From "Propers in the Time of Pestilence"
Readings:
Old Testament: 2 Sam. 24:15–25
Epistle: Romans 5:15–17, 18–21
Gospel: Luke 4:38–41
Lectionary Summary
The Lord once sent a pestilence on Israel, but David, the Lord’s anointed, bore the guilt of sin and offered the sacrifice that “[stayed] the hand” of the Lord’s avenging angel (2 Samuel 24). So much more has Christ, our Savior, borne the wrath of God against our sin and offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice that spares us. “With his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:5), so we boldly beseech the Lord’s mercy upon us for Christ’s sake. “Death [reigns]” over all of Adam’s children in this world because of sin, yet “through our Lord Jesus Christ” comes the “gift of righteousness” that brings “eternal life” (Romans 5). Let the church implore God’s mercy in repentance and faith for the sake of Christ, whose hand alone can heal every disease (Luke 4), and in whom is salvation, life and resurrection from the dead.
Introit:
Remember, O Lord, your | covenant* and say to your smiting | angel,
“Stay your hand, that the land may not become | desolate,”* lest you destroy every | living soul.
Give ear, O Shepherd of | Israel,* you who lead Joseph | like a flock!
O Lord, | God of hosts,* how long will you be angry with your | people’s prayers?
Let your hand be on the man of your | right hand,* the son of man whom you have made strong | for yourself!
Restore us, O Lord | God of hosts!* let your face shine, that we | may be saved!
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son* and to the Holy | Spirit; as it was in the be- | ginning, is now, and will be forever. | Amen.
Remember, O Lord, your | covenant* and say to your smiting | angel,
“Stay your hand, that the land may not become | desolate,”* lest you destroy every | living soul.
Collect:
O God, You desire not the death of sinners, but rather that we turn from our wickedness and live. Graciously behold Your people who plead to You and spare us. Withdraw the scourge of Your wrath and be moved in mercy to turn away this pestilence from us; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Tract (Pre-Lent and Lent):
You, O Lord, have made the land to quake; you have torn it | open;* heal its breaches, for it | totters.
That your beloved ones may be de- | livered,* give salvation by your right hand and | answer us!
(Ps. 60:2, 5)