Posted on: May 31st, 2022 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings ACTS 2:1-21 OR GENESIS 11:1-9; PSALM 104:25-35, 37B; ROMANS 8:14-17 OR ACTS 2:1-21; JOHN 14:8-17 (25-27)
Collect Almighty and everliving God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal, keep us in the unity of your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” ACTS 2:1-21
Or
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, “Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. GENESIS 11:1-9
Psalm REFRAIN Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
O Lord, how manifold are your works! in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Yonder is the great and wide sea with its living things too many to number, creatures both small and great. R
There move the ships, and there is that Leviathan, which you have made for the sport of it.
All of them look to you to give them their food in due season.
You give it to them; they gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled with good things. R
You hide your face, and they are terrified; you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.
You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; and so you renew the face of the earth. R
May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; may the Lord rejoice in all his works. He looks at the earth and it trembles; he touches the mountains and they smoke. R
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being.
May these words of mine please him; I will rejoice in the Lord.
Hallelujah! R PSALM 104:25-35, 37B
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. ROMANS 8:14-17
Or
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean? But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” ACTS 2:1-21
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN Philip said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
[I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”] JOHN 14:8-17 (25-27)
Prayer over the Gifts Giver of life, receive all we offer you this day. Let the Spirit you bestow on your Church continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Prayer After Communion Father, may we who have received this eucharist live in the unity of your Holy Spirit, that we may show forth his gifts to all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Posted on: February 9th, 2022 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings JEREMIAH 17:5-10; PSALM 1; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-20; LUKE 6:17-26
PROCESSIONAL: Praise My Soul… – #1
Praise, my soul the King of heaven; To His feet your tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored forgiven, Evermore His praises sing. Praise Him! Praise Him! (x2) Praise, the everlasting King!
Praise Him for His grace and favor To our fathers in distress; Praise Him, still the same as ever, Slow to chide and swift to bless. Praise Him! Praise Him! (x2) Glorious in His faithfulness!
Father-like, He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Praise Him! Praise Him! (x2) Widely yet His mercy flows.
Angels in the height, adore Him; You behold Him face to face. Saints triumphant, bow before Him; Gathered in from very race. Praise Him! Praise Him! (x2) Praise with us the God of grace!
Collect Almighty and everliving God, whose Son Jesus Christ healed the sick and restored them to wholeness of life, look with compassion on the anguish of the world, and by your power make whole all peoples and nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse – who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. JEREMIAH 17:5-10
Psalm REFRAIN Happy are they who trust in the Lord.
Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and they meditate on his law day and night. R
They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.
It is not so with the wicked; they are like chaff which the wind blows away. R
Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgement comes, nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed. R PSALM 1
Second Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ – whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-20
GRADUAL: Be Thou My Vision – #562
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, Save that Thou art— Thou my best thought, By day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom And Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee And Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, And I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, Nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, Now and always; Thou and Thou only, First in my heart, High King of heaven, My treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, My victory won. May I reach heaven’s joys, Bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, Whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.” LUKE 6:17-26
OFFERTORY: There Is A Redeemer – #308
There is a redeemer– Jesus, God’s own Son; Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.
REFRAIN Thank You, O my Father, For giving us Your Son, And leaving Your Spirit Till the work on Earth is done.
Jesus my redeemer, Name above all names; Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope for sinners slain.
When I stand in glory, I will see His face; There I’ll serve my King Forever In that holy place.
Prayer over the Gifts Eternal God, you are the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers, receive all we offer you this day; turn our sickness into health and our sorrow into joy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
COMMUNION:
Prayer After Communion God of tender care, in this eucharist we celebrate your love for us and for all people. May we show your love in our lives and know its fulfilment in your presence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Blessed Assurance – #572
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
(Refrain) This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; (x 2)
Perfect submission, perfect delight! Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission- all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings.
Then cleansed be every breast from sin; Make straight the way for God within; Prepare we in our hearts a home, Where such a mighty guest may come.
