Podcasts about reading hebrews

1st Reading:  Sirach 3:17-29 Responsorial: Psalm 68           2nd Reading: Hebrews 12:18-24 Gospel: Luke 14:1,7-14

1st Reading:  Isaiah 66:18-21 Responsorial: Psalm 117           2nd Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13 Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

September 2, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 13:1-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 18:20-40; Ephesians 2:1-22“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lord helps you. And not because of anything you have done to merit this gracious favor. And also not because of who you are, who you are related to, or how much you have. Instead, God gives divine help to you simply out of grace, giving you better than you have deserved.For you are a sinner who should be judged by God. You have not always loved God above all things. You likewise have not shown brotherly love at all times to your neighbor. You have acted selfishly. You have spoken what you should not have said. Your thoughts have been tainted with sinful desires like lust or revenge. What is worse, you are unable to help yourself when it comes to making God pleased with you. You cannot charm God, wrapping Him around your little finger to get special treatment.So why would the Lord ever want to be your helper? On account of Jesus' perfect life in your place, His sacrificial death, and His blood shed to cover your sins. “He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, death and the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.” (Explanation to the 2nd Article of the Creed, the Small Catechism). There is nothing in you that merits God's divine help, but there is everything in Jesus' death in your place that merits this.And He gives this great salvation to you freely. Free gift! No strings attached! No conditions put upon receiving it! It is for you. God loved us when we were His enemies. So for this reason alone, He helps. And the help God gives is 100% done by Him. He does everything for you and your salvation. You simply receive. That's what faith in Christ does. Faith holds to Jesus and His promises made in Holy Scripture, which cannot be broken. Therefore, you can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, For You have paid my ransom. (LSB 555:6)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, August 31st. 1st Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-292nd Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24aGospel Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen.  Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.  Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

August 26, 2025 Today's Reading: Hebrews 12:4-24 (25-29)Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Peace. In the news, we hear about working toward peace in places like Israel and its neighbors, Russia and Ukraine, China, North Korea, and many more. We can define this word regarding international politics as getting along with other nations and ending any conflict and violence. Yet so much more is packed into the word “peace.”Peace can describe the perfect relationship of God and humanity, of an individual with everyone else, and all creation. God created everything, relating to it all in His peace. On the other hand, Satan and his cronies despise God and His peace. They work at frustrating His peace among people and creation. Sadly, all too often, we are willing to jump on the bandwagon of working against God's peace by making everything about ourselves. “Me! Me! Me!” we cry, fixating on what makes me happy, even if it is not good or helpful or loving for others. Old Adam isn't very peaceful, is he?The Lord speaks through the author of Hebrews today, telling you to strive for peace and holiness. Your old sinful self could never do this. Christ Jesus, however, can and did. With His suffering, death, and resurrection, He restored our peace with God. This peace is now delivered by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified and kept you in the true faith. As He does this, He is drawing you back into a healed and restored relationship with God—that is His peace!That's right! As God's baptized child, you have received His peace. Now you live in faith, and God tells you here in Hebrews to continue in that peace. Strive for it. Work towards it. Be an instrument of God's peace with everyone. How? You strive for peace as you encourage others to hear His Word and receive His Sacraments. You strive for peace as you live out your faith by loving and serving your neighbor, placing them and their needs above your own. And the Spirit does exactly that, giving God's peace to you and through you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord be our light when worldly darkness veils us; Lord, be our shield when earthly armor fails us; And in the day when hell itself assails us, Grant us your peace Lord: Peace in our hearts, where sinful thoughts are raging, Peace in Your Church, our troubled souls assuaging, Peace when the world its endless war is waging, Peace in Your heaven. (LSB 659:3,4)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, August 24th. 1st Reading: Isaiah 66:18–21 2nd Reading: Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30 To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to Rhonda, Mike, Janet, Don, and Ed for being part of the service. Happy birthday this week to Jan, and happy anniversary to Marie & Jack. Songs from this service: This Is My Father's World - https://youtu.be/EMAsxu_HwaA -- Can You Count The Stars? - https://youtu.be/WN6OcPUvTjs -- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - https://youtu.be/jnJDjuiCrDE -- Angels We Have Heard on High - https://youtu.be/yJZCR30TN_Y -- Go Tell It On The Mountain - https://youtu.be/V75BLjI0nvk Scriptures from this service: Reading - Hebrews 1:1-14. Communion - Romans 5:6. Sermon - Hebrews 1:5-9; 1:10-11; 1:13; 2:1-3; 2:4; 2:5-8; 2:10; 1:14; Daniel 10:5-6; 10:10-11; 10:11-13; Isaiah 14:12; 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-17; 28:19; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:12; Psalm 34:7; Revelation 12:7; 12:10-12; 19:1-2; 19:6-7; 21:1-5; 22:1-2; 21:5; 2 Corinthians 13:14. Closing - Galatians 5:22-23. [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][/accordion]

