Stephen W. Hiemstra's Blog, page 230

Vanhoozer Confronts Dualism Dramatically. Part 1

[image error]Kevin, J. Vanhoozer. 2014. Faith Speaking Understanding: Performing the Drama of Doctrine. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. (Goto part 2)

Review by Stephen W. Hiemstra

One of the most pernicious heresies in the church of our time is old fashioned Greek dualism which separates faith and action. This dichotomous thinking, however, is inconsistent with the biblical understanding where faith and action are inseparable. Jesus and his half-brother, James, both rail against hypocrisy, defined as a separation of faith and action.[1]

In his book, Faith Speaking Understanding, Kevin Vanhoozer argues for a new look at the theatrical understanding of faith and action because Christians must both speak and do “Christian” in pursuing authentic discipleship (19). The theater provides an interesting way to live out the doctrine of the church because an actor must not only speak a part but also act it out which may at first seem unnatural but with practice may become instinctive, like learning to ride a bicycle or swim. Like a good actor will focus not on displaying an emotion, but really feeling it, the good Christian must put on the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16).

Vanhoozer uniquely emphasizes the role of sound doctrine in discipleship. Like a good actor must learn his lines, doctrine guides discipleship and avoids the trap of adopting a “performance mentality”. Sound doctrine is part of teaching people how to keep the faith and applying doctrine (or theology) to their daily lives (xiii-xiv). They learn by applying this doctrine in life, hence the special need to act it out.

Vanhoozer sees scriptural interpretation playing a key role in theology. He writes:

“To be a follower of Christ is to be a follower of Scripture in all three senses of ‘follow’:

To understand the meaning of what Christ says in Scripture,
To respond to his instructions with obedience, and
To go after Christ or along ‘the way’ of Christ”. (1)

He sees the history of the church as virtually the same thing as the history of biblical interpretation (2).

Vanhoozer describes his book with 9 “It is about” statements. It is about (1) being biblical, (2) theology, (3) church doctrine, (4) the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (5) life, (6) the reign of God, (7) the church, (8) public theology, and (9) reality (4-9). He writes in two parts where the first part lays out his theater model and the second part offers a detailed proposal for how it should work (9-10).

The remainder of part 1 of this review will examine Vanhoozer’s theater model while part 2 will focus on the details of how it works.

Vanhoozer offers four reasons for merging doctrine and drama, two intrinsically difficult topics:

The subject matter of the Bible is inherently theodramatic, saying what God has said and done in history.
The language of the theater offers images and concepts to bridge the theory/practice dichotomy.
The purpose of theology is to cultivate disciples where knowledge is static, but wisdom—lived knowledge—is dynamic and dramatic.
Every Christian has a role to play (20-21)

This last point is critical. The uniqueness of the church as a theater is that the audience is invited into the play and helps to determine how the performance is played out. Vanhoozer writes:

“disciples obey the truth and the gospel when they take hold of what they behold and let the drama of the Christ serve as the metanarrative or control story of their own lives.” (40)

In other words, in this drama spectators do not remain spectators. And doctrine allows “disciples to fill empty spaces and empty moments with redemptive speech and action.” (47)

Kevin Vanhoozer is a Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois. His degrees are from Westmont College (BA), Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv), Cambridge University, England (PhD). This book, Faith Speaking Understanding (2014), is designed as a more readable and pastoral version of an earlier book, The Drama of Doctrine (2005), which lays out a theological defense of the theater model.

For reviews of other books by Vanhoozer, see the list of references below.

References

Kevin J. Vanhoozer. 1998. Is There a Meaning in This Text:  The Bible, The Reader, and the Morality of Literary Knowledge.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan. (3-part review: Vanhoozer:  How Do We Understand the Bible? http://wp.me/p3Xeut-Yq, http://wp.me/p3Xeut-Yw, http://wp.me/p3Xeut-YB)

Vanhoozer, Kevin, J. 2005. The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology. Louisville: Westminster John Knox.

Vanhoozer, Kevin, J. and Owen Strachan. 2015. The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. (Review: VanHoozer and Strachan Argue Case for Pastor-Theologian; http://wp.me/p3Xeut-1us)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”  (Matt 23:25-26 ESV) and “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Jas 2:17 ESV)

The Christian Memoir and Self-Publishing

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Stephen W. Hiemstra, 1983

The Christian Memoir and Self-Publishing


 


On Sunday, March 19th, 2017 author and publisher Stephen W. Hiemstra (PhD, MDiv) will talk about writing a Christian memoir and self-publishing after the 11 a.m. worship service at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church (www.Lewinsville.org) in the chapel. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.


 


Mark your calendar and RSVP at T2Pneuma@gmail.com to receive a follow-up reminder before the talk with updated details. Information about Dr. Hiemstra’s publications can be found at: T2Pneuma.com.