For Thou art our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without Thy grace we waste away, Like flowers that wither and decay.
To heal the sick stretch out Thine hand, And bid the fallen sinner stand; Shine forth and let Thy light restore Earth’s own true loveliness once more.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee Whose advent doth Thy people free, Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost for evermore.
LightingOf The Advent Candle(PEACE)
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Leader: Today is the Second Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Peace. Last Sunday we lit the First Candle in our Advent Wreath, and celebrated the patriarchs, this First Candle reminded us of our hope in Christ.
Leader: We light it again as we remember our Saviour, born a king in the line of King David. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and we believe that he will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises to us, to rule the world wisely and bless all nations.
Leader: Today we light the Second Candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace. We remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David.
Leader: The prophet Isaiah called Christ “the Prince of Peace”. They told us how he would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations.
Leader: When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peace-makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes to us he brings us peace and he will
Leader: bring everlasting peace when he comes again. We light the Candle of Peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.
(A person lights Second Candle, the Candle of Peace)
Leader: Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people from trouble. Give peace in our hearts at
Christmastide. We ask that as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing
your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen
HYMN: Light One Candle!
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He Comes! He Comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He Comes!
Collect Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading READING FROM THE BOOK OF BARUCH Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting; for God will show your splendour everywhere under heaven. For God will give you evermore the name, Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.” Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God’s command. For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. BARUCH 5:1-9
Psalm CANTICLE REFRAIN The dawn from on high shall break upon us.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. R
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. R
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. R
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. R CANTICLE 19, BAS (LUKE 1:68-79)
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS I thank my God every time I remember you, -constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, -because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. -I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. -For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight -to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, -having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11
GRADUAL: Hark a Herald Voice – #392
Hark, a herald voice is sounding: “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say ‘Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!’
Wakened by the solemn warning let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ her sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us all, with tears of sorrow, pray that we may be forgiven,
That when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honour, glory, might and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, -as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; -and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'” LUKE 3:1-6
OFFERTORY: There’s a voice in the wilderness #153R
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: Prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where the Lord, our God, may go!
O Christians, you bring good tidings; get up to the heights and sing! Proclaim to a desolate people the coming of their King. Like the flow’rs of the field they perish; like grass our works decay. The pow’r and pomp of nations shall pass like a dream away.
But the Word of our God is eternal; the arm of our God is strong. He stands in the midst of the nations, and he shall right the wrong. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, the lambs shall gently hold, to pastures of peace shall lead them, and bring them to his fold.
Prayer over the Gifts God our strength, we are nothing without you. Receive all we offer you this day as you sustain us with your mercy; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: More Love to Thee – #634
More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee. This is my earnest plea:
Chorus: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek; Give what is best. This all my prayer shall be:
Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be:
ABLUTION:
Prayer After Communion Faithful God, we thank you for feeding us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet’s call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Soon & Very Soon – #757
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more crying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more dying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Posted on: November 17th, 2021 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7; PSALM 132:1-13 (14-19); REVELATION 1:4B-8; JOHN 18:33-37
PROCESSIONAL: Rejoice, The Lord Is King – #370
Rejoice, the Lord is King; Your Lord and King adore! Rejoice, give thanks and sing And triumph evermore.
(Refrain) Lift up your heart; Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say rejoice!
Jesus, the Saviour, reigns, The God of truth and love. When He had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o’er earth and heav’n. The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv’n.
Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come And take His servants up To their eternal home.
Collect Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favourite of the Strong One of Israel: The spirit of the Lord speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot. 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7
Psalm PSALM REFRAIN The Lord will dwell in Zion for ever.
Lord, remember David, and all the hardships he endured;
How he swore an oath to the Lord and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed;
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber;
Until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” R
“The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God’s dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.” R
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David’s sake, do not turn away the face of your anointed. R
The Lord has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
“A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne.