August 19, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:17-31 (32-40); 12:1-3Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34“By faith…” (Heb.11:17a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hebrews 11 is called “the great chapter on faith,” and it's obvious why. Every Lutheran should cherish this chapter, because all over the place it says, “By faith.” That's a big part of the Lutheran, Biblical teaching. In this chapter, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and others are examples of saving faith in God's Word and promises. These were people like you and me who trusted in God's promises throughout their lives and situations. Those promises were all fulfilled in Jesus. So the Old Testament faithful looked ahead in faith to Jesus, the Messiah who was to come.But there's even more in this chapter. If you notice, only certain events are mentioned in Hebrews 11, and other significant events are not. For example, nothing is said about Isaac getting married to Rebekah. Nothing is mentioned about Jacob seeing the heavenly staircase with angels going up and down on it. Nothing is mentioned about Moses delivering God's sacrificial system of worship to the people, though all these things were also clearly acts of faith. Other noble and important acts did not make the list, either. Something else is going on here than just a list of mere examples to try to be like.The specific Old Testament events in Hebrews 11 all point to Jesus. Jesus certainly fulfills the entire Old Testament, as He says in Luke 24, John 5, and many other places. Old Testament people, places, and events prefigure and point to the greater fulfillment that Jesus gives. So Jesus is like Isaac, the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1), who was also offered as a sacrifice according to God's will. Jesus is like Esau, who gives up His birthright and His blessing to God's sinful people who are more like Jacob. Thus, we get the full blessing of our heavenly Father simply by God's grace. Jesus' blessing is like Esau's in that He is assigned to serve us, which He does by the Word and the Sacraments in the context of the liturgy. Like Moses, Jesus would rather stand for God's Word and God's people, even if He would be mistreated by the world. Like Moses, Jesus endured even before Pontius Pilate because He was intent on following God's will and holding to God's invisible Word. And Jesus is our new Passover lamb, who died to save us from death and now gives His own body to eat in the Lord's Supper.Forgiveness, life, and salvation are for you. You do not earn these, nor do you merit getting them. But as free Gifts of God's love in Christ, they are promised and offered for you, too. Like the heroes of faith, may you also trust in your Savior in every situation and point others to Him as well.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Grant our hearts to remain ever faithful to Your Son, O Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 12, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. These words are a great reminder. God is not impressed by works. We can't trick Him into being pleased with us by holding up shiny works that we ‘curated ourselves.' Nope. It is impossible to please Him…without faith.So what is this ‘so important' faith? And as a sinner, how can I get it alllll for myself? The first verse of this chapter gives us a definition of faith: “it is assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” This still seems fuzzy. I want faith to be something I can put in my pocket and look at, or hold up before God as proof. I want to measure it and control its enoughness. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. We know from other parts of Scripture, and as it is simply explained in the Small Catechism, that we cannot come to God on our own. We cannot have faith created out of our own reason, understanding, or strength. So, how can I get this necessary faith? How can I please God? How can I get rewards? This verse points to the multitude of Gifts that God gives to His people. It is God Who creates and sustains faith in His people. In Baptism, He drowns the hard-hearted, dead sinner, and creates a New Man who then receives the Holy Spirit. It is God Who, before the foundation of the world, had a plan for the world's salvation in and through Jesus' Death and Resurrection. The faith given in your Baptism is what clings to the promises of God and is what receives the overflowing Gifts and rewards that He gives. We don't work to please God to “get rewards.” Instead, we receive faith, God is pleased with us, and He gives all that we need. Indeed, without faith, we cannot come before God and please Him. And yet, God had a plan. God saved you in the waters of your Baptism. The Holy Spirit within you clings to Jesus' Death and Resurrection for you. In the words of Absolution, Jesus' Body and Blood in the Lord's Supper, and through the proclamation of the Gospel, you receive the rewards that God gives to those who have faith. He lovingly created you, redeemed you, gives you faith, and feeds and sustains you. God be praised for His perfect plan for our salvation, redemption, and the faithful hope you have unto eternal life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Firmly to our soul's salvation Witnesses Your Spirit, Lord, In Your Sacraments and Word. There He sends true consolation, Giving us the gift of faith That we fear not hell nor death. (LSB 559:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

