Second Sunday in Lent – March 17, 2019 –Psalm
51:2-6
Wash me thoroughly from my
iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! – Psalm 51:2
David not only explains sin and
its deadly consequences as powerfully present in all people, but he also unfolds
God’s re-creative mercy as He works repentance and forgiveness.[1].
By definition mercy is how God in Christ has dealt with us, according to His
deep compassion and pity. To show mercy is to feel sympathy for someone. The
Greek word is “splanchna.” Mercy is
the foundation of our salvation. It was mercy that caused Christ to go among
all kinds of people to help. Believers respond to the mercy shown them in the
same way. As you have received mercy you respond in kind.
O God, whose
glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from
Your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to
embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word, Jesus Christ Your
Son; who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and
ever. Amen.[2]
O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength.
By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body
and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus
Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.[3]
On the
Church calendar today - St. Patrick, missionary to Ireland –
The Strong Name of the Trinity – March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day and the hymn,
“I Bind unto Myself Today” LSB #604 is attributed to Patrick. Known as the
apostle to the Irish people, he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the
people. The hymn beautifully explains the Trinity:
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
Almighty and ever-living God as
You used Patrick to teach the people of Ireland the truth of the eternal
Trinity so make us faithful in all matters of teaching and godly living to the
praise and honor of Your most holy name.[4]
[1] The
Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing, St. Louis
[3] Collect
for Lent 2 Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[4] Collect
for Patrick © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Image © Higher Things, Patrick Icon © Google images
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