The Christian Church - Synod of Saint Timothy

The Synod of Saint Timothy is a body of faithful Christians, seeking to minister to the world through the Sacramental life and fraternal love that was evident in the ancient Church, while always putting the saving grace of Christ's atoning sacrifice first in our minds. We welcome you to our online blog.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Holy Innocents of Bethlehem

Please find posted below the proper for the Christmastide weekeday liturgy for the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, to be celebrated on Monday, 9 January 2006. May the Lord bless you and all those whom you love and serve.


Monday after the Epiphany: The Holy Innocents of Bethlehem
[9 January 2006]

Prayer:
Almighty Father, on this day we remember the slaughter of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem. Graciously receive all innocent victims into the consoling embrace of your arms of mercy. Through the power of your Spirit, frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace. We ask through your Son, your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C
Jeremiah 31:15-17
Psalm 121
Revelation 6:9-11
Matthew 2:13-23

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, December 23, 2005

The Second Sunday after Christmas

Hi, All: Here is the proper for the Second Sunday after Christmas, to be celebrated on 8 January 2006. May the Lord bless you and loved ones during this holy season.


Second Sunday after Christmas: The Epiphany

Prayer:
Almighty Father, by the light of a star, you manifested your only-begotten Son to the peoples of the earth. We are grateful for the gift of your Spirit, through whom we have the eyes of faith to behold your Son. Help us to follow him unto the light of your everlasting glory. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:

Numbers 24:15-19
1 Kings 13:1-10

Psalm 98:7-9

Wisdom:
Psalm 4
Psalm 96: 10-13
Psalm 97: 1-5

Prophets:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Jeremiah 30:21-22

Deuterocanonical:
Wisdom 7:27--8:1; 18:1-4

Apostolic Epistle:
Ephesians 3:1-6
1 Timothy 3:16

Apostolic Account:
Acts 26:12-23
Revelation 22:1-5

Gospel:
Matthew 2:1-12

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 98:7-9
1 Timothy 3:16
Matthew 2:1-12

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Solemnity of Mary the Theotokos

This Christmastide, since we will celebrate the Presentation, Circumcision, and Holy Name of Jesus on Sunday, 1 January 2006, the Solemnity of Mary the Theotokos, usually celebrated on 1 January, transfers to the following day. Please find posted below the proper for this solemnity, this year to be celebrated on Monday, 2 January 2006. May the Lord bless you and those whom you love and serve during this Christmastide and throughout the new year of grace.


January 1: Mary the Theotokos
(this year transferred to Monday, 2 January 2006)

Prayer:
Almighty Father, we celebrate the witness of Mary the Theotokos, who was obedient to your call and gave birth to your Son, the Savior of the world. Supported by your Spirit, may we find joy in answering your call, strive for humility of heart, and, along with Mary, follow the light of your Son, your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C

1 Chronicles 15:2-4,15-16; 16:1-2
Psalm 67
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 11:27-28 [alternative: Luke 1:46-55]

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Sunday after Christmas

Please find posted below the proper for the First Sunday after Christmas, 1 January 2006. May the Lord bless you and those whom you love and serve during this Christmastide and throughout the new year of grace.


First Sunday after Christmas:
The Presentation, Circumcision, and Holy Name of Jesus

Prayer:
Almighty Father, through his circumcision your only Son was made a child of Abraham and a member of your people Israel. Given the name above every other name, your Son was acclaimed by Simeon as the light of all nations. As Abraham's spiritual children and members of the new Israel, we ask for the strength of your Spirit, that we may faithfully bear the name of your Son and proclaim him as the Savior of the world. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:
Genesis 17:9-14
Leviticus 12:1-4
Deuteronomy 30:6
1 Samuel 1:21-28

Psalm 98:4-6

Wisdom:
Psalm 96:7-9
Psalm 97:6-9

Prophets:
Isaiah 29:19-20
Isaiah 61:10

Deuterocanonical:
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 10:14-18

Apostolic Epistle:
Philippians 2:5-11
Colossians 2:8-15

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 21:15-27

Gospel:
Luke 2:21-40

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C
Genesis 17:9-14
Psalm 98:4-6
Colossians 2:8-15
Luke 2:21-40

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Solemnity of Christmas

Please find posted below the proper for the Solemnity of Christmas, Sunday, 25 December 2005. On this holy day may the Lord bless the world with peace. Also, may the Lord bless you and your loved ones during this Christmastide and throughout the new year of grace.


Christmas: The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Prayer at Vigil / Midnight:
Gracious Father, on this holy night we recall your tender mercy as we celebrate the gift of your Son. Through the power of your Spirit, draw us into the mystery of your saving love, join our voices with the heavenly host, and grant us a place among the shepherds as we praise the One whose second coming we await. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer at Dawn:
Gracious Father, on this holy day we joyfully recall the dawn of your loving kindness and your tender compassion and the promise of eternal life. Fill us with wonder and awe as we celebrate the birth of your Son. May your Spirit inspire the witness of our lives to proclaim Jesus as the treasure of our hearts. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer during the Day:
Gracious Father, we are grateful for the privilege to gather together to commemorate the birth of your Son. Through the power of your Spirit, inspire our lips to offer songs of joyful praise and our hearts to give thanks for your countless blessings. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:

Exodus 24:16-18
1 Samuel 1:9-20
Psalm 98:1-3

Psalm 98:1-3

Wisdom:
Psalm 96:1-6
Psalm 97:10-12

Prophets:
Isaiah 9:1-6
Isaiah 52:7-10
Isaiah 62:11-12

Deuterocanonical:
Tobit 5:10

Apostolic Epistle:
Titus 2:11-14
Titus 3:4-7
Hebrews 1:1-6

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 21:5-7
Revelation 21:9-11

Gospel:
Luke 2:1-20
John 1:14-18

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A, B, and C
Isaiah 9:1-6 (vigil / midnight); Isaiah 62:11-12 (dawn); Isaiah 52:7-10 (day)
Psalm 98:1-3
Titus 2:11-14 (vigil / mignight); Titus 3:4-7 (dawn); Hebrews 1:1-6 (day)
Luke 2:1-20 (vigil / midnight / dawn); John 1:14-18 (day)

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth as joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Fourth Sunday of Advent

As this is running behind schedule, please accept my late Advent apologies. The following post includes the proper for this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, 18 December 2005. As the day of Christmas draws near, may the Holy Spirit kindle within our hearts the warmth of God's saving love and mercy, inspire acts of compassion toward those who are struggling during this holy season, and draw us closer to the throne of grace to hear the incarnate Word, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and to welcome his presence into our lives. He is indeed the promised One of the ages, Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14), a name that means "God is with us" (Matthew 1:23)!

Holy God,
holy and mighty,
holy immortal One,
who was incarnate for us,
have mercy upon us.


Advent Proper 4: "The Annunciation of our Lord to Joseph"

Prayer:
Almighty Father, by the message of an angel, you inspired faith in your servant Joseph, that he might become the spouse of the virgin Mary and the guardian of your Son. By your Spirit inspire in us the courage of Joseph, that we may be ever willing to undertake the works of our faith and to trust in the grace that you have shared with us. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:
Genesis 49:8-10
Numbers 24:15-19
Psalm 24:1-6

Psalm 24:1-6

Wisdom:
Psalm 80:14-19
Song of Songs 6:9-10

Prophets:
Isaiah 2:2-4
Isaiah 25:6-10
Isaiah 29:17-20
Micah 5:1-4

Deuterocanonical:
2 Maccabees 10:1-8

Apostolic Epistle:
Romans 16:25-27
1 Corinthians 4:5

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 2:24-29
Revelation 12:1-6

Gospel:
Matthew 1:18-25

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A , B, and C

Isaiah 2:2-4
Psalm 24:1-6
Romans 16:25-27
Matthew 1:18-25

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, you have gathered us together as your people, who now await the glorious return of your Son. From this eucharist send us forth to invite others into this fellowship of faith, hope, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Third Sunday of Advent

Kindly find posted below the proper for liturgical use on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, 11 December 2005. May the Lord bless you and you loved ones through not only this holy season but throughout the new year of grace.

Advent Proper 3: "The Visitation of Mary and the Birth of John the Baptist"

Prayer:
Almighty Father, you blessed the barren womb of Elizabeth that she might give birth to John your prophet, and you chose the virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son. By your Spirit fill us with your grace, that we may follow the faithful examples of Elizabeth and Mary, patiently awaiting your kindness, accepting your will, and rejoicing in your abundant gifts. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:
Torah or History:
Genesis 18:1-15
Genesis 19:1-26
Ruth 1:1-18

Psalm 72:1-7,18-19

Wisdom:
Psalm 65:9-13
Psalm 106:1-5

Prophets:
Isaiah 12:2-6
Zephaniah 3:14-17

Deuterocanonical:
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)16:17-25

Apostolic Epistle:
Romans 12:9-13
1 Peter 2:9-10

Apostolic Account:
Acts 19:11-22
Acts 27:1-3

Gospel:
Luke 1:39-45,57-66

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Years A , B, and C
Genesis 18:1-15
Psalm 72:1-14,18-19
1 Peter 2:9-10
Luke 1:39-45,57-66

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, you have gathered us together as your people, who now await the glorious return of your Son. From this eucharist send us forth to invite others into this fellowship of faith, hope, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.