In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit When the serpent opened his mouth in the Garden of Eden, death rushed out of his mouth. Our first parents heard death’s siren sound and bowed their knees. When God opened His mouth in the Garden of Eden, life […]

Last Sunday’s Gospel lesson (Luke 14: 16-24) told us about the great banquet of salvation. Today’s Gospel lesson also takes place in a banqueting context, for we read that the religious leaders complained that “[Jesus] receives sinners and eats with them.” To share a meal was to share life itself. Moreover, to share it with […]

Dearly Beloved, the Psalmist said, “O Lord, I have trusted in Thy mercy.” This echoes the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” as well as Luther’s explanation, “We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Today’s Gospel lesson is largely a parable on the first commandment and what it means […]

It may be that even now I am speaking to such a man; to one now buried under the unyielding stone of habit and who now dead four days stinketh. Yet not even he must despair: he is dead, in the depths; but Christ is on high. He knows, by crying out with a loud […]

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit “Good morning, this is God! I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help — so have a good day. I love you!” That’s the little sign my mother has on her refrigerator. I […]