The Lessons Appointed for Use on the
Feast of Saint Matthew
September 22, 2002
The Collect
We thank you, heavenly Father, for the witness of your apostle and evangelist Matthew to the Gospel of your Son our Savior; and we pray that, after his example, we may with ready wills and hearts obey the calling of our Lord to follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Old Testament Proverbs 3:1-6
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
The Psalm Legem pone Psalm 119:33-40 BCP 766
- 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, *
and I shall keep it to the end.
- 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *
I shall keep it with all my heart.
- 35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, *
for that is my desire.
- 36 Incline my heart to your decrees *
and not to unjust gain.
- 37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *
give me life in your ways.
- 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, *
which you make to those who fear you.
- 39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, *
because your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for your commandments; *
in your righteousness preserve my life.
The New Testament 2 Timothy 3:14-17
As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
The Gospel Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
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Flowers on the Altar are given to the Glory of God
by Lucy Boyea in memory of Judith McCown
on the anniversary of her birthday, September 19.
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