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Notable Feast Days this Week:

July 20 - The Prophet Elijah (Eastern and Lutheran)
July 20 - Flavian, Antioch, 512
July 21 - Prophet Ezekiel (Lutheran)
July 22 - Mary Magdalene
July 23 - Bridget of Sweden, 1373 (Roman Catholic)
July 23 - Prophet Ezekiel (Eastern)
July 24 - Christina of Tyre, 300
July 24 - Declan, Ardmore, 6th Century
July 25 - James Zebedee, Apostle (Western)
July 26 - Joachim & Anne, Parents of Mary (Anglican/Roman)

Revised Common Lectionary

Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 105:1-11 or Psalm 128
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Daily Readings (RCL)
Abbreviated Daily Readings
Liturgical Color - Green

----- Eighth Sunday after Pentecost ----- July 26, 2020

Pursuing the Kingdom of God

Jacob suffered wrong and sacrificed much to win Rachel's hand in marriage (Genesis 29:15-28). Wisdom and fulfillment are often the fruit of patient waiting and righteous pursuits (Psalm 128 and 1 Kings 3:5-12). These things may seem out of grasp, but we can still trust God to fulfill his covenant and bring about his purposes in the end (Psalm 105:1-11 and Romans 8:26-39), even in spite of human oppression and unfulfilled desires (Psalm 119:129-136). Followers of Christ are called to wholeheartedly seek God's kingdom, wisely pursuing that which will last (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52).

Psalms

Scripture Readings

Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
God's promises to Jacob

Psalm 119:129-136
God's word gives light and understanding

Psalm 128
Happy are those who follow in God's ways

Commentary on Psalm 105
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon

Audio
Genesis 29, 1 Kings 3, Romans 8
Matthew 13, Psalm 105, Psalm 128

Spotify Playlist
Psalm 119, Psalm 105, and Psalm 128

Genesis 29:15-28
Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah

1 Kings 3:5-12
Solomon's prayer for wisdom

Romans 8:26-39
Nothing can separate us from God's love

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Parables of the Kingdom of God

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

Bible in a Year

Chronological

Lectionary Resources

"We commonly set a high value on what is visible, and therefore the new and spiritual life, which is held out to us in the Gospel, is little esteemed by us, because it is hidden, and lies in hope...These words teach us, that we ought not to estimate the riches of the grace of God according to the views of our flesh, or according to their outward display, but in the same manner as a treasure, though it be hidden, is preferred to a vain appearance of wealth. " - John Calvin

Collect for The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. - The Book of Common Prayer

Psalms and Hymns

Music for Listening

The Beatitudes by Arvo Part
Kingdom of God by Jon Guerra
The Hidden Treasure by Deraj
The Kingdom of God by Taizé Community
The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like This by Rain for Roots
Neither Angels Nor Demons Nor Powers by Timothy Takach

Thematic Art

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