourse).
Conclusion: 26-28 (Death Resurrection)
ADVENT A
Advent 1A - November 28, 2010
Christ comes to claim us. (Some of these summary themes come from Dr. Craig Satterlee of LSTC.) How do we remain vigilant for Christ’s appearance?
Isaiah 2:1-5 – A hopeful vision of the end times.
… In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”… Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
Romans 13:11-14
…You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness…
Matthew 24:36-44 – As we are vigilant in life, so we should be ready for the coming of Christ.
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Advent 2A - December 5, 2010
Christ roots us. (Satterlee.) Rerooting? It may become easy to be smug in our religious roots.
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more… Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.
Romans 15:4-13
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
‘Therefore I will confess* you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name’;
and again he says,
‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’;
and again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him’;
and again Isaiah says,
‘The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’* 3This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” ’ 4Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 ‘I baptize you with* water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
Advent 3A - December 12, 2010
Jesus comes to us in our prisons. (Satterlee.) What are your expectations of the Messiah? How are we imprisoned by our false expectations? The cross is where Jesus meets us in our prison. What imprisons you?
Isaiah 35:1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the LORD,
the majesty of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
4Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
‘Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you.’
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
7the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,*
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it,*
but it shall be for God’s people;*
no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
9No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign for ever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD!
OR
Luke 1:47-55 — The Magnificat, Mary’s Song
… he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty…
Be patient, therefore, beloved,* until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.*Beloved,* do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved,* take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
When John heard in prison what the Messiah* was doing, he sent word by his* disciples 3and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 4Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers* are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone* dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet?* Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Advent 4A- December 19, 2010
Jesus comes to us in visions, nudges and dreams. (Satterlee)
Isaiah 7:10-16
10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. 13Then Isaiah* said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman* is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.* 15He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4 O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us the scorn* of our neighbours;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
Paul, a servant* of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit* of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah* took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ 22All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;* and he named him Jesus.
The Nativity of Our Lord (Set I) – December 24, 2010
Be not afraid! (Satterlee.) Be filled with great joy. God indeed is with us, bringing God’s promised future. Turn from your fear. Like the shepherds, let’s go see.
Isaiah 9:2-7
2*The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
O sing to the LORD a new song!
sing to the LORD, all the earth…
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the LORD; for he is coming,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with his truth.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,* 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour,* Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) – Be not afraid. Mary treasured these things in her heart.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,* praising God and saying,
14‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’*
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Nativity of Our Lord (Set II) – December 25, 2010
Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him,
and consumes his adversaries on every side.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
and all the peoples behold his glory.
7 All worshippers of images are put to shame,
those who make their boast in worthless idols;
all gods bow down before him.
8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the towns* of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgements, O God.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 The LORD loves those who hate* evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light dawns* for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water* of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,* praising God and saying,
14‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’*
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
The Nativity of Our Lord (Set III) – December 25, 2010
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
8Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the LORD to Zion.
9Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the LORD has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10The LORD has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.
O sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gained him victory.
2 The LORD has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son,* whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains* all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
‘You are my Son;
today I have begotten you’?
Or again,
‘I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son’?
6And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’
7Of the angels he says,
‘He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire.’
8But of the Son he says,
‘Your throne, O God, is* for ever and ever,
and the righteous sceptre is the sceptre of your* kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’
10And, ‘In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
12like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing* they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.’
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life,* and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.* 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own,* and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,* full of grace and truth.
Christmas 1A – December 26, 2010
Jesus brings us out of our exile. (Satterlee.) Is Christmas over? There is a danger that we might exile the post-Christmas Christ. Check out “It is Not Over” poem by Ann Weems.
Isaiah 63:7-9 – It was no messenger or angel but the presence of the Lord that saved them. (63:9)
Psalm 148- Praise the Lord you heavens and heights, sea monsters and all deeps…
Hebrews 2:10-18- Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Matthew 2:13-23 - The exile into Egypt.
Christmas 2A – January 2, 2011
We know who God is! (Satterlee.) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jeremiah 31:7-14 – God will gather all people
OR
Sirach 24:1-12- Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
Psalm 147:12-20 – He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat. 15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. 17 He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold? 18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. 19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!
