Thursday prior to Proper 22

[1]

2 Timothy 1:1-14— Paul remembers the faith of Timothy and confesses his faith in Christ. We face challenging times. The loss of faith is seen in a decline in church membership, a fall-off of church attendance, in the popularity of radical sects, and the secularization of society. Some have a view of the church today with faith becoming traditional and zeal burning low. Hence the encouraging words of St. Paul to a young Christian pastor whose church was facing considerable challenges. As we go through life and as the years pass we need to be exhorted to keep the faith vibrant. We do this as we continue in the faith of the fathers – vs. 5 and as we hold fast to the faith even in times of suffering – vs. 8.

We may not be able to fall from grace but surely there can be exhibited a lack of faith. It happens every day. The lack of faith is seen in a decline in church membership, a fall-off of church attendance, in the popularity of radical sects and the secularization of modern society in general. According to some Bible scholars 2 Timothy was written by Paul when faith became or was becoming mere “tradition” and zeal was burning low. The need is to stir up faith in Christ to make it come alive again as a force for good in the church and in the world. As we go through life and as the years pass, we need to be exhorted to keep the faith vibrant.

Father, Your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in Your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen [2]

 Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 16: Almighty and everlasting God, who, of Thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility; mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of His patience; and also be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord (Gelasian Sacramentary). [3] -29 September, 2022

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[1]The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] A collect for the season of Pentecost, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 16, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY