30 June 2008

The Short and Skinny on First Communion

For those who missed my long previous post on First Communion (on 25 May), and for those who prefer not to work through that whole thing, here's the short and skinny in a series of theses:

Every communicant should know and confess the Christian faith and live the Christian life, as the Church expects and asks of each baptismal candidate. In short, every communicant should be a Christian.

The Six Chief Parts are foundational to Christian catechesis. The Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Our Father are a succinct teaching and summary confession of the Law and the Gospel and of faith in Christ Jesus. With respect to the evangelical Sacraments of Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution and the Holy Communion, catechesis in these means of grace must accompany their administration.

Memorization of the Six Chief Parts is certainly a fine sort of training, but that person is truly worthy and well-prepared for the Holy Communion who has faith in the Words of Christ.

The Lord Jesus gives His body and His blood to His disciples, to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins. He makes disciples by the way and the means of Holy Baptism and the catechesis of His Word.

To be a disciple of Jesus — and thus to be a Christian and a communicant — is to be a lifelong follower of this Lord, a lifelong student of this Teacher, a lifelong apprentice of this true Master. One does not graduate from discipleship, but remains a disciple in the hearing of the Word of Christ Jesus. A disciple of Jesus never does become greater than his Lord, but continues to be catechized by Him.

While discipleship is never mastered or completed in this lifetime, it belongs already even to the little ones and infants who believe in Jesus by His Word and Holy Spirit.

Growth into greater maturity in the Christian faith and life occurs through repentance, which is to say that one is humbled in order to be exalted. He is catechized, daily, in order to become as a little child.

Communing the disciples of Jesus is an important aspect of ongoing catechesis and regular pastoral care. A pastor is always catechizing, one way or another, and a disciple is always being catechized.

The entire administration of the Holy Communion occurs within the context of catechesis, that is, with the preaching and teaching of Christ the Crucified. The "remembrance" of Jesus and the proclamation of His death until He comes are rooted in this preaching and administration.

Each and every Holy Communion is administered with the catechesis of the Word of Christ, and the disciples of Jesus are brought to a worthy reception of that Sacrament (in faith) by that catechesis.

The disciples of Christ Jesus confess Him and His Gospel with lips and life. Where there is a persistently false confession, whether in speaking or in living, or a stubborn refusal to confess, such a person must be called to repentance, put under discipline, and excommunicated if necessary.

Each disciple of Christ Jesus confesses Him before the world with the abilities and within the limitations of his (or her) finite being and particular station in life.

Even the youngest disciples of Christ Jesus confess as they are catechized. They believe and confess what they hear and are taught by the Word of Christ, their Lord. Thus, the burden of responsibility falls especially upon the parents and the pastor to catechize, according to their respective God-given vocations, and not upon the abilities and achievements of the catechumen.

The Holy Communion should be administered, not on the basis of a theoretically "completed" catechetical pre-requisite, but within the pervasive context of ongoing pastoral catechesis, which takes place in a variety of ways, before, during and after First Communion.

Communicants are to be examined and absolved. This examination belongs especially to the regular practice of Individual Confession and Absolution, and to the wider context of pastoral care. To be examined and absolved is not a once-in-a-lifetime critical event, but an ongoing aspect of the Christian faith and life, a regular return to the significance of Holy Baptism. The question is not, "Were you catechized and confirmed?" The question is, "Are you baptized, and are you being catechized?"

Finally, Lutheran altars are for Lutheran communicants, as Lutheran pulpits are for Lutheran preachers, because the preaching and the communing belong together. Those who submit themselves to a different preaching, or who refuse to submit themselves to any preaching, should not presume to present themselves at the altar for the Holy Communion.

27 June 2008

Justification and Freedom

Some timely and pertinent comments from Dr. Luther's 1535 Lectures on Galatians (CPH 1963):

"‘What does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave and her son; for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman’ (Gal. 4:30).

"Here the Ishmaelites hear a sentence pronounced against them that overthrows the Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, etc., who persecuted the church of Christ. It will also overthrow the papists and all other self-righteous people, whoever they may be, who boast today that they are the people of God and the church; they hope that they will surely receive the inheritance, and they judge that we who depend on the promise of God are not only barren and desolate but heretics who have been cast out of the church and cannot be sons and heirs. But God turns this judgment of theirs upside down and pronounces the sentence on them that because they are sons of the slave woman and persecute the sons of the free woman, they are to be cast out of the house and are not to share the inheritance with the sons of the promise, to whom, as sons of the free woman, the promise belongs exclusively. This sentence is legitimate, and it is irrevocable; for ‘Scripture cannot be broken’ (John 10:35). Therefore it will most certainly happen that our Ishmaelites will not only lose the authority they have in both church and state but eternal life as well. For Scripture has foretold that the sons of the slave woman are to be cast out of the house, that is, out of the kingdom of grace, because they cannot inherit with the sons of the free woman.

"Now it should be noted that the Holy Spirit insults the people of the Law and of works here by calling them ‘sons of the slave woman.’ It is as though He were to say: ‘Why do you boast about the righteousness of the Law and of works and brag that on its account you are the people and the children of God? If you do not know whence you have your birth, I will tell you. You were born as slaves and of a slave woman. What sort of slaves? Of the Law, sin, death, and eternal damnation. A slave is not an heir but is cast out of the house.’ Therefore the pope, with all his regime and whatever other self-righteous people there are, regardless of how saintly they may be in appearance, who trust they will obtain grace and salvation through laws human or divine — all of them are sons of the slave woman who will not inherit with the sons of the free woman but will be cast out of the house. And I am not speaking now about the ungodly monks, who worshiped their belly as god (Phil. 3:19) and committed horrible sins that I would just as soon not mention, but about the best of them, to whom I and many others belonged, who lived holy lives and tried with might and main to appease the wrath of God and to merit the forgiveness of sins and eternal life by the observances of their religious order. These men must now hear the sentence that the sons of the slave woman are to be cast out of the house together with the slave woman, their mother.

"When they are carefully considered, such sentences provide us with certainty and reassurance regarding the doctrine and the righteousness of faith, in opposition to the doctrine and the righteousness of works. The world embraces and praises the latter, and it despises and condemns the former. This, of course, is disturbing and offensive to timid souls, who, even when they see the wickedness and the unspeakable crimes of the papists publicly exposed, cannot be easily persuaded that the whole multitude bearing the name and title of ‘the church’ are in error and that only a few believe correctly about the doctrine of faith. If the papacy still had the sanctity and austerity of life that it had at the time of fathers like Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and others, when the clergy did not yet have an evil reputation for simony, extravagance, pleasures, wealth, adultery, sodomy, and countless other sins but lived in accordance with the canons and decrees of the fathers, outwardly religious and holy, and even practiced celibacy — what would we have been able to do against the papacy?

