Monday after the Fifth Sunday in Easter

Mark the Evangelist
By 18-century Russian icon painter [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Brief Reflections on the Book of Common Prayer Daily Office Lectionary Readings

Opening Sentence
Alleluia, the Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pray - Click here

Read TodayMonday | 25 April 2016 | Happy Birthday Leah! Ps. 145; Ecclesiasticus 2:1–11; Acts 12:25—13:3; Ps. 67 96; 2 Timothy 4:1–11

St Mark Day texts

Psalm 145 | Hymn
I will praise the Lord each day; teach me to rule; the Lord is good to all; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Ecclesiasticus 2 Ecclesiasticus is also known as Sirah and is in the canons of the Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox religions. In Anglican circles, it is regarded as a devotional piece and not used for the doctrine of the Church. Our reading today talks about what it is to have the fear of the Lord which equals wisdom; kind of like proverbs with saying on the ethical life. My child, when you come to live the life of the Lord - prepare to be tested; wait for God’s mercy for God is compassionate.

1 Thessalonians 5 Practical advice on the life of Christ for the Church.

2 Timothy 4

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Personal Instructions

9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.

Read Tomorrow

Tuesday | 26 April 2016 |
Ps. 61 62; Ps. 68:1–20 (21–23) 24–36; Lev. 16:20–34; 1 Thess. 5:1–11; Matt. 6:7–15