Introduction to the Word for Worship
For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. (Mark 13:19-20, ESV)
The clue to surviving the difficult days, which will increasingly in Mark’s gospel be seen to be the secret of all the life of the disciple, is to follow in the steps of Jesus himself. The way he took for our salvation was death and resurrection. He went the way of the cross. God raised him from the dead. So we are called to take up our cross and follow day by day, in faith that day by day God will raise us to new life in Christ (Rom. 8:9–11). As we die to all to which he died, we shall live to all to which he rose.
-Donald English
The Collect of the Day
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; 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: Hebrews 10:31-39
Psalm 16 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: Mark 13:14-23
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 16
1 Preserve me, O God, *
for in you have I put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said unto the Lord, *
“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 All my delight is upon the saints who are on the earth, *
and upon those who excel in virtue.
4 But those who run after another god *
shall have great trouble.
5 Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, *
neither make mention of their names with my lips.
6 The Lord himself is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup; *
you shall maintain my lot.
7 The boundaries have fallen for me in pleasant places; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
8 I will thank the Lord for giving me counsel; *
my heart also chastens me in the night season.
9 I have set the Lord always before me; *
he is at my right hand; therefore I shall not fall.
10 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. *
My flesh also shall rest in hope.
11 For you shall not leave my soul in the grave, *
neither shall you allow your Holy One to see corruption.
12 You shall show me the path of life; in your presence is the fullness of joy, *
and at your right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)
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