Notable Feast Days this Week:

May 8 - St. John the Divine, Apostle and Evangelist (Eastern)
May 8 - Patriarch Job (Lutheran)
May 9 - Gregory of Nazianzus (Anglican, Western)
May 10 - Simon the Zealot, Apostle (Eastern)
May 11 - Mayeul, Abbot of Cluny, 994 
May 12 - Rictrude, Abbess of Flanders, 688

May 13 - Euthymius, Abbot of Mt. Athos, 1028
May 14 - St. Matthias, Apostle (Roman Catholic)

Revised Common Lectionary

Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5,15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14


Daily Readings (RCL)
Liturgical Color - White/Gold

Share
Tweet
Forward
------ The Fifth Sunday of Easter ------ May 14, 2017 (Year A)

Bold Faith

"We are not offered an easy life; we may suffer, like Stephen did, for our faith (Acts 7:55-60). However, we put ourselves in God's hands, trusting him to care for us and to give us refuge (Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16). Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation and calls us to declare the good news, no matter what the cost (1 Peter 2:2-10). Jesus has promised he prepares a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-14)." 
   -Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional

Psalm of the Week
Scripture Readings

"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
   deliver me in your righteousness.
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
 be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God ... My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love ...”

Acts 7:55-60
The martyrdom of Stephen

1 Peter 2:2-10
God's chosen people

John 14:1-14
Jesus Christ: The way, truth, and life
 

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year
Chronological
The Bible Project (Video Commentary): Acts 1-12, 1 Peter, and John 13-21
"When you see yourself hated and persecuted by all your relatives and friends because of the truth, do not be downcast either for them or for yourself; and when all your acquaintances turn away from you, do not be frightened, but withdraw from them and keep your eyes fixed on the future, singing Psalm 31."
   -Athanasius, On the Interpretation of the Psalms 18 (OIP 68)
Practicing Prayer
"Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." -The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (Click to View)
Daily Prayer (Click to View)
Audio Prayer Meditation - Pray As You Go
Spotify Playlist
More Spotify Psalms Playlists...
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Beautiful Savior | by Stuart Townend | Leadsheets 

Psalm 31| Words by J.C. Lowry (1818) / Music and chorus by Sarah Majorins

Paschal Troparion | Traditional Greek Hymn / Music by The Opiate Mass | Leadsheet

Psalm 31: Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands | John Michael Talbot | Leadsheet

Psalm 31 Anglican Chant | Music on pg. 55 of Anglican Chant Psalter

Music for Easter from Cardiphonia (With Recordings and Leadsheets)

Psalm 31 Metrical Options

Hymn Suggestions for The Fifth Sunday of Easter from Hymnary.org 
Commentary on John 14:1-14

"He who is the way does not lead us into by-paths or trackless wastes. He who is the truth does not mock us with lies. He who is the life does not betray us into delusions, which are death. He himself has chosen these winning names to indicate the methods that he has appointed for our salvation. As the way, he will guide us to the truth. As the truth, he will establish us in the life. And therefore it is all-important for us to know what the mysterious mode is that he reveals for attaining this life. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” The way to the Father is through the Son."
Music for Listening
Thematic Art 
Enjoying this newsletter? Become a patron of the Liturgy Letter on Patreon; an on-going crowd funding service where you can commit to as little as $1 a month or set a maximum limit. Anything helps!

Thank you for your support.
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*