OR
Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21
She brought them over the Red Sea,
and led them through deep waters;
19 but she drowned their enemies,
and cast them up from the depths of the sea.
20 Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly;
they sang hymns, O Lord, to your holy name,
and praised with one accord your defending hand;
21 for wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute,
and made the tongues of infants speak clearly
Ephesians 1:3-14- God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.
John 1:(1-9), 10-18- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people… 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
The Epiphany of our Lord – January 9, 2011
Jesus frees us to be wise. (Satterlee.) The gospel is for all.
Isaiah 60:1-6 – Arise, shine, for your light has come… Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn… They shall bring gold and frankincense…
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 – 1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness… The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts. All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
Ephesians 3:1-12 – The Gentiles become fellow heirs, members of the same body and sharers in God’s promises.
Matthew 2:1-12 – The visit of the Magi.
OR
The Baptism of our Lord – January 9, 2011
Prayer of the Day – O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be our daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Isaiah 42:1-9 – Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Psalm 29 – The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
Acts 10:34-43 – You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Matthew 3:13-17 – The Baptism of Jesus. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
TIME AFTER EPIPHANY
January 18-20 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
http://www.textweek.com/festivals/christian_unity.htm
Epiphany 2A – January 16, 2011
Isaiah 49:1-7 – Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
Psalm 40:1-11 – I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:29-42 – John identifies Jesus as the “Son of God” and “Lamb of God.” The disciples follow Jesus.
Epiphany 3A – January 23, 2011
Isaiah 9:1-4 – The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 – Let there be no divisions among you. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Matthew 4:12-23 – Matthew’s version of the call of the disciples. Light shines on those in darkness: Jesus preaches ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,’ teaches ‘the good news of the kingdom,” and ministers, healing every disease and sickness.
The Sermon on the Mount
January 30 – Matthew 5:1-12. Opening of the Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes.
February 6 – Matthew 5:13-20. Salt and Light. Your righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees
February 13 – Matthew 5:21-37. The 1st 4 of the 6 Antitheses, “But I say to you…” Anger. Adultery. Divorce. Oaths.
February 20 - Matthew 5:38-48, The 5th and 6th of the 6 Antitheses. Retaliation. Enemies
February 27 - Matthew 6:24-34. You can’t serve God and money. Don’t worry about your life.
Epiphany 4A - January 30, 2011
The Beatitudes “placemat” can be found here: 01-24-11 Beatitudes Study Placemat
Micah 6:1-8 – He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Psalm 15 – Blamelessness defined as doing no slander or evil, not lending money at interest, not taking bribes: O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – Repeats verse 18 from last week and continues: …Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God… God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29so that no one might boast in the presence of God.
Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes, the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, which will continue for the next five weeks.
Epiphany 5A – February 6, 2011
Prayer of the Day – Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12) – The fast God chooses is not just ritual humility, but undo injustice and oppression, to share your bread with the hungry, to invite the poor into your home, to clothe the naked and not hide from your neighbor.
Psalm 112:1-9, (10) – It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice… They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16) – When Paul came to the Corinthians, it was not with lofty words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power.
Matthew 5:13-20 – Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount: You are the salt and light of the earth. Let your light shine. I have not come to abolish, but fulfill the law. Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Epiphany 6A – February 13, 2011
Prayer of the Day – O God, strength of all who hope in you, because we are weak mortals we accomplish nothing good without you. Help us to see and understand the things we ought to do, and give us grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
OR
Sirach 15:15-20 – If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.16 He has placed before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.17 Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.
Psalm 119:1-8 – Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 –
Matthew 5:21-37 – Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. 1st 4 of The Six Antitheses: “You have heard it said… But I say to you…” 1. Anger 2. Adultery 3. Divorce 4. Oaths. You have heard it said “You shall not kill,” but I say to you even if you call someone a fool, you’re liable to hellfire. Be reconciled first, then offer your gift at the altar. If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out…You have heard it said, “Do not commit adultery,” but I say to you, even if you look at someone with lust, you have committed adultery in your heart.
