Isaiah 61:10; Antiphon, Psalm 146:2—
The Gospel reading for next Sunday (Matthew 22:1–14) is the parable of the
Wedding Feast, and the Introit helps establish a theme, by bringing in images
relating to a wedding and the wedding garments. It speaks of us being clothed
with garments of salvation. This same sort of imagery is used in Revelation,
when it is said that the saints clothed in white robes have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This is rich sacramental imagery,
portraying Baptism; the parable of the Wedding Feast has similar sacramental
imagery, but that of the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar.
In describing the clothing of our salvation Isaiah
describes them as being covered with the robe of righteousness, and a headdress
of jewels fitting for a bridegroom bride and a priest. Isaiah pointed the people living in captivity
to Christ who would come as their Savior, priest and King. It is this same Jesus who would declare in
the synagogue at Nazareth, "today is
this prophecy fulfilled in your ears." By faith you are able to
declare, He hath clothed me with the
garments of salvation and hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a
bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her
jewels.
Soon and very soon we shall see Him, who was wounded for their transgressions and
bruised for their iniquities. For this reason we praise Him consciously for
He has cleansed us of our sin, and covered
us in a robe of righteousness for His name's sake. What a cause of great joy
and rejoicing to know that the gifts of God are glorious and without
number.
Collect for
Psalm 146 –God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust
in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us that we may love you always
with a pure heart and praise you forever; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our
Lord.
Image of All Saints
copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Collect for Psalm
146, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol.II © 1995
American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
No comments:
Post a Comment