We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 17, 2018.
Reading O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; may the Lord rejoice in his works-- who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b) Reflection I am a huge fan of taking walks by the ocean, in the mountains, and at camp. I love the sights, sounds, and smells. It is marvelous how what all God created works together. The many and various creatures are fun to look for. I like seeing the creatures scamper through the forest, or in the dunes. One thing I do not like to see is the trash that is scattered in the dunes. One of the walks I take twice a year is on a road side picking up trash. I can marvel at the creation all around me, and also tend it by keeping it litter free. As the Psalmist honors God in his writing/songs so we too can honor God in our songs and writings. We can also honor God by taking care of what God has created so it is around for others to enjoy. --Charlene Rineer Prayer Creator God, we marvel at your wonderful work. Glorious are the oceans, mountains, meadows, and forests. We praise you for all you have given us. May the glory of the Lord abound in our lives forever. Amen.
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When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Acts 2: 1-21) Reflection I remember reading this passage on Pentecost Sunday when I got confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewistown. I was nervous about reading all those names and pronouncing them correctly. I practiced, practiced, practiced until I felt comfortable with all those names. But the name in this passage that is most important is Spirit. Pentecost is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on earth, being the guide for the followers of Christ. It sounded like a violent wind. It made people speak in different languages. And it caused more to follow God. I like to picture the spirit as a wind which blows across the earth and causes us to do new and exciting things for God. May you think of these things as you celebrate Pentecost this Sunday. --Chad Hershberger Prayer Come Holy Spirit. Come. Amen. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23) Reflection If you get a chance this summer, take the opportunity to go outside on a starry night and lay down in the grass in an opening in the woods, a clearing, or a field and stare into the sky. Look up at the heavens and see the moon and the stars and remember God and the hosts of heaven as you do. Meditate on these words of Psalm 23 and imagine the Good Shepherd watching over you. Viewing the heavens and reflecting on creation while watching the stars can be a moving experience. You’ll undoubtedly feel God’s presence in creation. You may even feel humbled as you think about your place in God’s universe. The stars in the night sky should be a reminder that this summer, you should grow in your love and knowledge of the one who created you and worship God. The awesomeness and majesty of our Lord should be apparent as you take time to “lie down in green pastures.” Use your experience as a reminder that you should always worship God. --Chad Hershberger Prayer The heavens are yours, O Lord. Remind us of the mighty works you do. Amen. Reading
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1: 1-11) Reflection So, who is Theophilus? From the notes in the my Bible I learned the writer of Acts writes to Theophilus, a name that means "friend of God." This may have been a person by that name or the writer's name for all friends of God. Either way, the book was intended for a large audience. It tells the story of God's redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. A message for Theophilus. For you! I like to write cards and notes. A lot. To family and to friends. To the people on the card ministry list at church including a secret sister called my LYLAS (Love You Like A Sister). I greet all by name but I could call them all Theophilus - friend of God. Notes of care, encouragement, celebration, thanks, newsy news and sometimes even jokes and puns (to my 9 year old great-nephew). Behind whatever I write I hope they hear it comes from a heart of love that comes from God. That's my story. Love God. Love others. To Theophilus. To all. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, thank you for your redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. May all may know your grace. Amen Reading
”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17: 20-26) Reflection Have you ever known someone was praying for you? In what you just read, Jesus was praying for you. For YOU. The 17th chapter of John is titled, "Jesus Prays for His Disciples" but in John 17: 20-26 Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for those who will come to believe in him because of the disciples' work after his ascension. Do you ever think about Jesus praying to the Father for you? How does that make you feel? Does his prayer make you think more about your praying? Have you ever known someone was praying for you? Maybe you asked for prayer. That can take trust, courage and humility. Or maybe you hadn't even asked but you could just tell you are wrapped in the love of someone's care and prayer. Either way, it's real. It makes a difference. And your prayers for others are real and make a difference, too. So, as Jesus prayed and prays for us, let's pray for each other. May we be one in Christ and may God's glory be seen. May the world know love from God and through us. May the Holy Spirit speak when we don't have the words. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, hear our prayers for us and for each other. Thank you, Jesus for praying for your disciples then and all through time. May the Holy Spirit intercede when we don't know what to say. Amen Reading
12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. 20 The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (Revelation 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20-21) Reflection Even though most of the book of Revelation is confusing to me I do like the benediction. These last words of the book of Revelation give comfort to me. I hope they bring some comfort to you too. God was there in the beginning and will be there at the end. All who call on the name of God will be together at the end. ALL are welcome. ALL are invited call on the Lord. God sent Jesus to be the bright morning star for everyone to follow. The very last verse is wonderful for all the believers - The GRACE of God is with all the saints. This GRACE is available for everyone. Here is an acrostic that some confirmation students came up with: God’s Redeeming Acceptance Covers Everyone --Charlene Rineer Prayer Gracious God, we thank you for all our blessings. Thank you for sending Jesus to be an example of your gracious redeeming love. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our guide. AMEN We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 3, 2016.
