Sergius of Radonezh, Monastic, 1392

The Collect:

Rite I:
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we, through his poverty, might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of thy servant Sergius, may serve thee with singleness of heart and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Rite II:
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we, through his poverty, might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Sergius, may serve you with singleness of heart and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Ecclesiasticus 29:1–9

¹ The merciful lend to their neighbours;
    by holding out a helping hand they keep the commandments.
² Lend to your neighbour in his time of need;
    repay your neighbour when a loan falls due.
³ Keep your promise and be honest with him,
    and on every occasion you will find what you need.
⁴ Many regard a loan as a windfall,
    and cause trouble to those who help them.
⁵ One kisses another’s hands until he gets a loan,
    and is deferential in speaking of his neighbour’s money;
but at the time for repayment he delays,
    and pays back with empty promises,
    and finds fault with the time.
⁶ If he can pay, his creditor[a] will hardly get back half,
    and will regard that as a windfall.
If he cannot pay, the borrower[b] has robbed the other of his money,
    and he has needlessly made him an enemy;
he will repay him with curses and reproaches,
    and instead of glory will repay him with dishonour.
⁷ Many refuse to lend, not because of meanness,
    but from fear[c] of being defrauded needlessly.

⁸ Nevertheless, be patient with someone in humble circumstances,
    and do not keep him waiting for your alms.
⁹ Help the poor for the commandment’s sake,
    and in their need do not send them away empty-handed.

Psalm: Psalm 34:1–8

¹ I will bless the Lord at all times; *
       his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
² I will glory in the Lord; *
       let the humble hear and rejoice.
³ Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord;
       let us exalt his Name together.
⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
       and delivered me out of all my terror.
⁵ Look upon him and be radiant, *
       and let not your faces be ashamed.
⁶ I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
       and saved me from all my troubles.
⁷ The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
       and he will deliver them.
⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
       happy are they who trust in him!

Gospel: Mark 2:23–28

²³ One sabbath he was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. ²⁴ The Pharisees said to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ ²⁵ And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? ²⁶ He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.’ ²⁷ Then he said to them, ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; ²⁸ so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.’

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