Pastor Sal dives deep into one of the core mysteries of the Christian faith — the dual nature of Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully man, Jesus bridges the divine and the human in a way that changes everything. Drawing from Scripture and sound theology, Pastor Sal unpacks how Jesus' divinity and humanity work together in perfect unity — and why that truth is essential for our salvation, our worship, and our daily walk with God.

Jesus becomes like us and takes on our greatest trouble, sin, death and the devil, and wins the victory for our forgiveness and life.

Jesus is our Sabbath, our rest in Him for eternity, given to us by faith.

Jesus was silent and content to do His Father's will and be The Perfect sacrifice for all our sins.

In this powerful message from Week 4 of our Hebrews series, Pastor Steve unpacks Hebrews 3:12-19 and the danger of unbelief. Disappointment, fear, and life's struggles can slowly pull us away from trusting God. Through the story of the Israelites and their struggles in the wilderness, we learn that unbelief is not just doubt—it's a slow drift away from faith. Pastor Steve challenges us to check our hearts, encourage one another, and hold tight to the promises of God.Are you struggling with doubt? Feeling distant from God? This message will remind you that faith isn't about knowing all the answers—it's about trusting God even when things don't go as planned. Don't let unbelief keep you from the fullness of God's promises!

March 4, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:1-6Daily Lectionary: Job 36:1-21; John 11:38-57“But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in hope.” (Hebrews 3:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I will spare you from asking whether or not we're a building (The answer is yes: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:4-5.), but there's another way this term can be understood. The House of Israel is all the descendants of Israel. The House of David is all the family of David through the generations and their servants. That's important. Because Moses is part of the house of God. It's as a servant, but he is part of the house nonetheless. Moses is a servant. Jesus is the Son. And being the Son comes with more honor and glory. And to the people of Jesus' day, this is big news. Because in all the Old Testament, there was no one apart from God who was worthy of more glory and honor than Moses. He was the Lord's chosen prophet who led them out of Egypt. He was the one through whom the Lord fed His people manna in the wilderness. He was the greatest of all the prophets, and there was no one like Him.But there was a promise that there would one day be a prophet like Moses. But Jesus was greater than Moses. Jesus didn't have to go see God; Jesus is God. Jesus didn't need someone else to cause the miraculous to happen; Jesus caused the miraculous to happen. Moses died, but Jesus did not stay dead. He rose on the third day. And to the people of Jesus' day, this was a big deal. Then Jesus did something amazing for us. He made us His house. We're of His household. However, Jesus didn't make us mere servants in the house of God. Jesus adopts us as sons and daughters of God. As a baptized Christian, you've been given a higher rank than Moses had when he was alive. You're a child of God, for Jesus has given you His place as heir of the kingdom of God. This adoption happens by Jesus' death on the cross and His rising again on the third day. He did that for you. This adoption happens at your Baptism, where you are baptized into His death in order to have His life. This adoption happens as your every sin is forgiven by His ultimate sacrifice. This adoption happens as He speaks His saving Word into your ears. This adoption happens as He brings you to His table and sets you a place. This adoption happens as He gives you His own body and His own blood. You are a beloved child of God. You are an heir in His house. And the kingdom of heaven is made yours. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We are God's house of living stones, Built for His habitation. He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of His wondrous salvation. We we but two His name to tell, Yet He would deign with us to dwell With all His grace and His favor. (LSB 645:3)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 1st Reading:  Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 24          2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Fourth Sunday of Advent 1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Responsorial: Psalm 80          2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

