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LCMS
Lectionary Summaries—Feasts & Festivals
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Advent................................................................................................................................................. 3
St. Andrew, Apostle (November 30).................................................................................................. 3
St. Thomas, Apostle (December 21) .................................................................................................. 3
Christmas ........................................................................................................................................... 4
St. Stephen, Martyr (December 26)................................................................................................... 4
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (December 27) ......................................................................... 4
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (December 28) ................................................................................. 5
New Year’s Eve (December 31) ........................................................................................................... 5
Circumcision and Name of Jesus (January 1) ................................................................................ 6
Epiphany–Lent–Easter ................................................................................................................... 7
The Confession of St. Peter (January 18) ....................................................................................... 7
St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor (January 24) ............................................................................ 7
The Conversion of St. Paul (January 25) ......................................................................................... 8
St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor (January 26) ................................................................................ 8
The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord (February 2) ......................... 9
St. Matthias, Apostle (February 24) .................................................................................................. 9
St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus (March 19) ................................................................................... 10
The Annunciation of our Lord (March 25).................................................................................... 11
St. Mark, Evangelist (April 25) .......................................................................................................... 11
Easter–Pentecost–Trinity ........................................................................................................... 12
St. Philip and St. James, Apostles (May 1)................................................................................... 12
The Visitation: Three-Year Lectionary (May 31)....................................................................... 12
St. Barnabas, Apostle (June 11) ....................................................................................................... 13
The Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24) .......................................................................... 13
St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles (June 29) .................................................................................. 14
The Visitation: One-Year Lectionary (July 2)............................................................................. 14
St. Mary Magdalene (July 22) ............................................................................................................ 15
St. James the Elder, Apostle (July 25) .......................................................................................... 15
St. Mary, Mother of our Lord (August 15) .................................................................................... 16
St. Bartholomew, Apostle (August 24) .......................................................................................... 16
The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29) ................................................................ 17
Holy Cross Day (September 14) ........................................................................................................ 17
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 21) ............................................................. 18
St. Michael and All Angels (September 29).................................................................................. 18
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St. Luke, Evangelist (October 18) ................................................................................................... 19

St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr (October 23) ................................ 19
St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles (October 28).......................................................................... 20
Reformation Day (October 31).......................................................................................................... 20
All Saints’ Day (November 1) ............................................................................................................. 21
Occasions ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Anniversary of a Congregation.......................................................................................................... 21
Mission Observance ............................................................................................................................... 22
Christian Education ............................................................................................................................... 22
Harvest Observance .............................................................................................................................. 23
Day of Thanksgiving............................................................................................................................... 23
Day of Supplication and Prayer ........................................................................................................ 24
Day of National or Local Tragedy .................................................................................................... 24
Copyright Permission .................................................................................................................. 25
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Advent
St. Andrew, Apostle (November 30)

Ezekiel 3:16–21
Romans 10:8b–18
John 1:35–42a

St. Andrew, Apostle

The old church year ends with the watchman’s cry (Matt. 25:6), and the new one begins with it
(Ezek. 3:17): John the Baptist’s call of warning and repentance, which St. Andrew heard and
heeded. But John’s forerunning task was chiefly to point his disciples to Jesus, “the Lamb of
God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29;36). Thus, Andrew became the first of
Christ’s disciples. He in turn pointed his brother Simon Peter to the Messiah (John 1:41), and
“immediately they left their nets and followed” the Christ (Matt. 4:20). “How beautiful are the
feet of those who preach the good news” (Rom. 10:15). Andrew’s eagerness to follow Christ and
bring others to Him made “no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Rom. 10:12; John 12:20–
22), and he may be counted as the first missionary. His zeal in following Christ led him,
according to tradition, to face a martyr’s death on an “X” shaped cross. So we are directed at the
beginning of Advent to focus our eyes on Christ’s cross, where God’s Lamb was offered for our
salvation.

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St. Thomas, Apostle (December 21)

Judges 6:36–40
Ephesians 4:7, 11–16
John 20:24–29

St. Thomas, Apostle

The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being
the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of
our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the
truth, so that the Church is not “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning”
(Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36–40), so He does not turn
away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27-28).
Christ’s wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is
said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr’s death. Those who follow the
Master will suffer on account of His Name (John 15:18–21). But by the confession of the truth,
the body of Christ grows“up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15),
whom Thomas praised as his“Lord” and his “God” (John 20:28).

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Christmas
St. Stephen, Martyr (December 26)

2 Chronicles 24:17–22
Acts 6:8–7:2a, 51–60
Matthew 22:34–39

St. Stephen, Martyr

The Christ is born in the land of Judah, but His own people will not receive Him. As it was in the
days of Joash, so it is also in the days of Herod and Pilate. The Lord “sent prophets among them
to bring them back to the Lord. . . but they would not pay attention” (2 Chron. 24:19). As
Zechariah was being stoned he cried out, “May the Lord see and avenge!” (2 Chron. 24:-22).
But the infant Jesus has come to save and to forgive. Today, the Church remembers St. Stephen,
the first martyr after Christ’s ascension. His confession recalled the stiff-necked, uncircumcised
hearts and ears of Judah that would not receive the Righteous One (Acts 7:51–52). But as his
body was being stoned and his spirit received by the Lord Jesus, Stephen cried, “Lord, do not
hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60), bearing witness to the One who also said, “Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). On the second day of Christmas,
our thoughts are already directed to Christ’s atoning death to save rebels like us, and to the vision
Stephen saw: Heaven is open to us, Christ is reigning at God’s right hand, and no sin, death, or
foe can stop Him.

