The Word of the Lord

Ephesians 5:15-20 (KJV) 15 See ... that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:15-20 is our epistle reading for Sunday. It’s a good reading, actually, good Scripture. In some Episcopal parishes all four lessons are read -- Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle and Gospel. Other parishes make use of the prayerbook rubric that says (pp. 325/326, 357) “One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read,” and “A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading.” Many times on Sunday mornings in other parishes, I’ve noticed resigned sighs and eyes glazing over as, after the psalm, the lector plowed on into something solemn and ponderous from Saint Paul; and so, sometimes I’ve taken advantage of the rubric to “appoint” just one of the readings. We have done this for the most part In our 10:30 Summer Eucharist, not because any Scripture is not useful; after all --

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

-- but simply for brevity (which in the summertime with Shell Island waiting is not a bad thing in itself!) and mainly to focus on the summer-long Sunday School Bible Story series about Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon; and of course on the Gospel, which we must always read in any event when there’s Holy Communion.

The Bible Story is finished the last Sunday in August, and starting the first Sunday in September the OT readings are not connected in series. So, our focus shifts to the New Testament and the Letter of James. 

God bless us every one.

TW+