This is a time of year, in the Church, when we hear again of the signs and wonders that Jesus did to reveal Himself as the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, of the Scriptures. Today, that has come into our ears with the Apostle and Evangelist John’s account of Jesus’ second miracle having come from the Judea into the Galilee.
With that in mind, we remember that today’s readings have, in this time, come to us very near to our celebration of the Festival of the Reformation, as well as the days that immediately follow it—the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls. This is a time of year for us to hear a succession of proclamations concerning the powerful work of God…. For more, click on the title above.
Author: kyriss
90 days of prayer: Day 57
The 21st week after Trinity God declares us righteous, unsheathing His Word against all evil Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 – O Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier who has made all things, was sacrificed for all mankind, and imparts a saving faith to all who would hear the Gospel and believe, so continue to sustain and… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 57
90 days of prayer: Day 56
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude – Almighty, eternal and merciful God, You have invited all of us sinners to Your banquet table that we might receive your gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. You have blessed us with a precious wedding garment, the forgiveness earned for us on the… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 56
90 days of prayer: Day 55
Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 – Heavenly Father, You have prepared for us a feast of Your love and mercy and provided for us a garment of righteousness through your Son, Jesus Christ. By your Holy Spirit bring us to Your table in joy, that we may taste and see your goodness, and with grateful hearts… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 55
90 days of prayer: Day 54
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 – Almighty and merciful Father, though Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and Your ways beyond our comprehension, we know You have a plan for us. Grant us the humility to trust in You and in the guidance of your Holy Spirit. As we continue our campaign to expand and… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 54
Unpacking the meaning of a parable
Sometimes when you begin a sermon you need to explain what the text you are preaching on is NOT about before you can say what it is about and how it applies to the hearers. I hope this helps, because the parable of the wicked, nasty tenants is one of those texts.
This parable of Jesus is not about an unfruitful vineyard. It is not about a vineyard that bore the wrong kind of fruit. This parable is not about the people of God who at times do not bear the fruit that they should be bearing. And so, we should not simplistically say that we are just like the tenant workers in that vineyard because we sometimes don’t bear fruit for God….For more, click on the title above.
90 days of prayer: Day 53
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 – Dear Lord, your apostle Paul reminds us of Your gifts of Word and music, encouraging us to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. We pray that by Your Holy Spirit we continue to use these gifts to join together in praise of You, Heavenly… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 53
90 days of prayer: Day 52
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 – Heavenly Father, through Your prophet Isaiah You called upon us to seek You where You may be found, and call upon You while You are near. We thank You that You have provided for us a place where we receive Your gifts of Word and Sacrament, administered by your faithful… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 52
90 days of prayer: Day 51
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, Feast of St. James of Jerusalem – Most merciful Father, we know Your will but we are foolish, and we struggle to walk as those who are wise. We thank you that in your gracious mercy you sent us your Son, Jesus Christ, who is a lamp for our feet and… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 51
90 days of prayer: Day 50
The 20th week after Trinity Jesus invites us to His wedding feast to receive abundant righteousness Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 – Heavenly Father, we thirst and hunger for drink and food that has no price and cannot be purchased with money. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our source of… Continue reading 90 days of prayer: Day 50