“Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)
Saint Jerome offers the following insight on this verse from today’s Gospel:
“The Lord went to the banquet of sinners that he might have an opportunity to teach and to offer spiritual food to his hosts. In effect, when he is mentioned as frequently going out to attend feasts, nothing is said other than what he did there and taught there. Thus, we see both the Lord’s humility in reaching out to sinners and the force of his teaching in converting penitents. What follows: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” and “I came not to call the righteous but sinners” (as he cites testimony from the prophet) challenged the scribes and Pharisees, who considered themselves righteous and shunned both publicans and sinners.” (Commentary on Matthew, 1)
Ordinary Time Collect
O God, who through the grace of adoption
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in
the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in
the bright light of truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
chose us to be children of light,
grant, we pray,
that we may not be wrapped in
the darkness of error
but always be seen to stand in
the bright light of truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Collect for Independence Day [in USA]
God of justice, Father of truth,
Who guide creation in wisdom and goodness
to fulfillment in Christ Your Son,
open our hearts to the truth of His Gospel,
that Your peace may rule in our hearts
and Your justice guide our lives.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Who guide creation in wisdom and goodness
to fulfillment in Christ Your Son,
open our hearts to the truth of His Gospel,
that Your peace may rule in our hearts
and Your justice guide our lives.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Or
Father of all nations and ages,
we recall the day when our country
claimed its place among the family of nations;
for what has been achieved we give You thanks,
for the work that still remains we ask Your help,
and as You have called us
from many peoples to be one nation,
grant that, under Your providence,
our country may share Your blessings
with all the peoples of the earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
we recall the day when our country
claimed its place among the family of nations;
for what has been achieved we give You thanks,
for the work that still remains we ask Your help,
and as You have called us
from many peoples to be one nation,
grant that, under Your providence,
our country may share Your blessings
with all the peoples of the earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