Epiphany 7A – February 20, 2011
Prayer of the Day – Holy God of compassion, you invite us into your way of forgiveness and peace. Lead us to love our enemies, and transform our words and deeds to be like his through whom we pray, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 – When you harvest, don’t strip the fields bare, leave some for the poor. Do not defraud. Do not delay giving workers their wages. Do not lie. Do not abuse the deaf and blind. Do not take vengeance or hold grudges.
Psalm 119:33-40 (33) – Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 – Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
Matthew 5:38-48 – Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. 5th and 6th 4 of The Six Antitheses: You have heard it said… But I say to you… 5. Retaliation and 6. Enemies. You have heard it said: “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” but I say to you, turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give to all who beg from you. You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,” but I say to you love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…”
Epiphany 8A – February 27, 2011
Prayer of the Day – God of tender care, like a mother, like a father, you never forget your children, and you know already what we need. In all our anxiety give us trusting and faithful hearts, that in confidence we may embody the peace and justice of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 49:8-16a – Thus says the Lord: In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.
Psalm 131 – O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore. (This isn’t the shortest psalm, but it’s pretty close. The shortest is 117. Consider reading or singing it in unison.)
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
Matthew 6:24-34 – Continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. You cannot serve both God and money. Don’t worry about your life. Consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. They don’t toil or spin, or plant or sow or gather into barns, and yet God takes care of them…
Transfiguration of Our Lord - March 6, 2011
Exodus 24:12-18 – Moses goes up the mountain (Sinai) for 40 days and 40 nights. The glory of the Lord appears as a devouring fire on the mountain.
Psalm 2 – I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.
Or
Psalm 99 – Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the Lord, and he answered them. He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them… Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.
2 Peter 1:16-21 – For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Matthew 17:1-9 – Peter, James and John go up the mountain where they see Jesus transfigured, with Moses and Elijah.
Lent A at-a-glance
Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6 – Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
Lent 1: Matthew 4: The Temptation in the Wilderness
Lent 2: John 3 (Nicodemus) or Matthew 17
Lent 3: John 4 (Woman at the Well)
Lent 4: John 9 (Healing of the Man Born Blind)
Lent 5: John 11 (The Raising of Lazarus)
Palm/Passion Sunday: Matthew 21 and 26 or 27
Ash Wednesday - March 9, 2011
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 – Blow the trumpet. Sound the fast. Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning.
OR
Isaiah 58:1-12 – The fast that God chooses: loose the bonds of injustice, let the oppressed go free, share your bread with the hungry, invite the homeless poor into your house.
Psalm 51:1-17 – Have mercy on me O Lord, according to your lovingkindness. Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 – We are ambassadors for Christ. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount discipleship instructions on praying, fasting and almsgiving
Lent 1A - March 13, 2011
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 – Adam and Eve eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. “On the day that you eat of it, you shall die.”
Psalm 32 – Happy are those whose transgression is covered, whose sin is forgiven.
Romans 5:12-19 – Death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.
Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus’ 40-day fast and the Temptation in the Wilderness
Lent 2A - March 20, 2011
Genesis 12:1-4a – God calls Abram at 75 to leave his country and kindred. “I will bless you to be a blessing.”
Psalm 121 – I lift my eyes to the hills. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. The Lord will be your shade. The sun will not strike you. The Lord will keep your going out and coming in forevermore.
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 – The promise rests not only on the adherents to the law, but to those who share the faith of Abraham.
John 3:1-17 – Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the night. Born again.
Lent 3A - March 27, 2011
Exodus 17:1-7 – Moses brings water out of a rock at Massah and Meribah.
Psalm 95 – The Venite: O Come, let us sing to the Lord, let us shout for joy to the God of our salvation.
Romans 5:1-11 – Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ… We boast in our sufferings, for suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character… While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly.
John 4:5-42 – The Woman at the Well. “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Lent 4A - April 3, 2011
1 Samuel 16:1-13 – Humans look on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd.
Ephesians 5:8-14 – Live as children of the light. Sleeper awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
John 9:1-41 – Healing of the Man Born Blind
Lent 5A - April 10, 2011
Ezekiel 37:1-14 – The Valley of the Dry Bones. I am going to bring you up from your graves, my people.