Reading One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night, he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. (Acts 16:16-34) Reflection In recent weeks, we’ve been reading stories from Acts about the early work of the apostles. They’ve some incredible acts, including performing miracles like Jesus did when he was on earth. In today’s story, we see two scenes. We see Paul casting out demons in a slave girl that was following him around and we see Paul and Silas in prison, getting out after an earthquake. Seeing that big sign, the jailer rushes to get baptized and his family is baptized as well. Are there big events in your life that has made you want to turn toward God? It may be in the action of another, or it may be something big like a natural disaster. Sometimes, I think God sends us a “wake-up” call to remind us that we need to turn out attention to God. We see that in our story today and we can see that in our lives now. –Chad Hershberger Prayer May your wake-up call help us to turn our attention to you, Lord. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:22-32) Reflection Listen, Jesus, I watched a bird smack into my office window last week; I feel like we could have a better model of trust and insight than some avian advice. Then again, on the other side of that window, I find myself repeatedly drawn down the cycle of doomscrolling anxiety. It’s easy to sort of spiral these days, isn’t it? One bad headline, one breaking news hour, one new Twitter notification and suddenly I can find myself on an anxious turn that has the power to consume the rest of the day (or week or month or year). I mean, it all sounds well and good when Jesus says “I tell you, do not worry about your life,” but dang it I do. I do worry about my life and about the lives of others. I mean, how can you not? I’ll admit, sometimes those spirals of worry go deep. They leave me reeling, scrambling to find some sure footing underneath me. But every once in a while – on the good days – the world around me actually catches up. Driving in the car and seeing the open fields surrounding me, taking in the mountains standing in the quiet stillness on the horizon, even opening that same often window to hear the birds give rise to their song (even if they are recovering from sudden impact with double paned glass) – these are the things that help to bring me out of the spiral. They are tangible touchstones that reminds me of the God who clothes the grass of the field, who draws up the lilly, and feeds those clumsy ravens. They are the signs that ground me back into the world and set me to the work of being fully present in God’s kingdom. Maybe you can be grounded too. -– Justin Lingenfelter Prayer Grounding God, even amid our well-founded worries and anxieties of the world, you provide for our daily needs. Remind us of our hope in you, that we might find footing in your kingdom and reach back to this world you so love through your Son, Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen. ___________________________________________________________________________ Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man.The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. (John 14: 23-29) Reflection: As I read this scripture I started out with a few questions – Who was Jesus speaking to? What was the question that was asked? So, of course, I had to go back to what was in scripture right before this passage. Jesus was having a conversation with his disciples about God, heaven, faith, and the advocate. Several disciples are mentioned asking questions. The question that was being answered in this passage was by Judas. Judas asked “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”. I do not know if Judas got an answer that satisfied him. I know that as I read it, I was still a little puzzled. I do like that Jesus mentions we get an advocate to help guide us, and that he is giving us peace. I also like that he says our hearts are not to be troubled. So, I came away with that in all our questions we need to not be anxious and that we need to trust God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you that you sent us Jesus and the Hoy Spirit. Help us trust in you, at all times. When we struggle with questions let us be guided by your Spirit and the word. May our hearts be untroubled and unafraid. May we rejoice in all we have been given. AMEN Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 21: 10, 22-22:5) Reflection In a recent sermon I preached as part of a congregation’s Camp Mount Luther Sunday, I mentioned that for me, what we do at camp is the closest we will come to seeing the Kingdom of God on earth. The community we build, the praise we give to God, and the sense of being apart from the troubles of the world are key ingredients in what I think God’s kingdom is going to be like. What do you think the Kingdom of God will be like? What pictures do you have of heaven? I like the line in this passage from Revelation: “They need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light.” Won’t that be a glorious day for us all? --Chad Hershberger Prayer Let your light shine in the darkness here on earth, Lord. And, help us be the light. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. (Psalm 67) Reflection When getting ready to write a devotion, I first take out my NRSV Bible, the same translation used in the link to click on above and read the text from there. If I need another translation, I grab my NIV Bible which was a gift from Camp Mount Luther Summer 2006. If the text is a Psalm, I sometimes pull out a book called Psalms/Now in which the psalmists’ prayers are in the words and phrases of today. Psalm 67 is a song of praise to God; particularly praying for help and asking for God’s blessing. So, it caught my eye and stopped my thoughts in their tracks when the Psalms/Now paraphrase contained the line, “God’s blessings are all about us.” Wait. What? That sounds rather self-centered and self-serving. Don’t you think? Seems to be saying it’s all about me, me, me (and you). Oh! Wait. I was looking at it from the wrong direction. It’s not that God’s blessings are all about US (you and me). It’s that God’s blessings are ALL ABOUT (all around) us. See how that can be flipped back and forth? Think about it. Then look all around. Blessed! --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, we praise you for your blessings around us. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 21, 2019.
