ASLC Podcast

The Good Friday service continues the journey through the Three Days of Jesus’ suffering , death and resurrection. At the heart of this service is the passion reading according to John, which celebrates Christ’s victory on the cross. As Jesus draws all people to himself, we pray for the whole world for which Christ died. Finally, we honor the cross as the sign of forgiveness, healing and salvation. With all God’s people we are invited to bow before this mystery of faith.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus ’death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples ’feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.

Scripture Readings: Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Psalm 22

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’ s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of GodGod’ s astounding work.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11

Scripture Readings: Matthew 8:23-27

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism. Sermon by Lexi Wolt, a student at the University of Minnesota and a leader in Lutheran Campus Ministries.

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; John 11:1-45

Jonah 4: When Nineveh is spared, Jonah is more than angry, he is apoplectic!

Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism, God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.

Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; John 9:1-41

Jonah reaches Nineveh and is convincing. Even the animals fast and are put in sackcloth and ashes.

Scripture Reading: Jonah 3

In today’s gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel and those of the next two Sundays to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter. As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal—offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Scripture Readings: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; John 4:5-42

A ditty to help you review the 2nd chapter of Jonah.