National Day of Remembrance

 National Day of Remembrance

For some of us the events of 9.11 will be forever etched in our minds. We can remember where we were, what we were doing. The thoughts the emotions we experienced the enormity of it all; as the events of that Tuesday morning in September played out before us on television. 

My children in particular, at the height of innocence saw their world change drastically in just a few short hours.  Lydia specifically was starting confirmation instruction when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were decimated. She would attend a memorial service commemorating the 10th Anniversary within weeks of moving to New York City. Today, students have no recollection of September 11, 2001. They were yet to be born. There is now an entire generation raised in a post-9.11 world.  

How has our society, our culture changed in these past twenty-five years?  Do we become righteously indignant at the abuses of our society? Dr. King dreamed of a day in America where men would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sadly that day has not yet arrived. We give lip service to the concept that all men are created equal. Why then are the rich seemingly more equal than others?  Why afflict the poor? And reward only the wealthy?

When it comes to a solution we must realize that it depends on more than one person’s efforts or one response to correct the condition. It is not merely a national and a societal problem which needs our attention. It is a spiritual struggle. As such, Paul urges us to pray. That we may have a society where there is peace and righteousness.  

Because Christ our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, He urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. Christians should so pray without anger or quarreling. But adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. For the Lord does not forget the poor of the land. (Amos 8:4) He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. And that, my friends, is what causes us to pray.

For a better world we are commanded to pray.  We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society.  The Apostle Paul teaches: I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1Timothy 2Vv. 1-2

We pray for all to come to God through Christ. He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2Vv.3-4

Today, on this National Day of Remembrance we pause to consider the necessity of prayer. Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions; that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Paul urges us to pray with lifted hands; lifted up to the Source of our help. He urges us to pray with open hand; to receive what we ask in faith. Paul encourages us to pray with holy hands; free from hatred and anger instead, filled with forgiveness and love.

As Christians, we act as we are given to do. We pray for our nation, for our society and our culture. We pray for our neighbors and our families. We pray for that peace which only Christ can give. We pray for opportunities to trumpet the Gospel for this is the desire of our Father who wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If there is to be peace it will come only through the prince of peace Jesus Christ our Savior who gave Himself as a ransom for all. 

That His peace may permeate a world gone mad with violence…let us pray to the Lord.

A Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; 

A Prayer for our enemies: Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace; 

A Prayer for good government; Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

September 11— Friday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Matthew 18:21–35—When we hear this parable, our first reaction is probably the same as the king’s: indignation and fury against the servant who was unmerciful, especially after he had been forgiven a far greater debt. We must ask ourselves: Are we like the unmerciful servant? God has forgiven all our sins at great cost—the life of His own Son. We ought to examine ourselves: Is there anyone against whom we hold a grudge, refusing to forgive because we have been wronged? If so, we are like the unmerciful servant. Rather, we ought to remember the Lord’s Prayer, where we plead, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. That is, we beg God’s forgiveness and then pledge that we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

When faced with the option of forgiving or not forgiving there can be one answer – you forgive. My forgiveness does not hinge on my desire, my feelings, or even my wiliness to forgive. My forgiveness finds its basis on what Jesus has said to me. When someone sins against you – you, yes you are the one who must forgive.

The Greek word for “forgive” means literally “to erase or wipe out.” Because Christians are imperfect human beings, the church is in need of forgiveness. Without it, members would live in friction, tension, disharmony, and disruption. Forgiveness is the oil that makes human relations move smoothly.

The King forgave His servant was unable to pay the debt. The debt was so huge that he could never bet back into the good graces of the King. The King forgave because the servant could not. The King forgave because He was good. That is what Jesus has done for you. God forgave not because you were good, not because you were deserving. He forgave because He loves you.

As God has shown mercy – were return mercy to others. That’s how forgiveness works. Out of His grace, Christ has made us new creatures. As Christ forgave so now you follow in the same tone when we deal with others.

Prayers for the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding;

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably;

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Woodcut “The Crucifixion” by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld copyright © WELS for personal and congregational use

September 10— Thursday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Romans 14:1–12—Our reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans continues with Paul warning us against judging other Christians—especially those new to the faith or weak in faith. Two extremes must be avoided: measuring and judging others by comparing them to ourselves or our own standards; and failing to use the Word of God to judge. 

Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. What will be the standard? The same as here on earth: God’s holy Word, as revealed to us in the Bible.

Faith believes that God is not a Divine Accountant or Probation Officer. Rather, He’s an indulgent father. Who throws a party for his indigent son. He’s like an employer. Who pays employees a full day’s wage. Even though they only worked an hour. He’s like a lavish wedding host. Who provides copious amounts of only the best and finest wine. He’s your Good Shepherd. Content to leave behind ninety-nine of His herd in safety. Who will risk all. To save just one, that is lost. 

This is the God who desires to bless all people I’m tempted to curse. He includes those whom I’d exclude. And embraces the very people I would shun. This good news, He says, is for all people. No one is to be excluded from the Father’s presence.

Let Your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Your help, protect and govern it always by Your goodness; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. ~ Collect for Pentecost 11  

Photo Image courtesy of Lydia Cseh Dahling

September 9— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Genesis 50:15–21—Joseph’s brothers had done the unthinkable—they had sold him into slavery and told their father that his son was dead, eaten by wild animals. Years later, they were astounded to find out that Joseph was still alive and serving in Pharaoh’s court, as the most powerful man in all of Egypt after Pharaoh.

So long as their father was alive, they thought that they were safe from Joseph’s retribution; however, after Jacob’s death, they feared for their lives. The peace in the family would last so long as their father was alive. After he was dead they could only anticipate the brunt of the wrath and fury of their brother Joe. And who could blame them?  Joseph had much time to lament as he wasted away in prison those many years.  In short, their crime continues to haunt them.

 Incredibly, Joseph forgave them. He recognized the hand of God at work in his life. Joseph’s treatment of his brother could only have come from the hand of a merciful Savior. Joseph shifts the question of forgiveness to the only relationship the brothers claim. They are God's servants; is it not therefore God's business to forgive them? "Am I in the place of God?" he asks. The implied answer being no, the next question, then, is, how does God see the matter? "Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good."  

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers ought to serve as an example to us, particularly when we find it so hard to forgive petty sins of others. Love covers a multitude of sins.  So, we ask our Heavenly Father to teach us to forgive as the catechism teaches, “We pray that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would forgive them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So, we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.”

A prayer for deliverance from sin: We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts “Joseph reunited with his brothers” copyright © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

September 8 - Tuesday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 

Psalm 103:1–12—What a beautiful psalm of comfort! David praises the LORD for all His benefits to us: He forgives all our iniquity, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, and more. Why? Because the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

David, overwhelmed by a sense of God’s  blessings, mercy and forgiveness, writes what is perhaps one of the most meaningful poems in the entire book of Psalms.

The psalm’s primary concern is not the current human condition, but the wonder and majesty of an Almighty God, to whom we belong forever.

The psalmist reminds us that our ultimate concern, even in the midst of uncertain and fearful times, does not have to be the vulnerability of our human condition.

Our ultimate concern can become the spirit in which we turn to God in hope and turn to neighbor in love. Let us look to God, our Creator, for comfort and let us turn to others to help and be helped.

Psalm 103 describes an active and powerful God who cares about humanity, a God whose mighty hand extends down into the Pit of human frailty to lift us up and set our feet once again on solid ground.

We serve a God who is full of deep compassion, a God whose steadfast love never ceases, a God whose mercies never come to an end. Yes, we are vulnerable, susceptible creatures, and one day, our human bodies will fail. But God’s steadfast love will never fail. We come from dust and to dust we shall return, and God’s righteousness and steadfast love will always be at work among us, and in our children, and, after we are gone, in their children after them.

Prayer for Psalm 103: Lord, you have compassion for the sinner, as a father has compassion for his children. Heal the weakness of your people and save us from everlasting death that with the saints and angels we may praise and glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.[2] 

 

[1] Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 103, For All the Saints a Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

September 7 - Monday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 18)

 The Introit for this coming Sunday is taken from Psalm 143:1–2; Antiphon, Psalm 143:9—

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. It is, like many of David’s other psalms, a plea to the Lord to rescue him from his enemies.

David does not appeal to his own goodness or righteousness, however, but explicitly confesses that no one living is righteous before the Lord. Therefore, he must beg the mercy of the Lord: In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!

We get the sense that David is in desperate times. Without the Lord’s defense he has nothing. Thus he can say, “I flee unto thee to hide me.” David can literally declare, “I have hid my affairs, and troubles, my difficulties and all my necessities. I have revealed them unto You, who alone can save.”

This is how we, too, must approach the Lord when we ask Him to rescue us from earthly and spiritual enemies—acknowledging, as we do in the catechism, that we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment, and acknowledging that He delivers  us purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.

The hymn writer reminds us

Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing [1]

 

Prayer for Psalm 143 – Lord Jesus, you bring the first light of dawn to those who dwell in darkness and make your love known to them. Enter not into judgment against your servants, but let your Spirit guide us into the land of justice, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. Amen [2]

Photo Image courtesy of Lydia Cseh Dahling

[1] Jesus Lover of my soul, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] For all the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY

Proper 19 (Pentecost 16)

 

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19 Series A

Genesis 50:15–21
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matthew 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33,35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Romans 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:21).

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Matthew 18:21–35

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18.21 
Τότε προσελθὼν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν· Κύριε, ποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ; ἕως ἑπτάκις;
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 

Matthew 18.22 
λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Οὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά.
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18.23 
Διὰ τοῦτο ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ ὃς ἠθέλησεν συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ· 
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 

Matthew 18.24 
ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων.
When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 

Matthew 18.25 
μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα  ἔχει καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι.
And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

Matthew 18.26 
πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων· Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ἐμοί, καὶ πάντα ἀποδώσω σοι.
So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 

Matthew 18.27 
σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ.
And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 

Matthew 18.28 
ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγεν λέγων· Ἀπόδος εἴ τι ὀφείλεις.
But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 

Matthew 18.29 
πεσὼν οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων· Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ ἐμοί, καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι. 
So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 

Matthew 18.30 
ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 

Matthew 18.31 
ἰδόντες οὖν οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα. 
When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 

Matthew 18.32 
τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ· Δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με· 
Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 

Matthew 18.33 
οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα; 
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 

Matthew 18.34 
καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 

Matthew 18.35 
Οὕτως καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ποιήσει ὑμῖν ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν.
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31
Matthew 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer
Matthew 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33
Matthew 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
Matthew 18:34 Greek torturers

Sources:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software