To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man that fears the LORD?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all their troubles!

Psalm 25

Reading: St. Matthew 21:1-9

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

Meditation: From Bethphage that Jesus sends two disciples to get two beasts for him to ride. Bethphage means Amouth house,@ for here Jesus fulfills the word of the Prophet, saying, Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you, etc. So also, from the mouth house of God the word sounds forth that Jesus is indeed the King, in spite of His meekness. In meekness He rides an ass and a colt; and in meekness He preaches to His people and feeds them; even as His birth was in meekness. He rides first the ass, and then the colt, moving from the old to the new, even as He inaugurates the New Testament. But consider this new colt: untamed, yet tame; untied, yet submissive. So consider also the new Jerusalem, the Church: she does not chafe beneath Him; she does not run from Him but willingly bears Him aloft. And the disciples= garments are cast upon the colt, even as it is through the apostolic preaching that the Church receives Her Master, while she awaits His advent with an eager heart. For she celebrates His advent whenever He comes, through this preaching, and especially in the Holy Sacrament, when she, the new Jerusalem, cries out saying, Hosanna!, which, according to the psalmist, was for royal inauguration, Save now!, or rather, God save the King! For He was to be crowned at his crucifixion.

Psalm 25

Reading: St. Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Meditation: The Lord of heaven and earth is Himself wise and prudent; indeed, He alone is wise and prudent; thus anyone else who thinks himself thus deceives himself, and the truth is not in him; and to be truly wise and prudent is not something achieved but granted, as Christ says here: you have revealed them to babes. But see to whom this is granted: babes! Infants, those who have no claim on achievement whatsoever. These are the best candidates for Baptism then, for surely they will not claim credit for the wisdom and prudence they shall receive therein. These, and whoever becomes like them in the humility of a contrite heart. And to the rest, who labor and are heavy laden, that is, who are burdened with fruitless efforts to gain wisdom and prudence, Christ offers this invitation: Come to Me. That is, approach the One who gives freely. For He who is the fulfillment of the Sabbath commandment now offers rest, in the knowledge not only that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, but also that He redeemed it, that we may rest in Him, that is, in Christ who says, I will give you rest. For the burden of redemption has already been accomplished by Him who is our holy Ox, and thus His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Psalm 25

Reading: Acts 3:22-26

For Moses truly said to the fathers, The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

Meditation: Now as Peter preaches to the men of Israel, he makes it clear that Jesus is the very One who came in fulfillment of the Scriptures: Moses truly said. Men of Israel! Do you not claim Moses and his words? What, then, does Moses say? The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Who is this Prophet? Was not Christ anointed this Prophet at His Baptism, when the voice from the cloud commanded, saying, hear Him? The voice of the Father has thus designated our Jesus as this Prophet, the Incarnate Word, the One greater than Moses. For Moses ascended the mountain to receive the Commandments from God, but Christ sat on the mountain to give His Holy Gospel to His disciples; Moses returned from the mountain with shining face reflecting the light of Him who was to come; but Christ is the Light, who in His transfiguration shone with unborrowed light. So Christ is also greater than Abraham, and is His promised seed, in whom all the families of the earth shall be blessed. For Abraham received the Promised Land, but Christ purchased and redeemed all the world; Abraham=s name means Father of a multitude, but Christ is not only named, but truly is to the Eternal Father my beloved Son, and therefore is one with Him and the Spirit.

Psalm 25

Reading: Colossians 1:15-29 or 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Meditation: In calling our Lord Jesus Christ firstborn over all creation, the Apostle does not mean to say that He is Himself a creature, but that He is the Creator, ever blessed, of all creatures. This is why it is added that by Him all things were created. To say He is firstborn is not to say that there was ever a time when He was not, but to say, rather, that He is eternally and perpetually the firstborn and only-begotten from the bosom of the Father, above all angels. Therefore He is also firstborn from the grave, the head of the body springing forth from the earth=s womb, because He is the eternally begotten Son. And as every son bears the image of his father, so does He, in a more excellent way, for He is the image of the invisible God. See, Adam was made in the image of God, but Christ is the image of God; therefore Adam was made in Christ. When the invisible God created Adam, He declared by this creation how He himself would one day appear, in the fullness of time. No one has seen the Father at any time, but the image of the Father we see in Jesus, for He, the Firstborn over all creation, is His image and icon. Behold the Lord Jesus and you behold the One in whom all fullness dwells, that is, all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