Spring Prayer

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New Life

Blessed Lord Jesus,

We praise you for new life;

for not leaving us alone in sad graveyards of our sins and limitations;

for planting seeds in the soil of our hearts,

where daffodils can sprout and grow and flower unexpectedly

and we can participate in your resurrection.

We confess that seldom look for you or welcome you into our busy lives;

seldom model your goodness to our neighbors;

seldom even try to avoid sin and iniquity is our default setting.

Thank you for warm spring mornings,

when the sunshine reminds us that winter is not forever, strong winds remind us of your Holy Spirit, and

gentle rain reminds that you give life to all the earth.

Grant us strength for the day; grace for those we meet; and the peace that passes all understanding.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen.

 

 

How We Learn

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We most frequently follow one of three approaches to learning: the behavioral approach, the rational approach, and the authoritative approach. In the behavior approach, we follow the path of least resistance—we do more of things that have positive reinforcement and less of things with negative reinforcement. In the rational approach, we explore the alternatives presented and chose the best alternative based on our exploration. In the authoritative approach, we may start with either the behavioral or the rational approach but we limit our exploration to options suggested by a mentor or leader.

An example of the authoritative approach is found in Luke 8 following the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus gives his disciples a lesson:

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15 ESV)

In this context, how do we know what we know? In the passage, Jesus gives us an interpretive key: “The seed is the word of God.” We understand and accept the lesson in this passage for two reasons. First, the key comes from a reliable source: Jesus. As Christians, we trust the Bible to tell us about Jesus who is known to use parables in his teaching. Second, the key itself, like the Copernican mathematics of planetary motion, makes intrinsic sense—the parable which was posed as a riddle, suddenly becomes meaningful like a lock opened with a key.

While not all problems that we are confronted with take the form of a riddle unlocked with a key, the parsimony displayed in Jesus’ parable demonstrates the value of the authoritative approach in learning. Most learning both inside and outside the church follows the authoritative approach, in part, because it accelerates our learning.

Our discomfort in the present age arises because we have many more choices than tools for selecting among them and we have been convinced that we should prefer the rational approach, even though even the best scientists rely on the informed opinion of others. Just like good seminary students apprentices themselves to the best pastors and theologians, the best scientists compete to be students in the best universities and with the best professors. It seems to be no accident that Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century, was the son of Germany’s finest psychologists of that day.[1] The question as to whether the authoritative approach is a valid approach to learning is moot, because everyone uses it.

If we try to avoid the authoritative approach, we actually put ourselves at risk. If we adopt the behavioral approach to every problem, for example, the positive reinforcement of addictive substances and addictive circumstances will lead us to self-destruction. Alternatively, if we adopt a rational approach to every problem, analysis paralysis will lead us into burnout and untimely decisions will cause us to miss opportunities. In this context, trusting a divine mentor can lead us to limit our choices to better choices.

The Parable of the Sower offers at least one other insight into our learning process. Jesus tells his disciples a story in the form of a parable. Story telling accomplishes at least three things relevant to the learning process. Stories are:

 Easily understood and remembered.
 Suggest insights into how the world works indirectly which does an end-run around our natural, human resistance to taking advice.
Provide context for the words used in the story, defeating the criticism that the meaning of words depends solely on the social context of the reader.

Far from being unsophisticated, Jesus’ use of parables suggests a level of sophistication seldom equaled in the modern and post-modern eras, even in mass media.

Reference

Metaxas, Eric. 2010. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[1] “In 1912, Dietrich’s father [Karl] accepted an appointment to the chair of psychiatry and neurology in Berlin. This put him at the head of his field in Germany, position he retained until his death in 1948.” (Metaxas 2010, 13)

Matthews Teaches Stretching

[image error]Jessica Matthews. 2016. Stretching to Stay Young: Simple Workouts to Keep You Flexible, Energized, and Pain-Free. Berkeley: Althea Press.

Review by Stephen W. Hiemstra

In January as I proceeded to step up my daily exercise routine, a problem developed with tightness in my back, which quickly caused me to re-evaluate my fitness objective. Consulting with a friend who is a personal trainer, she advised me to revise my warm-up routine to lengthen my stretches and add a few new ones to my routine. It worked. My tightness relaxed; I am back to my new workout strategy; and I went looking for a book to learn more about stretches. My search led me to Jessica Matthews’ book: Stretching to Stay Young.

Matthews writes about having a similar experience as a fitness instructor, but observed:

“Once I was stretching regularly, however, I began to move more easily—not just while exercising but in my everyday life as well. I increased my range of motion and fain immense flexibility, reducing the aches and pain I had become accustomed to.” (8-9)

In my case, stretching not only helped me reduce tightness, it helped me workout harder and I ended up overdoing it a bit, which caused a different set of issues.

