Psalm 85:8-13

8

I will listen to what the LORD God is saying,
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.

 

9

Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

 

10

Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

 

11

Truth shall spring up from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

 

12

The LORD will indeed grant prosperity,
and our land will yield its increase.

 

13

Righteousness shall go before him,
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

From the Great Cloud of Witnesses:

Irenaeus was born in Smyrna in 115 and studied under the bishop Polycarp. He became the Bishop of Lyons in Gaul (today, France) and wrote extensively against the gnostic movement which posed a threat to Christianity in the second century. Gnosticism claimed to be a sect of Christianity, yet at the same time, denied that Christ had come in the flesh - thus invalidating the crucifixion and resurrection. Irenaeus' Against Heresies is a brilliant apologetic work, pointing out the flaws of gnosticism and the truths of orthodox Christianity.

For his writings: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/irenaeus.html

Short bio: http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/irenaeus.php


Collect:

Almighty God, you upheld your servant Irenaeus with strength to maintain the truth against every blast of vain doctrine: Keep us, we pray, steadfast in your true religion, that in constancy and peace we may walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.