November 19, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 38:1-28; Jeremiah 39:1-44:30; Matthew 27:57-66 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Being a Christian is not as easy as some may think. The world rejects the Gospel of Jesus. In some places, it is outlawed; in others, it is frowned upon; in our own nation, it is no longer the cultural force it used to be. The church in America faces new challenges as it loses some of the privileges it once had. Yet, there is no reason to fear. Christ will sustain His church no matter what it looks like. He is Lord over all. Yet, as you go through life following Jesus, there is no doubt that fear, anxiety, and struggle will greet you. Satan will poke at your wounds, whisper poisonous lies in your ears, and remind you of old sins that have been forgiven. He will assault you relentlessly, especially those who follow Christ. This is all the more reason to heed the words of Hebrews, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Christ has conquered all things. He has conquered the sin Satan throws in your face, He has conquered death that awaits you, and He has conquered the devil himself. He has kept His promises, of that you can be sure. Yet, if you find yourself doubting, go to church and, along with your fellow brothers and sisters, hear the promises of Jesus spoken and proclaimed. This church spurs one another along in love and good works, prays and cares for one another, and rejoices and weeps with one another. Do not try to stand against sin, death, and the power of the devil alone, but instead stand with Christ and all the faithful. So, do not forsake the gathering together of the church. Do not forsake attending the Divine Service on Sundays. The less you go, the more weak spots you have, the more lies you'll believe, and you'll forget the forgiveness Christ has won for you. Instead, run to the house of the Lord as often as possible. Go and have your sins forgiven by your Pastor in Christ's stead, receive Christ's true Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar, and rest assured in the promises of Jesus. This world is rough, life is difficult, and the burdens can be heavy, but Jesus will lead you on. He will carry the load, and He will invite you to rest.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We share our mutual woes, We pour our ardent prayers; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear. (LSB 649:3)-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3 Responsorial: Psalm 16          2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

November 12, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 25:1-18; Matthew 26:1-19For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:24, 26b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Is there anything worse than standing at someone's face when you're in trouble? Maybe you had to tell your dad you broke the car window with a baseball or tell your mom that you dropped her pottery bowl on the ceramic tile floor.There's nothing worse than having to stand at someone's face in judgment. But then there's Holy God! To stand at his face, where's relief from that?Wait. Someone's standing at the face of God! It's Jesus. Holy and blameless. He stands with no sin of His own. Why is He standing there? The Letter to the Hebrew Christians tells of Jesus standing at the Father's face on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). He's at His Father's face not for Himself, but for you, for me! Are we troubled? Is Satan able to twist your conscience with guilt? He keeps bringing up your malice and inadequacies. Are the demons covering you in shame for what you have done, but also for what has been done to you? You have someone standing in your place before the Father. The Apostle John says this: You have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous! (1 John 2:1-2) The Apostle Paul speaks of Jesus testifying to his Father on your behalf: Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for you! (Romans 8:34) What is Jesus saying on your behalf? What is His intercession for you? It is the testimony of his own blood. Jesus testifies that His sacrifice on the cross has put away your sin (Hebrews 9:26). With your sin put away, you're guilty no more. You are no longer covered in shame. Jesus covers you in the honor of His own Name. We do, indeed, stand at the face of the Father, but there's relief. By the word of Jesus, you stand before His Father with no sin, no guilt, and no shame. You are now clothed in honor— you have Jesus' Name on you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord of life, according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Declare me clean of all my sin. Against you only have I sinned. Purge me with the blood of the cross, cleanse me and my conscience will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and give me your Spirit. Let me stand before your face in righteousness, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Amen. [paraphrase from Psalm 51]-Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NMAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Responsorial: Psalm 146        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