Psalm 25

Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Meditation: In the beginning, God spoke, creating the world; and the Word of God which He spoke was eternal, was God from God; and so it was that at various times and in various ways God spoke also by the prophets; which is to say, when they spoke, He continued to speak; yea, their word was the Word, Christ, who was to come. So has the Word sounded forth from God from the beginning until finally these last days. Now what? Now is the time of fulfillment, when the Eternal Word which sounded forth from God=s mouth, by which God made the worlds, has become flesh. For in the beginning God said, let Us make man in our image, that man might reflect the image of God; but now, in the end, God’s image becomes manifest in Himself. For who is Christ? The brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person. So then, in the beginning God=s Word created man in the flesh; but now, in the end, God=s Word of creation becomes one with His creation, in order to restore it to glory. And this restoration is indicated by the Apostle, who says that Christ purged our sins, and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. See what glory! Man sits on the throne of God. The Word became flesh, in order that flesh might be wedded to the eternal God.

Psalm 25

Reading: Hebrews 2:1-4

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

Meditation: What are the things we have heard? Are they not the Gospel, which is the Word, which is Christ? To Him we must give the more earnest heed, then, for He is Himself the word spoken through angels. Which angels? Surely, the ministering angels who worship Him, who laud and magnify His glorious name, evermore praising Him and saying, Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! But the prophets are also angels, of another kind, for they are also messengers of God, who spoke His word to every generation. They have blessed the Lord, these angels that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. And their word proved steadfast, in that it has been demonstrated to be the truth, by virtue of the fact that the nations which opposed their word were thrown down and defeated, for every transgression and disobedience received a just reward. Indeed, the overthrow of all Israel=s enemies, throughout their generations, is testimony to the truth of the word spoken through angels. But now we see Jesus, the One of whom they all spoke, the incarnate Word; as has been confirmed to us by those who heard Him, that is, the holy Apostles. How much more need we to pay heed to His voice, for how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

Psalm 25

Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12 or 3:1-6

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

Meditation: Christ made known to me the mystery, says the Apostle here. What mystery? The mystery of Christ. Now why is Christ called a mystery? Is He not the revelation of God? Did He not say to Philip, He who has seen me has seen the Father? What mystery, then? Surely, that which is known only by faith, and not by sight. For Philip did not see that the Father was in Christ; and indeed, if we behold His humility, from His birth to His passion and death, we see nothing that bespeaks His divinity. So it is a mystery, revealed to faith by the word of the Gospel, which the Apostle was sent to preach. For the Gospel alone reveals the mystery, that there is no other God than this man, through whom alone (in spite of His appearance) is salvation and life. But in other ages it was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. For now is the day of salvation, for Christ has come in the flesh; and thus also now the mystery is made known by the preaching of Christ. And not only to the people of Israel, but also to the Gentiles, that they should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ. Partakers how? Through the gospel; for therein is the revelation of the mystery.

The Mighty One, God the LORD,
Has spoken and called the earth
From the rising of the sun to its going down.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God will shine forth.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent;
A fire shall devour before Him,
And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him.

He shall call to the heavens from above,
And to the earth, that He may judge His people:
“Gather My saints together to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
Let the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is Judge.

“Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, your God!
I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices
Or your burnt offerings,
Which are continually before Me.
I will not take a bull from your house,
Nor goats out of your folds.
For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Or drink the blood of goats?
Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to declare My statutes,
Or take My covenant in your mouth,
Seeing you hate instruction
And cast My words behind you?
When you saw a thief, you consented with him,
And have been a partaker with adulterers.
You give your mouth to evil,
And your tongue frames deceit.
You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.
These things you have done, and I kept silent;
You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.

