ASLC Podcast

It's a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news. 

Scripture Readings:Luke 17:11-19, 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c, Psalm 111.

A little faith goes a long way is our Lord’s point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in water and the word (holy baptism), bread and wine (holy communion), the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Psalm 37:1-9

The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Today you are invited to experience the power of God at a healing station during communion. Come for prayer and anointing with oil during the meal.

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:17-20, Revelation 12:7-12, Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22

Walk With You clip by Della Reese & The Verity All-Stars, Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recall that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113

The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Psalm 51:1-12

Called to the contemplate the joy of discipleship today, we might be helped by our prayer of the day: Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of the Christ in the blessed sacrament and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life” – to choose life in God as our own. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1

Invited and inviting - that is the nature of the church. By God's grace in holy baptism we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 81:1, 10-16; Jeremiah 2:4-13; Luke 14:1,7-14

Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing.

Scripture Reading: Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 103-1-8

The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, 8-16, Psalm 82

Jesus says, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." It is God's promise from the beginning - to Abraham, to the early church, and to the "little flock" of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God's baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Psalm 33:12-22