Preparation for Sunday Service
For Sunday the 4th of October, 2026 (Proper 22)
As we gather for worship this morning the readings from God’s Word address his expectations of those on whom he has had mercy, all whom he has graciously blessed. Israel of old and the leaders of Jesus’ day refused to yield to God the fruits of repentance and faith. Though the Lord had richly blessed them, they didn’t repay him with love and faithfulness. The result was punishment, disinheritance. St. Paul urges us to respond to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ by counting “everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (v. 8). With all that God has done for us in Christ, and his promises yet to be fulfilled, may we like St. Paul eagerly press on “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (v. 14).