November 5, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 9:11-22Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. (Hebrews 9:14-17)A man sits in a room with twelve other men. The twelve are legal witnesses. This is serious business. The man knows that he will shortly die. He has assembled the legal witnesses in order to establish his Last Will and Testament. Upon his death, his legally binding Last Will and Testament will be put into effect, and his wealth will be distributed to his beneficiaries, as he established in his testimony to his legal witnesses.The man on His way to His death is Jesus. Into this death, He was baptized to be the sacrificial “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).His wealth to be distributed? His Body and Blood (“Take, eat … Drink ye all of it … this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” [Matthew 26:26-28 KJV]). The beneficiaries? They're the sinners for whom He will shortly die. When you go to the Lord's Supper, you are receiving the Last Will and Testament Jesus made before He died. As Hebrews 9 says, a Testament is put into force only upon the death of the Testator. Jesus is the Testator. He then died. His death puts His Testament into force until He comes again. So take and eat, take and drink; it is His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of your sins. Because He is bodily resurrected and living, His wealth, His Body and Blood, never runs out. By the way, some Bible translations weakly use the word covenant instead of testament. So why does your Pastor always repeat Jesus' command as “this is the New Testament in My Blood” when consecrating the Lord's Supper? To answer that, look at Hebrews 9:16-17, where Scripture makes clear that the Greek word is here, emphasizing that it is the legal testament made by a man before his death. In this case, the man making the testament is Jesus; the beneficiary of the wealth is you. Your sin is forgiven. For Jesus will never abandon the promise of his Body and Blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee My heartfelt thanks forever be, Who has so lovingly bestowed On me Thy body and Thy blood. (LSB 632:1)-Rev. Warren Graff, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NMAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Responsorial: Psalm 18          2nd Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

October 29, 2024Today's Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Perhaps you have heard it said of someone, “That's their life. It's what they live for.” It could be a boyfriend or a girlfriend. It could be fishing, school, or sports. There's just something about those things that seem to define who they are. When it comes to Jesus, what is that? You're not going to believe this, but it's you. The writer to the Hebrews tells us Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for you. That is why, as your High Priest with God, Jesus is able to save you “to the uttermost.”You think your sins will finally damn you. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them on the cross. You think your sins are why God will finally forsake you someday. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them. You think your sins are why God and you are as close as the East is to the West. Your sins lost that power over you when Jesus died for them. And risen now from the dead, Jesus lives to keep it that way, for you.In Confirmation class, you learned about Jesus' humiliation, that He was “conceived… born… suffered… crucified, died and was buried.” You learned this was designed by God to save you “to the uttermost.” You also learned about Jesus' exultation and that “He descended into Hell… rose again from the dead… ascended into heaven… sits at the right hand of God… (and) will come to judge the living and the dead.”  You were taught that this, too, was designed by God to save you “to the uttermost” (Romans 5:9-10). This is the promise God makes with you every day in your baptism. It's the promise you hear in His Word. It's the promise that is given to you at the Lord's Supper, “for you, for the forgiveness of sins.” Yes, Jesus lives to save even you “to the uttermost.”You ask, “How far can Jesus save a poor, miserable sinner like me?” The writer to the Hebrews gives you the answer. That's His life. It's what Jesus lives for. Jesus lives for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save; He lives all glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high. He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears; He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart.”  (LSB 461:2, 5)-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 Responsorial: Psalm 126        2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6 Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 Responsorial: Psalm 33          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

