Saturday February 19, 2022
St. Thomas Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/St.Thomas.the.Apostle.Cambridge<https://eur05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSt.Thomas.the.Apostle.Cambridge%2F%3Fref%3Dbookmarks&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfcf3c0410aae4fa6641208d7fe4bf935%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637257474561193014&sdata=AmFV8IYvZZxoh2U%2Fe0mbdlV5XShIvcFTwUZqXJJzjeU%3D&reserved=0>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/969531309814142 (this is St. Luke's page)
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Collect
We join together to worship the God of Abram, the God of Jacob and the God of David. We worship the One True God; creator of all; Lord of all; our strength and hope; our light and our salvation. We join together as family, joined by the hands of fellowship, brothers and sisters of our heavenly Father. Amen
Come, let us worship.
The Proclamation of the Word-
1st Reading: Isaiah 66:1-6 (NRSV)
The Worship God Demands
Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is my resting-place? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things are mine, says the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word.
Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who kills a human being; whoever sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever presents a grain-offering, like one who offers swine's blood; whoever makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol. These have chosen their own ways, and in their abominations they take delight; I also will choose to mock them, and bring upon them what they fear; because, when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my sight, and chose what did not please me.
The Lord Vindicates Zion
Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: Your own people who hate you and reject you for my name's sake have said, 'Let the Lord be glorified, so that we may see your joy'; but it is they who shall be put to shame.
Listen, an uproar from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, dealing retribution to his enemies!
Psalm 107:33-43 (Book of Alternative Services page 770):
33 The Lord changed rivers into deserts, * and water-springs into thirsty ground,
34 A fruitful land into salt flats, * because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35 He changed deserts into pools of water * and dry land into water-springs.
36 He settled the hungry there, * and they founded a city to dwell in.
37 They sowed fields, and planted vineyards, * and brought in a fruitful harvest.
38 He blessed them, so that they increased greatly; * he did not let their herds decrease.
39 Yet when they were diminished and brought low, * through stress of adversity and sorrow,
40 (He pours contempt on princes * and makes them wander in trackless wastes)
41 He lifted up the poor out of misery * and multiplied their families like flocks of sheep.
42 The upright will see this and rejoice, * but all wickedness will shut its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will ponder these things, * and consider well the mercies of the Lord.
O God, the divine seeker, you are light to the lost, bread to the hungry, deliverance to the captive, healing to the sick, eternal vision to the dying, and harbour to every soul in peril. Gather the wanderers from every corner of the world into the community of your mercy and grace, that we may eternally praise you for our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2nd Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-21 (NRSV)
Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
The Good Fight of Faith
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time-he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Personal Instructions and Benediction
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith.
Grace be with you.
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:35-44 (NRSV)
The Question about David's Son
While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, 'How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared, "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.' " David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?' And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.
Jesus Denounces the Scribes
As he taught, he said, 'Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.'
The Widow's Offering
He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Closing Prayer
May the Father's hand keep you from stumbling, the footprints of Jesus give you confidence to follow, and the fire of the Spirit keep you warm and safe in your walk with God this day.
May the grace of God uphold you, the peace of God surround you, the love of God flow from you and the strength of God protect and bring you safely through this day. Amen.
God bless and keep us through this season of our lives -