Today's Reading: Introit for the Second Sunday of Easter (Psalm 81:1, 7a, 10, 16b; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2a)

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 19:1-25; Hebrews 13:1-21

Like newborn infants, Alleluia, long for the pure spiritual milk of the Word. Alleluia." (From the Introit for the Second Sunday of Easter)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Introit for tomorrow, the "entrance" or "beginning" that tells us the theme of the service, is for the special Sunday known as Quasimodo Geniti, "like newborn babies." That is, this Sunday's theme teaches us that we should be like newborn babies. But in what way? So that we would "long for the pure spiritual milk of the Word."

Have you ever observed a hungry baby? Getting fed is basically the only thing on their minds! Christians still have a sinful nature and because of that, one of our worst problems is being complacent and no longer feeling the need for God's Word. In sin, we do not long for or thirst for the Word of Christ. Or course, this is exactly where our sin, the world, and the devil want us to be. In time, we might just turn away from God's Word altogether (may it never be!).

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of this sinful way of no longer longing for the Word of Christ, we confess our sin, and receive Christ's forgiveness and then we live not as unwise, but as wise. We train ourselves by the grace of God and through the Word and Sacraments (the Holy Spirit always working through these) to enter each day with a longing. The longing that says once again this day, "I need Jesus, and I know where to find Him! I receive Him through His pure spiritual milk, His Word. For this I long." Luther taught this in respect to receiving Holy Absolution, through which the forgiveness of Christ is imputed to us. Luther wrote: "If you are a Christian, then you ought to be happy to run more than a hundred miles to Confession and not let yourself be urged to come." This is what longing for the Word looks like. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it; and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Like newborn infants, Alleluia, long for the pure spiritual milk [of the Word.] Alleluia. (From the Introit for Quasimodo Geniti Sunday)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch