The theme for the Fifth Sunday in Lent is the fruit
of the cross. Formerly, the fifth Sunday in Lent was named, “Passion
Sunday.” Though the name has changed, the theme of suffering and sacrifice of
Christ is prevalent. The fruits or results of Christ’s passion are given.
In the Gospel (Mark 10: (32-34) 35-45) Jesus’
upcoming death is an hour of glory for both the Son and the Father. From this
suffering Jesus learns obedience (Epistle lesson Hebrews 5:1-10). The new covenant, promised in the Old
Testament lesson (Jeremiah 3:31-34) is fulfilled through the death of the Lamb.
Christ’s cross enables God and man to enter a new era of reconciliation.
Because of the benefits of the cross, we can glory in it. With the end of Lent
approaching, it is good to give consideration to the benefits of the cross of
Jesus Christ.
Psalm 116:1-4, 8; antiphon, Psalm 43:1—In the antiphon, the psalmist cries out for
deliverance from the wickedness that surrounds him. The rest of the Introit
praises the Lord for this
deliverance.
Typical elements of a thanksgiving psalm are
present — expression of gratitude and/or trust (verses 1-2, 5-7, 10-11, 15-16),
description of prior distress and deliverance (verses 3-4, 8-9), and the
announcement of intent to offer sacrifice and/or make vows to God (verses
12-14, 17-19).
References to Sheol (verse 3) are frequent in
the Psalms. While Sheol is sometimes a place — the realm of the dead — to which
even God has no access (see Psalm 6:5; 30:9; 88:3-7, 10-13), here Sheol seems
more metaphorically to represent a deadly threat, in the midst of which God is
able to help (see Psalms 30:3; 49:15; 56:13; 86:13).
And in this case, God has helped! The one
threatened with death will live, as verses 8-9 make clear (see Psalm 118:17).
The impact on the psalmist lasts a lifetime — “I will call on him as long as I live” (verse 2). In short, the
psalmist’s love for God will be evident as he or she prays “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).[1]
We are now in the throes of Lent. Soon Easter
will come. The cross looms large for us. By that cross comes victory, salvation
and yes, life itself. Rejoice! Christ has come to save. Call upon Him in the
day of trouble. He will answer. He will heal.
Collect for
Psalm 116: God of power and mercy, through the Passion and resurrection of your
Son you have fre3ede us from the bonds of death and the anguish of separation
from you. Be with us on our pilgrimage and help us offer you a sacrifice of
praise, fulfill our vows, and glorify you in the presence of all your people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]-15 March 2021
[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-easter/commentary-on-psalm-1161-4-12-19-3
[2] Collect for Psalm 116, For All the Saints a Prayer Book for and by the Church © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY
Illustration “The Crucifixion” is taken from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures. © WLS Permission granted for personal and congregational use.
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