“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50

Reading: St. Luke 21:25-36

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Meditation: What are the signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars? Eclipses of the sun and moon and the appearance of comets have certainly been increasing in abundance in these latter days, as anyone can see; yet we might also consider the fact that ever since the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), things have not been the same for Israel, whose house was left desolate. No longer can it be seen or believed that the nation which once was still is, or ever again shall be, as Jesus declared; when Jerusalem fell, men=s hearts were failing them from fear, etc. and the powers of the heavens were shaken. What powers are these? Was not Israel till then God=s chosen nation, and thus the very powers of the heavens? See how its power was shaken and changed. What does this mean? Behold, the end of all things is at the gates, and has been since then. Look at the fig tree: she buds before she bears fruit; so you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. For the signs of the end occurred during the generation which first heard these words, as Jesus promised: this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. So lift up your heads in expectation, because your redemption draws near.

Psalm 50

Reading: Acts 17:16-34 or 17:16-25

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?”

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Meditation: When at Athens, Paul=s spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. What spirit? Surely, the Holy Spirit; for He is a jealous God. So it was that by the Spirit he then reasoned in the synagogue with the . . . worshipers; for their worship was false. And where else did he speak with them? In the marketplace daily; that is, in the agora, the public square. Here he proclaimed to them the unknown God, aware that idolaters do not know God. So also today in the public square: there are found those given to idolatry, who do not know God. He does not dwell in temples made with hands, for the temple of the Incarnate One is the flesh of His body, and the bodies of His faithful temples of the Holy Spirit. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything. See, none can worship Him with their hands, or works, or errands, or offerings; rather, He is worshiped by those who receive the works of His hands, namely, His atonement for the sin of the world. So true worship replaces false when men’s works give place to Christ’s, men’s temples give place to Christ’s body and the bodies of His saints, and the marketplace gives place to the price of the blood of Christ to purchase a people for Christ’s own possession.

Psalm 50

Reading: 1 John 4:9-16

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Meditation: St. John is often called the beloved disciple, since in his Gospel he refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved; how fitting, then, that he should refer to the faithful also as beloved, for in this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Here is great encouragement to participate in the Holy Sacrament, for this propitiation is distributed therein. For St. John customarily makes veiled references to that Feast in terms of love, inasmuch as Christ gave the Sacrament while saying (in John’s Gospel!), a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you. So then, the love of God is given in the Sacrament which is Christ the propitiation for our sins; those who partake share in the love of God. Not only so, but they become united in love for each other, because of their union with Christ at the altar. Thus they who partake together love one another. And he who does not love does not know God, for God is love. That is, he who refuses this Supper refuses God. And no one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. That is, if we partake in the Supper, the unseen God is revealed to us by faith, and binds us in love.

Psalm 50

Reading: Colossians 1:1-8

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

Meditation: Behold how the Apostle binds faith and love together, saying, we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints. For these are always found together; indeed, faith toward God is also love for God, and love toward the neighbor is also an expression of the unity of faith. Now this unity is found most especially at the Holy Altar, where we join angels and archangels and all the company of heaven to praise the thrice holy One. Faith and love, that is, are seen to be one at the altar, for unity with Christ must also be unity with one another. And so too, faith and love are there united with hope, the hope which is laid up for you in heaven. For Jesus Himself had said, lay up treasures in heaven. Thus He speaks of hope, the confidence of heaven. For hope is the confidence that by partaking in Christ we shall be raised from the dead. But this hope is laid up in heaven, that is, guarded in union with the host of heaven by the Holy Spirit. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; yet all are one (or, as the Apostle himself says elsewhere, the greatest of these is love), since faith is the love of Christ, and hope is the love of His appearing. As is God Himself, so also are faith, hope, and love: triune.

Psalm 50

Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Meditation: Here the Apostle warns: work out your own salvation with fear. Fear of God, that is, saying with the psalmist, I am afraid of thy judgments. But how is this salvation worked out? It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. What does He work? Consider what He worked in Christ Himself: to will and to do for His good pleasure. What was that? Christ prayed in Gethsemane, saying as You will, accepting without complaining and disputing the lot of crucifixion. Thus by willing submission to the cross He demonstrated His love of the Father. So also do all the faithful demonstrate their love for Him, especially when they suffer for His name. For they shine as lights in the world especially when they do not deny Christ in the face of persecution for His name’s sake. Indeed, the greater the suffering, the greater the shining of that light. For why would anyone suffer willingly, except if he is bound to the convictions for which he suffers, holding fast the word of life? For Christ likewise did not turn from His resolve. Nor did the Apostle, who said, I am being poured out as a drink offering. How greatly he suffered! How greatly does the light of his confession thus shine. So also it is with all who suffer for Christ’s sake.

