INTRODUCTION
Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For this we worship and glorify God forever.
Click on either the picture above or the following link to access the Oct 23, 2022 Live-Stream Worship Service:
The Lessons: (Link to the Readings)
First Reading: Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
In a time of drought, the people pray for mercy, repenting of their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They appeal to God to remember the covenant, to show forth God’s power, and to heal their land by sending life-giving rain.
Psalm: Psalm 84:1-7
Happy are the people whose strength is in you. (Ps. 84:5)
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The conclusion of this letter to a young minister offers a final perspective on life from one who faced death. Though others let him down, Paul was sure of his faith in the Lord, who stood by him and lent him strength.
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
The coming reign of God will involve unexpected reversals of fortune with judgment rooted in mercy. Jesus tells a parable in which the one who humbles himself is exalted and the one who exalts his own righteousness is humbled.
Holy God, our righteous judge, daily your mercy surprises us with everlasting forgiveness. Strengthen our hope in you, and grant that all the peoples of the earth may find their glory in you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen