Matins in the morning: St.Michaels

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here is this morning’s sermon for St.Michaels and all Angels preached during Matins in the chapel of St. Timothy at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane: draft-rev127-12a-matins. Here’s the audio too: 

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Lessons for the 18th Sunday after Trinity

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

The watchword for the 18th Sunday after Trinity: And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1Jo 4:21 NIV)

Introit is from Psalm 122:  “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” (Psalm 122)

God’s holy Word from the Old Testament is recorded in the 2nd book of Moses chapter 20: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Exodus 20:1-17)

The Epistle lesson is by the apostle Saint Paul to the Romans chapter 14: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:17-19)

The holy Gospel according the evangelist Saint Mark chapter 12:“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.” (Mark 12:28-34)

 Together with the holy Christian Church we pray a collect for this Sunday: O God, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee, mercifully grant that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.

Hymn for this week:  “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart” by Martin Schalling, 1532-1608 translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

1. Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee ne’er from me depart,
With tender mercies cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share,
Yea, heaven itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
And should my heart for sorrow break,
My trust in Thee no one could shake.
Thou art the Portion I have sought;
Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.

2. Yea, Lord, ’twas Thy rich bounty gave
My body, soul, and all I have
In this poor life of labor.
Lord, grant that I in every place
May glorify Thy lavish grace
And serve and help my neighbor.
Let no false doctrine me beguile
And Satan not my soul defile.
Give strength and patience unto me
To bear my cross and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
In death Thy comfort still afford.

3. Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
To Abram’s bosom bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing.
And then from death awaken me
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my Fount of grace,
Lord Jesus Christ,
My prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end.

Hymn #429 from The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 18
Author: Martin Schalling, c. 1567
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: “Herzlich lieb hab’ ich dich, o Herr”
Tune: “Herzlich lieb hab’ ich dir, o Herr”
1st Published in: Berhnard Schmid’s Orgelbuch
Town: Strassburg, 1577

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Matins in the morning

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here’s this morning’s sermon preached during Matins in St.Timothy’s chapel at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane: draft1co917-19-matins-2016 and to listen to: 

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Review: Equality of believers

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here’s my review of Richard Elphick, 2012: “The equality of  believers. Protestant missionaries and the racial politics of South Africa.” review-equality-of-believers

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Lessons for the 18th Sunday in Pentecost

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

The watchword for this Sunday is from the first epistle of the evangelist Saint John: This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1Jo 5:4 NIV)

God’s Word from the Old Testament is recorded by the holy prophet Isaiah in the 49th chapter: Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;  And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God. And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isa 49:1-6 KJV)

The epistle lesson from the holy apostle Saint Paul to the Romans in the 10th chapter (This is also the sermon text): if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:9-17 KJV)

The Holy Gospel according to the evangelist Saint Matthew in the 15th   chapter:  Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Mat 15:21-28 KJV)

Together with the holy Christian Church we pray with a collect for this Sunday: Lord God, grant unto us Your Holy Spirit that we may hear and accept your word, in order that, being cleansed in mind and renewed in life, we may live to you, here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

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Du Friedefürst, Herr IX

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

1

Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
wahr Mensch und wahrer Gott,
ein starker Nothelfer du bist
im Leben und im Tod.
Drum wir allein
im Namen dein
zu deinem Vater schreien!

You prince of peace, Lord Jesus Christ,
true man and true God,
you are a strong helper in distress,
in life and death.
Therefore we only
in your name
cry to your Father!

2

Recht große Not uns stößet an
von Krieg und Ungemach,
daraus uns niemand helfen kann
denn du; drum führ die Sach.
Dein’ Vater bitt,
daß er ja nicht
im Zorn mit uns woll fahren!

Really great distress presses on us
because of war and hardship,
in this situation no one can help us
but you; therefore guide our affairs.
Ask your Father
that he may not
wish to deal with us in anger!

