Podcasts about canticles

Give us grace, Lord, to put on the armor of light.Friday • 12/19/2025 •Friday of the Third Week of Advent, Year Two  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 40; Psalm 54; Zechariah 7:8–8:17 (includes Saturday's reading); Revelation 5:6–14; Matthew 25:14–30 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The oil of the lampstand and the olive trees symbolize God's life-giving, light-bearing Spirit.Thursday • 12/18/2025 •Thursday of the Third Week of Advent, Year Two This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 50; Zechariah 4:1–14; Revelation 4:9–5:5; Matthew 25:1–13 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Through that branch, Yahweh promises to “remove the guilt of this land in a single day”Wednesday • 12/17/2025 •Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:49–72; Zechariah 3:1–10; Revelation 4:1–8; Matthew 24:45–51 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

The early church coined a phrase for this: phrikodestatēs, or, in the vernacular, “most freakin' awesome!”  Tuesday • 12/16/2025 •Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, Year Two  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 45; Zechariah 2:1–13; Revelation 3:14–22; Matthew 24:12–44 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Abram and Melchizedek are interlaced in order to demonstrate God's grace.Monday • 12/15/2025 •Monday of the Third Week of Advent, Year Two  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 41; Psalm 52; Zechariah 1:7–17; Revelation 3:7–13; Matthew 24:15–31 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Jude and Peter are spiritual soulmates, almost identical twins in the faith.Friday • 12/5/2025 •Friday of the First Week of Advent  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 16; Psalm 17; Amos 5:1–17; Jude 1–25 (includes Saturday); Matthew 22:1–14 I plan to treat Matthew 22:1–14 in a DDD this coming January.  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

…believers have kept a vigilant eye on the distant horizon.Thursday • 12/4/2025 •Thursday of the First Week of Advent This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 18; Amos 4:6–13; 2 Peter 3:11–18; Matthew 21:33–46 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

