Introduction to the Word for Worship
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
-Ephesians 4:32–5:2 (ESV)
The supreme example and motive for all Christian forgiveness is God’s own forgiveness. . . . He has done this once and for all and completely. Therefore in love and gratitude to him men and women must forgive. The gospels indeed emphasize that God’s forgiveness cannot be received by the heart which is itself unforgiving (see e.g. Matt. 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35). . . . The Christian’s forgiving of others is to be as free and complete as that of God, who puts away a person’s sins as far as the east is from the west, and holds them against him no more.
-Francis Foulkes, Ephesians
The Collect of the Day
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: Ephesians 4:17–5:2
Psalm 34:8-15 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: John 6:37-51
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 34:8-15
8 O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; *
blessed is the one who trusts in him.
9 O fear the Lord, you that are his saints; *
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions lack and suffer hunger, *
but those who seek the Lord
shall lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me; *
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you desires to live, *
and longs to see good days?
13 Keep your tongue from evil, *
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good; *
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, *
and his ears are open to their prayers.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)