Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.
-1 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV)
Peter is speaking here of things like abuse, damage and bodily injury which come to us from our enemies. These and similar things are the common lot of believers, both because they are good imitators of Christ and because they know that such things, far from doing them any harm, actually bring glory to those who endure them with patience. At the same time, harm does in fact come to those who do such things, because they are storing up eternal punishment for themselves. -Bede the Venerable
The Collect of the Week
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; 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)
Old Testament Reading: Acts 17:16-34
Psalm 148 (below playlist)
New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 3:8-18
Gospel Reading: John 15:1-11
Psalm 148
1 Praise the Lord. O praise the Lord of heaven; *
praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you angels of his; *
praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; *
praise him, all you stars of light.
4 Praise him, all you highest heavens, *
and you waters that are above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
for he spoke the word, and they were made;
he commanded, and they were created.
6 He has made them stand fast for ever and ever; *
he has given them a law which shall not be broken.
7 Praise the Lord upon earth, *
you sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
wind and storm, fulfilling his word;
9 Mountains and all hills, *
fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and birds of the air;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, *
old men and children together.
13 Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
for his Name only is excellent,
and his praise above heaven and earth.
14 He shall exalt the horn of his people;
all his faithful shall praise him, *
the children of Israel, the people who are near him.
Praise the Lord.