Reading During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16: 9-15) Reflection You never know what may happen because of what you do. Sure, you may think of negative instances when that has been the case. But your kind words can also be remembered for years to come, too. In our story today, we read about Lydia. She hears the words that Paul preaches. Her heart was opened by God and she changed direction. She became a follower. And it was because of what Paul said. Be open to sharing with others. Invite them to come to church. Tell them your faith stories. Relate where you see God. You never know what may happen! --Chad Hershberger Prayer Help hearts to be open to hear your Word, God. May we be your voice in this world. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading Again, he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching, he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” And he said, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” (Mark 4:1-9) Reflection Most of the time Jesus didn’t talk about facts but instead shared stories that people could relate to and easily remember and share. Speaking to people accustomed to growing food, Jesus told a story they would understand about seeds and soil as an example of God’s generosity beyond measure. The story, Mark 4:1-9, showed that wherever God’s word of love goes, good soil or not, a harvest is possible. From this story we learn that God’s love generously fills our lives, making us thankful. Activities to do at home:
--LOM Curriculum Prayer Dear God, Wow! You fill our lives with all that you are. Help us to live with boldness, persistence, and generosity as your disciples. We trust that you can take the seeds we plant and multiply them beyond our imagining! In Jesus’s name. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:31-35) Reflection My husband is an only child. He often views the interactions between our three children with wonder. I think his vision of having a sibling, especially a brother, was that of having a built-in friend: a constant playmate and ally. You probably know that it isn’t always like that. They say that sibling relationships are a good training ground for future relationships. Sometimes they get along brilliantly and sometimes they really, really don’t. Loving one another is hard. People disagree. Sometimes people take our stuff or tattle on us or won’t play by the rules we decide. And outside of our family it can even worse! So, I’m practicing following Jesus’s new commandment. I’m going to make mistakes. His love is perfect, but I’m not, so I’ll keep practicing. Maybe I’ll start with my brother. --Erin Hayes Prayer Thank you for loving us. Help us to love one another as we know that we should. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. (Revelation 21: 1-6) Reflection Did you know there is a new & improved computer keyboard out that is washable? You can scrub that icky, sticky space bar, and the bowl of Froot Loops I dumped wouldn’t have been a total loss. Or think about lighting. Candles are nice for romantic dinners and meditation, but thanks to lightbulbs, fewer cows will burn down a city when they kick an untended oil lantern. And now there are solar lights to flicker along the garden path at dusk, and LED lighting to illuminate kitchens and TVs. You can even save electricity or affect moods with automated controls when the lights come on or go off. And all of these products come with so much more, from a bonus water-resistant mouse to included-free lighting strips. New & improved can apply beyond the material. How about a new and improved relationship with God? Tweaking a prayer routine, adopting a new worship practice, studying a neglected book in the bible – these adaptations could deliver fresh and enriched connections with the Holy Spirit. In John’s Revelation, we find the promise of a new and improved heaven and earth. One home to God and His creation in a perfected existence. Death is no more; pain and suffering are eliminated along with all the products of sin. All at a price we can afford: our faith and belief. Now I’ll buy that! --Heather Wolf Prayer Jesus, God, Creator of heaven and earth; your will be done! Help me to be an instrument of improvement to the lives of others and the world around me. In your name I pray. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading:
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! 9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! 12 Young men and women alike, old and young together! 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 148) Reflection Psalms are one of my favorite types of scripture. Psalms were written to sing praises to God, to cry out laments, and to give thanks for God’s gifts. This Psalm is particularly joyful. Praising God for all things in creation. This Psalm is one the I use as an example in confirmation when we write our own prayers to praise God for what we have been given. You too can write your own prayer Psalms to praise God or crying out our laments or give thanks. Just whatever is on your heart you can pour it out to God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God I praise your holy name. Thank you for all the good things you have created. Thank you for the flowers of spring and the warmer weather. Thank you for the time we get to spend with family and friends. Let us never be timid when we come to you in prayer. AMEN Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 19, 2016.
