VERSE:“ALLELUIA! The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. ALLELUIA!” (Revelation 22:17; VERSE)
743; 830; 514; 941; 813 in Lutheran Service Book
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*)
The Psalm: Psalm 23 (Pray the Psalm daily)
743: Jesus, Priceless Treasure
830: Spread the Reign of God the Lord
514: The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us
941: We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God
813: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng
Psalm 23
This familiar psalm takes on a slightly different focus as we read it in connection with the other appointed readings. The first four verses are echoed by Paul, though without the image of a shepherd. No matter what the circumstances, he writes, under the Lord’s care “I will fear no evil.” The readings from Isaiah and Matthew speak of a prepared table, but no enemies are present at that meal. Instead they draw our attention to the closing words of the psalm, residing forever in “the house of the Lord.” Peace and security now and even greater blessings in eternity—what a future God has prepared for us!
Isaiah 25:6-9
Isaiah speaks of a coming day when God’s people will no longer experience difficulty or disgrace. It is a day when faith will be vindicated, a day when those who have trusted in the Lord will be guests at his table enjoying the sumptuous feast of salvation. All this because of what Jesus did in Jerusalem, by his innocent death swallowing up death forever. God grant that we continue firm in the faith until we experience that vindication.
Philippians 4:4-13
In this reading St. Paul writes of “peace . . . which transcends all understanding,” and contentment no matter what the circumstances. What makes these seemingly impossible things possible is confident reliance on and trust in God. God’s wisdom and power are able to use even the most dire difficulties for the blessing of his people. No wonder Paul can urge us: “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
Matthew 22:1-14
With this parable, Jesus continues in the same vein as in last week’s lesson, warning those who are rejecting him that they continue to do so at great peril and will be eternally sorry for their decision. The marriage feast of the Lamb in his kingdom will be a rich and wonderful banquet. How sad that so many reject the invitation with excuses that will look absolutely flimsy in the light of eternity. God preserve us from such a tragic mistake.
| Monday | Deuteronomy 8:1-20 | Matthew 10:24-42 |
| Tuesday | Deuteronomy 9:1-22 | Matthew 11:1-19 |
| Wednesday | Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22 | Matthew 11:20-30 |
| Thursday | Deuteronomy 11:1-20 | Matthew 12:1-21 |
| Friday | Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12 | Matthew 12:22-37 |
| Saturday | Deuteronomy 12:13-32 | Matthew 12:38-50 |
| Sunday | Deuteronomy 13:1-18 | Matthew 13:1-23 |
The Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread.
What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [Proper 23]
“Almighty God, You invite us to trust in You for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of Your judgment but by the greatness of Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN!
