In the preface to the 1549 Book of Common Prayer, Thomas Cranmer writes,
“...if a man would search out by the ancient fathers, he shall find, that the same was not ordained, but of a good purpose, and for a great advancement of godliness: For they so ordered the matter, that all the whole Bible (or the greatest part thereof) should be read over once in the year, intending thereby, that the Clergy, and especially such as were Ministers of the congregation, should (by often reading, and meditation of God’s word) be stirred up to godliness themselves, and be more able to exhort others by wholesome doctrine, and to confute them that were adversaries to the truth.” (2019 Book of Common Prayer pg. 794)
As we go through our lesson for this week, Fr. Thebeau will highlight the ways in which Thomas Cranmer made scripture an essential part of our worship, and how the liturgical calendar helps form our lives around the life of Christ.