We remember and celebrate the LWML today. Our Bible Reading of the Day is Luke 10:1-24. Jesus sent out the Twelve (Luke 9:1–6) to proclaim the kingdom of God. Afterward, Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:18–20), Jesus predicted His own death and resurrection (Luke 9:21–27), and then Jesus was transfigured (Luke 9:28–36). When Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), He taught His disciples about the cost of following Him (Luke 9:57–62). Then He sent out the seventy-two to pro-claim the kingdom of God. God’s favor in electing and saving us sinners is far beyond our human understanding, and yet a little child can receive it and trust it. We may not be able to mentally grasp the inner workings of the triune God but we can take comfort in knowing that the Father reveals His favor and mercy through His Son, Jesus. In turn, Jesus reveals God’s favor and mercy through the messengers and ministry of His Church.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Matthew 17:1-9. Jesus’ Galilean ministry is quickly drawing to a close. Soon, He will set His face toward Jerusalem and the cross. Jesus leads the inner circle of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain. Tradition locates the transfiguration on Mount Hermon, just north of Caesarea Philippi in Galilee. While praying, Jesus is transfigured before them and is joined by Moses and Elijah. Six days earlier, Peter had confessed Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), but then rebuked Jesus when He spoke of His Passion. Peter wanted the Christ without the cross, salvation without suffering, glory without Golgotha. Moses, Elijah, and God the Father, however, confirm Jesus’ words foretelling His Passion. Today, Jesus speaks to us in both Scripture and Sacraments; we hear His sweet words of forgiveness and life eternal.