"Celibacy, which the clergy observed rigorously at the time of the fathers, is a remarkable thing in the eyes of the world, a thing that makes a man into an angel. Hence Paul calls it ‘religion of angels’ (Col. 2:18), and the papists sing about virgins: ‘He led an angelic life in the flesh, for he lived beyond the flesh.’ And the so-called ‘contemplative life,’ to which the clergy were very devoted then at the cost of all their civic and domestic responsibilities, also presents an impressive front of sanctity. Therefore if the outward appearance of the ancient papacy were still standing, we would accomplish very little against it with our doctrine about faith, especially because we are accomplishing very little against it now, when that primitive reputation for piety and strict discipline has vanished and when all that is evident in the papacy are the dregs and bilge of vice.

"But even if the religion and discipline of the papacy stood now as it did once, we would still have to follow the example of Paul, who attacked the false apostles despite their holy and virtuous fronts, and battle against the self-righteousness of the papal kingdom, saying: ‘Regardless of how celibate a life you lead or how you conduct yourselves in humility and the religion of angels or how you wear out your bodies with frequent discipline, you are salves of the Law, of sin, and of the devil; and you will be cast out of the house, because you seek righteousness and salvation through your own works, not through Christ.’

"Therefore we should pay attention not so much to the sinful lives of the papists as to their wicked doctrine and their hypocrisy, and this is what we chiefly attack. Let us suppose that the religion and the discipline of the ancient papacy were flourishing now and being observed with the same rigor with which the hermits, Jerome, Augustine, Gregory, Bernard, Francis, Dominic, and many others observed it. We would still have to say: ‘If you have nothing to set against the wrath and judgment of God except your sanctity and the chastity of your lives, you are clearly sons of the slave woman, who must be cast out of the kingdom of heaven and condemned.’

"Satan does not defend the wicked lives of the papists either — which the more wholesome among them also despise — but he fights to defend and preserve their hypocrisy and works-righteousness. Here he cites the authority of the councils and the examples of the holy fathers, whom he declares to have been the founders of the holy orders and statutes. Therefore we are fighting today, not against the obvious wickedness and vice of the papacy but against its fictitious saints, who think that they lead an angelic life when they observe not only the commandments of God but also the counsels of Christ and works that are not required or works of supererogation. We say that this is a waste of time and effort, unless they have grasped that ‘one thing’ which Christ says is the only thing ‘needful’ and, like Mary, have chosen the good portion, which cannot be taken away from them (Luke 10:42).

"That is what Bernard did. He was a man so pious, holy, and chaste that I think he deserves to be put ahead of all other monks. Once, when he was gravely ill and despaired of his life, he did not place his trust in the celibacy that he had observed so chastely, or in the good works and acts of piety that he had performed in such quantity; but he put all these far from sight and took hold of the blessing of Christ by faith, saying: ‘I have lived damnably. But Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, hast a double right to the kingdom of heaven: first, because Thou art the Son of God; secondly, because Thou hast won it by Thy passion and death. The first Thou dost keep for Thyself by Thy birthright; the latter Thou dost grant to me by the right, not of works but of grace.’ He did not set his monkery or his angelic life against the wrath and judgment of God but took hold of the one thing that is needful and thus was saved. I believe that Jerome, Gregory, and many other fathers and hermits were saved the same way. There is no doubt that in the Old Testament also many kings of Israel and other idolaters were saved in a similar way, casting away their vain trust in idols at the hour of their death and taking hold of the promise of God regarding the future Offspring of Abraham, the Christ, who was to bless all nations. And if any of the papists are to be saved today, they must depend, not on their own good works and merits but solely on the mercy of God offered to us in Christ; and they must say with Paul: ‘I do not have a righteousness of my own, based on Law, but that which is through faith in Christ’ (Phil. 3:9).

"‘So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman’ (Galatians 4:31). Here Paul concludes the allegory. ‘We are not,’ he says, ‘children of the slave.’ That is: We are not under the Law, which gives birth into slavery, which terrifies, accuses, and leads to despair. But we are free of it through Christ; therefore it cannot terrify and condemn us, as we have pointed out in detail earlier. Moreover, regardless of how much the children of the slave woman persecute us for a time, our comfort is still that they will finally be thrown into the outer darkness (Matt. 8:12) and be forced to leave to us the inheritance that belongs to us as children of the free woman.

"As we have heard, Paul found in the words ‘children of the free woman and of the slave’ a wonderful opportunity to argue in support of the doctrine of justification. And he deliberately took hold of this word ‘free’ and urged and developed it also in what follows. From it he took the occasion to discuss Christian liberty, the knowledge of which is extremely necessary. For the pope has completely destroyed it and has subjected the church to a miserable and bitter slavery by means of human traditions and ceremonies. The liberty that has been granted to us through Christ is today our chief defense against the tyranny of the pope. Therefore the doctrine of Christian liberty must be carefully considered, both to support the doctrine of justification and to encourage and comfort our consciences against the many disturbances and offenses which, as our opponents claim, have arisen from the Gospel. Now Christian liberty is a completely spiritual matter. The unspiritual man does not understand it (1 Cor. 2:14). In fact, even those who have the first fruits of the Spirit (Rom. 8:23) and who can discourse about it at great length have difficulty keeping it in their hearts. To reason it appears to be a matter of little importance. Therefore unless the Spirit magnifies it and adds weight to it, it will be despised.

"As he approaches the end of the epistle, Paul argues vigorously and passionately in defense of the doctrine of faith and of Christian liberty against the false apostles, who are its enemies and destroyers. He aims and hurls veritable thunderbolts of words at them to lay them low. At the same time he urges the Galatians to avoid their wicked doctrine as though it were some sort of plague. In the course of his urging he threatens, promises, and tries every device to keep them in the freedom achieved for them by Christ. Therefore he says:

"‘For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore’ (Galatians 5:1). That is: ‘Be firm!’ Thus Peter says: ‘Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith’ (1 Peter 5:8–9). ‘Do not be smug,’ he says, ‘but be firm. Do not lie down or sleep, but stand.’ It is as though he were saying: ‘Vigilance and steadiness are necessary if you are to keep the freedom for which Christ has set us free. Those who are smug and sleepy are not able to keep it.’ For Satan violently hates the light of the Gospel, that is, the teaching of grace, freedom, comfort, and life. Therefore as soon as he sees it arise, he immediately strives to obliterate it with all his winds and storms. For this reason Paul urges godly persons not to be drowsy and smug in their behavior but to stand bravely in the battle against Satan, lest he take away the freedom achieved for them by Christ." (Luther’s Works, Volumes 26–27, CPH 1963; alt.)

