November 22, 2023

Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism: The Sacrament Part 1

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 5:1-19, Matthew 22:23-46

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Hungry?  Sure, you’ve all been there. If you don’t eat, you get “hangry”, weak and will eventually die.  God takes care of you daily by giving physical food and drink.  In the same way He feeds you in this Christian faith.  He gives you forgiveness, life, and salvation. Are you hungry for forgiveness because of your guilt? Are you weakened and troubled by your sins? Then come and eat! 

Go to the altar and receive the gift of God’s forgiveness. There you are filled with Christ’s forgiveness that heals your soul and will bring wholeness to your body. Just like physical food strengthens you, so too the Eucharist is given to strengthen you in faith toward God and in fervent love toward one another. So come to the altar and be assured of God’s love for you. He loved you so much that he gave his only Son for you, that you would not perish but have eternal life.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving Bread,  May I in grace possess You.  Let me with holy food be fed,  In hunger I address You.   Prepare me well for You, O Lord,  And, humbly by my prayer implored,  Give me Your grace and mercy.  (LSB 625:1)

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.