ASLC Podcast

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. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work, especially in the lives of our young people. Today we celebrate our confirmation students as they affirm their baptismal promises. Trusting in the freedom given to all of us in baptism, we give thanks to God for the reforming work that the Spirit continues to inspire us to today.

Scripture Readings: John 8:31-36; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46

In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.

Scripture Readings: Matthew 22:15-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Psalm 96:1-9

In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. 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  

Scripture Readings: Matthew  22:1-14;  Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23

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. 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: Matthew 20:1-16;  Philippians 1:21-30; Psalm 145:1-8

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Paul, we are urged 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: Matthew 21:23-32;  Philippians 2:1-13; Psalm 25: 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: Matthew 21:33-46;  Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15

In today’s second reading Paul questions why we judge one another, since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and 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: Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 14:1-12; Psalm 103:1-13

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. Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law.  
Scripture Readings: Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:8-14; Psalm 119:33-40

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world. 
Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:21-28; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8

Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed. 
Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:13-20; Romans 12:1-8; Psalm 138