25 June 2008

Hymns for Proper 26-29 Series A

The Sunday of All Saints
Proper 26 (Sunday on October 30—November 5)

Micah 3:5–12
1 Thessalonians 4:1–12
Matthew 23:1–12

Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Saints, see the cloud of witnesses (LSB 667)
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)

Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)

Alternative Hymns
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons (LSB 682)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of all hopefulness (LSB 738)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We praise You and acknowledge You, O God (LSB 941)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)


The Third-Last Sunday Before Advent
Proper 27 (Sunday on November 6–12)

Amos 5:18–24
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Matthew 25:1–13

Hymn of Invocation
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)

Hymn of Departure
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)

Alternative Hymns
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide (LSB 355)
Rejoice, rejoice, believers (LSB 515)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The night will soon be ending (LSB 337)
This body in the grave we lay (LSB 759)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)


The Second-Last Sunday Before Advent
Proper 28 (Sunday on November 13–19)

Zephaniah 1:7–16
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Matthew 25:14–30

Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)

Hymn of Departure
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)

Alternative Hymns
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Be strong in the Lord (LSB 665)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure (LSB 536)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Saints, see the cloud of witnesses (LSB 667)
The clouds of judgment gather (LSB 513)
The night will soon be ending (LSB 337)
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)


The Last Sunday Before Advent
Proper 29 (Sunday on November 20–26)

Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24
1 Corinthians 15:20–28
Matthew 25:31–46

Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)

Hymn of the Day
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)

Processional Out / Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)

Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (LSB 345)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
O God of mercy, God of might (LSB 852)
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The King of love my shepherd is (LSB 709)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)

24 June 2008

Hymns for Proper 21-25 Series A

First Sunday in Angels’ Tide
Proper 21 (Sunday on September 25—October 1)

Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18
Matthew 21:23–27 (28–32)

Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)

Hymn of the Day
Lord God, to Thee we give all praise (LSB 522)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521) (Catechetical)
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)

Hymn of Departure
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord (LSB 406)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)


Second Sunday in Angels’ Tide
Proper 22 (Sunday on October 2–8)

Isaiah 5:1–7
Philippians 3:4b–14
Matthew 21:33–46

Hymn of Invocation
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)

Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)

Alternative Hymns
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Draw near and take the body of the Lord (LSB 637)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)


Third Sunday in Angels’ Tide
Proper 23 (Sunday on October 9–15)

Isaiah 25:6–9
Philippians 4:4–13
Matthew 22:1–14

Hymn of Invocation
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)

Hymn of the Day
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627) (Catechetical)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)

Hymn of Departure
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)

Alternative Hymns
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Rejoice, O pilgrim throng (LSB 813)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)


Fourth Sunday in Angels’ Tide
Proper 24 (Sunday on October 16–22)

Isaiah 45:1–7
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Matthew 22:15–22

Hymn of Invocation
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)

Hymn of Departure
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)

Hymns for the Readings
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
New songs of celebration render (LSB 792)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O God, our help in ages past (LSB 733)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)


Fifth Sunday in Angels’ Tide
Proper 25 (Sunday on October 23–29)

Leviticus 19:1–2,15–18
1 Thessalonians 2:1–13
Matthew 22:34–46

Hymn of Invocation
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)

Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)

Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Let me be Thine forever (LSB 689)
O God of mercy, God of might (LSB 852)
O gracious Lord, with love draw near (LSB 599)
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Splendor and honor, majesty and power (LSB 950)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)

Hymns for Proper 14-20 Series A

First Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 14 (Sunday on August 7–13)

Job 38:4–18
Romans 10:5–17
Matthew 14:22–33

Hymn of Invocation
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)

Hymn of the Day
Eternal Father, strong to save (LSB 717)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
All glory be to God on high (LSB 947) (Catechetical)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)

Hymn of Departure
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)

Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
I lie, O Lord, within Your care (LSB 885)
New songs of celebration render (LSB 792)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)


Second Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 15 (Sunday on August 14–20)

Isaiah 56:1, 6–8
Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32
Matthew 15:21–28

Hymn of Invocation
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)

Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)

Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Just as I am, without one plea (LSB 570)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord (LSB 935)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)


Third Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 16 (Sunday on August 21–27)

Isaiah 51:1–6
Romans 11:33—12:8
Matthew 16:13–20

Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)

Hymn of Departure
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)

Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Church of God, elect and glorious (LSB 646)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)


Fourth Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 17 (Sunday on August 28—September 3)

Jeremiah 15:15–21
Romans 12:9–21
Matthew 16:21–28

Hymn of Invocation
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)

Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)

Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)


Fifth Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 18 (Sunday on September 4–10)

Ezekiel 33:7–9
Romans 13:1–10
Matthew 18:1–20

Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)

Hymn of the Day
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)

Hymn of Departure
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)

Alternative Hymns
All glory be to God alone (LSB 948)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)


Sixth Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 19 (Sunday on September 11–17)

Genesis 50:15–21
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35

Hymn of Invocation
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)

Hymn of the Day
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440) (Catechetical)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)

Hymn of Departure
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)

Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)


Seventh Sunday in Martyrs’ Tide
Proper 20 (Sunday on September 18–24)

Isaiah 55:6–9
Philippians 1:12–14, 19–30
Matthew 20:1–16

Hymn of Invocation
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)

Hymn of Departure
Lord of all hopefulness (LSB 738)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended (LSB 679)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
With the Lord begin your task (LSB 869)

The Week of Living Dangerously

This past Sunday (in the Three-Year Lectionary), the Lord Jesus warned His disciples of the division that His Gospel would bring even within families, and that the world would hate them and persecute them as it hates and crucifies Him. Not exactly a winsome benefits package, is it? But it is the way of the Cross, which is the way of life by grace through faith in Jesus the Christ.

This entire week provides us with poignant examples of the Cross that is laid upon those who preach the Word of Christ and confess His holy name. Such examples are a sober and serious warning to those who follow in their train, but so also an encouragement unto faith and faithfulness. For we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, in order that our eyes might be lifted up unto Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. As we are called to die with Him, and for His sake and for the Gospel, so are we raised with Him to live forever in the presence of God the Father.

On Tuesday the 24th, we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. He wasn't born to die in quite the same way that Jesus was, but his entire life was pointed toward that Lamb of God, who takes upon Himself the sins of the world and bears them away in His own body to the Cross. So, like the Prophets before him and the holy Apostles who follow after, St. John the Baptist also suffers the Cross in his own flesh, that his very body and life might also proclaim the Savior who is sacrificed for our transgressions and raised for our justification. Already as we sing and confess the Benedictus with Zacharias, we know that his holy child, St. John, the Prophet of the Most High, will be imprisoned for his faithful witness and finally beheaded (as we'll commemorate in a few months on August the 29th). Yet, his miraculous birth and his martyr's death proclaim not only Christ and His Cross, but also the dying and rising and new birth of Holy Baptism; even as King Herod perceives the resurrection of St. John in the life of Christ Jesus!

On Wednesday the 25th, we commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, and we give thanks for the preaching of the Holy Gospel throughout the centuries to the present day. It is not exactly the case that Luther and Melanchthon and the other reformers were martyred in the same way that St. John the Baptist was, but they were persecuted by church and state, and they surely suffered for their faithful preaching and confession. Luther himself could not even be present at Augsburg for the reading of the great Confession, recognized by all as a public testimony of his teaching. Luther's life was under the Cross, even until his death. So, too, in our own day, the confession of the Gospel still brings wrath and woe on every hand — not only by the world, but by those who consider themselves to be the Church, who suppose that by their violence they are serving God. The promise of suffering should by no means dissuade us, but the example of those who have fearlessly faced the fire should steel us for the fight unto the end.

On Thursday the 26th, we commemorate the Prophet Jeremiah, whose prophetic preaching of the Word of the Lord brought him grief and heartache. Indeed, the suffering of his life was as much a part of his preaching as anything he said, anticipating the Cross and Passion of the Lord Himself, whose Word he proclaimed. For Christ Jesus would take upon Himself the wrath of God that Jeremiah preached against Jerusalem, so that His people would be recalled from the exile of sin and death, and granted peace and rest in the Kingdom of God. Accordingly, poor Jeremiah not only suffered at the hands of the people to whom he preached, but then he also suffered together with them in the deportation to Egypt.

On Friday the 27th, we commemorate St. Cyril of Alexandria, one of the most significant of the early church fathers, who vigorously defended the deity of Christ and the unity of His Person against the heretic Nestorious and others who were determined to divide and detract from the one Lord Jesus Christ. Nestorian sympathizers, both ancient and modern, have done their best to villify St. Cyril, as though his politics or personality (whatever they may have been, good or bad) should have any bearing on the veracity of his confession. Recent Roman theologians, always proud to parade their papistic church as the great champion of orthodoxy, betray the weakness of their western christology by defending Nestorious as far as they dare against that "old meany," St. Cyril. But such detractors are nothing new. On the occasion of his death, someone wrote to a friend concerning St. Cyril:

"At last with a final struggle the villian has passed away. His departure delights the survivors, but possibly disheartens the dead; there is some fear that under the provocation of his comapny they may send him back again to us. Care must therefore be taken to order the guild of undertakers to place a very big and heavy stone on his grave to stop him coming back here" (quoted by Norman Russell in Cyril of Alexandria, p. 3).

A big heavy stone did not prevent the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; nor would it mean anything to the resurrection and the life that He, our Savior, has bestowed upon His servant Cyril — not any longer in Egypt, to be sure, but in the true and everlasting Canaan. So shall it also be for us, when our Baptism into Christ, the crucified God-Man, is completed in our death from this vale of tears, and we finally cross that great Jordan River into the promised land of peace and rest. In the meantime, we should fully expect to be ridiculed and villified for our faithfulness; and of course, to whatever extent the old Adam in us emerges with the faults and failings of our mortal flesh, our enemies will delight to hold those weaknesses against both us and our doctrine. God prevent us from falling into such temptations, which risk the reputation of the Gospel itself, especially if we are called and ordained to preach that Holy Gospel in its truth and purity. For our own sins, let us daily repent and do better. But for our brothers in the Ministry of Christ, who also bear the burdens of the flesh, let us defend them for the sake of their faithful preaching, and cover them with love for the sake of their Office. Even if some of them do happen to be unpleasant fellows and recalcitrant rascals, the measure of the truth is still the truth itself and neither politics nor personality.

On Saturday the 28th, we commemorate St. Irenaeus of Lyons. My friend and colleague, Professor Bushur, is far more an expert on this great father of the church than I am, but I know enough to know of his tremendous importance to the history of the Christian faith and doctrine. He may not have been a martyr himself (notwithstanding some isolated and later testimony to that effect), but he was a friend of martyrs. For example, he became the new bishop of Lyons, upon returning from Rome, because his predecessor had been martyred while he was away. In his opposition to the rampant gnostic heresies of his day, he emphasized the goodness and the significance of creation, including the Christian's body, which shall be raised from death to the life everlasting. It is in that confidence of the resurrection, the surety of which is bodily received in the Holy Communion, that St. Irenaeus and his friends and colleagues and parishioners faced the constant real threat of martyrdom. It is in that same holy faith and certain confidence that we teach and confess the truth of Christ, come hell or high water against us.

Finally, on this coming Sunday, the 29th of June, we celebrate the great Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Apostles, one of the oldest festivals in the history of the Church. We remember and give thanks unto God, that the denier of Christ was restored to faith and discipleship, and that the terrible persecutor of Christians was called to repentance and converted to the very faith he once tried to destroy, and that these two men were sent by Christ as His Apostles to the world. In that apostleship, St. Peter learned by experience the Cross of Christ, the Son of the Living God, and St. Paul likewise learned what he would suffer for the Name of the Lord. By the grace of God, by His Word and Spirit, both men rejoiced to be counted worthy to share the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ. They bore in their own bodies the marks of His Cross, for the benefit of those to whom they were sent to preach. When it came down to it, each of them was put to death for his faithful witness; and in that, death itself became a witness of the Gospel (a martyrdom). Even now, by the inspired record of their preaching and teaching in the New Testament, they continue to serve and support the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

Whatever our own respective vocations may be, whether we are called to preach or to listen, or wherever we are called upon to confess the Gospel in our lives, let us not lose heart. Though we are being put to death all day long for the name of Christ, our faith and hope in Him shall not be disappointed. If there is anything to be gained by compromise, it shall be lost before too long, forever; but whatever we lose for the sake of the Gospel, even if it be our lives, we shall have gained a hundredfold in the everlasting Kingdom of our God and Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For those who are called and sent to preach, it is most likely that suffering of one sort or another will come, but it is also most important that the Word be taught and the Gospel preached with all clarity and consistency. We may die for it, but by that proclamation shall we and our hearers be saved. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

23 June 2008

Hymns for August Festivals

The Dormition of St. Mary, the Mother of God (15 August)
Isaiah 61:7–11
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 1:(39–45) 46–55

Processional Hymn
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)

Hymn of the Day
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)

Offertory Hymn
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)

Processional Out
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)

Alternative Hymns
By all Your saints in warfare (LSB 518)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
From east to west (LSB 385)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
My soul now magnifies the Lord (LSB 934)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
My soul rejoices (LSB 933)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord (LSB 935)
The angel Gabriel from heaven came (LSB 356)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)


St. Bartholomew, Apostle (24 August)
Proverbs 3:1–8
2 Corinthians 4:7–10
Luke 22:24–30
or John 1:43–51

Processional Hymn
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)

Hymn of the Day
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)

Processional Out
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)

Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
By all Your saints in warfare (LSB 518)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons (LSB 682)
God’s Word is our great heritage (LSB 582)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)


The Beheading of St. John the Baptist (29 August)
Revelation 6:9–11
Romans 6:1–5
Mark 6:14–29

