Today we remember the first Book of Common Prayer where in a time when the liturgy was totally in Latin and not accessible to the people, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, released in 1549 the Book of Common Prayer which was in the language of the people so that they could worship God in their own native tongue, a move that would not occur in the Roman Catholic Church until Vatican II in 1965, 416 years later.
The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek meaning the “work of the people.” How could the people do their work when they were far removed from the language that was being used? The Reformers, Archbishop Cranmer in England and Martin Luther in Germany, wanted to get back to basics, to give the laity access to their work done during the Eucharistic celebration.
Let us pray: Almighty and everliving God, whose servant Thomas Cranmer, with others, restored the language of the people in the prayers of your Church: Make us always thankful for this heritage; and help us so to pray in the Spirit and with the understanding, that we may worthily magnify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
It is hurricane season! Are you ready? Make sure that your home insurance is up to date and that you have an evacuation plan. Remember that St. James Episcopal Church in Austin is a place that you can use as an evacuation center.
Every Wednesday, the Healing Arts Ministry with Lee Runion starting at 11:00 AM with a light lunch provided.
The Seaside Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month in Sutton Hall at 1100 AM.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Tom, Patricia, Audrey, Lee’s mother and his family, Pat, Julie, all of those who are serving in the Armed Forces, Randy, and Steve Francis.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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