ASLC Podcast

Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of prayer that begins the season of Lent. On this day we confess our sins in a litany of repentance. We will receive the sign of ashes, an ancient symbol that reminds us of our own mortality. We will partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, God’s mercy and grace which come to us in bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ. Marked with the cross of Christ we make our way through Lent, longing for the baptismal waters of Easter and our spiritual rebirth, caring for our neighbor and living lives of grace centered on the cross. Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, ; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51

Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent - Christmas - Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent - Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter. Scripture Readings: Matthew 17:1-9; Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99

In today’s reading from Deuteronomy we are called to choose life by loving and obeying God. Much of today’s gospel reading echoes portions of the Ten Commandments. Jesus’ instructions to the crowd reveal a pattern of behavior that honors both God and the neighbor, resulting in life and health for the whole community. We too are invited to embrace these commandments, not out of fear of retribution, but because God has promised that to do so means life for us. 
Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:21-37; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8

Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.

Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:13-20; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10

Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy. Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalms 27:1, 4-9

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us. 

Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalms 40:1-11

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people. 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalms 72:1-7, 10-14

Referenced is the painting Scene of the Massacre of Innocents by Léon Cogniet

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth. Scripture Reading: John :1-14, Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalms 98 

This is the first day of Christmas, where we can celebrate the joy that God has given us. Our savior is born as the child of Mary. Almighty God is present as a weak, squalling infant. We can come before him, humble ourselves, for Jesus knows what we go through. Scripture Reading: John :1-14, Isaiah 52:7-19