KAL for August

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<Proper 13> =The Sunday closest to August 3=

PRAYER (traditional language) O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succor, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER (contemporary language) Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

FOR YEAR A

FIRST READING: Nehemiah 9:16-20 (Our fathers were rebellious in the wilderness. But Thou, O LORD, didst not forsake them.)

PSALM 78:1-29 (or 78:14-20,23-25) (God gave the people streams in the desert, and fed them with manna from heaven.)

EPISTLE: Romans 8:35-39 (Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 14:13-21 (The Feeding of the Five Thousand)

FOR YEAR B

FIRST READING: Exodus 16:2-4,9-15 (The Israelites complain of hunger, and the LORD sends them a flock of quails in the evening, and manna (a sweet, white, breadlike substance) scattered on the ground in the morning.)

PSALM 78:1-25 or 78:14-20,23-25 (God gave the people streams in the desert, and fed them with manna from heaven.)

EPISTLE: Ephesians 4:17-25 (Now that you have been transformed in Christ, your behavior must show a transformation.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 6:24-35 (After feeding the Five Thousand, and returning to Capernaum, Jesus said, "So not seek the food that perishes, but the food of everlasting life. The bread of life is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life.")

FOR YEAR C

FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 1:12-14; 2:1-7,11,18-23 (Solomon used his wealth to construct great gardens, buildings and monuments, but found no satisfaction in them, knowing that he must die and leave them for an heir who would possibly neither deserve nor enjoy them.)

PSALM 49 (No man is so rich that he can buy immortality, and the wise and honored die like everyone else.)

EPISTLE: Colossians 3:5-17 (Put aside the things that belong to your old nature -- sexual impurity, avarice, anger, slander, lying -- and live in accordance with your new nature in Christ, putting on compassion, patience, forbearance, forgiveness -- forgiving others as Christ has forgiven you -- love, and the peace of Christ. Sing and give thanks to God in Christ.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 12:13-21 (Jesus said: Once there was a rich man who said, "I have accumulated everything I could want. Nothing remains but for me to sit back and enjoy it. Lucky me!" But God said to him, "You Fool! Tonight you will die, and then who will enjoy your wealth?" That is what happens to someone who thinks only of treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.)

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<Proper 14> =The Sunday closest to August 10=

PRAYER (traditional language) Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot exist without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER (contemporary language) Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

FOR YEAR A

FIRST READING: Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah prayed from the belly of the sea-monster, saying: "...The waters closed in over me, the deep was round about me; weeds were wrapped about my head... yet thou didst bring up my life from the Pit, O LORD my God.")

PSALM 29 ("The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters.")

EPISTLE: Romans 9:1-5 (Paul grieves for the unbelief of the bulk of his fellow Israelites, to whom so much has been given.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on the water of the Lake of Galilee. Peter walks briefly, until his faith falters.)

FOR YEAR B

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 8:1-10 (Remember how the LORD led you in the wilderness, and gave you a daily supply of manna, to show you that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.)

PSALM 34 (or 34:1-8) ("Taste and see that the LORD is good. Happy is the man who trusts him.")

EPISTLE: Ephesians 4:(25-29)30--5:2 (Speak the truth. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Instead of stealing, do productive work so that you can give to the needy. Speak only what is fitting. Do not grieve the Spirit. Put away all bitterness and malice, and forgive as Christ forgave you. Be like him.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 6:37-51 (Jesus said: "I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.")

FOR YEAR C

FIRST READING: Genesis 15:1-6 (God promised to bless Abraham, and Abraham believed God, and God accounted this as righteousness.)

PSALM 33 (A hymn to God as Creator of the World, and Lord of history.)

EPISTLE: Hebrews 11:1-16 (The beginning of a roll call of believers who in time past have trusted the promises of God, and for whom Gad had prepared an eternal reward.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 12:32-40 (Jesus said: Trust in the promises of God. Let your treasure and your hopes be centered on heaven, not on earth. Be ready to greet the Son of Man at any time.)