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St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (December 27)

Revelation 1:1–6
1 John 1:1–2:2
John 21:10–25

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist put Christmas in one verse: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among
us” (John 1:14). Not martyred but still a witness, John was exiled to Patmos and died an old
man, according to tradition. He bore witness “to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus
Christ, even to all that he saw” (Rev. 1:2). Above all, he was an eyewitness of Christ who
proclaims to us what he saw and heard concerning the “Word of Life” that was “made manifest”
(1 John 1:1–3). “And we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24). The readings today
include John’s testimony of Christ’s atoning death and His third resurrection appearance (John
21:14). On the third day of Christmas, we find joy and gladness with John and all the apostles
that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” who is “the propitiation
for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2).

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The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (December 28)

Jeremiah 31:15–17
Revelation 14:1–5
Matthew 2:13–18

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her
children” (Jer. 31:15). Herod rages and sends to kill all boys two years and younger (Matt. 2:16),
desperate to destroy the newborn King of kings. The Church remembers these innocent victims
as martyrs. They died for the One who came to die for them. This dark commemoration bears
witness to the cruelty of sinful men and the world’s hatred of Christ who has sanctified our
fragile life even from His conception and birth. But the boy who escaped Bethlehem’s bloody
streets unscathed went on to face thorns, nails and spear for them and for us. He is the Lamb
whose name is written with the Father’s name on the foreheads of His baptized saints (Rev.
14:1). By His death He has redeemed an inheritance for Himself and brought peace at last by His
blood. On the fourth day of Christmas, we sing “the new song” of the Lamb, of Christ the true
martyr, whose death testifies that our redemption is won. We “follow the Lamb wherever He
goes” (Rev. 14:4), for He will bring our tears to an end.

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New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Isaiah 30:[8–14] 15–17

Romans 8:31b–39
Luke 12:35–40

Our Times Are in His Hands

The Church and the world are awake, but for very different reasons. The world counts down to
midnight; the Church watches eagerly for her Master who is “coming at an hour” we “do not
expect” (Luke 12:40). For many, the changing year brings regrets, fears, and desperate wishes
for improvement. The world delights in smooth talk and illusions of prosperity at any cost (Is.
30:9–10). It has already forgotten “the Holy One of Israel” born six days earlier (Is. 30:11). The
Church ends the calendar year differently. “In returning and rest. . . in quietness and in trust,”
that is, in repentance and faith, for the Holy One saves us, and He is our strength (Is. 30:15). Our
times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15), the hands of Mary’s Son—God not only with us, but for us
(Matt. 1:23). So, who could be against us? If God has given His Son, “how will He not also with
him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31–32). The Church dresses for action not in fear,
but in hope; Christ is coming to serve her with His gifts (Luke 12:37). Who is there to condemn
us for the passing year? Christ has died, is raised, and intercedes for us! What distress will the
new year bring? Nothing “can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.
8:34–39)!

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Circumcision and Name of Jesus (January 1)

Numbers 6:22–27
Galatians 3:23–29
Luke 2:21

Jesus Blesses us with His Name and Saves us with His Blood

Our newborn God keeps the Law for us and brings Abraham’s promises to their fulfillment when
He is circumcised. It is there that the Name above all names is “bestowed on Him” (Phil. 2:9),
“the Name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb”: Jesus, “the Lord saves”
(Luke 2:21). He sheds the first drops of His precious blood in accordance with this Name and in
anticipation of His cross, “for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The law’s
captivity gives way to the freedom of faith in Christ Jesus, who cuts a new covenant in His blood
to be received by faith, whether male or female, Jew or Greek (Gal. 3:23–28). His Name is given
to us in Holy Baptism, and we are made sons of God and “heirs according to promise,” true
offspring of Abraham by faith (Gal. 3:29). Eight days after the celebration of our Lord’s birth, a
new “Year of our Lord” is begun in Jesus’ holy Name and with His benediction. Jesus is the
Lord, and by this Name we are blessed (Num. 6:22–27).

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Epiphany–Lent–Easter
The Confession of St. Peter (January 18)

Acts 4:8–13
2 Peter 1:1–15
Mark 8:27–35 [36–9:1]

Losing Ourselves in the Confession of the One Name of Salvation

St. Peter speaks for all disciples when he confesses, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29). This
confession is the bedrock of the Church, which Christ Himself builds (Matt. 16:18), for “this
Jesus,” the stone rejected by earthly builders, “has become the cornerstone” (Acts 4:11). This
was a scandal even to Peter. The Christ must suffer, be rejected, be killed, “and after three days
rise again” (Mark 8:31), for through this work of salvation received by faith, God’s “precious
and very great promises” are granted, “so that through them you may become partakers of the
divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Wherever Jesus is the Christ, His disciples deny themselves, take up
their crosses, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). They have been cleansed from their former sins and
increase in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection,
and love, effective and fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5–9). All
who trust in Jesus, the Christ of Peter’s confession, will save their life, though for His sake they
lose it (Mark 8:35). “For there is no other name. . . by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

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St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor (January 24)

Acts 16:1–5
1 Timothy 6:11–16
Matthew 24:42–47

St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor

Our Master, Jesus Christ, “is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44). He sets the
servants of His Word as the watchmen and overseers of His household (Matt. 24:45). He
commands them to keep, guard, and “fight the good fight of the faith” entrusted to them (1 Tim.
6:12), “each according to his ability” (Matt. 25:15). Just as Christ “made the good confession”
before Pilate (1 Tim. 6:13), so His servants stand before the Church and the world, and by their
preaching the Lord strengthens faith and grants increase to His Church (Acts 16:5), the “pillar
and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). St. Timothy, Paul’s friend and son in the faith, is an
example of such a faithful and wise servant, set over the household of God in Ephesus to nourish
in “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11). The Lord still
appoints men like Timothy to bear fruit that will abide (John 15:16), so that the whole household
may confess and bear witness to the One “who gives life to all things” (1 Tim. 6:13).

