Pentecost 16 (year C proper 21)- Luke 16:19-31

 The readings for this Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost are notable passages. The Old Testament selection from Amos 6 is a prophetic warning to selfish, rich Israelites who ignore the poor among God's people. The Epistle selection from 1 Timothy 3:1-15 deals with the qualities expected of church leaders. Pastors and assistants should profess sound doctrine and pursue good behavior. Although human beings remain imperfect, church leaders have a high calling that is especially important for the well-being of Christ's church and for the Christian witness in this world.

The Gospel from Luke 16:19-31 is Jesus' parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus. It concerns spiritual and moral attitudes and actions, and it shows the impact of such attitudes and actions on one's eternal destiny. The Hebrew Law and Prophets as well as the natural law engraved in human hearts, teach us about God's expectations. All generally sane people are spiritually and morally accountable. Therefore, we must turn to Christ's Gospel. Called, guided, and assisted by divine grace, each of us must respond and make choices about our relationships with God and our neighbors. And those responses to grace determine our condition in this world and the world to come.

Holy Cross Day- 14 September

 The fourteenth of September is Holy Cross Day.  As a church observance, Holy Cross Day has roots in the fourth century, when the Emperor Constantine's mother searched for Christ's cross. On this date in 335 A.D., a basilica that supposedly contained Christ's cross was dedicated in Jerusalem. The commemoration became popular in the Greek and Latin churches. During the Reformation, many Lutherans continued to observe this festival on their calendars, and although it has not always been observed everywhere, Holy Cross Day has remained a significant observance. 

Many believers doubt whether the remnants of that particular cross could be identified, and Lutherans have rejected medieval superstitions about the cross as a relic. Nevertheless, it is good for us to remember Christ's cross on this day and throughout the year. Holy Cross Day is a fitting reminder of the centrality of the cross in Christian theology, art, and symbolism.

The cross of Christ is at the core of Biblical doctrines of redemption. Our theology must always remain a theology of the cross. This day also serves as an occasion to refocus on why we are Christians. Our divine and human Lord suffered the horrors of the cross for us sinners and our salvation. By doing so, He has become the Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He has offered us His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. He has reconciled those have been baptized and have faith with the heavenly Father. And by His Resurrection, our crucified Lord Jesus Christ has transformed the Holy Cross into a glorious sign of faith, hope, love, and eternal life.  May we always take our stand beneath the cross of Jesus!

Pentecost 14 (year C proper 19)- I Timothy 1:15

 On this Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, the Scripture lessons emphasize God's will to save the lost. In particular, we see this in the second or epistle lesson from I Timothy 1:12-17. The Apostle Paul points out how Christ sought him out to serve Him. Speaking of himself and others, Paul summarizes the Christian message in I Timothy 1:15, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...."  

Nowadays, some polite Christians may hesitate to speak of people being lost sinners who need to be saved. However, Scripture in general and our Lord Jesus Christ, in particular, are not hesitant to speak of lost sinners who need to be saved. According to Holy Scripture, all human beings have fallen into sin and need to be saved by divine grace.  Even the best human beings are spiritually lost and need to be found by Christ and His Church.

Like St. Paul, each of us should acknowledge that we are sinners who need a Savior. All of us are fallen sinners. All of us have been lost, and we all have a tendency to wander repeatedly. So we all depend upon divine mercy, grace, and persistence in seeking us out-- in the past, in the present, and in each new day. God in Christ continues to seek us through Word and Sacrament, and we need to be open to being found by Him.

So let us be open to God’s work in our lives. Let us accept the salvation Christ offers, and let us respond in gratitude by sharing the message with others. May each of us acknowledge our Savior, and may each of us do our small part to speak of His work to others!

Pentecost 13 (year C proper 18)- Luke 14:25-35

 The Gospel for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost is from Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. Being a follower of Christ means placing Him first and bearing one's cross. While there are great joys to the Christian life, it is not easy to follow our Lord, and people need to be realistic. Disciples must be prepared to give up everything for the sake of Christ. Even the closest human ties may be strained or broken by following Jesus. Life itself, or life as we prefer it, can be part of the cost of Christian commitment. As Christians, we need to do two things: we must be aware of the cost of discipleship, and we must depend upon divine grace to sustain us.