Psalm 130 – Out of the depths I cry to you.
Romans 8:6-11 — If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
John 11:1-45 – The Raising of Lazarus
Passion/Palm Sunday - April 17, 2011
Matthew 21:1-11 Procession with Palms – The Triumphal Entry
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16 (5)
Philippians 2:5-11 – the Christ Hymn. Have this mind among you that was in Christ, who emptied himself, and became a servant, even unto death.
Matthew 26:14-27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
The Three Days
Maundy Thursday – April 21, 2011
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 13:21-32
Good Friday – April 22, 2011
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16-25 or
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
Easter A
Easter A – April 24, 2011
Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10
Easter 2A - May 1, 2011
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Psalm 16
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
Easter 3A – May 8, 2011 (Mothers’ Day in 2011)
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Easter 4A – May 15, 2011
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
Easter 5A – May 22, 2011
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14
Easter 6A – May 29, 2011
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Ascension A – Thursday, June 2 or Sunday June 5, 2011
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
2011 Summer-Gospels-at-a-Glance, Matthew 10-18
11 Sundays, June 26, to Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 2011
June 26 Mt. 10:40-42 Hospitality. Whoever gives a cup of water in my name…
July 3 Mt. 11:16-19, 25-30 Repentance and Comfort. Come to me all weary…
July 10 Mt. 13:1-9, 18-23 Parable of the Sower. Birds, rocks, thorns, good soil.
July 17 Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43 Parable of Wheat and Tares. Let them grow together.
July 24 Mt. 13:31-33, 44-52 Parables of Mustard Seed, Yeast, Treasure, Pearls, Net.
July 31 Mt. 14:13-21 Jesus Feeds the 5,000. Send the crowds away…
August 7 Mt. 14:22-33 Jesus Walks on the Sea. Command me to come to you…
August 14 Mt. 15:[10-20] 21-28 (Blind Guides.) Jesus heals the Canaanite Woman.
August 21 Mt. 16:13-20 Peter Confesses Jesus. On this rock I will build my church.
August 28 Mt. 16:21-28 Jesus rebukes Peter. If you would follow me, take up your cross.
Sept 4 Mt. 18:15-20 Jesus teaches on Conflict. If a member sins against you…
Summer-Epistles-at-a-Glance, Romans 6-14
11 Sundays, June 26, to Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 2011
June 26 Rom. 6:12-23 Freedom. Shall we sin now that we are not under the law? No.
July 3 Rom. 7:15-25a Sin. Paul’s dilemma: The good I want to do, I don’t do.
July 10 Rom. 8:1-11 Spirit. To set the mind on the Spirit is life.
July 17 Rom. 8:12-25 Glory. cannot be compared to suffering now.
July 24 Rom. 8:26-39 Confidence: Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
July 31 Rom. 9:1-5 The Jews: Paul grieves his people have rejected Christ. But theirs are adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, promises, patriarchs and Messiah.
August 7 Rom. 10:5-15 The Jews: Justified by Faith just like the Greeks. But who can believe without hearing? So blessed is the proclaimer.
August 14 Rom. 11:1-2a, 29-32 The Jews: God has not rejected his people. God has imprisoned all in disobedience, in order that all might have mercy.
August 21 Rom. 12:1-8 Gifts: One body; many members. Conform not. Be transformed.
August 28 Rom. 12:9-21 Life in the Body. Love one another. Live in harmony. Never seek vengeance.
Sept 4 Rom. 13:8-14 Love in the Body. The whole law is summed up in a single word: Love one another.
Sept 11 Rom. 14:1-12 Conflict in the Body. Don’t quarrel. Welcome one another. Don’t pass judgment on one another. Tolerate differences in piety.
Hebrew Lessons-at-a-Glance
A sprint through the second half of Genesis.
June 26 Genesis 22:1-14 Abraham tested by God.
July 3 Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Isaac and Rebekah. “So he put a ring in her nose, and bracelets on her arm.” (I just love that passage.) “Then Isaac took her into his mother’s tent… and she became his wife… And he loved her.”
July 10 Genesis 25:19-34 Jacob swindles Esau’s birthright, with red stew.
July 17 Genesis 28:10-19a Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven, at Bethel
July 24 Genesis 29:15-28 Jacob, Laban, Leah and Rachel.
August 7 Genesis 37 Joseph, Jacob’s son, his dreams and his brothers’ plot. “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits… and we’ll see what will become of his dreams.”
August 14 Genesis 45:1-15 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.
Easter 7A – June 5, 2011
Prayer of the Day
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (4)
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
The Feast of Pentecost A – June 12, 2011
Prayer of the Day
O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (30)
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21
John 20:19-23
OR
John 7:37-39
The Holy Trinity – June 19, 2011
Prayer of the Day
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
OR
God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8 (1)
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
Pentecost 2A – June 26, 2011
Jeremiah 28:5-9 or Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 or Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
Prayer of the Day
O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a | holy nation,
in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called you out of darkness into
his | marvelous light. Alleluia. (1 Peter 2:9)
Pentecost 3A – July 3, 2011
Zechariah 9:9-12
OR
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 145:8-14
OR
Psalm 45:10-17
OR
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Prayer of the Day
You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Blessed are you, Lord of | heav’n and earth;
you have revealed these | things to infants. Alleluia. (Matt. 11:25)
Pentecost 4A – July 10, 2011
Isaiah 55:10-13
OR
Genesis 25:19-34
Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-13
OR
Psalm 119:105-112
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. The word is very | near to you;
it is in your mouth and | in your heart. Alleluia. (Deut. 30:14)
Pentecost 5A – July 17, 2011
Isaiah 44:6-8
OR
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
OR
Genesis 28:10-19a
Psalm 86:11-17
OR
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 (1)
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Prayer of the Day
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. My word shall accomplish that | which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for | which I sent it. Alleluia. (Isa. 55:11)
Pentecost 6A – July 24, 2011
1 Kings 3:5-12
OR
Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 119:129-136
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
OR
Psalm 128
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Prayer of the Day
Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Many will come from | east and west
and will eat in the king- | dom of heaven. Alleluia. (Matt. 8:11)
Pentecost 7A – July 31, 2011
Isaiah 55:1-5
OR
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 (16)
OR
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (15)
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
Prayer of the Day
Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. One does not live by | bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the | mouth of God. Alleluia. (Matt. 4:4)
Pentecost 8A - August 7, 2011
1 Kings 19:9-18
OR
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Psalm 85:8-13 (8)
OR
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (1, 45)
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
Prayer of the Day
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. I wait for | you, O LORD;
in your word | is my hope. Alleluia. (Ps. 130:5)
Pentecost 9A - August 14, 2011
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
OR
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 67 (3)
OR
Psalm 133 (1)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
Prayer of the Day
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Jesus preached the good news | of the kingdom
and cured every sickness a- | mong the people. Alleluia. (Matt. 4:23)
Pentecost 10A - August 21, 2011
Isaiah 51:1-6 o
OR
Exodus 1:8-2:10
Psalm 138 (8)
OR
Psalm 124 (7)
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Prayer of the Day
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. You are | the Messiah,
the Son of the | living God. Alleluia. (Matt. 16:16)
Pentecost 11A - August 28, 2011
Jeremiah 15:15-21
OR
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 26:1-8 (3)
OR
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b (1, 45)
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Prayer of the Day
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes | of our hearts,
so that we may know the hope to which | God has called us. Alleluia. (Eph. 1:17, 18)
Pentecost 12A – September 4, 2011
Ezekiel 33:7-11 Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 119:33-40 (35) or Psalm 149 (1)
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20 – Jesus’ 4-step process about dealing with conflict in community.
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. In Christ God was reconciling the world | to himself,
entrusting the message of reconcilia- | tion to us. Alleluia. (2 Cor. 5:19)
Pentecost 13A - Septemeber 11, 2011
Genesis 50:15-21 o
OR
Exodus 14:19-31
Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13 (8)
OR
Psalm 114 (7) or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 (1)
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35 – Forgiveness
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. We have an advocate, Jesus | Christ the righteous;
your sins are forgiven on account | of his name. Alleluia. (1 John 2:1, 12)
Pentecost 14A – September 18, 2011
Jonah 3:10-4:11
OR
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 145:1-8 (8)
OR
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (1, 45)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16 – The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Open our | hearts, O Lord,
to give heed to what is said | by your Son. Alleluia.
