scripture readings
textweek resources
Collect from Common Worship (CofE)
O God,
you know us to be set
in the midst of so many and great dangers,
that by reason of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
grant to us such strength and protection
as may support us in all dangers
and carry us through all temptations;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Source: Sarum Missal Epiphany 5; used in 1549 and then 1662.
This is a turning from the themes of Epiphany and Candlemas towards Lenten themes.
Collect from BCP (TEC)
O God,
the strength of all who put their trust in you:
Mercifully accept our prayers;
and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you,
give us the help of your grace,
that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: Gelasian Sacramentary (#566) and Gregorian Sacramentary (#1129) for the first Sunday after the octave of Pentecost. Gallican Missale Francorum (#141) Gallican Bobbio Missal (#507). Sarum Missal and BCPs have it as the first Sunday after Trinity.
The context of the Gospel reading is a society based on honour and shame. It is addressed to the followers of Jesus. Jesus offers a way out of the honour-shame impasse. Reconciliation with a brother or sister takes precedence over temple worship. Adultery was to lead to the execution of both (Deuteronomy 22:22). It dishonoured the husband. The debate, at the time of Jesus, about divorce had the conservative Shamai school which only allowed divorce after sexual misconduct of the woman. The progressive Hillel school had more reasons. Jesus agrees with the Shamai school. Debt was a significant issue in Jesus’ time (as now!).
Please add your own reflections, suggestions of hymns, etc.
Sunday the 13th begins of the Triodion in the Eastern Church, this is the four weeks leading up to Great Lent and used to prepare for it.
The first Sunday of the Triodion is called “Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee”
The Kontakion
Let us flee from the pride of the Pharisee!
And learn humility from the Publican’s tears!
Let us cry to our Savior,
Have mercy on us,
Only merciful One!
Thanks so much, Andrei, that’s a wonderful addition for this Sunday’s reflections. This year Eastern and Western Easter fall on the same date.