Sundays at All Hallows (August 16, 2026)
This Sunday, August 16, 2026, is the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. In this Sunday’s message we wrestle with the topic of the place of mercy in the faith and life of a Christian.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Hayes’ arrangement of Marty Haugin’s GATHER US IN for solo piano.
Silence
O Lord God of hosts, hear our prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Psalm 84: 8,10
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 8,9
Let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and humbly confess our sins.
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Perry’s “Come, Worship God (Psalm 95).
Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.
1 Come worship God who is worthy of honor
enter God's presence with thanks and a song!
You are the rock of your people's salvation.
to whom our jubilant praises belong
2 Ruled by your might are the heights of the mountains,
held in your hands are the depths of the earth.
Yours are the sea, yours the land, for you made them,
God above all gods, who gave us our birth.
3 We are your people, the sheep of your pasture;
you are our Maker, and to you we pray.
Gladly we kneel In obedience before you;
Great is the one whom we worship this day!
4 Now let us listen for you speak among us;
open our hearts to receive what you say.
Peace be to all who remember your goodness
trust in your word, and rejoice in your way!
Open this link in a new tab to hear “God Be Merciful and Bless Us,” Psalm 67 from the Free Church of Scotland’s Sing Psalms.
1 God be merciful and bless us;
shine upon us with your face,
2 That the earth may know your actions
and all lands your saving grace.
3 O God, may the peoples praise you;
may all peoples sing your praise.
4 For you judge the nations justly,
ruling over every race.
May the sing with joy and gladness;
may they all rejoice as one.
5 O God, may the peoples praise you
as they all unite in song.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest;
God will pour his gifts abroad.
7 God, our God, will surely bless us;
all the earth will fear our God.
Silence
In the face of Jesus Christ,
your light and glory have blazed forth
to all the nations, O God;
with all your people,
may we make known your grace
and live out your ways of peace. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 56: 1-7
This is what the Lord says:
‘Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
Blessed is the one who does this –
the person who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps their hands from doing any evil.’
Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say,
‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’
And let no eunuch complain,
‘I am only a dry tree.’
For this is what the Lord says:
‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant –
to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure for ever.
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant –
these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.’
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Perry’s "O Bless the God of Israel" (Benedictus)
1 O bless the God of Israel,
who comes to set us free,
who visits and redeems us
and grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy,
of rescue and release,
God shall fulfil his promise
and bring his people peace.
2 He comes! The Child of David,
the Son whom God has given;
he comes to live among us
and raise us up to heaven.
Before him goes his servant,
forerunner in the way,
the prophet of salvation,
the herald of the Day.
3 Where once were fear and darkness
the sun begins to rise-
the dawning of forgiveness
upon the sinner’s eyes.
He guides the feet of pilgrims
along the paths of peace:
O, bless our God and Saviour,
with songs that never cease!
A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
Romans 11: 13-32
I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
‘The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.’
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker’s “Father, We Praise You as Lord” (Te Deum).
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
1 Father, we praise you as Lord,
all of the earth gives you worship,
for your majesty
fills the heavens, fills the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
2 Blessed apostles sing praise;
prophets and martyrs give glory:
“For your majesty
praise the Spirit, praise the Son!”
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
3 You are the Christ everlasting,
born for us all of a Virgin,
you have conquered death,
opened heaven to all believers.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
4 Help those you saved by your blood,
raise them to life with your martyrs.
Save your people, Lord,
as their ruler raise them up.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 15: 21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.’
Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’
He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’
The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said.
He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’
‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’
Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Silence
What’s Mercy Got to Do with It?!
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus displays that attribute which characterized his earthly ministry—the attribute of being merciful, of being willing to be kind to people and forgive them even though he was free to do otherwise. Jesus not only was merciful in the way that he treated people, but also he emphasized being merciful in his teaching. He taught his disciples to imitate God and be merciful as God is merciful, in that way showing themselves to be true children of God. On several occasions Jesus concluded conversations with the Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law by admonishing them to go and learn what it means to be merciful.
When we look for a connection between this Sunday’s readings, what stands out is the extent of God’s mercifulness, the promise of mercy in the reading from the Book of Isaiah, Paul’s explanation of the connection between the mercy that God is showing to the Gentiles, the non-Jews, and the mercy that God will show to the descendants of the people of Israel in the reading from his Letter to the Romans, and the mercy that Jesus shows the Canaanite woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon and her demon-possessed daughter in the reading from Matthew’s Gospel.
