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.
30 June 2008
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.)
"‘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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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