Processional Hymn
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)

Hymn of the Day
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)

Processional Out
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Baptized into Your name most holy (LSB 590)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
By all Your saints in warfare (LSB 518)
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
When all the world was cursed (LSB 346)

Hymns for July Festivals

St. Mary Magdalene (22 July)
Proverbs 31:10–31
Acts 13:26–31
John 20:1–2, 10–18

Processional Hymn
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)

Hymn of the Day
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
I am Jesus’ little lamb (LSB 740)

Processional Out
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)

Alternative Hymns
By all Your saints in warfare (LSB 518)
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
Let the earth now praise the Lord (LSB 352)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Saints, see the cloud of witnesses (LSB 667)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)


St. James the Elder, Apostle (25 July)
Acts 11:27—12:5
Romans 8:28–39
Mark 10:35–45

Processional Hymn
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)

Hymn of the Day
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)

Processional Out
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
By all Your saints in warfare (LSB 518)
God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons (LSB 682)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)

Up, Up, and Far Far Away

The Emmaus Youth went riding off into the sunrise early this morning, and I did my best to bid them adieu. They're not off to never-never land, but far-far away to Higher Things in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. I was glad for the chance to pray with them before they took off, but otherwise I felt a little awkward and out of place, being the only one there not going to Scranton. I'll be in St. Louis next week, not exactly on my lonesome, but without any youth of my own to accompany me. Monica and Oly'anna will be riding with me to St. Louis, but they'll be spending their time with their godfamilies while I'm serving as the conference chaplain all week.

It feels very odd to have my youth group attending the conference at a different location than where I'll be serving, and I have certainly had mixed emotions about it today. On the one hand, I'm really pleased for Pastor Grobien to be with them for the conference this week, and I know the Emmaus Youth were all very glad of that, too. He's not only chaperoning our young people, but he's contributing both a breakaway and an in-depth sectional; so that is most excellent. If the group had chosen to go with me to St. Louis, then probably Pastor Grobien would have remained in South Bend; after all, a congregation with two pastors should surely have at least one of them nearby, if at all possible. It was for all of these reasons that I urged the Emmaus Youth to make their plans for Pennsylvania, and to go there together as one group, rather than some or all of them coming with me to St. Louis. Half of them really preferred to go East instead of West, anyway, presumably because the Poconos promised to be more attractive and appealing than the city of St. Louis, and probably less hot and humid. So, everything has worked out as it should have, and as I also recommended. Yet, the truth is that I still feel rather melancholy to be separated from the group, and there is a big part of me that really would have loved to have them all with me next week, instead of so far away from me this week (and next).

Everyone was excited and eager to make their getaway this morning. Even my own Nicholai was out of the car and into the van so quickly, when we arrived at the church, that I had to ask him to get back out so I could give him a proper goodbye. I understand how these things are, and I would have been plenty excited to be on my way, too, had I been going anywhere. As it was, I prayed with the group, said goodbye, waved at them as they departed, and then went to work. It's just a very strange experience to be left behind instead of traveling with them, especially since I've not only helped them to plan and prepare for "Amen" from the beginning, but I'm ostensibly attending and serving the same Higher Things conference, only at a different location. They'll hear the same Readings and sing the same hymns that I helped to select with the other conference chaplains — but not with me. It's just odd, that's all, and a bit sad for me.

I'll get over my personal disappointment, just as I am already rejoicing that the Emmaus Youth are on their way to a week of prayer and intensive catechesis. I'm very happy that my Nicholai is part of the group, going to his first Higher Things conference! That's cool. For the time being, though, I'm in the process of waxing nostalgic, remembering past conferences.

For me, the high point of Higher Things was at "The Feast" two years ago in Colorado Springs. But that also felt like the culmination and crescendo of what had begun (for me) the year before at "Dare To Be Lutheran" in St. Louis. Although I've sent youth to several of the other Higher Things conferences, those are the only two that I've actually attended prior to this year. I was asked to do an in-depth sectional in St. Louis — on relationships — and that was great fun, a tremendous privilege and a real joy. It also seemed to go pretty well, I thought.

The best thing about "Dare To Be Lutheran" was the church in which the daily services were held: St. Francis Xavier Church on the St. Louis University campus. It is such a breathtaking place, stunningly beautiful in its architecture and gorgeous in its acoustics. It was especially for the sake of returning to that church that I was delighted to be asked to serve as the conference chaplain for "Amen" in St. Louis this year. I'll simply live in there for most of this coming week, and that'll be alright with me. We'll be going to and from the Seminary for the Divine Service on Thursday, but otherwise I won't have anywhere else I need to be. I wasn't asked to do any sectionals this year, and I'm not preaching for any of the services, so I'm free to oversee the services as chaplain and simply to bask and revel in the glory of the Word of God and prayer.

Well, anyway, it was during "Dare To Be Lutheran" three years ago that I first met with others to begin planning for "The Feast" in Colorado. I had already been asked to serve as the chaplain for that upcoming conference, and so it was in that capacity that I had a hand in planning it from the ground up. I was a real neophyte, in the middle of attending my very first Higher Things conference, yet already working toward the next. It was exhilarating. Those first few months were in some ways the best, since I not only got to work with Pastor Zill (who chaired "The Feast"), but I was still able to benefit for a while from the wisdom and experience of Pastor Peperkorn and Pastor Woodring. As it turned out, I learned the ropes of the position I had been given as I went along, piecing things together and figuring them out as needed, one by one.

When a full year of planning finally blossomed into "The Feast" itself, it was marvelous. There were only a couple disappointments to that week: the heat, especially for the first few days, and the wretched acoustics in the otherwise lovely chapel we were using for all of the daily services. The sound should have been fine, or even better than fine, but the ceiling of the chapel had been corked, and that swallowed up all the sound instead of letting it travel. We managed, but that was a letdown after the splendid acoustics at St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Louis.

The highlights of "The Feast" far and away outnumbered those two frustrations. We were able to celebrate the Divine Service twice: both to begin and to conclude the conference. The plenary speakers were excellent: Rev. Peter Bender and Dr. Brian Moseman, each presenting aspsects of the Lord's Supper. The schedule went smoothly and well, including two in-depth sectional tracks instead of only one. I got to do a couple breakaway sectionals, myself, on Harry Potter, which proved to be rewarding and a thoroughly good time. The daily services went smoothly, and the preaching all week was great. The music was exceptional (despite the lousy acoustics): the organ, the brass, and the choir. I served as the lector for all of the services, as I will do again this year at "Amen" in St. Louis. One of the things I most enjoyed was having three of my young Emmausites, Billy, Nathaniel and my own son Zachary, serving as my acolytes and crucifers and such throughout the conference. It was also a blessing to have Pastor Esget and Pastor Kind as my assistant chaplains (and then they went on to be the conference chaplains last summer). Working with Pastor Zill as the conference chair was outstanding, and I remain ever so grateful to him for his leadership, his assistance and support, and his friendship.