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The Conversion of St. Paul (January 25)

Acts 9:1–22
Galatians 1:11–24
Matthew 19:27–30

God’s Enemies are Conquered by the Revelation of Grace in Christ

Christ brings about a great reversal in St. Paul. “He who used to persecute us is now preaching
the faith he once tried to destroy” (Gal. 1:23). The enemy of the Gospel becomes its foremost
preacher, and the last of the Apostles becomes the first (Matt. 19:30). Paul is God’s “chosen
instrument. . . to carry [His] name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel”
(Acts 9:15). The conversion of Paul is only a more dramatic example of what God does in
revealing Christ to us. The bondage of our sin makes saving faith impossible. “I believe that I
cannot. . . believe” (SC III,3). But even this is no obstacle for our Lord’s grace in Christ and the
Holy Spirit’s power through the Gospel. Baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and hearing the
Word of Christ, our ears are opened and our spiritual blindness is lifted (Acts 9:17–19). It is
dangerous to be a traitor to Christ’s enemies—“I will show him how much he must suffer for the
sake of My name” (Acts 9:16)—but everything that is left behind is “rubbish” compared to “the
surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:8) and the eternal life that we, with St. Paul,
will at last inherit (Matt. 19:29).

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St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor (January 26)

Acts 20:28–35
Titus 1:1–9
Luke 10:1–9

St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor

“Faith,” “the knowledge of the truth,” and “the hope of eternal life” are manifested daily
among us in His Word through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ Jesus (Titus 1:1–3). The
times seem desperate: “fierce wolves” are among us, “not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29) and
“the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). The Lord, however, is diligent to
build and care for the Church “which he obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). We are not
to fear, but rather to“pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:2). Send us faithful
laborers! Preserve all pastors and teachers, that they “hold firm to the trustworthy Word as
taught” so that they, like St. Titus, “may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to
rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9)! Give us ears to hear their preaching in repentance
and faith. Preserve them from falsehood, greed, and unholy living. We commend them to You
and the Word of Your grace (Acts 20:32), that “when the chief Shepherd appears,” (1 Peter 5:4)
He may declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . Enter into the joy of your master”
(Matt. 25:21).
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The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord (February 2)

1 Samuel 1:21–28
Hebrews 2:14–18
Luke 2:22–32 [33–40]

God Gives the Gift of a Child to Destroy Death

The Lord opened the barren womb of Hannah and gave her the gift of the son for whom she
prayed, and in grateful response she presented and gave the child, Samuel, to the Lord’s service.
“As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD” (1 Sam. 1:28). So, too, did Mary and Joseph present
the Child promised from the fall, born of a virgin’s womb. The true offering wasn’t the
turtledoves or young pigeons. It was the Child they carried. This Child has come to “destroy the
one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death
were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:14b–15). Set free by His advent in our flesh and the
promise of what He would do “in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the
people” (Heb. 2:17b), Simeon and Anna rejoiced. We also rejoice, for we, too, can face death
unafraid and “depart in peace” (Luke 2:29) when our time comes.

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St. Matthias, Apostle (February 24)

Isaiah 66:1–2
Acts 1:15–26
Matthew 11:25–30

St. Matthias, Apostle

We know almost nothing about St. Matthias compared to Judas. While we know the grisly
details of Judas’ death (Acts 1:18–19), we are unsure of Matthias’. After his election, the Bible
never mentions him again. He seems to be a forgotten apostle. But what is fame to God? He
looks to “he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Is. 66:2). Judas
trembled, but his contrition was without faith in God’s mercy in Christ. He tried to bear his own
sin in the form of a noose. Jesus does not say, “see to it yourself,” (Matt. 27:4) but “come to me,
all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. . . and you
will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29). Matthias was a witness of Christ’s ministry from
John’s baptism to the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22), chosen to proclaim “the kingdom of heaven”
(Matt. 10:7) from repentance to redemption and new life. He and countless other forgotten
ministers continually announce the truth that no sinner must bear his own yoke, for Christ bears
it all and has put sin to death forever in His cross.

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St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus (March 19)

2 Samuel 7:4–16
Romans 4:13–18
Matthew 2:13–15; 19–23

St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus

It was King David’s idea to build a permanent house for the ark of the covenant and the Lord’s
name (2 Sam. 7:5–7). The temple he planned was built by King Solomon, but it was never really
David or Solomon who housed and protected God. “The LORD declares to you that the LORD will
make you a house” (2 Sam. 7:11). St. Joseph was not Jesus’ true father, since the child
“conceived in [Mary] is from the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:20). The Church commemorates him
instead as the “guardian of Jesus.” Heeding the word of God’s angels, protecting the unborn
Christ, sparing the infant Jesus from Herod’s wrath, seeing Him “out of Egypt” again (Matt.
2:13–23) and bringing Him up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), Joseph
is an example for all Christian fathers and guardians. But as with David “housing” the Lord who
made a house for him, Joseph was never really the guardian. Christ was. His Name is “Jesus, for
He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The “offspring” promised to Abraham and
renewed in the promises to David is the One “who gives life to the dead” (Rom. 4:16–18). He is
David’s King, Abraham’s Lord, Joseph’s Guardian and our Savior.