October 22, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 4:1-13, 14-16Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Deuteronomy 22:1-24:9; Matthew 16:1-12Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As with Israel of old, the promises God makes with us seem too good to be true. When we die, we will not die but live forever. When we face His judgment, God will find no sin at all to accuse or condemn us. Does God even know us? When God calls out to “strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (Hebrews 4:11),” He is calling us to ignore every other voice but the one calling us back to our Baptism into Christ. For God knows how many our sins are, how overwhelming our guilt is, how insurmountable the odds of us doing anything to help ourselves in His judgment. Either Jesus saves us all the way, or we will not be saved.In his commentary on Galatians, Luther writes, “I remember how Doctor Staupitz used to say to me: ‘I have promised God a thousand times that I would become a better man, but I never kept my promise. From now on I am not going to make any more vows. Experience has taught me that I cannot keep them. Unless God is merciful to me for Christ's sake and grants unto me a blessed departure, I shall not be able to stand before Him.'”  Luther goes on to point out how this was “a God-pleasing despair. For no true believer trusts in his own righteousness, but says with David, ‘If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?'” (Ps. 130:3).What we need from the throne of grace is not more time or energy. For poor, miserable sinners who ever offend God and justly deserve His temporal and eternal punishment, what we need, what truly helps us, is the grace from above that says, “I love you. I forgive you. I got this. And true to My Jesus, true to My Word, I save you.”But that is the promise God makes with Jesus on the cross for you, with Jesus in your Baptism for you, with Jesus on your pastor's lips for you, and with Jesus at His Supper for you. Yes, your rest, too, has been won. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty. But what I truly prize Above all things is He, My Jesus, He alone. What is the world to me! (LSB 730:2)-Rev. Bradley Drew, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Dr. Ben Blackwell who serves as a Professor of Early Christianity and as the Vice Principal at Westminster Theological Centre in the U.K.. He completed his PhD through Durham University where he studied under John Barclay and worked as N.T. Wright's research assistant.  Ben is the author or editor of the following books: Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction. Reading Hebrews in Context: The Sermon and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Revelation in Context: John's Apocalypse and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Mark in Context: Jesus and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, co-edited with John Goodrich and Jason Maston. THE POST-CHRISTIAN PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS: We help you make disciples in our increasingly post-Christian world. We discuss reaching new people and raising up leaders while removing the barriers of churchianity. Be sure to sign up for Eric's email newsletter at www.ericbryant.org for a chance to win future book giveaways and assessments! Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Post-Christian Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.com/@ericbryant777. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-bryant1/support

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 Responsorial: Psalm 90          2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

October 15, 2024Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:12-19 Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Hebrews is a definitive book that states so well the freedom we have from fear, death, and the Devil. So exhortation/ encouragement is spoken of here as an ongoing action. It is for today, for each other, that we provide exhortation, encouragement, and comfort… and that can be accomplished in no other way than in preaching the full counsel of God. At first, this sounds overwhelming, doesn't it? That would mean we'd need to know the entirety of Scripture, all that God has done for us… and that's certainly true… reading, marking, and hearing the Word of God is certainly important enough for God to give us a commandment that says we should gladly hear the Word of God. There's more, though… we hear the Word of God together, we talk about what our Lord says to us in the Word of God, and we wrestle with the text and discuss it. What better place to do this than the Lord's church? As St. Paul mentions to us in Acts 20, he never failed to preach the whole counsel of God… what does this mean? Just this: that Christ Jesus was born to suffer for us, bear our sins to the cross, die, and rise again for our justification! That's the whole counsel of God, and here's the best part… what does the writer of Hebrews mean when he writes, “as long as it is ‘today?'”  A friend of mine once asked me a good question… “Do you live in yesterday? Perhaps you believe that you live in tomorrow?” “Of course not,” I said… to which he replied, “Of course you're right!” It's always today. What greater joy do we have as the baptized children of God than to believe and trust that our Lord Jesus has been raised from the dead to bestow to us eternal day, the light of His word, and His forgiveness today and forever! It's always today, and yet, within each day, we are bought and redeemed. The deceitfulness of sin continues, the temptations of the Devil and world seek to harden us… so it will be until the Last Day… so our Lord gives us His good counsel, sends the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to attend to the Word, and to give faith, hope, and trust in the Lord Who abides with us in His church. So we exhort, provide good counsel and correction to erring brothers, encourage one another with the word of Christ the Crucified, and always are given to the comfort and the stilling of troubled consciences in the word of forgiveness. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, for my many sins I justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy, You sent Your Son, my dear Lord Jesus, Who won for me forgiveness and everlasting salvation. Grant good and faithful exhortation from my brothers in the faith that in contrition I would make a true confession, that dead to my sin, I may be raised up by Your life-giving Absolution. Grant, I pray, your Holy Spirit, that I may be ever watchful and live a godly life in Your Service and in service to my neighbor. Amen. -Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

