Preface of a Saint (3)

The Collect

O God of justice and mercy, we remember before you your servants Peter Williams Cassey and Anna Besant Cassey, who, in the face of slavery and discrimination, gave the blessings of education and spiritual haven to the marginalized; Grant us to be fearless in the face of injustice and to work for blessings that will touch those whom the world does not count of value; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Proverbs 22:1-9

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favour is better than silver or gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord is the maker of them all.

The clever see danger and hide;
but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
the cautious will keep far from them.

Train children in the right way,
and when old, they will not stray.

The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of anger will fail.

Those who are generous are blessed,
for they share their bread with the poor.


The Psalm

Psalm 112

Beatus vir

1 Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!

2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.

4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.

6 For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.

8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.

9 They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.

10 The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *
the desires of the wicked will perish.

The Gospel

Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

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