Wednesday of Holy Week

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Lutheran Service Book #425

Galatians 6:14; Philippians3:8

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride.

What is the basis for pride? What is your source of that pride? We can be proud of our grandchildren, our work, our farm. The list is endless. Paul reminds us that our one, true, and dependable source of boasting is boasting in what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. This one source of boasting has absolutely nothing to do with anything that we have done, attained, or accomplished on our own. All other reasons to boast are fleeting glimpses at hollow fame compared to the joy and assurance of sharing in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Especially during Holy Week, our boasting and focus is on Christ and His cross.

Wednesday of Holy Week – Isaiah 62:11; 63:1-7 – God’s day of vengeance and redemption

The Antiphon: Hasten, O God, to save me, O Lord, come quickly to help me. – Psalm 70:1

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine only–begotten Son.[1]

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, who did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all that He might bear our sins on the cross, grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[2]

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[1]The Lutheran Hymnal, Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week; © 1941 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Lutheran Service Book, Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week; © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis