ASLC Podcast

Today’s readings are a welcome word for anyone who’s ever felt weighed down by the “unhappy business” of life—which, let’s be honest, is most of us at some point. Jesus lovingly reminds us to stay alert, especially when it comes to the sneaky ways greed can take hold of our hearts. But there’s good news (of course there is—this is church!): in baptism, we’ve already died and risen with Christ. That means our lives are now caught up in something bigger, brighter, and more hopeful than anything this world can throw at us. So, we turn our hearts and minds toward “the things that are above”—not floating in the clouds, but grounded in the grace of God that meets us right here. We’re fed at the Lord’s table, encouraged by God’s word, and reminded again and again that we don’t walk this life alone.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat ... take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Today we celebrate two great figures of the early church, Peter and Paul, who represent the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and, according to tradition, were martyred on this date. The witness of Peter and Paul inspires us as we seek ways to faithfully proclaim the gospel in our contemporary context.

Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-11; Galatians 5:1,13-25; John 21:15-19

St. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who, with St. Paul, was an apostle to the gentiles. Originally named Joseph, the other apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement.” All possessions were held in common, so Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. He became a leader of the Church in Jerusalem. When Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus' followers, the disciples were understandably skeptical about Paul. It was Barnabas who advocated for him and encouraged others to forgive him. Barnabas is, therefore, the patron saint of second chances. While the exact details are disputed, tradition holds that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:5-12; Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:7-16

The Uniqueness of the Trinity

Pr. Wes Kimball

0:16 10:03

Download

“O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-31

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; John 17:20-26

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.

Scripture Reading: Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5; John 14:23-29

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.

Scripture Reading: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; John 13:31-35

The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30