October 8, 2024 Today's Reading: Hebrews 2:1-13, 14-18Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Isaiah the prophet told us: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).   That's good news to we who live in a suffering and sinful world. It is wonderful news to we who suffer to know that there is One who was made lowly to suffer for us that we would be comforted in sorrow and sadness and forgiven of our sins which lead to death… AND having been thus forgiven, we wouldn't fear death!That's a tall task! Who doesn't fear death!? We can handle the fear of public speaking, the fear of flying, the fear of snakes or spiders… but death… that's another deal altogether. Just how is this done? Think back to Holy Week… Jesus entering into Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna… He wasn't under allusions that the people in Jerusalem liked Him or even liked how He was going to save them. Jesus knew well what was required of Him; sin deserves death, and Jesus had become sin for us… not that He was sinful but that He carried ALL our sins in His body, for us. Death was necessary, and Jesus goes to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday willingly and joyously because what He was doing was all for you. So, Jesus wins salvation on the Cross and gives salvation by His resurrection through the church. He did it as God… but more importantly for us, He was a Man like us.That means that He knew temptation, pain, suffering, and tears… that's part of how He helps us when we're tempted… that's how He helps us in pain and sorrow and tears… not just that He knew them once back in the day… but because He's with us now. He attends to us, cries with us, holds us to Himself in the church, and wipes our tears away while comforting us with His Word. He's with us in our cradles, in the good and tough days of school and work. He's with us when we're old, and He's with us in the hour of our death; He who has known death abides with us. He who has been risen from the dead provides comfort that though we die, Christ, Who was raised from the dead, will raise us on the Last Day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant us your unworthy servants Your grace, that in the hour of death, the adversary may not prevail against us but that we may be found worthy of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Feast of Corpus Christi 1st Reading: Exodus 24:3-8 Responsorial: Psalm 116        2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15 Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

“Hebrews might be even harder to read than Revelation!” And that's why we're chatting about the book of Hebrews and why it's so rich, and matters so much for us today. Plus, we have some friends who are releasing a podcast to help guide you through exploring this book - you can check that out in the link below, or by searching for ‘Hebrews a conversation' on your podcast apps. We hope you are inspired to dive in and read.   You can find Tim and Steve's last project about Revelation at https://arevelationconversation.com/   And, you can find the Hebrews resources there at https://arevelationconversation.com/hebrews/   Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast. This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.   If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone. And if you have a question you'd like us to chat about, please let us know!

Jennifer T. Kaalund (Ph.D., New Testament and Early Christianity, Drew University) is Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Her research focuses on Christian Scriptures, contextual Biblical hermeneutics, and African American history, culture, and religion. She is the author of Reading Hebrews and 1 Peter with the African American Great Migration: Diaspora, Place, and Identity (Bloomsbury T&T Clark Press, 2018). She currently serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. Follow Dr. Jennifer Kaalund: https://twitter.com/jkaalund Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/luce-cohort-spring-2023

Reading Hebrews 13:17-25 and finishing up a study in the book of Hebrews with a final exhortation, benediction, and closing words of encouragement. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Lauds, Morning Prayer for Friday in the 3rd week of Lent, March 17th, 2023, Feast of St. Patrick. Here in the Archdiocese of Boston, St. Patrick is our patronal saint, so his "optional memorial" is practiced as a feast liturgically. Thanks for praying with us! For inquiries, requests, and feedback please email singthehours@gmail.com.Follow us on Twitter @singthehours Please support this work directly through any of our funding platforms:Venmo: @singthehoursPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UT522UGV68ANSPatreon: patreon.com/singthehoursBy Mail: St. Paul’s Parish, attn: Paul Rose, 29 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Check out our website at singthehours.org! Deus in Adjutorium – "O God, come to my assistance" Hymn: "Inclitus Rector," pg.293, Liber Hymnarius, Ordericus Vitalis, 1143 A.D. Psalm 63v2-9 (Gregorian tone 2d major, Antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Canticle: Daniel 3v57-88, 56 (Sing the Hours arrangement, mode VIII, antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Psalm 149 (Gregorian tone I, psalm simple tone, antiphon adapted from the official Latin proper by Sing the Hours, 2022) Reading: Hebrews 13v7-9a Antiphon: On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set my watchmen to guard you. Benedictus (Latin, Tone 8, Luke 1v68-79) Intercessions: "Nourish your people, Lord." The Lord's Prayer (ICEL) Concluding Prayers Ora Pro Nobis Sancta Dei Genetrix – "Pray for us O Holy Mother of God" The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.