Reading Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely, I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:1-18) Reflection This is a fascinating story. Peter tells folks about an incredible vision he had. It is almost too wild to be true! But look at his response when he is done telling the people about it. He basically says, “Who am I to question God. If God gave them the same gift of the Spirit that he gave us, why should I hinder that?” So often I find myself responding to others’ wild ideas or plans with hesitation or “brushing it off.” But, as we see in this story from Peter, perhaps the response should be, “who am I hinder that?” God might be right there, through the Spirit, guiding what is to be! --Chad Hershberger Prayer God, help me not to hinder your good works. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10:22-30) Reflection Today’s text makes me giggle a little. Those gathered around Jesus clearly have no tolerance for nuance. They can’t make inferences. “Tell us plainly” they say. But Jesus knows that if they have to ask, they aren’t his sheep. His sheep know Him. Nothing can take that away. I love that the text reads “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” What can we do, to take away God’s love? Nothing. What can we do to stop being sheep? Nothing. I am His, and you can’t take that away from me. --Erin Hayes Prayer Messiah, Thank you for making us your sheep. Help me to trust in your promises and live my life so that others can plainly see your love in me. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7: 9-18) Reflection Having just returned from a youth orchestra performance tour in Berlin, Leipzig, and Prague with a group of 100+ people, I know what a multitude is. Being in cities full of local residents and tourists of other nations, I had an awareness of all tribes and languages. And all of us having been through a couple years of pandemic isolation and limited travel, there was a feeling of having come out of a great ordeal. We were glad to share meals, raise a glass and be in the sunshine together. Truly, some tears were wiped away. Yes, I wrapped my recent travel experience around our text from Revelation today. There is one more connection. Singing. The multitude fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God singing. Music. That was the purpose of our tour - music; though instrumental, not singing. After the final concert, one young orchestra member came up to me so excited. “Mrs. Gates, that was the best! I made an old person smile. I looked down off the stage and there she was in the front row smiling as we played. And you know how an old person without a lot of teeth smiles? I could tell she was happy and that is just the best feeling. I made an old person happy with my music.” Perhaps that person went home with music in her heart. Perhaps her own bedtime prayer was a song much like the singing of the multitude at the throne. Perhaps God wiped away some tears that night. The old person’s, the young musician’s and mine. --Ruth Gates Prayer “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-- they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23) Reflection Last summer, my daughter shared her Camp Mount Luther counseling book with me. It is full of activities and prayers for exploring deeper faith formation with kids of all ages. One of the neatest devotion ideas was to rewrite the 23rd Psalm to reiterate God’s loving care in terms more personally relatable. They cite a version written by Julia Seymour, pastor of Big Timber Church in Montana, who relied on a mechanic-car metaphor. I don’t know much about shepherds and sheep, or how to keep an engine-blocks running, but I love music and I’m writing with a very knowledgeable friend. So… 1 The Lord is my music director, I shall not play without help. 2 He leads me from the downbeat to the final cutoff; he knows where the rests are; 3 he keeps the time. He directs me through the piece, for the composition is his. 4 Yea though I play through the change of key signatures, I fear no missteps; for you are with me; your baton and music score-- they conduct me. 5 You prepare an opus for me to perform in the presence of all to hear; you honor me with a solo; I am given first seat. 6 Surely structure and harmony, melody and rhythm shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall make beautiful music with my Lord and Maestro my whole life long.[g] --Heather Wolf (with Ruth Gates) Prayer Jesus, Shepherd, Teacher, Creator, Conductor, Loving God and Lord. You are all things and all I need. Thank you for being ever with me. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
³⁶In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" ³⁹Peter went with them, and when he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. ⁴⁰Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. 41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴²This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the LORD. ⁴³Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. (Acts 9: 36-43) Reflection This scripture is a wonderful story of the beginning of the Christian church. A disciple was doing good and helping the poor. When sickness stuck other disciples knew God’s power and reached out for help from Peter. Simon Peter was one of 12 disciples. He was a fisherman who was called to follow Jesus. Peter was present at many important times in Jesus’s ministry, walked on water, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all. Peter also denied knowing Jesus but came back to Jesus by the sea and was commanded to feed the sheep. Peter was present for the accension, and then preached to the crowd at Pentecost. Peter was a great leader. At one point in time Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church.” Peter’s belief and mission of spreading of the story of Christ was widespread. Other followers knew him, and he eventually become the first pope of the church. Looking at Peter we should find some comfort that his early belief was over the top, then he had a time when he turned away, but then came back and was stronger then ever in his beliefs. Peter had many human characteristics that we all can relate to and even though he was flawed God did great things through him. God also works in our lives and great things can happen. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for the Apostles. Thank you for Peter and his ministry of leadership for starting the church. Help us keep spreading your word and building up the church. Let us be disciples like Tabitha who do good and help the poor. AMEN Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. |
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