Sunday, June 11, 2023

Monday prior to Proper 6

 


 Psalm 67:1-7 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 3, “Let the People praise You O God, let the people praise You.”

The word for today based on Psalm 67 is the word “Service.”  We gather publicly for a worship service. Then in love we spend our time in service to our neighbor. During the past several months the question has been asked frequently, “which work is essential?”  Which is essential for the Christian, worshipping God or serving the neighbor? To which we reply, “Yes!” You really can’t separate the two. Both are necessary. Both are essential.

The Psalmist exclaims, “O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.”  - Psalm 28:6 and again, in Psalm 122:1 David teaches, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Jesus proclaims, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:40  In the book of Hebrews we are reminded, “For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.” – Hebrews 6:10

Jesus said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  Matthew 22:37-39

Worshipping God and serving your neighbor – both are essential to the Christian faith.

Slowly our state has been opening up and we are being allowed to add to our list of activities. Of course, public worship is that one activity which we should cherish. We still are being advised to practice precise sanitation protocols and social distancing. When you feel comfortable worshipping with us please come. If your prefer pastoral care in your home by all means contact me.

Throughout the centuries pandemics have occurred and God’s people have always responded in loving service. In every opportunity as you are given to attend to your neighbor do so in loving service. Remember always, in Christ you are free; free to worship, free to serve, free to love. May the Lord use you to be an instrument of His peace.

Almighty God You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to recognize your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise Your Holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

With all your heart, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Proper 23 Series C, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

 

 


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