Wednesday prior to Palm Sunday

 

[1]

Philippians 2:5-11 - In our Epistle lesson we learn that as an obedient servant Jesus humbles Himself to die on a cross. As He humbles Himself even to death, God exalts Him.  Because Jesus came down to the humiliation of the cross, Jesus was raised in exaltation. There are two sides of a coin. Jesus taught that He who humbles himself would be exalted, and the reverse applies. During Holy Week, we watch Jesus stooping to the lowest level by dying a criminal’s most horrible death and on Easter He is raised to glory. His exaltation will not be complete until every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses Him as Lord.   

“Let the same mind be in you…”

Paul incorporates this hymn into his letter in the service of pastoral theology. He is thankful for the Philippians’ care for him and support of his ministry (1:3-8), yet there are some problems in the community. In particular, Paul is concerned about dissension among members (2:2-4; 4:2-3), and about “opponents” who preach righteousness based on circumcision and law observance (1:28; 3:2-3, 7-11, 18-19). Paul urges the Philippians to live “in a manner worthy of the gospel” so that he will know that they are “standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel” (1:27).[2]

Collect for Wednesday of the week of lent 5: Father of mercy, hear the prayers of your repentant children who call on your in love. Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts. 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. [3] Amen

Collect for the Annunciation of our Lord (March 25): O Lord, as we have known the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of the angel to the virgin Mary, so by the message of His cross and passion bring us to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

[1] Palm Sunday Images, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2]https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/name-of-jesus/commentary-on-philippians-25-11-2

[3] Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5 and the Annunciation of our Lord Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis