Webmaster -- Church of Saint John the Evangelist
Webmaster -- Church of Saint John the Evangelist
August 12, 2020
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Theme of the Day

In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.

The Collect for Sunday

God of the nations,
all are invited to your table,
for in your family no one is a stranger.
Satisfy our hunger
and mercifully extend to all people
the joy of salvation and faith.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer Intentions

The prayers of the church are offered especially:

  • for the needs of the world, especially at this time of global pandemic;
  • for those who are sick and for all medical personnel and caregivers;
  • for research workers and scientists who are working to protect us, provide adequate testing, and to develop a vaccine;
  • for all who have returned to work and those who have been working, that they be kept safe from harm;
  • for those who are particularly vulnerable to this virus;
  • for those who are isolated;
  • for those who are anxious;
  • for parents and educators making decisions about the possible return of children to school;
  • for our parish family in this time of social isolation;
  • for the healing of racial inequality, prejudice, bigotry, systemic racism, and injustice;
  • for all those who experience poverty or homelessness;
  • for those who are threatened by violence, abuse, or injustice;
  • for those who travel or are enjoying the leisure of summer vacation;
  • for the whole church: for Susan, our Bishop; for David and Brian, our priests; for Janice, our deacon; for Rob, our intern; for all bish­ops, priests and dea­cons; and for all the bap­tized: that God may accomplish God's work in and through us for the sake of the world;
  • for Elizabeth our Queen and all set in authority under her; for Justin, the Prime Minister of Canada and all members of parliament; Doug, the Premier of Ontario and all members of the legislature; Fred, the mayor of Hamilton and those who serve city council; for the First Nations of this land, for elders, chiefs, and band councils; for all in civil authority and for all citizens that we might work together for the common good;
  • for all for whom we have been asked to pray: especially for Mary and Duncan, that God will bring them healing and wholeness;
  • for those who are dying; and all those who have departed from this life and are at rest.

In our cycles of prayer:

  • In the Worldwide Anglican Com­mun­ion: Pray for the Scottish Episcopal Church The Most Revd Mark Strange - Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness.
  • In the Diocese of Niagara: ISt. George, Guelph, the Reverend Canon Ralph Blackman, Rector, the Reverend Canon Jean Mitchell, Assistant Priest, the Reverend Daniel Cyr, Honorary Assistant, the Reverend Craig Luccock, Honorary Assistant, the Venerable Peter Moore, Honorary Assistant, the Reverend Canon William Rainey, Honorary Assistant, the Reverend Gordon Walls, Honorary Assistant, and the people of that parish.
  • For other faith communities in our neighbourhood, especially, Melrose United Church, the Reverend Sonya Iverson and the people of that congregation.
  • For one another, in our parish cycle of prayer, for Steve and Gillian Doucet Campbell, Ayvlyn and Cambree; Barb Edwards; Corbett Emberley; and Shirley Emery.

Prayer requests to be included on the following Sunday can can be submitted here by the Thursday morning before.

The Readings for Sunday

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.

1Thus says the Lord:
  Maintain justice, and do what is right,
 for soon my salvation will come,
  and my deliverance be revealed.

 6And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
  to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
  and to be his servants,
 all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,
  and hold fast my covenant—
 7these I will bring to my holy mountain,
  and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
 their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
  will be accepted on my altar;
 for my house shall be called a house of prayer
  for all peoples.
 8Thus says the Lord God,
  who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
 I will gather others to them
  besides those already gathered.

Psalm: Psalm 67

Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)

Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable so that, while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all.

[Paul writes:] 1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2aGod has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

  29For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Gospel: Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28

Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help.

[10[Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand:11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” 15But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]
  21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Prayers of Intercession

The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence. 