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<Proper 15> =The Sunday closest to August 17=

PRAYER (traditional language) Almighty God, who hast given thy only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life: Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

PRAYER (contemporary language) Almighty God, who have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

FOR YEAR A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 56:1(2-5)6-7 (The LORD says: "Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, I will bring to my holy mountain, and my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.")

Thine over all shall be the praise and thanks of every nation, and all the world with joy shall raise the voice of exultation; for Thou shalt judge the earth, O Lord, nor suffer sin to flourish; Thy people's pasture is Thy word their souls to feed and nourish, in righteous paths to keep them.

Oh, let the people praise Thy worth, in all good works increasing; the land shall plenteous fruit bring forth, Thy word is rich in blessing. May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit bless us! Let all the world praise him alone, let solemn awe possess us. Now let our hearts say, Amen.

Martin Luther (Es wolle Gott uns gnaedig sein), 1524 trans. Rishard Massie, 1851, alt. melody, Matthias Greitter, 1524; for harmony, see 101 CHORALES HARMONIZED BY J S BACH (Belwin-Mills Pub.), or various hymnals, esp. Lutheran.)

EPISTLE: Romans 11:13-15,29-32 (The present unbelief of the Jews is only temporary. God has has set them aside only for the moment, the better to bring the Gentiles into his kingdom. He has a plan for their eventual restoration.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 15:21-28 (A Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. He says, "It is not right to give the children's bread to the puppies." She says, "But when the crumbs drop from the table, the puppies get them." He says, "Your faith is great; your wish is granted.")

NOTE ON THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL: It must be born in mind that Matthew is writing for a Jewish readership. He keeps reminding his Jewish readers that if they do not appreciate the grace that is offered them, it will be given to others who will appreciate it. So he tells them here that Christ was sent first to the Jews, but that if they do not accept him, he will give his blessings to Gentiles who have the perceptiveness to value them. The children have the first claim on the bread, but if they carelessly drop it on the floor, the family dog will know better than to despise it.

FOR YEAR B

FIRST READING: Proverbs 9:1-6 (Wisdom has set a banquet, and says: "Come, eat my bread and drink my wine.")

PSALM 147 (or 34:9-14) (The LORD heals the brokenhearted. He makes grass grow on the hills, and gives the beasts their food. He scatters the snow, and he melts it. He reveals his statutes to Israel) or: (If you want a good life, keep your tongue from evil and deceit. Do good, and seek peace.)

EPISTLE: Ephesians 5:15-20 (Walk wisely, and use the time well. Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit, singing and giving thanks.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 6:53-59 (Jesus said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.")

FOR YEAR C

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 23:23-29 (The LORD speaks against false prophets who make idle predictions on the basis of their dreams.)

PSALM 82 (The LORD rebukes corrupt rulers and magistrates, who abuse the power that God has entrusted to them.)

EPISTLE: Hebrews 12:1-14 (Let us be firm in the faith, ready to suffer for it if need be, remembering the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Abraham and other heroes of faith. Remember that God, like a loving father, chastises us for our good.

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 12:49-56 (Jesus said: "I bring not peace but division. Families will quarrel because of me")

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<Proper 16> =The Sunday closest to August 24=

PRAYER (traditional language) Grant, we beseech thee, merciful God, that thy Church, being gathered together in unity by thy Holy Spirit, may manifest thy power among all peoples, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

PRAYER (contemporary language) Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

FOR YEAR A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 51:1-6 (The LORD's Day of Deliverance is near at hand.)

PSALM 138 ("Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost refresh me.")

EPISTLE: Romans 11:33-36 ("O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!")

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20 (Jesus asks his disciples: "Who do you say that I am." Simon says: "You are the CHRISTOS." Jesus says: "You are the PETROS.")

FOR YEAR B

FIRST READING: Joshua 24:1-2a,14-25 (Before his death, Joshua called the people together and said to them: "Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the LORD, or the gods of the other nations." They answered, "We will serve the LORD.")

