Reformation Day

Jesus repeatedly told his followers that living as his disciples would bring hardship. Living life according to God’s Law is going to make one appear odd in the eyes of the world, perhaps even evil. Sharing a message of mankind’s sin and God’s gracious salvation can cause offense. So why not just stay silent if that makes life easier? Why not keep our faith private? Answer: because we are going to live forever. In gratitude for Christ saving us and giving us eternal life, we share the gospel with others, hoping that they will believe and be saved too. Since we know we are going to live forever in the perfection of heaven, we don’t worry if being a witness for Christ brings hardship or even death.

Martin Luther wanted to reform the false teaching of the church. He stood firm in the truth of the gospel, knowing it might cost him his life. But Luther knew that, thanks to Christ, he would live forever. So will we. Therefore, like Luther, let us live a life of courageous witness.

Gospel—Mark 13:5–11

First Reading—Daniel 3:16–28

Second Reading—Revelation 14:6,7

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 46

Gospel Acclamation—Luke 12:32

Hymn of the Day—A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (CW 863)

Service Playlist

All Saints’ Day

“It will get better.” We say that to try to comfort someone who is having a bad day (or maybe a whole string of bad days). Perhaps tomorrow will be better. But perhaps it’s worse. In this life, there really are no guarantees that things will get better. That isn’t the case with the life that is to come. That life isn’t just going to be better. It will be perfect.

Since the seventh century, Christians have marked a day to celebrate those who have died in faith and now realize the perfect joys of heaven. It is called “All Saints’ Day.” We thank God for bringing our Christian loved ones out of the troubles and turmoil of this world and into eternal bliss and glory. And we ask God to preserve us in our faith so that we might one day join the saints in that place where life is far more than better.

Gospel—John 11:32–44

First Reading—Isaiah 25:6–9

Second Reading—Revelation 20:4–6

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 149

Gospel Acclamation—Revelation 7:15

Hymn of the Day—For All the Saints (CW 880)

Service Playlist

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Perhaps you have heard the axiom, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” In other words, while you still can, use what you have in order to enjoy life to the fullest. If this life is all there is, St. Paul agrees that would be a good philosophy. Paul wrote, “If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’” (1 Corinthians 15:32). However, note the “if.” Paul was saying that the Epicurean approach to life makes sense only if this life is all we have. But it isn’t. Jesus will raise us from the dead and take us to live in his home, a place of perfect comfort and beauty. Knowing that, we are set free from the need to live a self-indulgent life now. Instead, we can be generous people, using the wealth that God has given us to serve both him and others. We can live a life of startling generosity.

Gospel—Mark 12:38–44

First Reading—1 Kings 17:8–16

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 8:1–9

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 111

Gospel Acclamation—2 Corinthians 9:11

Hymn of the Day—All Depends on Our Possessing (CW 807)

Service Playlist

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects many millions of adults. It is more than shyness. SAD includes an acute fear of being judged. An individual with SAD struggles with everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school because he is terrified that he is constantly being evaluated. Even if you don’t have that disorder, perhaps you have experienced that uncomfortable feeling that others are watching you, trying to find something to criticize. We don’t want others judging us. It is bad enough listening to the voice inside our own head, whispering that we aren’t worthy.

How do we overcome the fear of judgment? It begins by realizing that there is only one person whose opinion ultimately matters—the Judge. Everyone is going to live forever in one of two very different places. Where you spend eternity depends on a judgment that Jesus will render. This week we see why his judgment need not trigger any sort of anxiety. Judgment day is something we can joyfully anticipate. We can live free from the fear of judgment.

Gospel—John 5:25–29

First Reading—Daniel 12:1–3

Second Reading—Hebrews 9:24–28

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 16

Gospel Acclamation—Revelation 2:10

Hymn of the Day—Day of Wrath (CW 485)

Service Playlist

Last Sunday of the Church Year

“Eyes on the prize.” That axiom stresses that when pursuing some good goal, focus is important. You don’t want distractions or a lack of self-discipline to keep you from obtaining whatever that prize might be. “Eyes on the prize.” You summon the willpower to fixate on that good thing. You let nothing divert your attention from obtaining the prize.

The prize that we want most is spending eternity with Jesus. As the Church Year comes to a close, Jesus promises that he will come again “in clouds with great power and glory” to give us that prize. That prize will be so unbelievably good, it is worth fixating on. It merits our striving to set aside all that would distract us from Christ. Let us be ready. Let us keep watch. Let us live with our eyes on the skies.

Gospel—Mark 13:26–37

First Reading—Isaiah 51:4–6

Second Reading—Jude 20–25

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 95

Gospel Acclamation—Matthew 24:42

Hymn of the Day—The Day Is Surely Drawing Near (CW 488)

Service Playlist