If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.” R
[For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired her for his habitation:
“This shall be my resting-place for ever; here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
I will surely bless her provisions, and satisfy her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will rejoice and sing. R
There will I make the horn of David flourish; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; but as for him, his crown will shine.”] R PSALM 132:1-13 (14-19)
Second Reading A READING FROM THE REVELATION TO JOHN Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. REVELATION 1:4B-8
GRADUAL: O Worship…King – #104BB
O worship the King, All glorious above, And gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, The Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, And girded with praise.
O tell of His might, And sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, Whose canopy space. His chariots of wrath The deep thunderclouds form, And dark is His path On the wings of the storm
Thy bountiful care, What tongue can recite? It breathes in the air; It shines in the light. It streams from the hills; It descends to the plain, And sweetly distills In the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, And feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, Nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender, How firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
All hail to the King! In splendor enthroned; Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders make known. Returning victorious, Great conqueror of sin, King Jesus, all glorious, Our vict’ry will win.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” JOHN 18:33-37
OFFERTORY: Come, Thou Almighty… – #8
Come, Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing; Help us to praise. Father all glorious, O’er all victorious, Come, and reign over, us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word, Gird on Thy mighty sword: Our prayer attend. Come, and Thy people bless And give Thy word success. Spirit of holiness, On us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear In this glad hour. Thou, who almighty art, Now rule in every heart And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of pow’r.
To Thee, great One in Three, Eternal praises be, Hence evermore; Thy sov’reign majesty May we in glory see, And to eternity Love and adore.
Prayer over the Gifts Eternal God, by your grace you have raised us up and enthroned us with Christ in the heavenly realms. Receive all we offer you this day, and lead us in those good works for which you have created us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
COMMUNION: We Will Glorify – #105
We will glorify the King of kings; We will glorify the Lamb. We will glorify the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty; We will bow before His throne. We will worship Him in righteousness, We will worship Him alone.
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty; We will bow before His throne. We will worship Him in righteousness, We will worship Him alone.
Hallelujah to the King of kings; Hallelujah to the Lamb, Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
Hallelujah to the King of kings; Hallelujah to the Lamb, Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
ABLUTION: All Hail King Jesus – #103
All hail King Jesus! All hail Emmanuel: King of kings, Lord of lords, Bright Morning Star.
And thro’-out eternity I’ll sing His praises, And I’ll reign with Him Thro’ out eternity.
Prayer After Communion Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Crown Him…Crowns – #45
Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne. Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King Thro’ all eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side- Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me: Thy praise and glory shall not fail Thro’-out eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of life! Who triumphed o’er the grave; Who rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of heav’n! One with the Father known, One with the Spirit thro’ Him giv’n From yonder glorious throne.
To Thee be endless praise, For Thou for us hast died. Be Thou, O Lord, thro’ endless days Adored and magnified!
Posted on: November 1st, 2021 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 or Isaiah 25:6-9 • Psalm 24 • Revelation 21:1-6a • John 11:32-44
Collect Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son, grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
PROCESSIONAL: Christ Whose Glory… – #362
Christ whose glory fills the skies, Christ the true, the only light Sun of righteousness, arise, Triumph o’er the shades of night. Day-spring from on high, be near; Day-star in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn Unaccompanied by thee; Joyless is the day’s return, Till thy mercy’s beams I see, Till they inward light impart Glad my eyes and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine, Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, radiancy divine, Scatter all my unbelief; More and more thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.
First Reading A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. WISDOM OF SOLOMON 3:1-9
Or
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ISAIAH On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. ISAIAH 25:6-9
Psalm PSALM 24
24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
24:2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
24:3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
24:4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
24:5 They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
24:6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
24:7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
24:8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.
24:9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah
Second Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATION Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” REVELATION 21:1-6A
GRADUAL: How Firm A Found… – #408
How firm a foundation, Ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith In his excellent Word!
What more can he say Than to you he hath said, To you who for refuge To Jesus have fled?