It is a meeting of the moms. Two expectant mothers – one old, one young. One is six months along; the other, newly pregnant. The fact that either of them is expecting is totally unexpected! Both are pregnant when neither one of them should be under normal circumstances. But these circumstances are anything but normal. Zechariah and Elizabeth are expecting a miracle child in their old age. Joseph and Mary are expecting a miracle child while Mary is a virgin.This is also the first meeting of the two baby boys the moms are carrying inside them. The great Son of David – from Joseph and Mary - is in the house of Aaron's son – from Zechariah. Hidden within the wombs of the two women are the Christ and the forerunner of the Christ. These are two miraculous babies. John born to a woman well beyond childbearing. Jesus born to a virgin. Elizabeth is bearing the prophet to prepare the way for the Most High God. Mary is bearing the Most High God sent to redeem the world.While she is there visiting her older cousin, Elizabeth, Mary breaks into song. It is a joyful canticle we call the "The Magnificat." This Advent, we'll be looking at three Bible songs of Christmas – The Magnificat, The Benedictus, and The Gloria in Excelsis. Their Latin titles show their long history of usage within the Christian Church.Mary begins, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord" (Luke 1:46). In Latin its, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum." The first word – "Magnificat" – is where we get the title for this canticle. Canticles are sacred songs drawn from biblical texts. To "magnify" is to "make great." Think of a magnifying lens. It's not that a magnifying lens makes the thing you're looking at any larger than it actually is. When you magnify something, it occupies more of your vision. It's all you can see.Mary sings that her soul magnifies the Lord. She couldn't make the Lord any greater than he already is. God's greatness occupies her vision. Mary serves as a good example for us. God's greatness should occupy our vision, not just during these winter holidays, but all the time. But we do have special Advent and Christmas services specifically so we can pause, meditate, and magnify what God has done for us in sending his Son in the flesh as the Son of Mary. Then we join with Mary in singing her song of praise."And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant" (Luke 1:47-48). Mary is not without sin, like the Roman Catholic Church teaches. She's a sinner who calls her Son her "Savior." We also are not without sin. We rejoice that God our Savior came as the Seed of Eve and the Son of Mary."Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name" (Luke 1:48-49). Mary is newly pregnant, yet she realized that God had already done great things for her … and in her. Elizabeth had just said of her much younger cousin, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42). All generations would call Mary blessed for she was granted the great privilege and the awesome honor of being the mother to the Son of God. Mary has rightly been called "Theotokos" – "Mother of God." At the same time, God was doing great things for everybody else who would benefit from the birth of this Child. That's us!"His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50). Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. From generation to generation, sinful people deserve destruction, death, and damnation. Instead, God's mercies are new every morning from generation to generation, century after century (Lamentations 3:23). Even though we deserve hurt and harm, God instead helps us in our distress. Though we should be punished for our misdeeds, God grants us forgiveness. Though we should have God's eternal wrath poured out on us, we are daily bathed in the mercy of God. God provided the ultimate answer to all our woes in this little Child in Mary's womb. That's why Mary is singing. She sees this Child as the great fulfillment of God's mercy toward humanity."He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the lowly." (Luke 1:51-52). Mary is singing how God acts toward humanity with a twofold action. God brings down the proud and he lifts up the humble. God works through his Law and Gospel. To those who are proud in themselves – like the Pharisee boasting in the temple – God will scatter them to the winds. To those who feel like they are in control – rulers of their own destiny – God will cast them down from their thrones. To those who are rich in the pleasures of this life – like the rich man who ignored poor Lazarus – God will send them away empty. This is how God deals with all those who are secure in themselves, who feel they are good enough people, so they have no use for a Savior. God preaches the Law to them. They refuse to listen. So, he will bring those arrogant souls down.The proud and the rich – these are the enemies of God. He will bring them low. The proud and rich – I hope that's not us. But at times, it certainly is."He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty" (Luke 1:53). The humble and hungry – these are the friends of God. I pray that this is us all the time. We have a lot to be humble about. The knowledge of our sinfulness should humble us. We have nothing to brag about before God. We know how full of sin we are. We know how often we accidentally stumble into sin. We also know how often we purposefully run headlong into sin.But when we humble ourselves with God's Law, then God lifts us up as the lowly. God's mighty arm lifts up those who are too weak to save themselves – that's us.We are also the hungry. We hunger for God's righteousness served on a platter. We can't make this meal on our own. God must prepare it for us. That's what Christmas is all about. God fills the hungry with good things. Those good things come in the form of this baby, God incarnate, the Lord in the flesh. He is God's gift of righteousness. Christ's righteousness covers over our sinfulness. His perfection replaces our imperfection. His holiness envelops our unholiness. We are filled up and satisfied with God's great Christmas present – the Lord almighty wrapped in cute little baby skin.What Mary is singing about here is what is sometimes called the "Great Reversal." It is the great change in position that God will accomplish in the sending of his Son. The high and mighty will be brought low. The poor and lowly will be lifted up. Just the opposite of the way the world sees things. God brings this reversal in Mary's Son – the Christ Child.Jesus Christ came in his own Great Reversal. God's Son came from the heights of heaven to be born the lowly child of Mary. He laid aside his glory. He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. God's Son came in the flesh so he could be brought low and then be lifted up on the cross. Forty days after his glorious resurrection, God's Son was lifted up to his rightful place at God the Father's right hand upon his heavenly throne.This is how Jesus Christ strikes down our high and mighty enemies – sin, death, and the devil. These proud rulers are brought low, scattered, and sent away empty – as empty as the tomb from which Christ arose. Now Christ reigns from his glorious throne with all his enemies under his feet. This is a promise of the Great Reversal for all of us who suffer from this unholy trinity of our enemies. Mary sings that this has already been accomplished by the Savior residing within her womb.Mary concludes her Magnificat, "He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever" (Luke 1:54-55). Mary praises the Lord for being faithful to his promises, faithful to his covenant, faithful to his Word. God had promised Abraham, "In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice" (Genesis 22:18). God continued his promise of the Seed from Eve, through Abraham, through and David, and now within Mary. Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of the promised Seed of the Woman.By faith in the Word made flesh in her womb, Mary was able to grasp the inconceivable, the invisible, and the eternal things of the Lord. As we join with Mary in singing her Magnificat, may we also grasp the inconceivable, the invisible, and the eternal things of the Lord. In this Christ Child, the lowly are lifted up. In this Christ Child, God's mercy extends from generation to generation. In this Christ Child, God has come to the aid of his people. So let us sing, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Amen.Let the name of the Lord be blessed, from now to eternity. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised (Psalm 103:2-3). Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/the-magnificat-the-song-of-mary/

Eternity keeps time differently than we do. Wednesday • 12/3/2025 •Wednesday of the First Week of Advent This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:1–24; Amos 3:12–4:5; 2 Peter 3:1–10; Matthew 21:23–32 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Advent reminds us that we can choose wisely.  Tuesday • 12/2/2025 •Tuesday of the First Week of Advent  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 5; Psalm 6; Amos 3:1–11; 2 Peter 1:12–21; Matthew 21:12–22 For observations on 2 Peter 1:12–21 from 12/15/2020, see https://tinyurl.com/4rvk9yxh This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Who knew a Galilean fisherman could be so elegant?Monday • 12/1/2025 •Monday of the First Week of Advent, Year Two  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 1; Psalm 2; Psalm 3; Amos 2:6–16; 2 Peter 1:1–11; Matthew 21:1–11 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Happy New Liturgical Year! to all our listeners on C&SI as we enter into the new liturgical year with this weekend being the first Sunday of Advent. On this weeks podcast/radio programme the C&SI team is joined by Fr Neil Xavier O'Donoghue, Executive Secretary for Liturgy of the Irish Catholic's Bishop Conference to discuss the up coming changes in the lectionary for the Irish Church and how Catholics in Ireland will hear the proclamation of the Word of God. In part one as always we have our run through the up coming liturgical odds and ends including the saints of the week as well as some notices and reminders about Advent retreats.In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel and this week we begin our journey with Matthew through the new liturgical year.Preparing a new lectionary for the Irish ChurchIn 2011 the global English speaking community got a new translation of the Roman Missal including all the parts and prayers of the Mass. On this weeks podcast Fr Neil O'Donoghue joins us to explain the next change that Irish Catholics will experience in how we celebrate our liturgies with the work in progress on preparing a new lectionary - aka the book of the readings of Scripture used in our public liturgies.For over fifty years, parishes and communities across the island of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand have listened to the scripture readings proclaimed in church from the same translations which are given in the Lectionary for Mass which are taken from the Jerusalem Bible.  Many of these books are now in a poor state and in need of replacing.  In 2021 the bishops recognised that this was an opportunity for a new edition of the Lectionary, taking advantage of a revised translation of the readings, which is both accessible and faithful to the evolving nuances of the English language and contemporary biblical scholarship. For Ireland, the Revised New Jerusalem Bible was chosen as the text for the Lectionary.  This translation recognises the need for the text to be proclaimed in the liturgy, to be faithful to the original biblical texts and it is sensitive to inclusivity.  For the psalms in the Lectionary, the Abbey Psalms and Canticles will be used.  This is a sympathetic revision of the familiar Grail Psalter and the revised text has already been adopted in several English-speaking countries. It is a joint project with the church in Australia and New Zealand but it will mean that our readings in Ireland are going to sound slightly different to our nearest neighbours in the UK. Bishops' Conferences of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand collaborate on ‘Joint Lectionary Project'Lectionary group from Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand meet in MaynoothText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast/radio programme excerpt the C&SI team is joined by Fr Neil Xavier O'Donoghue, Executive Secretary for Liturgy of the Irish Catholic's Bishop Conference to discuss the up coming changes in the lectionary for the Irish Church and how Catholics in Ireland will hear the proclamation of the Word of God. In 2011 the global English speaking community got a new translation of the Roman Missal including all the parts and prayers of the Mass. On this weeks podcast Fr Neil O'Donoghue joins us to explain the next change that Irish Catholics will experience in how we celebrate our liturgies with the work in progress on preparing a new lectionary - aka the book of the readings of Scripture used in our public liturgies.For over fifty years, parishes and communities across the island of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand have listened to the scripture readings proclaimed in church from the same translations which are given in the Lectionary for Mass which are taken from the Jerusalem Bible.  Many of these books are now in a poor state and in need of replacing.  In 2021 the bishops recognised that this was an opportunity for a new edition of the Lectionary, taking advantage of a revised translation of the readings, which is both accessible and faithful to the evolving nuances of the English language and contemporary biblical scholarship. For Ireland, the Revised New Jerusalem Bible was chosen as the text for the Lectionary.  This translation recognises the need for the text to be proclaimed in the liturgy, to be faithful to the original biblical texts and it is sensitive to inclusivity.  For the psalms in the Lectionary, the Abbey Psalms and Canticles will be used.  This is a sympathetic revision of the familiar Grail Psalter and the revised text has already been adopted in several English-speaking countries. It is a joint project with the church in Australia and New Zealand but it will mean that our readings in Ireland are going to sound slightly different to our nearest neighbours in the UK. Bishops' Conferences of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand collaborate on ‘Joint Lectionary Project'Lectionary group from Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand meet in MaynoothText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Our baptism plunges us symbolically into a death-by-drowning.Friday • 11/28/2025 •Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week After Pentecost (Proper 29) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 140; Psalm 142; Isaiah 24:14–23; 1 Peter 3:13–4:6; Matthew 20:17–28 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

