AUGUST 3, 2025
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
ECCELSIASTES 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; PSALM 49:1-12; COLASSIANS 3:1-11; LUKE 12:13-21
Today’s tests offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word.
AUGUST 10, 2025
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
GENESIS 15:1-6; PSALM 33:12-22; HEBREWS 11:1-3, 8-16; LUKE 12:32-40
Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning – to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.
AUGUST 17, 2025
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
JEREMIAH 23:23-29; PSALM 82; HEBREWS 11:29-12:2; LUKE 12:49-56; ISAIAH 5:1-7; PSALM 80:1-2, 8-19
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
AUGUST 24, 2025
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
ISAIAH 58:9b -14; PSALM 103:1-8; HEBREWS 12:18-29; LUKE 13:10-17, JEREMIAH 1:4-10; PSALM 71:1-6
Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day. And the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing.
AUGUST 31, 2025
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
PROVERBS 25:6-7; SIRACH 10:12-18; PSALM 112; HEBREWS 13:1-8, 15-16; LUKE 14:1, 7-14; JEREMIAH 2:4-13; PSALM 81:1, 10-16
Inviting and inviting – that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at Christ’s banquet table. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.
