Today our readings cover God’s covenant of rescue through Moses, particularly the Ten Commandments. May we all learn to love God and neighbor by obeying the moral commandments of God as an expression of gratitude for Christ’s saving work in our lives.
Our readings today point us in the direction of God’s covenants with Abraham. And we are reminded that we are true children of Abraham when we have a living faith in Jesus Christ. (Please forgive my voice, as I am recovering from the flu in this recording.)
This Lent, the lectionary bring’s us through God’s covenants in our OT lessons – beginning with Noah. We are reminded that though he doesn’t need us, our Lord loves us and will make sure sin doesn’t destroy his good creation. That’s why he make covenants with us. (Our catechism reminds us of this, too.)
The prophet Joel warns us the beginning of Lent that facing sin can be a veritable battle, nevertheless God’s invitation to repent remains.
As we wind down Lent and enter Holy Week, the lectionary presents readings to stoke our hearts’ flames with hope in anticipation of the resurrection! And that hope stirs us to genuinely pursue God’s call to care for people in body as much as soul, and to care for creation as much as people.
On this Laetare Sunday, we rejoice over the lessons that describe our Lord as a Divine Shepherd of Light. May we all find reason to be glad in someone who can enlighten us, guide, and free us from sin and death!
The lectionary readings remind us that no matter the deserts we encounter in this sin-laden world, our God will make a way to refresh us from the springs of of eternal life.
The lectionary inspires us Lenten penitents with the story of Abraham, the spiritual ancestor of those who learn to relate to God by faith instead of imperfect human obedience or heredity.
As we walk the penitential path with Jesus this Lent, our lectionary readings help us compare and contrast Adam and Jesus so we might better appreciate the great salvation our Lord has worked out for all who believe.
Country Parson at Large 