“Nobody can tell me what to do!” is a slogan of our time.Thursday • 11/27/2025 •Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week After Pentecost (Proper 29) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 131; Psalm 132; Psalm 133; Zephaniah 3:1–13; 1 Peter 2:11–25; Matthew 20:1–16 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The anchor of Bob's soul was Jesus ChristWednesday • 11/26/2025 •Wednesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week After Pentecost (Proper 29) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:145–176; Obadiah 15–21; 1 Peter 2:1–10; Matthew 19:23–30 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

The way I (wrongly) eliminate those temptations is to consume them!Tuesday • 11/25/2025 •Tuesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week After Pentecost (Proper 29) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 121; Psalm 122; Psalm 123; Nahum 1:1–13; 1 Peter 1:13–25; Matthew 19:13–22 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

A penultimate 7th chord carries exquisite tones of poignant memory and eager expectation.Monday • 11/24/2025 •Monday of the Twenty-Fourth Week After Pentecost (Proper 29) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 106; Joel 3:1–2,9–17; 1 Peter 1:1–12; Matthew 19:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The one whom we will one day see seated as “the Alpha and the Omega” is already among us whenever we gather.Friday • 11/21/2025 •Friday of the Twenty-Third Week After Pentecost (Proper 28) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 102; 1 Maccabees 4:36–59; Revelation 22:6–13; Matthew 18:10-20 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Access to “the tree of life” is opened in this new Edenic city.Thursday • 11/20/2025 •Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week After Pentecost (Proper 28) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 105; 1 Maccabees 4:1–25; Revelation 21:22–22:5; Matthew 18:1–9 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

John is shown, by contrast, a heavenly Jerusalem, “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God”Wednesday • 11/19/2025 •Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week After Pentecost (Proper 28) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 101; Psalm 109; 1 Maccabees 3:42–60; Revelation 21:9–21; Matthew 17:22–27 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

…and things which had grown old are being made new…Tuesday • 11/18/2025 •Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week After Pentecost (Proper 28) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 97; Psalm 99; 1 Maccabees 3:25–41; Revelation 21:1–8; Matthew 17:14–21  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

…erasing the record that stood against us…he set this aside, nailing it to the cross.Monday • 11/17/2025 •Monday of the Twenty-Third Week After Pentecost (Proper 28) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 89; 1 Maccabees 3:1–24; Revelation 20:7–15; Matthew 17:1–13This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The rider on the white horse is called Faithful and True. He will set all to rights.Friday • 11/14/2025 •Friday of the Twenty-second Week After Pentecost (Proper 27) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 88; 1 Maccabees 1:41–63; Revelation 19:11–16; Matthew 16:13–20 From Saturday's readings: 1 Maccabees 2:1–28; and Sunday's: 1 Maccabees 2:29–43,49–50 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

“Hallelujah” awaits the bringing forth of the “City of God”Thursday • 11/13/2025 •Thursday of the Twenty-second Week After Pentecost (Proper 27) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 34; 1 Maccabees 1:1-28; Revelation 19:1–10; Matthew 16:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Faustus reads the Bible partially, and badly! He can't bring himself to recall God's mercy to repentant sinners.Wednesday • 11/12/2025 •Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week After Pentecost (Proper 27) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:97–120; Nehemiah 7:73b-8:18; Revelation 18:21–24; Matthew 15:29-39 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

Jesus sees the smile in her eyes, and he lauds her faith.Tuesday • 11/11/2025 •Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week After Pentecost (Proper 27) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 78:1–39; Nehemiah 9:26–38; Revelation 18:9–20; Matthew 15:21–28 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

They submitted themselves to God's Word and thus reasserted God's original call on them as his people. Monday • 11/10/2025 •Monday of the Twenty-second Week After Pentecost (Proper 27) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 80; Nehemiah 9:1–25; Revelation 18:1–8; Matthew 15:1–20 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

“Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls…”Friday • 11/7/2025 •Friday of the Twenty-first Week After Pentecost (Proper 26) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 69; Ezra 7:27-28, 8:21-36; Revelation 15:1–8; Matthew 14:13–21 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The same choice lies before all of us as lay before characters in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.Thursday • 11/6/2025 •Thursday of the Twenty-first Week After Pentecost (Proper 26) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 71; Ezra 7:1–26; Revelation 14:1–13; Matthew 14:1–12 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A woman is about to give birth to “a son…who is to rule all the nations…”Wednesday • 11/5/2025 •Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week After Pentecost (Proper 26) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 72; Nehemiah 13:4–22; Revelation 12:1-12; Matthew 13:53–58 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

On that day, the church below will join the song of the church above.Tuesday • 11/4/2025 •Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week After Pentecost (Proper 26) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 61; Psalm 62; Nehemiah 12:27–31a,42b–47; Revelation 11:1–19; Matthew 13:44–52 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