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The Annunciation of our Lord (March 25)

Isaiah 7:10–14
Hebrews 10:4–10
Luke 1:26–38

Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, and Made Man

“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). But “nothing
will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). He opens ears to hear and wombs to conceive. “Let it
be to me according to your Word,” says St. Mary (Luke 1:38). The Most High who once dwelt
in the tabernacle comes to overshadow Mary, who believes the angel’s “annunciation” (Luke
1:35). “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14).
In Jesus Christ, God is with us—even from the moment of His conception. This miracle, that
Mary should become the mother of God, will be a sign against the proud in Israel; but it is the
fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and David. “I delight to do Your will, O my God,” says
Christ (Ps. 40:8). From Mary’s flesh, the Most High has prepared a body for His Son (Heb.
10:5), a body to be offered “once for all” as the sacrifice that alone takes away sins and gives a
righteousness apart from the Law (Heb. 10:10). Through His conception, life, and death, we have
been sanctified. God favors us in this child. And like the Blessed Virgin Mary, blessed “are
those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

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St. Mark, Evangelist (April 25)

Isaiah 52:7–10
2 Timothy 4:5–18
Mark 16:14–20

St. Mark, Evangelist

The Lord sends His messengers out “as lambs in the midst of wolves” bearing the message,
“Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:3–5). St. Mark does “the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5)
and “publishes peace” (Is. 52:7). He is remembered as the lion-hearted evangelist, depicted with
his fellow evangelists as the four living creatures of Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4. The evangelist is
often identified with John-Mark of Acts and the cousin of Barnabas, with whom he worked in
Cyprus to “proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Despite their earlier
differences, Mark was reconciled with St. Paul, who considered him “very useful. . . for
ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). Later he worked in Rome (1 Peter 5:13), where tradition has it that he
wrote his Gospel from St. Peter’s sermons before founding the church in Alexandria and facing a
martyr’s death.

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Easter–Pentecost–Trinity
St. Philip and St. James, Apostles (May 1)

Isaiah 30:18–21
Ephesians 2:19–22
John 14:1–14

St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

“Lord, show us the Father.” Philip did not yet recognize that the Father is glorified in the Son.
In His Name we have access to the Father, for they are one. Jesus is the way and the truth and
the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. And whoever believes in Him will do
the works He does and greater (v. 6–13). And so Philip and James did, apostles on whose
foundation the household of God is built—with Christ as her chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:19–22).
The beloved Words of Jesus from today’s Gospel were the Words of their Teacher, echoing in
their ears as they walked in His way (Isa. 30:20–21). And so their hearts were not troubled (John
14:1) as they ate the bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isa. 30:19). Philip, who in
John’s Gospel brings Jews and Greeks to Jesus, is said to have journeyed to Phrygia where he
was martyred. James “the Younger” (son of Alphaeus, whose mother Mary was at the
crucifixion) is said to have died by being sawn in half. Where Christ is, they also are, and so
shall we be (John 14:3).

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The Visitation—Modern (May 31)

Isaiah 11:1–5
Romans 12:9–16
Luke 1:39–45 (46–56)

The Visitation

Today Zechariah’s house is prepared to sing: the Lord God of Israel has visited His people (Luke
1:68). For the Scriptures are being fulfilled: there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of
Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit (Isa. 11:1). What could raise a King from a
dead line? Only the Lord Himself! This is no son of man’s will, but the Seed of the woman (Gen.
3:15). The Word of the Lord has done this, and so all are blessed in Him. The greeting of blessed
Mary causes John to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:41). Both are delighted at what the Word
has wrought: “blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken by the
Lord” (Luke 1:45). Likewise we too rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:12–15), for our
joyful hope is the Lord who has visited us to redeem us—not just a town in Judah but our entire
fallen world. The Holy Spirit discloses where salvation is to be found: in the Most Blessed Fruit
of Mary’s blessed womb. And the whole Church rejoices, saying, “my Beloved Bridegroom,
behold, He comes!” (Song of Sol. 2:8)

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St. Barnabas, Apostle (June 11)

Isaiah 42:5–12
Acts 11:19–30; 13:1–3
Mark 6:7–13

St. Barnabas, Apostle

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, received the name Barnabas from the apostles (Acts 4:36–37). He
was sent to Antioch to see the grace of God among the Hellenists, exhorting them all to remain
faithful to the Lord (11:22–24). There, through His Church, the Holy Spirit “set apart Barnabas
and Paul for the work to which He had called them” (Acts 13:2). Just as Christ had sent out the
twelve to proclaim repentance and cast out demons and heal the sick (Mark 6:7–13), so He now
sent Paul and Barnabas to proclaim repentance and healing among the Gentiles. Still, this Word
is not always received (Acts 13:44–52). Even within the Church divisions threaten it. Barnabas
knew this. He was at the Jerusalem council to see that the Gospel was preserved without
mingling in the Law (15:2–4), and he parted ways with Paul over the usefulness of John Mark
(15:36–41). Despite all these trials, St. Barnabas remained full of faith so the Gentiles could give
glory to the Lord and declare His praise in the coastlands (Isa. 42:12). Thus, by the Lord’s
calling and Spirit (v. 5–7), Barnabas lived up to his new name: “Son of Encouragement” (4:36).

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The Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24)

Isaiah 40:1–5
Acts 13:13–26
Luke 1:57–80

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist is not the Christ, only His Forerunner (Acts 13:25). He was called from the
womb to bring Jacob back to God through his baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
(Is 49:5), just as Christ was the true Servant of the Lord. Miraculously conceived by Zechariah
the priest of barren Elizabeth, John was marked to be the greatest born of women (Matt. 11:11).
The Church rejoices over the Lord’s mercy just as Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives did at
John’s birth. But when Zechariah’s tongue was loosed, John was not the subject of his song.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed His people. John is the voice
preparing the way of the Lord (Isa. 40:3); Jesus, the virgin-born Son of God, is that Lord. John is
the prophet of the Most High. He is born to give knowledge of salvation to God’s people by the
forgiveness of their sins, because Christ the Dayspring is visiting (Luke 1:76–79). Thus, what
John preaches is the comfort of iniquity pardoned by Jesus, the promised Savior of Israel (Acts
13:23) and the nations, that His salvation may reach to the end of the earth (Isa. 49:6).