3

Gedenk, Herr, jetzund an dein Amt,
daß du ein Friedefürst bist,
und hülf uns gnädig allesamt
jetztund zu dieser Frist.
Laß uns hinfort
dein göttlich Wort
im Fried noch länger schallen!

Be mindful, Lord, now of your office,
that you are a prince of peace,
and graciously help us in all ways
now at this time.
Grant that henceforth
your divine word
may resound still longer in peace!

4

Verdienet haben wir alles wohl
und leidens mit Geduld;
doch deine Gnad größer sein soll
denn unsre Sünd und Schuld.
Darum vergib
nach deiner Lieb,
die du fest zu uns trägest!

We have well deserved everything
and suffer it with patience;
but your mercy should be greater
than our sin and guilt.
Therefore forgive
according to your love
which you bear steadily for us.

5

Es ist groß Elend und Gefahr,
wo Pestilenz regiert;
aber viel größer ist fürwahr,
wo Krieg geführet wird.
Da wird veracht’
und nicht betracht’
was recht und löblich wäre.

There is great misery and danger
where pestilence rules;
but it is truly far worse
where war is waged.
There is scorn
and no consideration
for what was right and commendable.

6

Da fragt man nicht nach Ehrbarkeit,
nach Zucht und nach Gericht.
Dein Wort liegt auch zu solcher Zeit
und geht im Schwange nicht.
Drum hilf uns, Herr,
treib von uns fern
Krieg und all schädlich Wesen.

There is no concern for decency,
for propriety and for justice.
Your word also at such a time lies neglected
and is not in fashion.
Therefore help us , Lord,
drive far from us
war and all that is harmful

7

Erleucht auch unser Sinn und Herz
durch den Geist deiner Gnad,
daß wir nicht treiben draus ein Scherz,
der unsrer Seelen schad.
O Jesu Christ,
allein du bist,
der solchs wohl kann ausrichten.

Enlighten also our hearts and minds
through the spirit of your mercy
so that we may not act frivolously
to the harm of our souls.
O Jesus Christ
you alone
can well accomplish this.
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Strong comfort

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here is this morning’s sermon on Ephesians 6:18-20 to read (draft-eph618-20-matins) and to hear 

We pray with the holy Christian Church a collect of this past Sunday: “Almighty and everlasting God, comfort of the sad and strength of those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you. To everyone in distress grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment; through IX, our Lord. Amen.

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Heiliges Fest der Kreuzeserhöhung

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Heute feiert die römisch-katholische und griechisch-orthodoxe Kirche mitsamt der Anglikanischen und Teile der Lutherischen Kirche das Fest des Hl.Kreuzes, das nach der Kyriakoslegende von der Kaiserin Helena (Mutter Kaiser Konstantins) in 350-60 in Jerusalem gefunden und mit dem Bau der Grabeskirche besonders verehrt wurde: “Die Weihe dieser heiligen Kirche wird mit größtem Aufwand gefeiert, weil am selben Tage das Kreuz des Herrn gefunden wurde“. Hier ist die Antiphone zur Kreuzerhöhung. Und hier zum weiteren Nachlesen über das hl.Fest bei Wikepedia.  Zum Abschluß der alte Schlager: The Old Rugged Cross and one of my own favourites: When I survey the wonderous cross (Isaac Watts 1674-1748)

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Lessons for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 16th Sunday after Trinity: Our Savior, Christ Jesus, has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2Ti 1:10 NIV)

Lesson from the Old Testament is from Lamentations the 3rd chapter: “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD… For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. (22-32 KJV)

The epistle lesson from the second letter of the apostle St. Paul to St. Timothy in the 1st chapter: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (7-10 KJV)

The holy gospel according to the evangelist St. John in the 11th chapter: “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha… Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick… Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world…. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. (1.3.17-27.41-45 KJV)

Almighty and everlasting God, comfort of the sad and strength to those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you. To everyone in distress grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for the 17th Sunday after Trinity)

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Elijah at the brook Cherith

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here is this this morning’s sermonette as held in the chapel of St. Timothy at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane to read: draft-1ki171-6-matins and to listen to here: 

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