For Eighth Sunday after Trinity, the Gospel reading is another of the nine readings from the Gospel of Matthew, in this case Matthew 7:15-21, which includes Jesus’ teaching concerning false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing and a lesson concerning the kingdom of heaven. The Collect for the day is another from the Gelasian Sacramentary with changes made for the 1662 B.C.P. The readings are discussed and illustrated in Episode Four in our video series, Trinitytide: The Teaching Season. The audio-only version in MP3 format is available from the Podcast Archive page. There are two Podcast Homilies for the occasion, respectively, linked from the Podcast Homilies and Podcast Homilies-Morning Prayer pages. The Morning Prayer version is largely based on the Psalm reading, Psalm 119:33-48, one of the segments of the longest Psalm.
In my readings in preparation for the weekly Blog posting, I have observed many articles and commentaries that offer misleading commentary on worship using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Some writers suggest that those unfamiliar with liturgical worship do not know what to do. Since the full text of the service is included in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer found in the back of the next pew forward, this seems like deliberate misdirection. What is missing is the understanding that Anglican liturgical worship (and that of other liturgy-based denomination) is its consistent focus on “worship” vs. praise, human emotions (as in “feeling good” about self and surroundings. A common criticism is that the priest stands facing the altar and not the people. Again, this is misdirection. In fact, a printed service text, based largely on actual quotations or paraphrasing of Scripture, helps keep those in the congregation focused on worship that is directed toward God, represented by the Altar, liturgically representing East no matter what the actual compass direction.
Finally, I again remind readers/viewers, especially anyone confused by media and scholarly commentators, to “turn it off” and “tune it out.” The peace of mind that can come from the strategy is valuable. You may find that you can live without the daily newspaper (assuming there still is one), television and other version of the “commentariat.” Make your own “favorites” list on computers, laptops and “smart” phones and ignore the “noise” so common today in our electronic-based world.
As always, thank you for your continued interest and support.
Anglican Internet Church 