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St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles (June 29)

Acts 15:1–12 (13–21)

Galatians 2:1–10
Matthew 16:13–19

St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

“Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” So confessed St. Peter. And Christ promised to
build His Church on it by the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 16:16–19). He does this so we don’t try
to build the Church ourselves, on this or that person, or by any human means. Let no one boast in
men, whether Paul or Cephas, for all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s (1
Cor. 3:21–23). The same Lord who worked through Peter’s ministry worked also through Paul’s
and is still at work in His Gospel and Sacraments (Gal. 2:7–8). The Church of every age must be
recalled to hear the Word of this Gospel—the free forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake apart
from the Law—and believe. The Holy Spirit makes no distinction among men, but cleanses
hearts by faith alone. So will we be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:7–11).
Both were imprisoned (Acts 12:1–11), both wrote Scripture (2 Pet. 3:15–16), both opposed the
world—and sometimes each other (Gal. 2:11–16)—but all that the truth of the gospel might be
preserved for us (v. 5).

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The Visitation—Historic (July 2)

Isaiah 11:1–5
Romans 12:9–16
Luke 1:39–45 (46–56)

The Visitation

Today Zechariah’s house is prepared to sing: the Lord God of Israel has visited His people (Luke
1:68). For the Scriptures are being fulfilled: there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of
Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit (Isa. 11:1). What could raise a King from a
dead line? Only the Lord Himself! This is no son of man’s will, but the Seed of the woman (Gen.
3:15). The Word of the Lord has done this, and so all are blessed in Him. The greeting of blessed
Mary causes John to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:41). Both are delighted at what the Word
has wrought: “blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken by the
Lord” (Luke 1:45). Likewise we too rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:12–15), for our
joyful hope is the Lord who has visited us to redeem us—not just a town in Judah but our entire
fallen world. The Holy Spirit discloses where salvation is to be found: in the Most Blessed Fruit
of Mary’s blessed womb. And the whole Church rejoices, saying, “my Beloved Bridegroom,
behold, He comes!” (Song of Sol. 2:8).

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St. Mary Magdalene (July 22)

Proverbs 31:10–31
Acts 13:26–31
John 20:1–2, 10–18

St. Mary Magdalene

“An excellent wife who can find?” (Prov. 31:10). The Lord’s love does not search out what is
lovely. Instead, His love seeks out sinners and dies for them, washes them clean, and presents
them to Himself as a spotless bride (Eph. 5). Christ had no wife on earth; His bride is the
Church—the assembly of forgiven sinners rescued by His death and resurrection. Among them is
St. Mary Magdalene, one who had come up with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem” (Acts 13:31).
The Lord rescued her from the power of seven demons and she provided for Him out of her
means (Luke 8:2–3). Christians have traditionally connected her with the unnamed penitent
woman who was forgiven much by faith and thus loved much by anointing Jesus’ feet (Luke
7:36–50). She was there at Christ’s death, present at His burial, and honored as the first witness
of His resurrection. She would have clung to Him there in the garden, but the Lord had not yet
ascended to His Father and our Father (John 20:16–18) to fill all things (Eph. 4:10). For now He
is heard in the Word of His witnesses and is here bodily in His Supper, not just for Mary, but for
all penitents who fear the Lord (Prov. 31:30), so that grace may abound all the more (Rom.
5:20).

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St. James the Elder, Apostle (July 25)

Acts 11:27–12:5
Romans 8:28–39
Mark 10:35–45

St. James the Elder, Apostle

The sons of Zebedee ask for seats at Jesus’ right and left in glory (Mark 10:37). But they do not
know what they are asking (Matt. 20:22), for God’s kingdom is not of glory and power but the
cross. We will bear ours after Him. For His sake we are killed and regarded as sheep to be
slaughtered. But in all this we are more than conquerors through Him (Rom. 8:36–37), for
Jesus’ death is unique. He alone is baptized with our sin and drinks the cup of God’s wrath
against it (Mark 10:38). We live in service to our neighbors after His example; but He alone is
the Son of Man, come to give His life as a ransom for many (v. 45). Today the Church
commemorates the fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy about James, killed with Herod’s sword
(Acts 12:2). He is honored as the first apostle to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom.
8:29). But what is that when Christ Jesus has died—more than that, is raised—and is at the right
hand of God, interceding for us? Nothing (not even a sword) can separate James and us from the
love of Christ (v. 34–35).

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St. Mary, Mother of our Lord (August 15)

Isaiah 61:7–11
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 1:(39–45) 46–55

St. Mary, Mother of God

The Lord clothes His people with the garments of salvation and covers them with the robe of
righteousness (Isa. 61:10). So the Blessed Virgin Mary rejoices in God her Savior (Luke 1:47).
The Lord was gracious to her. She believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken
to her from the Lord (v. 45). That is why all generations shall call her “blessed” (v. 42 & 48);
likewise, “Blessed are all who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). She has the
unique honor of being the one from whom the Righteous One sprouts up on earth before all
nations (Isa. 61:11). But she sings as a recipient of His great mercy. God sent forth His Son, born
of this woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, that we might be sons and
heirs (Gal. 4:4–7). Mary is rightly called “Mother of God” because of the nature of the Son she
bore; but He alone is called “Savior,” “Redeemer,” and “Advocate.” Jesus Christ is the one thing
needful, come to rescue and heal and save us (Luke 10:28–42). He is the seed of the woman at
last come to crush the serpent’s head for us (Gen. 3:15).

