Lessons for the Feast of Matthias

Acts 1:15-26 Philippians 3:13-21 Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered This one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through of the heavenly call of God in . Let those of us then who foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the what we have attained. reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to live according to the example you have in us. For many live as all the residents of , so that the field was called in their enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead become desolate, and let there is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set be no one to live in it’; and ‘Let another take his position of overseer.’ on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” all things subject to himself. So they proposed two, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, Luke 6:27-38 you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even eleven apostles. your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as Psalm 15 you would have them do to you. 1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? * “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even who may abide upon your holy hill? sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do 2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, * the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, who speaks the truth from his heart. what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as 3 There is no guile upon his tongue; much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting he does no evil to his friend; * nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor. of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, * “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and but he honors those who fear the Lord. you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, 5 He has sworn to do no wrong * and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken and does not take back his word. together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” 6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, * nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. Lessons for next week: The Last Sunday after the Epiphany Exodus 34:29-35 7 Whoever does these things * Psalm 99 shall never be overthrown. 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]

Christ Church Grosse Pointe 61 Grosse Pointe Boulevard • Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 • 313.885.4841 • christchurchgp.org The Rev’d Andrew Van Culin, Rector • The Rev’d Canon Ron Spann, Director, Spirituality Center The Rev’d Walter Brownridge, Associate for Parish Life and Christian Formation • Scott Hanoian, Director of Music and Organist Dexter Kennedy, Assistant Organist • Muzzin, Director of Children and Family Ministries Diane Ward, Associate for Finance and Administration