Category: February 2023

IF YOU...

2/26/2023

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 4:1-11
The First Sunday in Lent

In today’s gospel, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. This story recalls that of Job, whose righteousness God also allowed to be tested. Both Job and Jesus are urged to turn away from what they know to be true and faithful. In Job’s case, it is his friends who are relentless in making this enticement.

Postures of Prayer

2/22/2023

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 6:1-6,16-21
Ash Wednesday

The Ash Wednesday gospel reading is a mixture of the spiritual and the physical. As Jesus cautions his hearers about displays of piety, the spiritual practice of generosity is described in terms of what one’s hands do in the act of giving. Prayer is seen through the physical spaces in which it happens: the street or synagogue versus one’s own room. Fasting is framed through facial expressions, putting oil on one’s head, and washing one’s face.

A NEW, OLD COVENANT

2/19/2023

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 17:1-9
The Transfiguration of our Lord

To his disciples and followers, Jesus must have seemed like someone wholly new and unique. His wisdom and power amazed them and left them wondering about his new teachings and extraordinary authority. As Peter, James, and John join Jesus on the mountain, they see yet another new thing as Jesus is transfigured before them. This experience, however, is not disconnected from God’s past works: Jesus is accompanied by Moses and Elijah, and the disciples hear the voice of God. Jesus’ transfiguration is a new part of the old story of God creating life in the world. As they descend, Jesus points ahead to another unprecedented experience that is to come: his death and resurrection. Change is wrapped up in God’s continuity.

A NEW COMMUNITY

2/12/2023

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:21-37
The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

Anyone who has ever lived or worked with other humans likely knows that community is messy. We hurt each other, sometimes intentionally but often by accident. We say things we regret. We stay silent when we should speak up, or we impose our own beliefs on others when we should start by listening instead. We act rashly out of fear or ignorance or exhaustion. We trample over one another in an attempt to achieve, to win, to earn, or to protect what we assume is rightfully ours.

SALT AND LIGHT

2/5/2023

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:13-20
The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

What we believe about ourselves has the power to shape our behavior in profound ways. If we believe we aren’t good enough or are unwanted, that will likely show up in the way we carry ourselves, in the way we interact with others, and in the opportunities we seek out or don’t. On the other hand, if we know that we are loved or if we feel like we belong, we will probably bring more assurance to our interactions with others, and will be more likely to take risks and to reach out and engage with our communities.

GOSPEL MESSAGES

IF YOU...

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 4:1-11
The First Sunday in Lent

Postures of Prayer

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 6:1-6,16-21
Ash Wednesday

A NEW, OLD COVENANT

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 17:1-9
The Transfiguration of our Lord

A NEW COMMUNITY

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:21-37
The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

SALT AND LIGHT

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:13-20
The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

2022/2023 — YEAR A

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GOSPEL MESSAGES

IF YOU...

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 4:1-11The First Sunday in Lent

Postures of Prayer

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 6:1-6,16-21Ash Wednesday

A NEW, OLD COVENANT

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 17:1-9The Transfiguration of our Lord

A NEW COMMUNITY

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:21-37The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

SALT AND LIGHT

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:13-20The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

2022/2023 — YEAR A

ARCHIVE​

Stay connected with us!

Telephone

Saint John's Lutheran Church

EMAIL

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 4:1-11
The First Sunday in Lent

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 6:1-6,16-21
Ash Wednesday

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 17:1-9
The Transfiguration of our Lord

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:21-37
The Sixth Sunday After Epiphany

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 5:13-20
The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

ARCHIVE