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St. Bartholomew, Apostle (August 24)

Proverbs 3:1–8
2 Corinthians 4:7–10
Luke 22:24–30 or John 1:43–51

St. Bartholomew, Apostle

Skinned alive! That, according to tradition, is how Bartholomew (called Nathanael in John) was
martyred. Christ’s preachers are not to be great lords, but servants who faithfully stay with
Christ in His trials (Luke 22:24–30). They are jars of clay; the Savior they preach is the
surpassing power (2 Cor. 4:7). Christ’s servants are afflicted in every way, always carrying in
their bodies the death of Jesus, so that His life may also be manifested there (v. 8–10). On the
foundation of their prophetic and apostolic confession, the Church is built, held together by
Christ the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20–21). As an apostle (Luke 6:13–14), Bartholomew manifested
the Son of God in his preaching and his death. Christ is the Son of Man—the King who opens
heaven to us by His wounds (John 1:49–51). We bear sufferings not leaning on our own
understanding, but trusting in the Lord (Prov. 3:5–7). Life will be manifested in our bodies too
when the Lord brings healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones in the resurrection (v. 8).
For this reason Bartholomew is often depicted holding his flayed skin. He will have need of it on
the last day—at least for sizing.

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The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29)

Revelation 6:9–11
Romans 6:1–5
Mark 6:14–29

The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

“Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” (Rom. 6:1–2). John preached
the Law boldly against Herod’s adultery with Herodias. Choosing human honor over honesty,
Herod served up John’s head on a platter to pacify Herodias’s conscience without the contrition
and repentance of Baptism (Mark 6:17–28). So John was slain for the Word of God and for the
witness he had borne (Rev. 6:9). John is Christ’s forerunner also in death; so other fellow-
servants and brothers continue to be martyrs (witnesses) of Christ to this day (Rev. 6:11). Their
deaths are precious to the Lord (Ps. 116:15) and so also to us, who celebrate even a beheading.
Such is the confidence of the baptized! Buried into Christ’s death through Baptism, we believe
we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His also (Rom. 6:4–5). United to
Christ, the Church’s Head, John can be confident that He will be reunited to his own at the last
day. Even John isn’t really the forerunner; Jesus has gone before us all: out of the tomb alive, the
firstborn of those who sleep!

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Holy Cross Day (September 14)

Numbers 21:4–9
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
John 12:20–33

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sir, we wish to see Jesus! (John 12:21). Then look to His Holy Cross. For just as Moses lifted up
the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so Jesus, when He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to Himself (v. 32). He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the death of the
cross to save us (Phil. 2:8). Everyone who is bitten by the ancient serpent’s venom of sin, when
he sees Christ shall live (Num. 21:8). The true Holy Cross is lost to history, and we cannot return
to Calvary to find our salvation. So Christ brings the New Testament in His Blood to us. We
preach Christ crucified . . . the power of God and the wisdom of God, though foolishness to the
unbelieving world (1 Cor. 1:23–24). It pleases God through the folly of the cross we preach to
save those who believe (v.21). We find the fruit and benefit of this Holy Cross poured out in
Holy Baptism, spoken in the preaching of Holy Absolution, and delivered in the Body and Blood
given and shed there for us. Thus are we strengthened to take up our crosses, sanctified by His
(John 12:25–26).

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St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 21)

Ezekiel 2:8–3:11
Ephesians 4:7–16
Matthew 9:9–13

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Our Ascended Lord gives gifts to His Church. In particular He gave apostles and evangelists like
St. Matthew, prophets like Ezekiel, and still gives pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:8, 11). All are for
the common good, empowered by the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7, 11). They speak Christ’s truth in
love to wind- and wave-tossed children so that the saints may be equipped, served, and built up
as the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12–15). Christ is not only the Head of this body; He is her Good
Physician (Matt. 9:9–13). He has come not for the well but for the sick, not for the righteous, but
for sinners—even notorious tax collectors like Matthew. Christ’s team of spiritual physicians
must serve faithfully. Their instrument is “Thus says the Lord God,” to be spoken “whether they
hear or refuse to hear” (Ezek. 3:11). To those stubborn, rebellious patients who believe they
need no physician, the Word of lamentation, mourning, and woe must be fearlessly spoken:
God’s Law calls to repentance. To those who recognize their trouble and sickness, the salve of
the Gospel is to be applied. So Christ works to save us, as Matthew’s Gospel records.

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St. Michael and All Angels (September 29)

Daniel 10:10–14; 12:1–3

Revelation 12:7–12
Matthew 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20

Our Father in Heaven Protects His Children by Giving His Holy Angels Charge Over Them
We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation; for Satan and his
wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,”
with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even
so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom
God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ,” His holy
angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human
messengers on earth, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb,” against all the power of the
enemy; for by “the word of their testimony,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev.
12:10–11; Luke 10:18–19). By their preaching and Baptism of repentance, the old Adam and the
old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6); and as God raised Christ Jesus
from the dead, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the
forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3).
NB: THIS SUMMARY IS NOT MY COMPOSITION. I’VE INCLUDED IT TO BE COMPLETE.

