ASLC Podcast

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise. 

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Luke 23:33-43

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. 

Scripture Readings: Malachi 4:1-6; Psalm 98;  Luke 21:5-19

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. 

Scripture Readings: Malachi 41-6; Psalm 98;  Luke 19:1-10

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

Scripture Readings: Ephesians 1:11-23; Psalm 149; Luke 6:20-31

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 ever-changing world. “God loves us all, both big and small,” a child’s verse declares. The sins of the world are covered. We are able to stand tall before God our righteous judge because in the person of Jesus “salvation has come to this house”—to our house today. In Christ Jesus God seeks us out to save us.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Luke 19:1-10

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 ever-changing world. “God loves us all, both big and small,” a child’s verse declares. The sins of the world are covered. We are able to stand tall before God our righteous judge because in the person of Jesus “salvation has come to this house”—to our house today. In Christ Jesus God seeks us out to save us.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; Luke 19:1-10

Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For this we worship and glorify God forever.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84:1-7; Luke 18:9-14

Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the gospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.

Scripture Readings: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; Luke 18:1-8