Psalm 50

Reading: Philippians 3:12-17

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Meditation: What does the Apostle mean, not that I have already attained, or am already perfected? Is he not justified? Is he not free? Does not faith give all things? Yet he says, I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. What is that? Again he says, I press. Toward what? Toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. So he who has attained grace also is moved to lay hold of that which he by faith has inherited; for faith is never idle. So he presses; even as the crowds were often pressing about Jesus. For the goal of which he speaks is Jesus Himself, whom he both has already received and whom he desires to receive. So he presses, and that not out of selfish desire to gain something for himself, for he says, not, I have laid hold of Christ, but rather, Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. Thus his pressing is born of Christ himself, and is moved by Christ. Moreover his pressing serves as an encouragement to others, as he says, Follow my example. Thus he wishes that all may press on, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. For behind are the former things of the fallen world; but ahead is Christ, the firstborn from the dead.

Psalm 50

Reading: Colossians 3:1-11 or 3:1-5

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Meditation: Behold how the Apostle talks: you were raised with Christ; and again, you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. See, it is done, Christ has died and was raised; in Him, so have you also died and arisen from the dead. Thus he who in one place speaks of not having attained, or being already perfected, here speaks otherwise. This is because there are different ways to exhort, and he uses both. In one case he uses the image of the runner toward the goal; but here, without such an image, simply declares the reality of Christ’s cross and resurrection: those who have been baptized have been joined to His cross and resurrection. Yet in both cases the encouragement is the same: in one case, reach forward to those things which are ahead, and here, set your mind on things above. What things are above? Your life, he says; for whoever partakes of His flesh on earth therefore partakes also in whatever He has accomplished. Was He not crucified? So were you. Was He not raised? So were you. Has He not ascended into heaven, to the right hand of the Father? So have you; for Christ was crucified, arose, and ascended in the flesh. Now He is no longer seen, as He was before His ascension; therefore also you: your life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ shall appear in glory, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood?

But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4

Reading: St. Matthew 11:2-10

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written:

Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Meditation: Why did John send to ask Christ if He was the Coming One? Did he not know? Surely, for he it is whose finger directs all to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. So then, his query was not for himself, but for his disciples, and also for all: therefore let all ask Him, saying, Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another? And then behold His answer, which directs all to His works as the verification of His claim. The blind see, etc. For this was according to the words of the prophet Isaiah, who declared that the coming of God would restore sight, strength, cleansing, ears, and life to a fallen world. So in Christ the faithful see; in Him they walk in the way of the Lord; in Him they are cleansed from all unrighteousness; in Him they are raised from death to everlasting salvation. In short, the poor have the gospel preached to them. For the poor can recognize Him as He is, since He was Himself poor, that they might become rich toward God. For He says, blessed is he who is not offended because of me, and why should the poor be offended at His poverty? So, blessed are the poor in spirit, who like John, though they are heirs of eternal riches, yet are content with earthly poverty, without soft garments or kings’ houses; though certainly they shall inherit them in the life of the world to come.

Psalm 4

Reading: Hebrews 10:35-39

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Meditation: Here the Apostle says your confidence . . . has great reward. What is your confidence but your hope? And what is your hope but Christ? See, Christ has great reward: for He gave gifts to men when He had led captivity captive. But who hopes for what he sees? Therefore we wait in hope, and so there is need of endurance; for if you do not endure, you shall cast away your confidence. But from whence comes the endurance needed? The just shall live by faith. Now if he does not endure, he shall not live; therefore, if he lives by faith, he must also endure by faith. For faith believes that endurance shall have its reward: yet a little while, says faith, knowing that He who is coming will come and will not tarry. For He Himself has said, a little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me; thus faith finds Him whenever He is preached and given, and faith and endurance ever live together; even as the holy season of Advent finds them together, at once both rejoicing in the word of promise and awaiting its fulfillment, the coming of the Lord. So we are not of those who draw back to perdition, for we, by faith, hope; but we are of those who believed, to the saving of the soul, for we, looking for redemption by hope, believe.