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St. Luke, Evangelist (October 18)

Isaiah 35:5–8
2 Timothy 4:5–18
Luke 10:1–9

St. Luke, Evangelist

The Lord bids us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest (Luke
10:2). The fields look more like deserts, filled with jackals (Isa. 35:6–7), and the Lord sends His
laborers out as lambs in the midst of wolves. But Christ’s Word of “Peace” heals the sick and
brings the very kingdom of God near to those who hear it (Is 35:5; Luke 10:3–9). St. Luke, the
beloved physician (Col. 4:14), did the work of an evangelist. He diligently prepared both a
Gospel, the history of Christ’s work in the flesh before His ascension, and the Acts of the
Apostles, the history of His continued work among His Church. Luke and his Scriptures are a
gift from this Ascended Lord (Eph. 4:8–12), written for Theophilus and for all who love His
appearing (2 Tim. 4:5–8). Tradition suggests that Luke was one of the seventy-two sent out
ahead of Jesus, two by two. Luke proved himself to be a faithful companion throughout St.
Paul’s missionary journeys, through many trials and crosses, and even to Rome, where he alone
was with Paul.

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St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr (October 23)

Acts 15:12–22a
James 1:1–12
Matthew 13:54–58

St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr

“A prophet is not without honor except in His hometown and in His own household” (Matt.
13:58). James the Just was once offended at Jesus’ wisdom and mighty works. But He came to
faith following His resurrection, when Jesus appeared to Him (1 Cor. 15:7). He then became a
leader of the early Church in Jerusalem, present at the council recorded in Acts 15. There James
recognized from the prophets that Jesus was the Lord known from of old and returned to rebuild
David’s fallen tent and restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord and all the
Gentiles who are called by My Name (Acts 15:16–18). “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you
meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”
(James 1:2–3). Josephus and other historians record that James was martyred by stoning in the
60s AD. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he
will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (v. 12).

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St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles (October 28)

Jeremiah 26:1–16
1 Peter 1:3–9
John 15:(12–16) 17–21

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles

“Stand and speak; do not hold back a word” (Jer. 26:1–6). The Word is always repentance for
the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:44)—great mercy and a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3). “If they kept my Word,” says Jesus, “they will also keep yours; but if
the world hates you, know it hated me first” (John 15:18–21). In Jeremiah’s day, the people
demanded he die, but they did not bring his innocent blood on themselves (Jer. 26:8–16). When
the priests and people gathered around Jesus, they refused to hear (Matt. 27:20–26). Christ’s
servants will not be above their master (John 15:20): according to tradition, Simon (the Zealot)
and Jude (also known as Thaddaeus) worked to bring the Gospel to Persia, where they were
martyred together. But even in this, God’s servants are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
Though tested by fire and suffering, we obtain the outcome of our faith—the salvation of our
souls—and rejoice (1 Pet. 1:6–9). For as Jesus told Jude, If anyone loves me, he will keep My
Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John
14:23).

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Reformation Day (October 31)

Revelation 14:6–7
Romans 3:19–28
John 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19

The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus the
incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but
He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that
we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John
8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by
His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those
who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the
righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that He might be
just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel
of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith”
(Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
NB: THIS SUMMARY IS NOT MY COMPOSITION. I’VE INCLUDED IT TO BE COMPLETE.

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All Saints’ Day (November 1)

Revelation 7:(2–8) 9–17

1 John 3:1–3
Matthew 5:1–12

Saints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ

“A great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages,” cry out “salvation belongs to
our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–17). Faith-filled saints from every place and time
with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we too, “shall
see him as he is” (1 John 3:1–3). Joined with the throng of angels and a myriad of saints, we
shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:9–17). In our earthly tension vacillating
between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, sacred and profane, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm
our fears, comfort our spirits, and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ
propels us forward, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our
constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the
meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure, and the persecuted are all blessed and we
will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12).
NB: THIS SUMMARY IS NOT MY COMPOSITION. I’VE INCLUDED IT TO BE COMPLETE.

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Occasions
Anniversary of a Congregation

1 Kings 8:22–30
Revelation 21:1–5
Luke 19:1–10

“Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Ps. 127:1)

The Lord will dwell where He wishes. Even Solomon had to acknowledge that his magnificent
Temple was not the Lord’s dwelling as if He could be contained by it (1 Kings 8:27). David
planned the Temple; but the Lord planned to make him a house (2 Sam. 7:11). So from David’s
line came Jesus, the Son of Man with no place to lay His head (Luke 9:58). The Church isn’t our
building but His (Matt. 16:18). He doesn’t wait for our invitation. Rather, as with Zacchaeus, He
must stay at your house today, for He seeks and saves the lost (Luke 19:5–10). Come in our
flesh, now the dwelling place of God is with men. He speaks His Word, creates faith, and
forgives sins. He makes all things new, for by His sacrificial blood He prepares a Church for
Himself, a holy city and bride. At the last we will behold new Jerusalem with tear-free eyes
(Rev. 21:2–5); now we sojourn in the world, unwelcome as He was. But wherever the Lord’s
Name is, there He is to bless (Num. 6:27), to hear, and to forgive (1 Kings 8:29–30). Today
salvation has come to this house also.

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Mission Observance

Isaiah 62:1–7
Romans 10:11–17
Luke 24:44–53

The Lord Sends His Church to Proclaim Repentance for the Forgiveness of Sins to All

The Lord sends His Apostles out to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’
Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. They are His witnesses (Luke 24:47–48). Thus
the Church has her sacred task until the Lord returns. She is an apostolic Church because she is
sent. What the Lord has accomplished in His suffering and resurrection (v. 46) must be delivered
in the means of salvation. So the Lord sends preachers among her and from her midst to preach
the Gospel that many may hear and through this hearing may believe and call on the Name of the
Lord and be saved (Rom. 10:11–17). For this the Scriptures were given (Luke 24:44–46): to
testify of Christ. I will not keep silent until the Church’s Righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her Salvation as a burning torch (Isa. 62:1). It is our apostolic delight to confess Jesus
Christ, to sing forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His light (1 Pet. 2:9).
The Church prays for her pastors and missionaries and supports them. Isaiah lends his
encouragement: You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest; and give Him no rest until
He establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth (Isa. 62:7).

