“He loves Himself and every creature by the Holy Ghost, inasmuch as the Holy Ghost proceeds as the love of the primal goodness whereby the Father loves Himself and every creature.”
-Thomas Aquinas
Pentecost Lectionary Readings(Year B)
Day of Pentecost (May 23):Acts 2:1-21; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:22-27; Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Artist Barbara Lyon has created an original 2020/2021 (Year B) Christian liturgical calendar for use in church and home. The calendar is a visually stunning reminder of the joyful rhythm of the Christian year. She has given permission to print and distribute this calendar freely. Enjoy!
God can make dead bones live (Ezekiel 37:1-14). We call out to him in the depths of suffering and wait patiently for his promises to be fulfilled (Psalm 130). Spiritual life and physical resurrection await those who are in Christ, so set your mind on the Spirit and refuse to live in hostility towards God (Romans 8:6-11). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has power over life and death. He cares for his friends and defies their expectations, proving that he is Lord and Savior (John 11:1-45).
“Christ the King Sunday focuses our worship on the cosmic character of Christ’s reign over the world. It is a proclamation to all that everything in creation and culture must submit to Christ and an invitation to actively and joyfully submit to his rule. The day is celebrated widely in some traditions and is normally scheduled on the last Sunday before Advent. It therefore serves as a transitional Sunday leading directly into Advent, the Christmas cycle, and the new Christian year. The day fits well with the eschatological emphasis and anticipation of Christ’s second coming highlighted during Advent. It also helps worshipers, who are already thinking about Christmas, to remember that Christmas is about much more than a baby in a manger—it is about a sovereign Christ who came to be the ‘Prince of Peace.'”
Confidence in Our Creator “Lord, we take refuge in you (Psalm 16), for you listen to our despair (1 Samuel 1:4-20) and know the future (Mark 13:1-8). Therefore, we draw near to you, holding to your promises (Hebrews 10:11-25).”-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
Perfect Sacrifice “All is vain, unless it is done for the Lord (Psalm 127 and Psalm 146). Even when what we are asked to do seems difficult (Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17), we must be willing to sacrifice everything (Mark 12:38-44) for the One who gave us his only Son as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:24-28).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
Serving God “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 146). Give us the faithfulness of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-18) and the strength to love you with all our hearts (Mark 12:28-34) so we may serve you, the living God (Hebrews 9:11-14).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
God’s Mercy “The Lord has delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22); there is nothing he cannot do (Job 42:1-6, 10-17). His mercy, grace and power (Mark 10:46-52) are shown through his sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 7:23-28).”
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