Psalm 4

Reading: St. Luke 21:5-24 or 21:5-12

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”

And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Meditation: Is Jesus here predicting the destruction of Jerusalem, or the end of the world? Is it not both? For in referring to Jerusalem’s fall, He declared, these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. For Jesus is the Prophet of prophets; and as prophets were always wont to predict a type, in their own generation, of things to come in a more distant future, in Christ, so also here Christ Himself follows the same prophetic pattern. This is for comfort: when the type comes to pass, so also will the fulfillment surely come to pass. So in prophesying the end of all things, He also predicts its type: not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down; and again, nation will rise against nation, etc. Now as was the case with the prophets, the type soon came to pass, when Jerusalem fell. But all the predictions Jesus made did not transpire then; for the type and its fulfillment are not the same thing. When the end of all things comes, then Jerusalem’s destruction will cover the whole earth, accompanied by famines and pestilences, etc. But since He has declared it in advance, therefore His comfort is also confirmed: do not be terrified; for it is all according to His divine plan, which is also for the eternal salvation of His own people.

Psalm 4

Reading: St. Luke 12:35-59 or 12:35-40

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?”

And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

Meditation: Here Christ warns of the need for vigilance. For He tells of men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding. Who must this master be, but Christ Himself, our heavenly Bridegroom. And what is this grand Feast, but the same banquet as is also celebrated ahead of its time, from Sunday to Sunday? See here, the master serves the servants! He washes their feet, He feeds them, He heals them and gives them life, for the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. And until He comes in glory, these men must watch, like watchmen on the wall against all encroachments of the enemy, that they might gladly open at last to Him who is Master and Lord of the house. It matters not when He comes, whether in the second watch or in the third watch, whether early or late; they must watch against the enemy until He does. So must the disciples learn vigilance, as watchmen and servants of their Master they must guard the churches which shall be entrusted to them, lest the enemy overtake. For the enemy breaks through and steals, in an hour when they will not expect. So must they watch against that thief who would take what is not his own, until the Son of Man comes to receive His own, also at an unexpected hour.

Psalm 4

Reading: James 5:7-11

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Meditation: See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth. How does he wait? He waits patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. He waits patiently because he knows it will grow. He has planted the seed, the rain has come, and so the precious fruit must spring forth. In the same way the preaching of the Gospel requires much patience. For the farmer is Christ, the seed is the implanted word of God in Holy Baptism, and the rain, this is the preaching of that same word. For as the baptized faithful gather to hear the word proclaimed, so that Baptismal word is watered. For of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth. And what shall happen with patience? Behold, the precious fruit shall rise; truth shall spring out of the earth. That is, there shall finally come the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Yea, gladness shall be put into their hearts, more than in the time that grain and wine increases on earth. Therefore patience shall have its reward, and thus the Apostle encourages, saying to the preachers (the brethren): You also be patient: as Christ has been patient, so must patience attend the preaching of the Gospel; and establish your hearts, that is, take confidence from the same word which has been implanted in you.

Psalm 4

Reading: St. Luke 1:1-25 or 1:5-17

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Meditation: Behold six barren mothers: Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Samson’s mother, Hannah, and Elizabeth, sixth in the line of women whose miraculous maternity betokens the seventh and greatest. For the seventh is greatest because she alone is not merely barren, but a virgin, and her Son is not merely man but God. So the birth of our Lord is foretold in the blessed motherhood of its forerunners. And of those forerunners Elizabeth and her son are greatest, for John will be great in the sight of the Lord: greater than Isaac, for not merely his parents, but many will rejoice at His birth; than Jacob, for not merely the inheritance, but the gift of the Holy Spirit shall fill him; than Joseph, for having honor not merely above his brothers and parents, but, among those born of women none greater than John was born; than Samson, though he too shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, yet unlike Samson he shall not be blind, but behold the Lamb of God; than Samuel, for he shall anoint not David, but the Son of David Himself. But even John, the sixth type, is not greatest, for seventh is the Lamb of God, who was born twice, once from the Virgin, and again from the tomb: as it were, the eighth barren womb, into which birth and resurrection are all the baptized joined forevermore.

Psalm 4

Reading: St. Luke 1:26-38

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Meditation: Why is Mary blessed among women? Is it not because no other woman is mother of God? For the angel says that her Son will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; therefore the Son of the Highest is also Mary’s Son. Does this not cause Mary and the Highest to become equals? But how can this be? How can this lowly maiden be made as high as God? Or how can the Son of the Highest be contained in the little space of her womb? How can the infinite God be the child of a woman? How can it be that God will open her womb Himself? How can He who feeds the ravens now feed at her lowly breast? How can the divine so exalt the lowly as to become one with Himself? Now Mary herself was troubled at the angel’s saying, not for disbelief, but surely because she could not hold within her feeble mind the mystery of the incarnation; how then could she be worthy to hold within her womb the Incarnate One Himself? But the angel’s reply is quick to comfort: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. For this is the grace of God, that He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant, and exalted the lowly. So is she blessed among women; as also are all the faithful blessed and brought into unity with the Highest, as it is written, Blessed are the undefiled in the Way.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. John 1:19-28

Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

And he answered, “No.”

Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

He said: “I am

The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the LORD,” ’

as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”

These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Meditation: Who is John? See, he refuses to give himself title, or call himself anything other than a voice; for his task is only to cry in the wilderness, that is, the desert, where men like the disobedient Israelites are bent on exalting themselves and their idols; so John will not exalt himself here, though tempted sorely by his adversaries. How like Christ Himself, who also resisted temptation in the desert. But John clings to Christ with a resolute heart, saying, It is He who is preferred. See how John is kept back from presumptuous sins, which will not have dominion over him. So he declares, I am not worthy to loose His sandal strap. Now sandals are worn for walking, and the walk of all men is crooked. But the way of the Lord is straight, inasmuch as Christ is Himself the Way. So must His way become also straight among crooked men. How? By Baptism, which is why these things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing; for Bethabara means Aplace of crossing,@ and Jordan has two sides. On the one side stand the Jews who will not confess their sins nor receive the Christ; on the other stands John with those he has baptized; for Baptism is indeed a crossing, from sin to righteousness, from death to life, and from condemnation to mercy. He whom John baptizes and brings to the other side is thus washed in the One who stood in the midst of that water, on whom the Spirit descended.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Meditation: An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, as is fitting, for is he not the namesake of Joseph son of Israel? And did not that Joseph also dream dreams and interpret them? So Joseph son of Israel is truly a type of Joseph Guardian of our Lord. For as the former Joseph was humiliated in the sight of his brethren who sold him into slavery, so the latter Joseph is ridiculed, falsely, as one who begot an illegitimate son. As the former was at length vindicated in the sight of his brethren, so the latter is vindicated for all eternity by means of the designation Guardian of our Lord. And as the former had two sons, so the latter adopts a Son whose two natures correspond to those two sons. For it is written, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head. Now Manasseh and Ephraim are allegories: for God calls human nature Amine@, like Manasseh, and the divine nature is the hidden strength by which Christ arose from the grave, like Ephraim, Athe strength of mine head. Moreover, as Manasseh means forget, and Ephraim means fruitful, so the name Jesus, means God saving. For in Jesus, God causes the latter Joseph, like the former Joseph, to forget his affliction, and the fruitfulness of Jesus is that He brings forth in Himself a new and eternally fruitful creation.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Luke 1:39-45

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Meditation: See how full of power was the greeting of Mary: it gave faith to John in the womb; for it says that the babe leaped for joy, and where there is joy, there must also be faith. What was this greeting? Surely, it was word of Him whom she carried in her own womb, the incarnate Word. Yea, the substance of her greeting was Christ, whom she carried; and so this all-powerful word sprang from her lips and in through the ear of Elizabeth, till it reached John and gave him faith and joy. So also, the same word springs forth in the Church even today, giving faith and joy to all who are found in a greater womb, namely the font of Holy Baptism. Not only so, but as the babe also leaped, so shall all the faithful leap, as it is written, They shall leap as calves out of the stall; they shall run and not faint, namely, in the resurrection of the just. And all this, because of the mystery of the incarnation, wherein the eternal God took of the flesh of the Virgin to make it His own. Verily she is blessed among women, for what other woman can be called Mother of God? And verily are we all blessed through her Son, seeing that He in taking her flesh took also our own and made it eternal. For He who is eternal has thus brought to what is mortal His own eternal immortality, that His holy word might carry the power of salvation.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Meditation: Since Mary’s greeting to Elizabeth was so full of power that it caused her babe to leap within her, then it is fitting that the evangelist should tell us what that greeting was. So the Magnificat is not something she said after greeting Elizabeth; rather, the words and Mary said tell us that what follows is the substance of her greeting. So what was it that caused John to leap? Surely, these words: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. For who is lowlier than John, who, for preaching Christ, was imprisoned and beheaded? But he leaps!: a token that this lowly one shall be exalted and gain the everlasting rewards of faith. And these words, He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. Was not Elizabeth’s womb filled? How hungry she was, being barren in her old age! Yet this is also a token of the Virgin whose womb God also filled with Himself. For by His holy incarnation, the Lord has at last helped His servant Israel as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. For all the prophets testified until John, our Elijah, who fulfills the role of them all when his finger points to the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. So let the world become lowly, acknowledging their sin, that they might be exalted through the Virgin’s Son.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Luke 1:57-66

Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”

But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Meditation: Consider now the naming of Zacharias’ son. Relatives are surprised that Elizabeth tells them that the name shall not be his father’s, but John. For this is a new name for the family, even as in Christ for whom John will prepare the way, a new name shall belong to God Himself, by which also His people, His new creation, shall be named in Holy Baptism. For in Christ the old departs and all things are made new. Now Zacharias himself is struck mute until he writes with a tablet, saying, His name is John. Thereupon his tongue is loosed and he blesses God. So also, under the Old Testament the word of God was first of all a written thing, written on tablets of stone; yet in the fullness of time the Word became incarnate, and began to preach. So now under the New Testament, the word is first of all the living breath of God, and by which God is blessed. And the loosing of Zacharias’ tongue corresponds to his faithful submission to the angel’s command, you shall call his name John. For as David declares, my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long, so too has Zacharias’ tongue been trained no longer to laugh and scoff at God’s promise, but to confess the faith now planted in his heart. Therefore let us also be not faithless, but believing, that our mouths may show forth His praise.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Luke 1:67-80

Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Meditation: Now Zacharias by the Holy Spirit declares the end and fulfillment of all the holy prophets said, who have been since the world began. What is it? See, it is Christ, the Horn of salvation. And as a beast of burden has a horn in which is its strength, so every prophet’s strength is Christ. For He is the Horn whom they foretold, who saves us from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. But who hate us? All those who are in league with the father of lies, the old evil Foe: these hate Christ and His people, fomenting trouble and strife for the little congregation of God, the Holy Christian Church; yet Christ the Horn is our salvation from all trouble and evil. For He, as the prophets have said, comes to perform the mercy promised to our fathers. For God is true, and speaks truth. So He does this work whereby we are delivered from the hand of our enemies; and fear is put aside, as the holiness and righteousness of our Horn is given to us freely in mercy. And again, the knowledge of salvation is, as it says here, by the remission of sins. This is the accomplishment of the Dayspring from on high, our blessed Christ; and it is the Gospel of this work which Christ has performed that enlightens our darkness and sets us on the way of peace, that is, on Christ Himself, who is the Way.

Psalm 19

Reading: St. Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.

David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

Meditation: See how the generations of Christ our King are divided: fourteen fathers of the kings, fourteen kings, and fourteen who followed the kings. This is fitting, for as there are three groups of lineage, so are there three Persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Christ, and the Spirit who creates followers of Christ. It is fitting that each group have fourteen names, inasmuch as fourteen is a number of absolute completion, being the complete sum of not one but two weeks of creation, of the old and of the new. Yet the sum total of all the names in the lineage does not equal forty-two. This is because Jeconiah, at the end of the group of kings, also stands at the head of those from the Babylonian captivity, the followers of kings. So Jeconiah is as it were a corner stone, marking the end of one wall and the beginning of another, in likeness to Christ our Cornerstone, who is both the King of the Jews and the Hope of the Gentiles whom Babylon signifies. Thus the number is not forty-two, but only forty plus one Christ. This too is fitting, since forty is also a number of fullness, as it is written, in the fullness of time Christ came. So since Christ is the fulfillment of all, therefore unlike all His precursors, He was not begotten by a human father, but eternally begotten, of the eternal Father, and born of the Virgin Mary.