Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
-Luke 12:32 (ESV)
He announced as a general law, useful and necessary for salvation, not only to the holy apostles but to all living on the earth, that people must seek his kingdom. He announced this, being sure that what he gives will be sufficient for them to be in need of nothing else. What, then, does he say? Fear not, little flock. And by “do not fear,” he means that they must believe that certainly and without doubt their heavenly Father will give the means of life to those who love him. He will not neglect his own. Rather he will open his hand to them—the hand which ever fills the universe with goodness. -Cyril of Alexandria
The Collect of the Week
Almighty God, give us the increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you have promised, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6
Psalm 33:10-21 (see below)
Second Reading: Hebrews1:1-16
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32-40
Psalm 33:10-21
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to naught; *
he makes the devices of the peoples to be of no effect,
and casts out the counsels of princes.
11 The counsel of the Lord shall endure for ever, *
and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, *
and blessed are the people he has chosen for himself
to be his inheritance.
13 The Lord looks down from heaven and beholds all the children of men; *
from the habitation of his dwelling he considers
all those who dwell on the earth.
14 He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
15 There is no king who can be saved by a mighty host; *
neither is any mighty man delivered by great strength.
16 A horse is considered a vain hope to save a man; *
neither shall it deliver anyone by its great strength.
17 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, *
and upon those who put their trust in his mercy,
18 To deliver their soul from death, *
and to feed them in the time of famine.
19 Our soul has patiently waited for the Lord, *
for he is our help and our shield.
20 Our heart shall rejoice in him, *
because we have hoped in his holy Name.
21 Let your merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.