The Scriptures Appointed for TodayThe Introit: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-10, 13The Psalter: Psalm 32Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 3:1–21The Gradual: Psalm 91:11–12aEpistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 6:1–10The Verse: Psalm 91:1, 4, 15–16The Gospel: Matthew 4:1–11Jesus Does Battle in Our . . . . Continue Reading »
This Sunday marks “Sunday of Orthodoxy,” also known as “Triumph of Orthodoxy,” a date that meant nothing to me a few years ago because it is only observed in the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Two of my close friends, one who converted to Orthodoxy from . . . . Continue Reading »
The West and East count Lent differently. Lent for the West begins today, with Ash Wednesday. Lent is counted 40 days to Easter and Sunday’s during that period are not part of Lent. For the East, Lent began Monday, Sundays are counted and Lent ends on Friday before Lazarus Saturday (followed . . . . Continue Reading »
Joel 2:12–192 Peter 1:2–11Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21Return to the Lord Your God with All Your HeartWith Jesus, we set our face toward Jerusalem. We make our pilgrimage with Him by the way of repentance, and thus return to the dying and rising of Holy Baptism. Each day He summons you to . . . . Continue Reading »
Philemon was a prominent first-century Christian who owned a slave named Onesimus. Although the name “Onesimus” means “useful,” Onesimus proved himself “useless” when he ran away from his master and perhaps even stole from him (Philemon 18). Somehow Onesimus came . . . . Continue Reading »
The Scripture Readings Appointed for Quinquagesima Introit: Ps. 31:1, 5, 9, 16; antiphon: Ps. 31:2b–3Psalm of the day: Psalm 89:18-29 (antiphon: 20)Old Testament: 1 Samuel 16:1–13Gradual: Psalm. 77:14–15Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13Verse: Ps. 100:1–3Gospel: Luke . . . . Continue Reading »
Saint Paul chose Silas, a leader in the church at Jerusalem, to accompany him on his second missionary journey from Antioch to Asia Minor and Macedonia (Acts 15:40). Silas, also known as Silvanus, was imprisoned with Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40) and experienced the riots in Thessalonica (Acts . . . . Continue Reading »
On the second last Sunday before the start of Lent, known as Sexagesima, the focus is on God’s work through His Word. The Sower sows the seed of His Word (Luke 8:4–15). This Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of . . . . Continue Reading »
The Scriptures Appointed for Septuagesima Introit: Psalm 18:1–2a, 27, 32, 49; antiphon: Ps. 18:5–6Psalter: Psalm 95:1-9 (antiphon: v. 6)Old Testament: Exodus 17:1–7Gradual: Ps. 9:9–10, 18–19aEpistle: 1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5Verse: Ps. 130:1–4Gospel: Matthew . . . . Continue Reading »
In the traditional liturgical Church Year, this Sunday and the two following are known as “gesima” Sundays, and the three Sunday period we are now in, is known as pre-Lent. What is the meaning of “gesima” and why a three week “pre-Lent.” Here’s a great . . . . Continue Reading »
Subscribe
Latest Issue
Support First Things
