ASLC Podcast

Today Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.

Scripture Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 70; Matthew 25:1-13

Today Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.

Scripture Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 70; Matthew 25:1-13

All Saints Sunday celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

Scripture Readings: 1 John 3:1-3; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; Matthew 5:1-12

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an everchanging world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28

In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.

Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:10--4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

In today’s first reading, Joseph’s brothers ask for his forgiveness for their cruel acts. Joseph forgives them, telling them that God used those cruel actions as an opportunity to do good and save many lives. Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.

Scripture Readings: Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:8-13; Matthew 18:21-35

Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.

Scripture Readings:Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20