Thursday, November 17, 2022

441. Proper 26 (Series B)

The lessons for this service, a Sunday after Trinity during Oct. 30-Nov. 5 (if it isn't pre-empted by either Reformation or All Saints), are Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Hebrews 9:11-14 (optional 15-22) and Mark 12:28-37. The tune is UXBRIDGE by Lowell Mason (1830), which TLH and LW paired with "This child we dedicate to Thee" and ELHB with "Now Christ, the very Son of God."

O mystery most rich and sweet!
Christ, High Priest of good things to come,
Went in before the Mercy Seat
Not of men's making, to atone.

No goats' or bulls' blood, but His own
In that most holy place He spilled:
Himself, though spotless, bound and prone,
He offered to redeem the world.

Such deep exchange our Savior struck
While on the cross His flesh was rent,
His perfect blood o'er all our muck
As covenant—nay! testament.

For ere a will may take effect,
The testator must surely die.
So Christ secured for His elect
A heritage, and life thereby.

And lo, no covenant is sealed,
No vessel set apart to God,
No sin forgiven once revealed
Except by means of sprinkled blood.

O Lord our God, Lord who is One,
Who once for all gave and received
The sacrifice of Your dear Son,
Help us this testament believe:

That, sprinkled free of every stain,
We imitate Your total love
In serving all, unchecked by pain,
Eyes fixed on Christ who reigns above.

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