ASLC Podcast

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37

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: Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Jesus heals a man born blind, provoking a hostile reaction that he regards as spiritual blindness to the things of God.

Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Matthew 6:21-24; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 6:10;1 Timothy 6:17

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 23; John 4:5-42

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-21 - Place your life before God

Introduction
During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be
baptized at the Easter Vigil. In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus
that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham,
in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From
worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.
This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Readings

Psalm: Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 and John 3:1-17

1st wednesday in Lent
Scripture Readings: Matthew 13: 24-30

Introduction
Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast
becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a
time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This
catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey
to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the
bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 and Matthew 4:1-11 

Our stewardship is also rooted in our time here on earth. What will we do with our time here on earth? How will we use the gifts God has given us to bear good fruit?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Introduction
Today’s festival stands like a bright bridge between seasons. The joy of
Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany comes to its close, and the journey
toward Lent and Easter begins. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed as
God’s beloved Son—echoing the promise spoken at his baptism. This
glimpse of glory does not remove the road ahead, but it gives strength for
it, sustaining Jesus as he turns toward Jerusalem and the cross.
In the days ahead, we will enter the season of Lent, beginning with Ash
Wednesday, and once again take up our baptismal journey from
repentance to renewal, from death to life. Some churches will set aside the alleluia at the end of today’s worship—
not because joy is gone, but because it is being held in trust. That word of
praise will return with even greater joy when Easter dawns.
This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

Scripture Readings: : Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 and : Matthew 17:1-9