Lord, you gather the church to be part of your mission as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. As Jesus acknowledged the great faith of a woman from outside his people, help your church discover and find blessing in the faith of people we might reject. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

You have blessed us with the bounty of the earth. Grant your grace to all your creatures, that the earth will flourish. Relieve waters choked by garbage, renew soils stripped of nutrients, and refresh the air all creatures need to live. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

You call the nations to be glad and sing for joy. Let your way be known among all the nations of the world, now divided by competing interests, contending alliances, and consumed by enormous worry. Bless us and make your face shine upon all. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

You show unexpected mercy, kindness, and generosity. We pray for those who do not have enough, for outcasts in our villages, cities, and town, and for those who need your healing (especially). Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

In you we live and move and have our being. Grant our congregation (name) grace to find our life refreshed in you. Accompany us in the rhythms of late summer. Give us rest and renewal, and strengthen us for mission in your name. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Your eternal promises are more than we could ever imagine. As you gather all the saints (especially), join us also with them on the great day of your salvation. Lord, in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Readings for the Week

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost [Proper 20] (Green)  |  Sunday, August 16, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 118; Jg 16:15-31; 2 Cor 13:1-11; Coll 374
  • Holy Eucharist: Propers 374; Gen 45:1-15; Psalm 133; (or Is 56:1, 6-8; Ps 67); Rom 11:1-2a, 29-32; Mt 15:(10-20), 21-28; Preface of the Lord's Day
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 145; (2 Sam 17:1-23); Mk 5:25-34; Coll 374

John Stuart, Priest, Missionary among the Mohawks, 1811 - Commemoration (Green)  |  Monday, August 17, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 106:1-18; Jg 17:1-13; Acts 7:44-8:1a; Coll 374 (Com: 435 or FAS 251)
  • Holy Eucharist: Stuart: Common of a Pastor 435 or FAS 251; 1 Cor 3:8-11; Ps 101; Mk 4:1-9; Preface of a Saint  OR  Feria: As Sunday, except: Ezek 24:15-24; Ps 79:1-8; Mt 19:16-22; Preface of Weekdays (Com: 435 or FAS 251)
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 106:19-48; (2 Sam 17:24-18:8); Jn 5:19-29; Coll 374 (Com: 435 or FAS 251)

Feria (Green)  |  Tuesday, August 18, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps [120], 121, 122, 123; Jg 18:1-15; Acts 8:1-13; Coll 374
  • Holy Eucharist: As Sunday, except: Ezek 28:1-10; Ps 60:1-5; Mt 19:23-30; Preface of Weekdays
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 124, 125, 126, [127]; (2 Sam 18:9-18); Jn 5:30-47; Coll 374

Feria (Green)  |  Wednesday, August 19, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 119:145-176; Jg 18:16-31; Acts 8:14-25; Coll 374
  • Holy Eucharist: As Sunday, except: Ezek 34:1-11; Ps 23; Mt 20:1-16a; Preface of Weekdays
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 128, 129, 130; (2 Sam 18:19-33); Jn 6:1-15; Coll 374

Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, 1153 - Memorial (White)  |  Thursday, August 20, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 131, 132, [133]; Job 1:1-22; Acts 8:26-40; Coll 374 (Mem: 436 or FAS 253)
  • Holy Eucharist: Bernard: Common of Doctors and Teachers of the Faith 436 or FAS 253; Rom 5:1-5; Ps 139:1-9; Jn 15:7-11; Preface of a Saint  OR  Feria: As Sunday, except: Ezek 36:22-28; Ps 51:8-13; Mt 22:1-14; Preface of Weekdays (Mem: 436 or FAS 253)
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 134, 135; (2 Sam 19:1-23); Jn 6:16-27; Coll 374 (Mem: 436 or FAS 253)

Feria (Green), Day of discipline and self-denial  |  Friday, August 21, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 140, 142; Job 2:1-13; Acts 9:1-9; Coll 374
  • Holy Eucharist: As Sunday, except: Ezek 37:1-14; Ps 107:1-8; Mt 22:34-40; Preface of Weekdays
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 141, 143:1-11, (12); (2 Sam 19:24-43); Jn 6:27-40; Coll 374

Feria (Green), Eve of Sunday (Green)  |  Saturday, August 22, 2020

  • Morning Prayer: Ps 137:1-6, (7-9), 144; Job 3:1-26; Acts 9:10-19a; Coll 374
  • Holy Eucharist: As Sunday, except: Ezek 43:1-7; Ps 85:8-13; Mt 23:1-12; Preface of Weekdays
  • Evening Prayer: Ps 104; (2 Sam 23:1-7, 13-17); Jn 6:41-51; Coll 376 (Eve of Pentecost XII)
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