The twenty-ninth Sunday in ordinary time

First Reading: Isaiah 45. 1, 4-6: I have grasped the right hand of Cyrus, to subdue nations before him

Responsorial Psalm: 96. 1+3, 4-5, 7-8, 9+10ac (R. 7b): Ascribe to the Lord …

Response:

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Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1. 1-5ab: We remember your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope

Gospel Acclamation:

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Gospel: Matthew 22.15-21: Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s

Reflection:

Hymn: O God of earth and altar

[Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge]

Words: G.K. Chesterton  (1874-1936)
Tune: KING’S LYNN  English traditional melody, arr. R. Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

1.                    O God of earth and altar, 
                        bow down and hear our cry,
                        our earthly rulers falter,
                        our people drift and die;
                        the walls of gold entomb us,
                        the swords of scorn divide,
                        take not thy thunder from us,
                        but take away our pride.
 
2.                    From all that terror teaches,   
                        from lies of tongue and pen,
                        from all the easy speeches
                        that comfort cruel men,
                        from sale and profanation
                        of honour and the sword,
                        from sleep and from damnation,
                        deliver us, good Lord!
           
3.                    Tie in a living tether  
                        the prince and priest and thrall,
                        bind all our lives together,
                        smite us and save us all;
                        in ire and exultation
                        aflame with faith, and free,
                        lift up a living nation,
                        a single sword to thee.

Angus Gordon