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Christian Education

Deuteronomy 6:4–15
Acts 2:37–41
Luke 18:15–17

The Church in Every Generation Passes on Her Most Holy Faith

“Hear, O Israel” (Deut. 6:4). The Church is the flock of sheep hearing the Lord’s voice (John
10); His disciples are those who abide in His Word and thus know the truth that sets them free
(John 8:31–32). The Lord loves students, which is what “disciple” means. He told Israel to teach
His Word diligently to their children when they had been freed from Egypt’s slavery (Deut. 6:7–
12). And one generation declares to another the mighty works of God (Ps. 145:4). Fathers bring
up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) because the promise of
salvation in the Name of Jesus Christ is a whole baptismal life of repentance and faith, and is
given for you and your children (Acts 2:38–39). The efforts of godly parents are aided and
supported by Christian schools, pastors, and teachers, for which we give thanks. Christians
continually learn God’s Word, whether in their houses or along the way (Deut. 6:9). We pass on
the confession of Christ so that souls from the crooked generation of every age may be saved
(Acts 2:40–41). “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs
the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).

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Harvest Observance

Deuteronomy 26:1–11
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Luke 12:13–21

We Receive our Daily Bread with Thanksgiving to God and Service to One Another

Fool! So is anyone who believes that we make our own living. Rather, it is the Lord who gives
the land and its increase (Deut. 26:9), who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food (2 Cor.
9:10). He who made us and all creatures still takes care of us, and He gives us a part in His
kingdom. Through our vocations we serve others. In the Old Testament, the offerings of the
people provided for the Levites. So also in the New, God is able to make all grace abound to
you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
We do not create ourselves, nor does one’s life consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke
12:15). Covetousness is idolatry (Eph. 5:5). But we trust in Christ, from whose sacrifice alone all
good gifts come. Flowing from our confession of the Gospel of Christ, we submit to one another
in service to our neighbor, supporting the work of the Church and serving in our daily vocations.
Such faith overflows in many thanksgivings to God (2 Cor. 9:12), from whom comes every good
and perfect gift (James 1:17).

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Day of Thanksgiving

Deuteronomy 8:1–10
Philippians 4:6–20
or 1 Timothy 2:1–4
Luke 17:11–19

We Praise God for Sustaining Life in and through His Word

The nation resounds with thanksgiving for the earth’s bountiful harvest, crops of wheat and
grains, all beneath the canopy of God’s almighty care. But “man does not live by bread alone,
but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:1–10). The Church
is the vessel through which the Word of God penetrates the world with its Law and Gospel. It is
this divine Word which proclaims Jesus as the sole source of life, health, and wholeness. It is
Jesus who heals lepers with His Word, “Go show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:11–19). Of
the ten cleansed, only one expresses thanksgiving back to Jesus. But true gratitude proceeds from
a heart sustained by faith. Jesus bids this one Samaritan to “rise and go your way; your faith has
made you well.” So also, we are sent from the Divine Service, bolstered in our faith by
Baptismal and Eucharist blessing to be thankful in our circumstances of plenty and hunger,
abundance and need (Phil. 4:6–20).
NB: THIS SUMMARY IS NOT MY COMPOSITION. I’VE INCLUDED IT TO BE COMPLETE.

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Day of Supplication and Prayer

Joel 2:12–19
1 John 1:5–2:2
Matthew 6:16–21

Jesus Brings Us and our Prayers before the Father by His Precious Blood.

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:21). With these words, Jesus
exposes us as idolaters. We have no right or entitlement before God that He should hear our
prayers. But the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin, and so we have an advocate
with the Father: Jesus Christ, the righteous, the propitiation for our sins (1 John 1:7, 2:1–2). We
bring our supplications in Jesus’ Name because in Him God does not look at our sins or deny our
prayers because of them. In Christ, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding
in steadfast love; He relents over disaster (Joel 2:13). Thus we are bold to return to Him. The
Church comes—New Testament ministers and priests together—to confess our sins and to
implore the Lord’s mercy. “Spare your people, O Lord” (Joel 2:17).

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Day of National or Local Tragedy

Job 30:16–24 or Revelation 7:13–17

Romans 8:31–39 or Hebrews 12:4–13
Luke 13:1–9 or Matthew 24:32–35

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus

In the midst of utter woe, how does a Christian react? It does no good to deny God’s hand or
justify what we cannot fathom. We stretch out our hands, and in our disaster cry for help (Job
30:24). Has some great sin brought on His wrath? “Are some worse offenders than others? No, I
tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4–5). So, in the face of the
incomprehensible and the hidden, we sing the Church’s steady litany of “Lord, have mercy” and
fix our gaze on where that mercy has been revealed to us: Christ crucified, where the wrath of
God was poured out against all our sin and fully satisfied. There God declares Himself
undeniably for us, not sparing His own Son but giving Him up for us all (Rom. 8:31–32). By this
Lamb’s blood our robes have been made white (Rev. 7:14). We learn the lessons of the fig tree,
that this sinful world is passing away (Matt. 24:32–34) and that the Lord disciplines us for our
good, that we may share His holiness (Heb. 12:10). So we find comfort and a firm place to stand
in the words of the Crucified and Raised, which will never pass away (Matt. 24:35). He will
shepherd us out of tribulation and dry our tears forever (Rev. 7:14, 17).

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Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,
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Original Source: Rev. Sean Daenzer
Published by: LCMS Worship

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