The Lessons Appointed for Use

on the Feast of

Macrina

Monastic and Teacher, 379

Ecclesiasticus 51:13-22
Matthew 11:27-30
Psalm 119:97-104

The Preface of a Saint (2)

Merciful God, you called your servant Macrina to reveal in her life and her teaching the riches of your grace and truth: May we, following her example, seek after your wisdom and live according to her way; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ecclesiasticus 51:13-22

While I was still young, before I went on my travels,

I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.

Before the temple I asked for her,

and I will search for her until the end.

From the first blossom to the ripening grape

my heart delighted in her;

my foot walked on the straight path;

from my youth I followed her steps.

I inclined my ear a little and received her,

and I found for myself much instruction.

I made progress in her;

to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

For I resolved to live according to wisdom,

and I was zealous for the good,

and I shall never be disappointed.

My soul grappled with wisdom,

and in my conduct I was strict;

I spread out my hands to the heavens,

and lamented my ignorance of her.

I directed my soul to her,

and in purity I found her.

With her I gained understanding from the first;

therefore I will never be forsaken.

My heart was stirred to seek her;

therefore I have gained a prize possession.

The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward,

and I will praise him with it.

Psalm 119:97-104 Page 771, BCP

Quomodo dilexi!

97

Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.

98

Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.

99

I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.

100

I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.

101

I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.

102

I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.

103

How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.

104

Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.

Matthew 11:27-30

Jesus said, "All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The text of the Psalm is from the Book of Common Prayer