Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Jesus said, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. "
-Luke 15:4-5 (ESV)
Leaving those that have not strayed, the good Shepherd seeks you. If you will surrender yourself, he will not hold back. In his kindness, he will lift you up on his shoulders, rejoicing that he has found his sheep that was lost. -St. Basil the Great
The Collect of the Week
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; 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: Genesis 15:1-18
Psalm 27:9-17 (below playlist)
New Testament Reading: Philippians 3:17–4:1
Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Psalm 27:9-17
9 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto you; *
have mercy upon me and hear me.
10 You speak to my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *
Your face, O Lord, will I seek.
11 O hide not your face from me, *
nor cast your servant away in displeasure.
12 You have been my helper; *
leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
13 When my father and my mother forsake me, *
the Lord takes me in.
14 Teach me your way, O Lord, *
and lead me in the right way, because of my enemies.
15 Deliver me not over to the will of my adversaries, *
for there are false witnesses who have risen up against me,
and those who speak wrong.
16 I would utterly have fainted, *
had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the
Lord in the land of the living.
17 O wait for the Lord; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart. *
O put your trust in the Lord.