13th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

Welcome to St. John the Divine Episcopal Church! On August 18, 2024, we will gather to celebrate the 13th Sunday after Pentecost 2024 with a Rite 2 Mass. This service is a special time for us to worship, reflect on the teachings of Scripture, and strengthen our faith as a community.

We have options for those who cannot be with us in person; more about that is at the bottom of the page.

Readings for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

Old Testament: Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant girls, who she calls from the highest places in the town, “You that are simple, turn in here!” To those without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Psalm: Psalm 34:9-14

Fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want. The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Epistle: Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel: John 6:51-58

Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”

Reflection on the Readings

The readings for this Sunday invite us to consider the theme of divine wisdom and spiritual nourishment. In Proverbs, we encounter Wisdom personified, calling us to partake in her feast and to walk in the way of insight. This passage reminds us that true wisdom is found in seeking God and living according to His guidance.

Psalm 34 continues the theme by encouraging us to fear the Lord and to live righteously. It promises that those who seek the Lord will lack nothing. This psalm calls for a life of integrity, peace, and devotion.

In Ephesians, Paul urges us to live wisely, make the most of our time, and be filled with the Spirit. This passage emphasizes the importance of gratitude and worship in our daily lives, encouraging us to live in a way that reflects our faith.

The Gospel of John brings us to the heart of our Christian faith: the Eucharist. Jesus declares Himself as the “living bread” and invites us to partake in His life through the sacrament of Holy Communion. His words challenge us to see beyond the physical and to embrace the spiritual reality of His presence in the Eucharist. This passage calls us to deepen our relationship with Christ, recognizing that Him gives us eternal life.

Hymns for the Service

The singing of these hymns will enhance our worship:

• Opening Hymn: “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly“
• Closing Hymn: “Baptized in Water“

These hymns reflect our shared journey of faith, our longing for spiritual nourishment, and the significance of our baptismal identity in Christ.

Join Us in Worship

We invite you to attend Rite 2 Mass at 9 a.m. in person at 116 E Chandler Blvd or through our live stream. Whether a long-time member or a first-time visitor, you are welcome at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church.

Let us unite to partake in Christ’s wisdom and life and be nourished by the living bread that sustains us on our faith journey. See you on Sunday or online!