Mother and daughter were both Gentiles. They belonged to a people who were an ancient enemy of the Jews and with whom they were forbidden to socialize, intermarry, or adopt their ways.
I suspect that the mercy that Jesus showed the pair left an impression on the disciples. We do know that they would struggle at times to come to terms with the knowledge that God’s mercy extends to all people groups and not just to their own people. You can read about these struggles in Luke’s Gospel and his Acts of the Apostles.
As Frederick Faber wrote in his hymn, “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,” people will set limits to God’s mercifulness which God himself does not set. They may limit his mercifulness on the basis of a particular interpretation of one or more passages of the Bible. They may also limit God’s mercifulness on the basis of their own prejudices, negative opinions which they may have formed without enough thought or knowledge. They may suffer from an overinflated view of their own righteousness as did the Pharisees and the teachers of the law during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry and like them regard those who in their eyes are sinners as beyond the hope of redemption, of being restored to a right relationship with God. Having set limits to God’ mercifulness, they set limits to their own.
People will also presume on God’s mercifulness. They may treat God as an overindulgent grandfather figure who gives a nod and wink to whatever they do. They confuse God’s mercifulness with license, permission to do whatever they want.
People will treat Jesus’ teaching about being merciful as if it is the only teaching of his of any importance and assign their own meaning to that teaching which may be quite different from what he was saying, making him the spokesman for their own opinions, essentially putting their words in Jesus’ mouth.
Jesus also preached repentance, a change in our attitudes and thinking accompanied by a change in the way we live. Jesus saved the life of a woman caught in adultery and forgave her. He also told her to stop sinning.
Jesus emphasized obedience to God’s will. He identified as his mother and siblings as those who did God’s will. He taught his disciples to pray that God’s will be done on earth as it was done in heaven.
Jesus taught holiness, the holiness of an inner self that is free from evil thoughts and desires and which manifests itself in an individual’s words and actions, a good tree that bears good fruit.
What we learn from the testimony of the Scriptures is that Jesus meets us where we are. Jesus, however, does not leave us there. Jesus invites us to join him in a new life, to follow his example and live his teaching. That means letting go of our old way of life. “If you would be my disciple,” he says, “take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow me.” Being merciful is an important part of that new life, being helpful, being generous, caring for others, forgiving their failings, treating them as we would wish to be treated ourselves. But it is not the entirety of that life. It is a life in which Jesus is enthroned as Lord in every room of our life, in every nook and cranny, even in the darkest places.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Lord God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing
mercy and pity: grant us such a measure of your grace that,
running in the way of your commandments, we may obtain your
promises, and share in your heavenly treasure; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear William Arthur Dunkerley’s “In Christ There Is No East or West.”
1 In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.
2 In him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
his service is the golden cord,
close binding humankind.
3 Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate'er your race may be;
who serves my Father as his child
is surely kin to me.
4 In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north;
all Christlike souls are one in him,
throughout the whole wide earth.
[Let us pray for all in civil authority.]
Almighty God, you rule over the kingdoms of the world: We
commend to your merciful care the people of this land, that,
being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in
your peace. Grant to [here the appropriate persons in government
are named] and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know
and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
that they may serve your people faithfully to your honour and glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Let us pray for the Church]
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Let us pray for all people according to their needs]
God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]
Silence
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Almighty God,
you have given your only Son
to be for us both a sacrifice for sin
and also the example of godly life:
give us grace that we may always thankfully receive
the benefits of his sacrifice,
and also daily endeavour
to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Let us give thanks to God for his goodness.]
Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Frederick W. Faber’s “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy.”
1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth’s sorrows
Are more felt than up in Heaven;
There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kindly judgment given.
2 For the love of God is broader
Than the measures of our mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make His love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify His strictness
With a zeal He will not own.
3 There is plentiful redemption
In the blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members
In the sorrows of the Head.
There is grace enough for thousands
Of new worlds as great as this;
There is room for fresh creations
In that upper home of bliss.
If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all gladness
In the joy of Christ our Lord.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear John Rutter’s “A Claire Benediction.”
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
Then in heaven may you see His face
Then in heaven may you see His face
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