(omitted in 2014, 8 Nov. 2015)
The Collect:
O GOD, our refuge and strength, who are the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech you, to hear the devout prayers of your Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Readings:
Genesis 45:1-7,15; Psalm 133; Philippians 3:17-21; Matthew 22:15-22
Reflection:
One last aspect of our union with God is the idea of our citizenship in heaven. As Jesus observes in the Gospel, this reality results in our having a double duty – we render to God his due, and render to our earthly kings theirs. The difference between these two loyalties is illustrated in the Old Testament – God used Joseph to save his family even in a foreign land. The difference is also explained in the Epistle – those who reject God are ruled by their stomachs and earthly concerns, while we are ruled by heaven and our bodies will be transformed! The Psalm looks forward to that transformation, and the Collect reminds us in our transformed state, all our prayers will be “effectually obtained” because we’re united with God!
Leorningcnihtes boc 