VERSE: “ALLELUIA! Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you. ALLELUIA!” (Lk. 8:39a; VERSE)
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*).
657: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
659: Lord of Our Life
825: Rise, Shine, You People
598*: Once in the Blest Baptismal Waters
Psalm 3
In the midst of grave danger the psalmist prays to the LORD with utmost confidence. It is not that he is unaware of the threat against him, but that he is certain of the LORD’s ability and willingness to deliver. May God grant us the full certainty of the psalmist so that we too can confess, “Salvation belongs to the LORD;” and pray with confidence, “your blessing be on your people!” (v. 8).
Isaiah 65:1-9
Through his prophet we hear the LORD’s lament over his people. He has eagerly awaited their call, but they had no use for him. His case against them is rock solid. He would be fully justified in any punishment he brought upon them. Yet he does not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that the sinner turn and live. And so he will have mercy. He will preserve a remnant through whom his promises will be fulfilled. What a merciful God!
Galatians 3:23-4:7
St. Paul has shown that salvation does not come though obedience to the law. Nevertheless, he says, the law has an important work. Before a person comes to faith, it serves as a guardian, watching over him and keeping him in line. Through Holy Baptism, however, the one who was a slave under the law is given the full rights of a son and made an heir of heaven. God grant that we may always treasure the privileged place he has given us in his household, a place that is ours by grace through faith.
Luke 8:26-39
This reading vividly reveals Jesus’ great mercy and power which he employs for the benefit of a helpless sinner. Possessed by a legion of demons, the man was a threat to others and a danger even to himself. At Jesus’ command, however, the demons were expelled and the man’s whole life was changed. He had possession of his faculties, was able to sit peacefully and listen to Jesus, was safe and secure. And how did he respond? He wanted to stay close to Jesus and he proclaimed the marvelous deeds of him who had called him out of darkness into his marvelous light. May our response to God’s powerful grace be like his.
| Monday | Proverbs 16:1-24 | John 16:1-16 |
| Tuesday | Proverbs 17:1-28 | John 16:17-33 |
| Wednesday | Proverbs 20:5-25 | John 17:1-26 |
| Thursday | Proverbs 22:1-21 | John 18:1-14 |
| Friday | Proverbs 22:22-23:12 | John 18:15-40 |
| Saturday | Proverbs 24:1-22 | John 19:1-22 |
| Sunday | Proverbs 25:1-22 | John 19:23-42 |
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM:
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.”
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [Proper 7] “O God, You have prepared for those who love You such good things as surpass our understanding. Cast out all sins and evil desires from us, and pour into our hearts Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all blessedness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN!