I'm sure there are many other things about "The Feast" that I'm forgetting at the moment, but all of my memories of that week coalesce into a wonderful whole. It was exhausting, absolutely, but I left Colorado Springs (with Zach and DoRena) with a deep sense of satisfaction. It worked. A year's worth of planning and preparation paid off, and the end result was a job well done.

I'm not nearly so nervous or anxious about "Amen" as I was in approaching "The Feast." For one thing, it's a whole lot easier to do something like this the second time around. I know what to expect, and I'm going to a place I've been before. Everything is in place, and I've got a great crew of good people to assist with various responsibilities. It's disappointing that I won't have any of my own youth accompanying me, and that I won't be doing any sectionals this time, but on both counts that also means that I'll be fully unencumbered to focus on my duties as chaplain. I suspect the week will come and go pretty fast, as it is, and that I'll be plenty tired by the end of it all. Hopefully, I'll again be heading homeward with that same sense of satisfaction.

21 June 2008

Hymns for Historic Trinity 6-12

Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Exodus 20:1–17
Romans 6:(1–2) 3–11
Matthew 5:(17–19) 20–26

Hymn of Invocation
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)

Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)

Alternative Hymns
Baptized into Your name most holy (LSB 590)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord, help us ever to retain (LSB 865)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Now that the daylight fills the sky (LSB 870)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Only-begotten, Word of God eternal (LSB 916)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)


Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Genesis 2:7–17
Romans 6:19–23
Mark 8:1–9

Hymn of Invocation
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB 497)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)

Offertory Hymn
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)

Hymn of Departure
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)

Alternative Hymns
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared (LSB 622)
Oh, that I had a thousand voices (LSB 811)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The King of love my shepherd is (LSB 709)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)


Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Jeremiah 23:16–29
Acts 20:27–38 (or Romans 8:12–17)
Matthew 7:15–23

Hymn of Invocation
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)

Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Almighty God, Your Word is cast (LSB 577)
God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons (LSB 682)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Let me be Thine forever (LSB 689)
Lord, dismiss us with Your blessing (LSB 924)
Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly pray (LSB 623)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Preach you the Word, and plant it home (LSB 586)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit (LSB 681)
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)


Ninth Sunday after Trinity
2 Samuel 22:26–34
1 Corinthians 10:6–13
Luke 16:1–9 (10–13)

Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)

Hymn of the Day
What is the world to me (LSB 730)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB 497)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)

Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)

Alternative Hymns
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord of all hopefulness (LSB 738)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure (LSB 536)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)


Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Jeremiah 8:4–12 (or Jeremiah 7:1–11)
Romans 9:30—10:4 (or 1 Corinthians 12:1–11)
Luke 19:41–48

Hymn of Invocation
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)

Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)

Alternative Hymns
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)


Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Genesis 4:1–15
Ephesians 2:1–10 (or 1 Corinthians 15:1–10)
Luke 18:9–14

Hymn of Invocation
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)

Hymn of Departure
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)

Alternative Hymns
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Your table I approach (LSB 628)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)


Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Isaiah 29:17–24
2 Corinthians 3:4–11 (or Romans 10:9–16)
Mark 7:31–37

Hymn of Invocation
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now (LSB 902)

Hymn of the Day
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O Son of God, in Galilee (LSB 841)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Oh, that I had a thousand voices (LSB 811)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)

Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)

Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)
Come, Thou almighty King (LSB 905)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing (LSB 528)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
When to our world the Savior came (LSB 551)
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old (LSB 846)

19 June 2008

Calling "Dr. Hymn," Or Whatever You Call Me

My good friend and colleague, Pastor Curtis, recently asked me to provide hymn suggestions for the Historic Lectionary, as I have been doing for the Three-Year Series. He probably thinks I've been ignoring him, but actually I've been working on it. That, among other reasons, is why I haven't been blogging much lately. I'm sure Pastor Curtis has no idea the amount of time and energy it takes to approach this whole hymnody thing in the way that I do; but that's my own fault, not his (and I'm not complaining, just to clarify that point). Or, it may be that he's simply trying to trick me into using the Historic Lectionary, but I'm doing what he asked in any case.

It's painstaking and time consuming work, because there are so many factors to be taken into account. Leastwise, that's how I perceive it. There's the Lectionary itself to consider, by which I mean the particular Readings of the Holy Scripture that ultimately define each Sunday and Feast. Then there are the seasonal contours of the Church Year, which are broader than the specific Readings but no less scriptural in their content and character. There are the different ways in which hymns function within the order of the Divine Service, which also has to be taken into account to some extent. There are also catechetical concerns to consider, in both a broad and narrow sense. Certain hymns lend themselves to catechetical usage, and these I aim to incorporate throughout the year in a way that facilitates learning them by heart. Among these are a core group of the most essential and definitive hymns (a Lutheran Kernlieder), which I use with deliberate regularity over the course of each year. Fitting all of these factors together is a challenge, which is why it takes awhile to manage. But I'm getting close.

I'm going to start posting hymn suggestions for the Historic Lectionary, probably within the next few days (God-willing). Presumably Pastor Curtis will find this interesting and benificial, and maybe others will, too. Obviously, everyone is free to take it or leave it, or ignore it altogether. I welcome feedback, but I don't expect it. The most rewarding thing for me is when I witness others singing, enjoying, learning and benefitting from good hymnody. One of my young friends recently responded to some frustrations in her life by quoting a number of pertinent hymns, and I was struck by what a beautiful way that was to both confess and strengthen faith. Nicely done, Truth Questioner! It is for the sake of such comfort of the Gospel that I do what I do with hymns; it is well worth any expenditure of effort.

One final comment or two should be noted. The distribution of the Kernlieder assumes and depends upon a regular observance of the festivals that occur throughout the year. Otherwise, some of the more distinctively seasonal hymns (such as "Savior of the Nations, Come," for example) would simply not be used as often as they deserve. For similar reasons, some of the more general and comprehensive catechetical hymns (such as Luther's hymns on the Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Our Father) are used at times when the connections may not be quite so obvious. This is not to overlook the importance of following the appointed Lections and Propers of the Day, but rather with a view toward the catechetical context within which the Holy Scriptures are heard and received.

18 June 2008

Missing the CCA (Again)

If I had my druthers, I'd be on my way to Sussex, Wisconsin, for the Concordia Catechetical Academy. This is the second year in a row that I've not been able to go, which has me feeling pretty glum. I kept hoping against hope that I'd find a way to make it this time, even if only for a day, but, alas, with my daughter's wedding two weeks ago and the Higher Things conference in less than two weeks, I simply couldn't afford to be gone again.

Mainly I wanted to go for "selfish" reasons, because the CCA has contributed so much to my Christian faith and life, and has assisted me tremendously in my pastoral growth and service. It probably sounds extravagant and dramatic to say, but the truth is that I am the pastor and the person I am today in large part due to the CCA. I understand my office and vocation better than I did, and better than I would have, thanks to the catechesis I have received from my very dear friend and colleague, Pastor Bender; both because of the good things he has to say, and because of the exemplary way he does what he does. I don't get to see him or talk to him nearly as much as I would like (another reason I regret missing the CCA again this summer), but there is hardly a day that goes by in which I do not recognize some benefit from the things he has taught me. Whether they realize it or not, my parishioners are better served because of those things, too, as well as my own family; and there's nothing more important to me as a pastor and a parent than that.

Aside from the benefits that I know I'd be receiving if I were at the CCA this week, I would gladly have gone if for no other reason than to lend my support to what Pastor Bender and his congregation are doing for the life of the Church. I know there are other good things happening here and there (both within and without the LCMS), but I know of nothing more significant, nothing more meet, right and salutary, than the Concordia Catechetical Academy. Of course I'm biased in this assessment; not because I've been a speaker at the CCA in many recent years, but because I have received and gained so much from attending the CCA. I would have floundered and failed years ago, I think, if the Lord had not preserved me with this catechesis.

If I had my druthers, not only would I be going to the CCA, but the entire LCMS would be there. What we need are those teleportation devices from the old Star Trek series. Beam us up, Peter, there's no intelligent life out here (or seemingly very little of it). Perhaps we could avoid the high cost of hotel accommodations by staging a CCA "Woodstock" of sorts. We could all camp out in the midst of the mud and the blood and the beer and listen to great catechesis non-stop for days on end. It would all be very eschatological and grand. I'm not sure what to say about food, except that if all the homeschooling moms and all the soccer moms packed coolers full of homemade sandwiches and stuff, I think we'd survive.

Montgomery Gentry Gets Religion, Sort Of

I've discovered what I would call the first great country music record of 2008. To be fair, I've hardly had the time or opportunity to check out everything that's been released since January, but I do pay attention as I can to what's going on. I'll also say up front that I'm not into the artsy-fartsy stuff, which may be musically superior, but often leaves me bored and restless. I enjoy and appreciate hymnody for all sorts of theological reasons, but when it comes to popular sorts of music, I listen to be entertained, especially while driving around in my car. Some things cut it, and some things don't. In my opinion, the new Montgomery Gentry record, Back When I Knew It All, is a real winner.

When it comes to good-time southern-fried country rock'n'roll, Montgomery Gentry has been gettin' her done for better than a decade now. To clarify, for those who may not know, Montgomery Gentry isn't a guy, but two guys: Eddie Montgomery (the brother of John Michael Montgomery) and Troy Gentry (I think; he usually goes by "T," sort of like my Gerhardt goes by "G"). Anyway, they know how to crank it out and crank it up in the fine tradition of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38-Special, and other down home bands that blur the lines between country and rock. They've had some infectious hits in the past, but they've been getting better as they years have gone by, and this ol' boy's opinion is that they have really hit their stride with this new record.

I think my DoRena Beana would like this one. It reminds me a lot of Van Zant, and I think she likes them, too. In fact, Back When I Knew It All sounds more like Van Zant to me than like any of Montgomery Gentry's earlier efforts. It would land solidly between Get Right with the Man and My Kind of Country. But this isn't Van Zant, after all, and I want to be fair to the boys in the band who actually made this record. It's great fun from start to finish, fairly lighthearted and easy going, but not afraid to get serious here and there. The first song is "The Big Revival," featuring a southern holy-roller preacher at a snake-handling church in the mountains, which had me wondering at first, but I think it's sung with a wink and a nod, with no ill will intended. There's a great line toward the beginning in which it's noted, concerning the preacher, that "he ain't sure and we ain't sure exactly what he said," but "he testifies in tongues of fire with tears of joy runnin' down his face," so "praise the Lord and pass me a copperhead." Sounds all ablaze to me.

Aside from "The Big Revival," there are a number of more sincere references to preaching and the Christian faith, which come across with honest sincerity. It's not contrived or overdone, but seems to be a genuine expression of Eddie's and Troy's faith and piety — in the midst of their own station in life as country singers, as they sing about normal joes going about their ordinary jobs, and as they also revel in the good gifts of God's creation (including the liquid ones). I certainly wouldn't claim that Montgomery Gentry have a perfect understanding of Justification; they're not theologians in the usual sense of the word, anyway, though they are professedly Christians and not ashamed of that; but their enjoyment of life in the freedom of the Gospel may be compatible with a Lutheran approach. Or not. It's still entertainment, not evangelism. It's just refreshing to find something other than an "either-or" between Christianity and culture, if that makes any sense to anyone else but me.

Probably anyone with any interest at all in country music has already heard the title track, "Back When I Knew It All." That's a good song, on it's way to being played to death on the radio, but there's a bunch more as good or better on the record. I'd be inclined to say, there aren't any duds here. "Long Line of Losers," "One in Every Crowd," and "I Pick My Parties" (with Toby Keith) are the most fun. Some of the more thoughtful songs may end up being my favorites over the long haul, especially "It Ain't About Easy" and "God Knows Who I Am," both of which, interestingly, offer a fairly healthy perspective on vocation.

14 June 2008

The Compassion of the Good Shepherd

Jesus comes to you with divine compassion. It is that which moves Him toward you, to help you, to heal you, to give you life. It is by His Word that He does so, especially by the preaching of His Gospel.

Without that preaching, you are lost and helpless, troubled and tossed about, a sheep with no shepherd: prey to every predator that comes along seeking to destroy you.

It’s true. You need the preaching of the Gospel above all else, irrespective of your health or wealth or position.

Your Father in heaven can and will take care of your temporal bodily needs: a place to live, clothes to wear and food to eat. The fact that you worry and fret, and work and agonize about those earthly concerns, as though you need to (or even could) provide them for yourself, goes to show the deeper disease of your heart and soul, the leprosy of your sin, the death and damnation of your unbelief.

What you really need, if you are to live; if you are to be a child of God; if you are to have a home forever in His Kingdom; if you are not to be found naked and ashamed, but clothed and righteous and holy — what you need is the preaching of the Gospel

Thus, with divine compassion, Jesus calls and sends some of His disciples to be Ministers of His Gospel. He sends them with His own authority, in His Name, to speak as He speaks and to do as He does.

Those men whom Jesus sends preach and teach and cast out demons, and heal diseases, and raise the dead — not outwardly for a limited time, but inwardly and forever, for both body and soul.

The authority with which they are sent is the authority of the Gospel — of the Cross and Resurrection — the authority of the forgiveness of sins. Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation. Without forgiveness, there is death.

In and with the preaching of this Gospel, the forgiveness of sins, the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Here it is for you, here and now: heaven on earth. It is freely given to be freely received in faith. Freely by faith is the only way worthily to receive it (that person is truly worthy who believes these words).

Those who receive this preaching of the Gospel in faith, receive the blessing of divine Peace, such as the world can never give and you could never have apart from the Cross of Christ.

This preaching of the Gospel is your best and only hope. Without it, you die. To reject it is more dangerous and damnable than the perverse wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.

When the called and ordained servant of the Word comes to you and speaks to you in the Name and stead of Christ Jesus, by His divine command and with His divine authority, you are presented with the most decisive choice you could ever be given. Not just a matter of life and death, but of heaven or hell.

When a preacher of the Gospel is rejected, and his preaching of the Word of Christ is refused, it is Christ Himself, and God the Father and the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of heaven that are rejected and refused.

When the preacher of the Gospel is driven out and thus shakes the dust of that place off his feet, it is entered as evidence against that place in the judgment. What such a place deserves is fire and brimstone forever.

Yet, what the preacher of the Gospel suffers for the sake of Christ is itself a confession, a witness, a proclamation of the Gospel of the Cross.

If you have been a sheep without a shepherd, the shepherds who are sent to you are sent as sheep in the midst of wolves; even as the great Good Shepherd who sends them becomes a Sheep led to the slaughter, the Passover Lamb of God, sacrificed for the atonement of the world.

He is handed over to be scourged. He is hauled before governors and kings. He is mocked and scorned and put to death upon the Cross. And this, His Cross and Passion, is the testimony of the Gospel — even to the ends of the earth. That the lost sheep of every tongue and tribe and nation may be restored to the true House of Israel, which is the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the very Kingdom of heaven.

It is to this that the compassion of Christ, the Son of God, moves Him — for you, and for all. For those who reject or receive Him, He does it. That one and all may be redeemed and justified and reconciled and sanctified, not by gold or silver, but through His own blood (the same blood that is poured out for you, for the forgiveness of sins, in the Holy Communion).

So long as it is day, until that night comes when no man can work — until that great and terrible day of judgment comes — the Good Shepherd continues to come, preaching and sending His shepherds to preach. To give freely what cannot be bought. To speak and bestow His blessing of Peace and rest. To announce, and by announcing to bring, the Kingdom of heaven into your midst.

This Gospel is true, whether you believe it or not; whether you receive it or reject it. It is true, either way, without any contingencies. But the Lord would have you receive it in faith. It is for you. Because He has compassion for you.

There will come a day of reckoning, for you as surely as for Sodom and Gomorrah. Hasten, therefore, to be found in Christ Jesus and to be at peace with God in Him. Hear and heed His Word of the Gospel while it is spoken to you. Receive it worthily, and do not despise it, lest it be taken from you. Behold, now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation.

Dear little lambs and sheep, do not despair. Your Shepherd sees you, and He loves you; He does not leave you distressed and dispirited. Here He is at hand to shelter you with His Cross and to nourish you with His own flesh and blood. He has not cast you away nor taken His Spirit from you, but by His grace He counts you worthy to receive His Peace. All of your sins are forgiven.

In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

06 June 2008

Emotion and Empathy

I'm still undecided as to whether I learn more from hearing confession or going to confession. I learn to know my parishioners better in hearing their confessions; I learn to know myself better in making confession and receiving Absolution from my pastor. But as to whether I learn more theology from the Word of Absolution and the pastoral care that I am given to speak according to my office, or from the counsel and care that are granted to me with Holy Absolution, that's hard to say. Either way, what do I have or receive that is not given to me by the grace of God?

I've recently been searching for the right way to comprehend and deal with feelings and emotions. There's evidently something "in the air" these days, because it's not only me but others who are also struggling to come to grips with elusive and vacillating emotions. Lutherans have rightly tended to downplay the role of emotions in the realm of faith and doctrine, but have probably overdone their precautions in the realms of piety and life. Or maybe I'm only describing myself and my own past efforts to avoid depending too much on feelings. Fair enough, we shouldn't depend on our feelings, and we shouldn't do anything "too much," but neither should we despise this aspect of the way that God has created us: to live in love toward one another and in love with Him. Feelings and emotions are not the problem, but sin, which has warped and twisted our feelings and emotions, turning them inward instead of outward. The solution is not that we should deny or avoid them, but that they be sanctified by the Word of God and prayer; for these also are God's gifts to be received in faith and with thanksgiving.

Anyway, although I basically know all this in my head, there's still the challenge of putting it into practice. How does one get a handle on his emotions or channel them in a positive direction? The first and foremost response is to confess the ways in which my emotions have been misdirected — in selfishness and anger, in pride and envy — and to receive the free and full forgiveness of those sins and failings in Holy Absolution. Christ be praised for such gifts of His!

In doing that, I have also received some most beautiful pastoral counsel, which seemed at once so strikingly profound and so simply obvious — it was like settling into a comfy easy chair at the end of a long, hard day. Rather than fleeing my emotions, or allowing them to drive me further and further into myself (which is into sin), I can learn from them to know and love my neighbor. In other words, my emotions can teach me a kind of empathy that I would otherwise not know or have for others. I guess it's just a variation on the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Well, sure, that makes perfect sense.

So why didn't I think of that? Because I have nothing that is not given to me, and this I needed to be taught by the one who is sent to speak the Word of the Lord to me. Apart from that, my feelings and emotions, and my struggles with them, are always getting in the way of clarity and compassion. Apart from that Word that is spoken to me from outside of myself, I only end up spiraling downward, ever and always collapsing into me, myself and I. But now, instead, this Word of the Lord, this pastoral care that has been granted to me, calls me out of myself with my own feelings and emotions in tow. Instead of pining away for myself, I can understand my neighbor's feelings and emotions in the light of my own experience. My desire to be loved and understood can direct me, according to the New Man who lives in me by grace, by the Word and Spirit of God, to love and understand my neighbor. My fears and frustrations, my anger and anxiety, my hopes and dreams, my cares and concerns — all of these things become a school of understanding, in which I learn to know my neighbor's griefs and sorrows, hurts and needs.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to become our merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, became like us in every way (save without sin); He also has partaken of blood and flesh, like unto our own, that we might be made like Him by grace. He prays and intercedes for us as One who has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows in His own body to the Cross. In love and mercy and compassion, He has suffered for us, that He might also suffer with us. He feeds our mortal flesh with His own Body and Blood, given and poured out for us, that we might have life by His death, and peace and rest forever. As we, therefore, are given to have the same mind and heart and the Spirit of Christ in us, so let us learn from our emotional experiences to know our neighbor well, to comprehend him (or her) in compassion, and to serve as we are served. In knowing and loving our neighbor, we are also known and loved by Christ our Lord. How much more shall I, having been sent by His charity to shepherd His sheep and to care for them with His Word of the Gospel, deal with them with a sympathetic and compassionate heart.