Pentecost 15A – September 25, 2011
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
OR
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 25:1-9 (6)
OR
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 (4)
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32 – Jesus’ authority questioned and the Parable of the Two Sons (not Prodigal Son, but the one who says he’ll work but doesn’t, and one who says he won’t, but does)
Prayer of the Day
God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, | says the Lord;
I know them and they | follow me. Alleluia. (John 10:27)
Feast of St. Michael and All Angels – September 29, 2011
Pentecost 16A – October 2, 2011
Isaiah 5:1-7
OR
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 80:7-15 (14, 15)
OR
Psalm 19 (8)
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46 – The parable of the Wicked Tenants
Prayer of the Day
Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Jesus says, I chose you and ap- | pointed you
to go and bear fruit | that will last. Alleluia. (John 15:16)
Pentecost 17A – October 9, 2011
Isaiah 25:1-9
OR
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 23 (5)
OR
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 (4)
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14 – The parable of the Wedding Banquet
Prayer of the Day
Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. This is the LORD for whom | we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in | God’s salvation. Alleluia. (Isa. 25:9)
Pentecost 18A – October 16, 2011
Isaiah 45:1-7
OR
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13] (7)
OR
Psalm 99 (5)
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22 – The question about paying taxes
Prayer of the Day
Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Shine like stars | in the world;
holding fast to the | word of life. Alleluia. (Phil. 2:15, 16)
Pentecost 19A – October 23, 2011
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
OR
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 1(2)
OR
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 (16)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46 – The Great Commandment and the question about David’s son
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, you are the holy lawgiver, you are the salvation of your people. By your Spirit renew us in your covenant of love, and train us to care tenderly for all our neighbors, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Beloved, since God loved | us so much,
we also ought to love | one another. Alleluia. (1 John 4:11)
Pentecost 20A – October 30, 2011 (or Reformation Day)
Micah 3:5-12
OR
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 43 (3)
OR
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 (8)
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
Prayer of the Day
O God, generous and supreme, your loving Son lived among us, nstructing us in the ways of humility and justice. Continue to ease our burdens, and lead us to serve alongside of him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. You have one instructor, | the Messiah;
the greatest among you will | be your servant. Alleluia. (Matt. 23:10, 11)
Reformation Day - October 30, 2011 (or Pentecost 20A)
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46 (7)
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36 – True disciples continue in my word. If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
OR
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. If you continue in my word, you are truly | my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will | make you free. Alleluia. (John 8:31-32)
Color: Red
All Saints – RITE, November 6, 2011 (actual date is Tuesday, 11/1/11)
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (9)
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. They are before the | throne of God,
and the one who is seated on the throne will | shelter them. Alleluia. (Rev. 7:15)
Color: White
OR
Pentecost 21A – November 6, 2011
Amos 5:18-24
OR
Wisdom 6:12-16
OR
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 70 (5)
OR
6:17-20 (17)
OR
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13 – The parable of The Virgins
Prayer of the Day
O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Keep awake | and be ready,
for you do not know on what day your | Lord is coming. Alleluia. (Matt. 24:42, 44)
Pentecost 22A – November 13, 2011
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
OR
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 (12)
OR
Psalm 123 (2)
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of The Talents
Prayer of the Day
Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Abide in me as I a- | bide in you;
those who abide in me | bear much fruit. Alleluia. (John 15:4, 5)
Christ the King – November 20, 2011
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a (7)
OR
Psalm 100 (3)
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the Sheep and the Goats
Prayer of the Day
O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Blessed is the one who comes in the name | of the Lord.
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our an- | cestor David. Alleluia. (Mark 11:9)
Color: White or Green
Thanksgiving Day – November 24, 2011
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 65
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Luke 17:11-19 – Jesus cleanses the ten lepers
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. God is able to provide you with every blessing | in abundance,
so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in ev- | ‘ry good
work. Alleluia. (2 Cor. 9:8)
Color: Green
