Notable Feast Days this Week

September 10 - Rosh Hashana 1 Tishri
September 11 - Theodora of Alexandria, 490
September 12 - Ailbhe of Emly, Irish Bishop, 526 
September 13 - John Chrysostom, 407 (Roman Catholic) 
September 14 - The Triumph of the Holy Cross
                        (Eastern and Western) 
September 15 - Porphyrius the Actor, 361
September 16 - Cyprian of Carthage, 258
September 16 - Ludmilla, Bohemia, 921
September 16 - Edith of Wilton, 984


Revised Common Lectionary

Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 116:1-9
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

Daily Readings (RCL)
Liturgical Color - Green
- Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 16, 2018 (Year B)
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
God's people are called to righteousness and wise living (Proverbs 1:20-33 and James 3:1-12). Like Jesus, we may suffer, but our vindication comes from God (Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 116). He is the maker of heaven and earth who is sovereign over creation (Psalm 19). God's people are called to deny themselves and confess that Jesus is the Messiah (Mark 8:27-38).
Holy Cross (September 14)
 
This week marks the celebration of "The Triumph of the Holy Cross," a feast day that is common in both Western and Eastern traditions. There is a rich biblical and theological tradition behind Jesus' references to his body being "lifted up" during his crucifixion. The meaning of this symbolic image is embedded throughout Scripture and serves as a anchor for reflecting on the depths of God's atonement through Christ. Consider wearing a cross necklace this week as a sign of our union with Christ through his death on a cross. Also, take a few minutes to reflect on these passages and their connection to Christ's passion: Isaiah 52:13, John 3:13-15, Numbers, 21:4-9, and Galatians 3:13.
Psalms
Scripture Readings
 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech...yet their voice goes out through all the earth...
 

Psalm 19 Commentary
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon, 
John Paul II, Thomas Aquinas
 
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me...Then I called on the name of the Lord...

Psalm 116 Commentary
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon, 
Benedict XVI
Proverbs 1:20-33
Wisdom calls

Isaiah 50:4-9a
The suffering servant is vindicated by God

James 3:1-12
The power of the tongue

Mark 8:27-38
Jesus will suffer and his followers must deny themselves
 

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year
Chronological
 
Resources
Practicing 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 forever. Amen. 
-The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)
Morning Prayer (View and Download)
More Resources for Daily Prayer
Spotify Playlist
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Hymn suggestions for The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Year B)

Hymns related to Psalm 19 and Psalm 116 from Hymnary.com

There are four versions of Psalm 116 on the Hallel Psalms album from Cardiphonia. Download of the album includes a PDF of a songbook with charts.

Lift High the Cross | by George William Kitchin, 1887 | Leadsheet

Praise My Soul the King of Heaven | by Henry Lyte and John Goss | Leadsheets

Take Up Our Cross | by Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephen, and Marc Byrd | Leadsheet

The Heavens Declare (Psalm 19) | by Bruce Benedict

Psalm 19 (The Heavens Declare) | by Chad Randall and Shane Heilman | Leadsheet 

Psalm 19 (SATB) | Harmony by David Peebles / Text by Thomas Sternhold | Leadsheet 

Psalm 19 Refrain (Lord You Have the Words) | by Ann Celeen Dohms | Refrain + Cantor on pg. 100 of Psalms for All Seasons: A Complete Psalter for Worship

Psalm 19| Metrical Options | Psalm 116 | Metrical Options 

Psalm 19 Refrain | from The Emergent Psalter | Leadsheet

Psalm 116 Refrain | from The Emergent Psalter | Leadsheet

Psalm 19 | Geneva Resources 
Ancient Commentary on Mark 8:27-38
The faithful are not ashamed that the Son of God was crucified. Hence they are shameless in a good sense through their contempt of shame, and foolish in a happy sense. The crucifixion was indeed a shameful event, viewed humanly. Yes, the Son of God died! This is to be believed precisely amid its being an offense to humanity. The Son was buried! He rose from the dead! This fact is made all the more poignant by seeming all the more absurd. But how could any of this be true if he himself was not truly the One he made himself known to be? If I avoid suffering, I am ashamed to confess: “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for my name’s sake.” -Tertullian
Music for Listening
Art 
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