PSALM 16 (or 34:15-22) ("The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot.") or (The LORD hears the cry of the righteous, and will bring deliverance.)

EPISTLE: Ephesians 5:21-33 (Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as the Church is to Christ. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for her.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 6:60-69 (When Jesus spoke of his flesh as the bread of life, many who had been his hearers left him. He asked the Twelve: "Will you also leave?" Peter said: "Lord, you have the words of eternal life.")

FOR YEAR C

FIRST READING: Isaiah 28:14-22 (Woe to those who put their trust in false protectors. Their assurance will come to nothing. But the LORD will lay in Zion a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation, and righteousness and justice shall triumph.)

PSALM 46 (God is our refuge, though the mountains shake. (Basis for Luther's "A mighty fortress is our God"))

EPISTLE: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-29 (We have come, not to Mount Sinai, but to the heavenly Jerusalem. The gift offered us here is far more wonderful than that offered to the Jews at Mount Sinai. How much more terrible, then, to reject it! God will shake earth and heaven, and only the unshakable will remain.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 13:22-30 (Jesus warns His hearers against complacency as regards their eternal status. "Some who are first will be last, and some who are last will be first.")

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<Proper 17> =The Sunday closest to August 31=

PRAYER (traditional language) Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

PRAYER (contemporary language) Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

FOR YEAR A

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 15:15-21 ("Deliver me, O LORD, for I am your servant.")

PSALM 26 (or 26:1-8) ("Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked uprightly.")

EPISTLE: Romans 12:1-8 (We, being many, are organs in the one body of Christ, each organ having its own function for the good of the whole. We have different abilities, so let each use his abilities in love.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21-27 (Christ begins to say that it is his destiny to suffer, die, and rise from the dead. Peter says, "Never!" Jesus says, "Begone! You are a hindrance to me." He then says, "He who would follow me, follows the road to the cross.")

FOR YEAR B

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 4:1-9 (When you dwell in the land the LORD has promised to you, keep his laws, that other nations may say that you are a wise people. For no other nation has laws as righteous as these.)

PSALM 15 (Who shall dwell in the house of the LORD? He who avoids deceit, slander, etc.)

EPISTLE: Ephesians 6:10-20 (You fight against powerful demonic forces. Therefore, arm yourselves. Let faith be your shield, let righteousness be your breastplate, let the Spirit (the Word of God) be your sword. Keep alert and keep praying.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 (Some Pharisees complained because some of Jesus' disciples ate without washing their hands. Jesus said, "A man is defiled, not by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it, such as unchastity, deceit, slander, etc.")

FOR YEAR C

FIRST READING: Ecclesiasticus 10:(7-11)12-18 Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals, And injustice is outrageous to both. Sovereignty passes from nation to nation on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.

How can dust and ashes be prond? Even in life the human body decays. A long illness baffles the physician, the king of today will die to morrow. For when one is dead, he inherits maggots and vermin and worms.

The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord, the heart has withdrawn from its Maker. For the beginning of pride is sin, and the one who clings to it pours out abominations. Therefore the Lord brings upon them unheard-of calamities, and destroys them completely.

The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers, and enthrones the lowly in their places. The Lord plucks up the roots of the nations and plants the humble in their place. The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations, and destroys them to the foundations of the earth. He removes some of them and destroys them, and erases the memory of them from the earth.

Pride was not created for human beings, or violent anger for those born of women.

ALTERNATE READING: Proverbs 25:6-7 (It is better to put yourself too low and have the king raise you than put yourself too high and have him lower you.)

PSALM 112 (God blessed and prospers those who revere Him.)

EPISTLE: Hebrews 13:1-8 (Continue in charity, hospitality to strangers and foreigners, aid to prisoners, chastity, and freedom from avarice.)

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 14:1,7-14 (As a guest at a banquet, choose a low seat and let your host raise you, rather than choosing a high seat and forcing your host to lower you. When giving a banquet, invite guests who cannot reward you with invitations to their table, and you will be rewarded at the heavenly banquet.)

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