“Fear not! I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, And will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, And cause thee to stand, Upheld by My righteous, Omnipotent hand.
“When through fiery trials Thy pathway shall lie, My grace all sufficient, Shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume And thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus Hath leaned for repose; I will not, I will not Desert to His foes;
That soul, though all hell Should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, No never forsake!”
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” JOHN 11:32-44
OFFERTORY: Fairest Lord Jesus – #87
Fairest Lord Jesus; Ruler of all nature O Thou of God and man the Son. Thee will I cherish; Thee will I honour, Thou my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fairest are the meadows; Fairer still the woodlands, Robed in the blooming garb of spring, Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fairest is the sunshine; Fairer still the moonlight And all the twinkling starry host. Jesus shines brighter; Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heav’n can boast.
Beautiful Saviour! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of man! Glory and honour, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be Thine!
Prayer over the Gifts Holy and mighty God, we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ in the lives of all his saints. Receive all we offer you this day, and help us, like them, to run our course with faith, that we may come to your eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: The Old Rugged Cross – #327
On a hill far away Stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross, Where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.
CHORUS So’ I’ll cherish The old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to The old rugged cross. And exchange it Someday for a crown.
O the old rugged cross, So despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God Left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.
In the old rugged cross, Stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach Gladly bear. Then He’ll call me someday To my home far away. Where His glory for ever I’ll share.
ABLUTION: I’d Rather Have Jesus – #506
I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands; I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
CHORUS Than to be the king of a vast domain And to be held in sin’s dread sway, I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause; I’d rather have Jesus than world wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb; He’s all that my hungering spirit needs; I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
Prayer After Communion Lord of hosts, we praise your glory reflected in your saints. May we who share at this table be filled with the joy of your eternal kingdom, where Jesus is Lord, now and for ever.
RECESSIONAL: Love Divine, All … – #648
Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n, to earth come down! Fix in us Thy humble dwelling; All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion; Pure, unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation; Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find the promised rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be. End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive. Suddenly return, and never, Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be. Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav’n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love and praise.
Posted on: June 13th, 2021 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings 1 SAMUEL 15:34-16:13; PSALM 20; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17; MARK 4:26-34
Collect Almighty God, without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. 1 SAMUEL 15:34-16:13
Psalm PSALM REFRAIN The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;
Send you help from his holy place and strengthen you out of Zion; R
Remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice;
Grant you your heart’s desire and prosper all your plans. R
We will shout for joy at your victory and triumph in the name of our God; may the Lord grant all your requests. R
Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; he will answer him out of his holy heaven, with the victorious strength of his right hand.
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God. R
They collapse and fall down, but we will arise and stand upright.
O Lord, give victory to the king and answer us when we call. PSALM 20
Second Reading A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord – for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.
[Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.]
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. MARK 4:26-34
Prayer over the Gifts God of reconciliation and forgiveness, the saving work of Christ has made our peace with you. May that work grow toward its perfection in all we offer you this day. We ask this in his name.
Prayer After Communion Holy and blessed God, as you give us the body and blood of your Son, guide us with your Holy Spirit, that we may honour you not only with our lips but also in our lives. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Posted on: April 25th, 2021 by St. Stephens Downsview
Readings ACTS 4:5-12; PSALM 23; 1 JOHN 3:16-24; JOHN 10:11-18
Collect O God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS The rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” ACTS 4:5-12
Psalm PSALM Refrain The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. R
He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. R
You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. R PSALM 23
Second Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF JOHN We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. 1 JOHN 3:16-24
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” JOHN 10:11-18
Prayer over the Gifts God of loving care, you spread before us the table of life, and give us the cup of salvation to drink. Keep us always in the fold of your Son Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our shepherd.
Prayer After Communion God of steadfast love, watch over the Church redeemed by the blood of your Son. May we who share in these holy mysteries come safely to your eternal kingdom, where there is one flock and one shepherd. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.