Some lovely words from Hebrews today, plus linked invocations from Jeremiah and Luke. And, if that were not glorious enough, a stunning Arts-and-Crafts image of Mercy from Tiffany.
Ps 112:4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Blessed are the Merciful (1920) by Louis Comfort Tiffany, in Arlington Street Church, Boston.
Hymn Suggestions
Liturgy Resources for Proper 17
Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14
Confession and Absolution
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Let us, therefore, confess our sin to Almighty God, conscious of our failings and trusting in his unfailing love.
We have gone after worthless things, and ourselves become worthless.
Father, have mercy.
Father, have mercy.
We have forsaken you, our fountain of living water,
Jesus, have mercy.
Jesus, have mercy.
We have dug for ourselves broken wells that hold no water.
Spirit, have mercy.
Spirit, have mercy.
May the God of all mercy pardon and deliver us,
strengthen and envision us
to love and live for his kingdom.
Hear the Good News of the gospel:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Therefore we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid.”
Blessing and Dismissal
May your hearts be steady, never afraid,
and may you be blessed as you honour the Lord.
May you rise in the darkness as a light for the world,
and may your generations be blessed.
May your hearts be firm, secure in the Lord,
and may you never be moved.
And may the blessing of Father, Son and Spirit
be upon you and those you love,
this day and for ever.
Amen.
The Reflectionary 