Reflection on the Word in our Worship
God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters rage and swell, *
and though the mountains shake at its tempest.
-Psalm 46:1-3
Until recently, man has had few thoughts to spare for the possibility of a world catastrophe. But this psalm can face it unafraid, because its opening phrase means exactly what it says. Our true security is in God, not in God plus anything else. -Derek Kidner
The Collect of the Week
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; 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: Isaiah 28:14-22
Psalm 46 (see below)
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:15-29
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters rage and swell, *
and though the mountains shake at its tempest.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; therefore she shall not be moved. *
God shall help her at the break of day.
6 The nations are in an uproar, and the kingdoms are moved, *
but God has lifted his voice, and the earth shall melt away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 O come and behold the works of the Lord, *
what devastations he has brought upon the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the chariots in the fire.
10 “Be still then and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations,
and I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
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