30 July 2016

What a fine homily

Dr. Luther has in the House Postil for this Sunday (the first one; I'll save the second for tomorrow)! The Gospel for Trinity X is our Lord's tears over Jerusalem and his warning to her when she refuses to recognize the time of her visitation. Near the start: "To put it another way, Do not just listen to what God says and then fail to improve the way you live, sinning the same way you did before, regardless of what anyone says or does. The punishment for that sin will most certainly come, even if it may be a long time in coming. No one who despises God's Word will escape punishment." (II:366) Near the close: "But to those who accept God's Word and change their ways, this account is a source of comfort and learning. They learn that when God delays punishment, he does this for their benefit and peace, that God wants to graciously forgive their sins, if they just repent by changing their ways, if they just fear and love God. It is not surprise that we are sinners, but if we defend our sins, stubbornly continue in them without repenting, that is is something God will not allow." (II:374)

The traditional Introit for this day "As for me, I will call upon God; and He shall hear my voice: He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me" and then collect is one of my favorites: "O God, who declarest Thine almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity, mercifully grant unto us such a measure of Thy grace that we, running the way of Thy commandments, may obtain Thy gracious promises and be made partakers of Thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord."

I also note that in the wonderful Saints Maurice & Catherine Daily Lectionary (that Magdeburg daily Lectionary from early 17th century that Matthew Carver englished for us a while back), the Vespers reading on Trinity X is the Destruction of Jerusalem by Josephus. I intend to read that through tomorrow, sad as it is.

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