As early 210, Psalm 111 was used at the Vesper service on Sunday evening to celebrate the weekly remembrance of Jesus week of passion, death and resurrection.  In the morning we celebrated Jesus resurrection.

As the psalm was chanted, an “Alleluia” response was sung after each verse.

At the quiet Vesper service the psalm would begin, “Alleluia, I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright in the congregation. Alleluia.”  The psalm continues in the second verse, “Great are the works of the Lord studied by all who delight in them. Alleluia” This Sunday we delight in hearing of Jesus’ healing the ten lepers, one of whom is a Samaritan.

In the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday morning we remember, as expressed in verse 4, “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is (indeed) gracious and merciful. Alleluia.”  We receive His body and blood in remembrance of him the gift of his body on the cross for our forgiveness and the shedding of his blood for our salvation.

Jesus “Provides food for those for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Alleluia.” (V. 5) He nourishes our faith through the gift of himself.

We recall again in worship. On Sunday morning that, “He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Alleluia.”  God will not forget what he has promised.

Therefore, as the psalmist concludes, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His Alleluia endures forever.”

Prayer:

Merciful and gentle Lord, the crowning glory of all the saints, give us, your children, the gift of obedience, which is the beginning of wisdom, so that we may be filled with your mercy and that what you command we may do by the might of Jesus Christ, our Lord.