The master of the field is perfectly willing to allow weeds to get as much care as the wheat until the time to make all things right.Monday • 11/3/2025 •Monday of the Twenty-first Week After Pentecost (Proper 26) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Nehemiah 6:1–19; Revelation 10:1–11; Matthew 13:36–43 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem.Friday • 10/31/2025 •Friday of the Twentieth Week After Pentecost (Proper 25) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 40; Psalm 54; Nehemiah 2:1–20; Revelation 6:12–7:4; Matthew 13:24–30 And inserting the normal readings for Monday (which happens to be All Saints Day): Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Nehemiah 6:1–19; Revelation 10:1–11; Matthew 13:36–43 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Revelation is a powerful book of hope.Thursday • 10/30/2025 •Thursday of the Twentieth Week After Pentecost (Proper 25) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 50; Nehemiah 1:1–11; Revelation 5:11–6:11; Matthew 13:18–23 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

The redeemer of our world is Judah's Lion, risen as Christus Victor.Wednesday • 10/29/2025 •Wednesday of the Twentieth Week After Pentecost (Proper 25) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:49-72; Ezra 6:1-22; Revelation 5:1-10; Matthew 13:10-17 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

The transcendent Jesus, the “Alpha and Omega,” knows, and cares, about what's going on in the hard places of our lives.   Tuesday • 10/28/2025 •Tuesday of the Twentieth Week After Pentecost (Proper 25) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 45; Ezra 5:1–17; Revelation 4:1–11; Matthew 13:1–9 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Through a vision of a man standing among myrtle trees, Zechariah consoles the people with “gracious and comforting words” Monday • 10/27/2025 •Monday of the Twentieth Week After Pentecost (Proper 25)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 41; Psalm 52; Zechariah 1:7–17; Revelation 1:4–20; Matthew 12:43–50  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Jesus will encourage his disciples…to teach a way of life against which “the gates of hell cannot prevail.”Friday • 10/24/2025 •Friday of the Nineteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 24) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 31; Ezra 3:1–13; 1 Corinthians 16:10–24; Matthew 12:22–32 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The church is the visible manifestation of God's plan to bring all of humanity back home.Thursday • 10/23/2025 •Thursday of the Nineteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 24) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 37; Ezra 1:1–11; 1 Corinthians 16:1–9; Matthew 12:15–21 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Jesus makes the point that he is himself the joy and the restoration which the sabbath had long promised. Wednesday • 10/22/2025 •Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 24) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 38; Lamentations 2:8–15; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; Matthew 12:1–14 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

One day all of it will give way to the irresistible force of God's love.Tuesday • 10/21/2025 •Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 24) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 26; Psalm 28; Lamentations 1:1–12; 1 Corinthians 15:41–50; Matthew 11:25–30This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

This confidence about the future will make us different people in the present.Monday • 10/20/2025 •Monday of the Nineteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 24)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 25; Jeremiah 44:1–14; 1 Corinthians 15:30–41; Matthew 11:16–24 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Paul felt it was important to remind the Corinthians of a few facts.Friday • 10/17/2025 •Friday of the Eighteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 23) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 16; Psalm 17; Jeremiah 38:14–28; 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Matthew 11:1–6 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Jesus takes everything we do for him as being done to him directly, even the cup of cold water we offer to one of his little ones.Thursday • 10/16/2025 •Thursday of the Eighteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 23) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 18; Jeremiah 38:1–13; 1 Corinthians 14:26-33a,37-40; Matthew 10:34–42 For comments on 1 Corinthians 14:20–42, see the DDD for Year 1, Tuesday of Lent 5  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

Jeremiah is often called “the weeping prophet,” and for good reason.Wednesday • 10/15/2025 •Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 23) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 119:1–24; Jeremiah 37:3–21; 1 Corinthians 14:13–25; Matthew 10:24–33  This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1-3,11a,14c,18-19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68-79, BCP, p. 92)

God gives us whatever gifts we have…to serve others, not ourselves!Tuesday • 10/14/2025 •Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 23) This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 120: Psalm 5; Psalm 6; Jeremiah 36:27–37:2; 1 Corinthians 14:1–12; Matthew 10:16–23 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93) 

Love is patient.Love is kind.Love bears all things.Love believes all things.Love hopes all things.Monday • 10/13/2025 •Monday of the Eighteenth Week After Pentecost (Proper 23)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 1; Psalm 2; Psalm 3; Jeremiah 36:11–26; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Matthew 10:5–15 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment.” — Revelation 4:4 These representatives of the saints in heaven are said to be around the throne. In the passage in Canticles, where Solomon sings of the King sitting at […]