INTRODUCTION
Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry.
Click on either the picture above or the following link to access the June 18, 2023 Live-Stream Worship Service:
The Lessons: (Link to the Readings)
First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a
At Sinai God assured Israel, “You shall be my treasured possession,” and commissioned them to serve as mediating priests for the nations. The people commit themselves completely to God’s will.
Psalm: Psalm 100
We are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture. (Ps. 100:3)
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8
We are no longer God’s enemies but have peace with God because we were brought into a right relationship with God through Christ’s death.
Gospel: Matthew 9:35—10:8 [9-23]
The mission of Jesus’ followers is to continue the mission of Jesus himself. Here, he instructs his first disciples as to how they might proclaim the gospel through their words and deeds.
God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen