Author: Al

Text: Lam 3:32 / Mark 5:21-43
Date: Pentecost V + Proper 8B + 6/28/15

Lamentations today says the comforting words, “For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men” (Lam 3:32-33).

It takes faith, faith in Christ and faith in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come to believe those words. It takes faith in Christ and in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come to sing as we will shortly, Continue reading “After Grief God Gives Relief”

Text: Mark 4:35-41
Date: Pentecost IV + Proper 7B + 7/21/15

I’ve always been reluctant to sing the hymn “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” because it just didn’t sound “Lutheran.” Instead of a strong, rhythmic or beautiful tune, “Pilot” has the syrupy sound of the Baptist and Methodist hymnals in which it is found.[1] It was written in 1871 by Edward Hopper when he was requested to provide a hymn for the anniversary of the Seaman’s Friend Society of New York where it appeared in The Sailor’s Magazine. Yet here it is in our Lutheran Service Book! But the text is stronger and sturdier than the tune that carries it. Based on St. Matthew’s record of today’s Gospel from Mark the hymn is a prayer imploring the help of the Lord in the midst of the storms of life as here He stilled a literal storm on the sea. Continue reading “Wondrous Sovereign of the Sea”

Text: Mark 4:26-34
Date: Pentecost III + Proper 6B + 7/14/15

The first parable in today’s Gospel reading, while it has similarities to many others, is found only here in Mark chapter 4. Indeed, St. Mark tells us, “with many such parables [Jesus] spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.” Which makes us wonder, “How many other parables did Jesus tell of which we have never heard?” We can suppose that Jesus often used parabolic language when He was teaching. Why? He was teaching about the reign and rule of God, the kingdom of God, spiritual realities. Fallen sinners are not able to grasp these things on their own power or by their own wisdom. Jesus teaches in parables so that they may be remembered and there, in a person’s mind and heart, be the “seed,” if you will, the powerful Word of God through which the Holy Spirit can operate and create the understanding of faith. In fact that’s what this parable is all about: your faith. Continue reading “The Planting of the Lord”

Text: Mark 3:20-35
Date: Pentecost II + Proper 5 + 6/7/15

God sent His Son to save us from sin, death and the devil. Not everyone understands that or accepts Him for what He is.

Our first reading sets the stage. It is the famous “curse oracle” in the account of the fall into sin. God’s Word tells us how sin began with the temptation by the devil, called the serpent. First he casts doubt on God’s Word asking, “Did God say you should not eat of every tree in the garden?” When countered by God’s Word of Law, “you shall not eat of the tree in the midst of the garden…or you shall die,” the Old Evil Foe then flatly and brazenly contradicts God’s Word, saying, “you will not die!” Finally the devil removes God’s Word completely and replaces it with his own false promises, his own lie, saying, “for in the day you eat of it you will be like God knowing good and evil.” The temptation worked and the first family transgressed God’s clear Word of warning. Continue reading “"Don't Get Me Wrong!"”

Text: Mark 3:20-35
Date: Pentecost II + Proper 5 + 6/7/15

God sent His Son to save us from sin, death and the devil. Not everyone understands that or accepts Him for what He is.

Our first reading sets the stage. It is the famous “curse oracle” in the account of the fall into sin. God’s Word tells us how sin began with the temptation by the devil, called the serpent. First he casts doubt on God’s Word asking, “Did God say you should not eat of every tree in the garden?” When countered by God’s Word of Law, “you shall not eat of the tree in the midst of the garden…or you shall die,” the Old Evil Foe then flatly and brazenly contradicts God’s Word, saying, “you will not die!” Finally the devil removes God’s Word completely and replaces it with his own false promises, his own lie, saying, “for in the day you eat of it you will be like God knowing good and evil.” The temptation worked and the first family transgressed God’s clear Word of warning. Continue reading “"Don't Get Me Wrong!"”

Text: John 3:1-17
Date: The Holy Trinity + 5/31/15

At first glance the scripture readings appointed for the Sunday of The Holy Trinity don’t seem to have much to say about that doctrine. So I decided to go to Martin Luther to see how he handled today’s Gospel. To my surprise I discovered he had the exact same question as I, beginning his sermon, saying, “I don’t know why this Gospel lesson was selected to be read on this Trinity Sunday, for it really doesn’t deal with the subject of Trinity.”[1] You don’t see a specific reference to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Rather you have an example of how beyond all understanding is not only this doctrine but any and all spiritual things. Continue reading “What Wisdom Cannot Bear”

Date: The Day of Pentecost + 5/24/15
Text: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day when the Holy Ghost
Shone in the world with His grace. (LSB 489)

On this festival day the Holy Church Throughout the World receives power, the power to be witnesses of Jesus, the Lord and God and King of the universe. It happened in a dramatic way on that fiftieth day after the Lord’s resurrection. The first disciples needed miraculous outward signs and days of peace in order for them to understand the meaning of Jesus’ final words to them, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20), and, “You will receive power…and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Continue reading “The Promised Spirit Guide”