Notable Feast Days this Week:

August 14 - Maximillian Kolbe, 1941 (Roman Catholic)
August 15 - Dormition of the Theotokos (Eastern Calendars)
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Roman Calendars)
August 15 - St. Mary the Virgin (Anglican Calendars)
August 15 - Mary, Mother of Our Lord (Lutheran Calendars)
August 16 - Stephen I, King of Hungary, 1038
August 19 - Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153 (Lutheran Calendars)
August 20 - Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153 (Roman Calendars)
August 20 - Oswin, Northumbria, 651

Revised Common Lectionary

Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Psalm 67
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:1-28

Daily Readings (RCL)
Liturgical Color - Green

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-The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - August 20, 2017 (Year A)

Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude

After many years, Joseph is given the opportunity to reconcile with his brothers. This profound act of forgiveness prefigures the cross of Christ (Genesis 45:1-15). God has been gracious to us (Psalm 67). In gratitude, we pursue unity with others; especially believers (Psalm 133). God wants us to avoid hypocrisy, cultivate pure hearts, and demonstrate a humble faith (Matthew 15:10-20, 21-28). Even though we fall into disobedience, God bestows His generous mercy upon us through Christ (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32).
This week many Christians will celebrate the role of Mary as the "God-bearer" or theotokos. Doctrinal beliefs concerning her nature and place within popular piety, vary greatly between Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox. However, all Christian traditions highly esteem her special place within the narrative of salvation history.
Mary, Mother of God - A compilation of essays from various traditions.
The Real Mary - by Scot McKnight (Protestant)
Hail, Holy Queen - by Scott Hahn (Roman Catholic)
Mary, the Birthgiver of God - by John Maximovitch (Eastern Orthodox)
Psalms of the Week
Scripture Readings

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Commentary on Psalm 133
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon,
John Paul II

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy...

Commentary on Psalm 67
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon 
Genesis 45:1-15
Joseph reconciles with his brothers

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
A house of prayer for all people

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
God's mercy to all

Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28
A Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year
Chronological
Commentary on Psalm 67 and Psalm 133 w/Biblical Cross References from
Fr. Michael Fallon
Prayer
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - from The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (Click to View)
Daily Prayer (Click to View)
Spotify Playlist
Singing Psalms and Hymns
They Will Know That We Are Christians By Our Love | By Peter Scholtes | Leadsheet

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name | Leadsheet

Psalm 67 | By Ascension Worship |Leadsheet 

Psalm 67 Refrain | From The Emergent Psalter | Leadsheet

Psalm 67 "God Be Merciful" (Anglican Chant) - Recording + Chant Tone

Psalm 133 Refrain | From The Emergent Psalter | Leadsheet

Psalm 67 and 133 Anglican Chant | Anglican Chant Psalter

Psalm 67 Metrical Options 

Psalm 133 Metrical Options 

Hymn Suggestions for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost from Hymnary.org 
Commentary on Matthew 15:10-28

"See her humility as well as her faith! For he had called the Jews “children,” but she was not satisfied with this. She even called them “masters,” so far was she from grieving at the praises of others. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Behold the woman’s wisdom! She did not venture so much as to say a word against anyone else. She was not stung to see others praised, nor was she indignant to be reproached. Behold her constancy. When he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” she said, “Yes, Lord.” He called them “children,” but she called them “masters.” He used the name of a dog, but she described the action of the dog. Do you see this woman’s humility...? So for this reason she became a child. For what does Christ then say? “O woman, great is your faith." - Chrysostom
Music for Listening
Thematic Art 
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