Matthews cites studies showing these benefits: decreased stiffness, improved function, reduced pain, enhanced performance, improved range of motion, improved balance, and decreased anxiety and depression (17). Medical benefits include reduced: stress, blood pressure and heart rate, breathing rate, and chronic back pain. (18)

For me, these benefits have been real. My basic warm up routine began in the summer of 2008 when I experienced several episodes of extreme, lower-back pain that left me unable to work—I had to lie on my back on the floor all day at one for three days running. On advice of my doctors, I began doing core exercises, which included stretching and Pilates, about seven days a week. After beginning this new warm up routine before swimming laps, I never again experienced that kind of pain and, with minor tweaks, I have continued this warm up routine since then.

Matthews is located in San Diego, California and cites her background as:  Kinesiology Professor (Point Loma Nazarene University), Yoga Studies Professor (MiraCosta College), President & CEO of Integrative Wellness Education, Senior Advisor for Health & Fitness Education at American Council on Exercise (ACE), and a contributing editor at Shape Magazine. She writes her book in three parts—the science, the stretches, and the workouts—which are proceeded by an introduction and followed by lists of resource and references, and by a subject index. The book is printed on high-quality, rather stiff paper that might help the book survive a few trips to the gym. The illustrations are also large enough that you might be able to make out the routines without your glasses.

Jessica Matthew’s book, Stretching to Stay Young, is an interesting read. I loved to find that some of my stretches have catchy names like “Standing Crescent Moon” (74-75), “Bird Dog” (82-83) and “Figure 4” (92-93) and that I need to adjust my routine to do them correctly. The Standing Crescent Moon, for example, is best done as a static stretch, not a dynamic stretch (bobbing), while the Bird Dog is just the opposite, contrary in both cases to my current practice. I was also pleased to learn what people down at the gym are doing with foam rollers—exercising muscle attachments called fascia. If you are new to the proper way to do stretches, as I am, then this is a book that you want to check out.

Lenten Prayer

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Celtic Cross

Holy Father,

In the night, I hear your voice and it gives me comfort,

for I know that you are near and need not fear the darkness.

In the morning, I see your light and I find strength for the day,

knowing that you have ordained it and I need only play my part.

In the afternoon, I hear your footsteps behind me and I do not feel alone,

for your hedge of protection is strong and reliable.

In the evening, I feel your warmth and take comfort in rest,

for you rested on the seventh day and declared it to be holy.

In the shadow of your cross, I confess that my good works are filthy rages in your sight and not all my works are good.

Forgive me, Lord, for the unholy things that I had done and the righteous things that I failed to do,

that I might never leave your presence.

In the power of your Holy Spirit, grant me the strength to forgive the sins of those around me.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

 

Heros and Children in the Faith: Confession of Sin

[image error]Heros and Children in the Faith: Confession of Sin

Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon, Virginia Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Also, El Shadai in DC, Manassas, Virginia, March 2, 2017.

Welcome

Welcome. My name is Stephen W. Hiemstra. I am a volunteer pastor and a Christian author.

Introduction

Today is Ash Wednesday which is the first day of Lent, which starts the 40 days before Easter. Because Christ died for our sins, traditionally Lent is a time of reflection over our sins and also over the spiritual disciplines.

The text for today, Psalm 32, focuses on the theme of confession of sin, which can be both bad things we do and good things that we fail to do. Iniquity, the good things that we fail to do, are normally the sins most painful.

Prayer

Let’s pray.

Holy Father. Thank you for your presences among us this morning. We give special thanks that your word still moves our hearts and stimulates our minds. Make your presence especially clear in this moment and this place. In the power of your Holy Spirit, open our eyes and give us ears to hear. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Text

The scripture for today comes from Psalm 32:1-5. Hear the word of the Lord:

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.  I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Ps 32:1-5 ESV)

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Context

What should I confess? (2X)

During this past year, I wrote a memoir of my spiritual life of some 300 pages. This was the story of my youth, relationships, growing up, education, and professional life. In the middle of this life, I experienced many interesting things and also committed sins of various kinds. Many times the deepest pains of life came when I could not do good when the opportunity arose. This type of sin is described in the Bible as iniquity and, as North Americans, this is the sin that many times screams the loudest.

For example, as a young man of twenty-seven years, I was unable to accept the opportunity to be a missionary in Latin American because I did not have sufficient faith in God and paid too much attention to my personal life—I simply was not ready. In another context, I could not provide emotional support to a friend of mine after she was abused by her own mother because of alcoholism—I wanted to help but did not have the necessary emotional resources. In both cases, I was not obligated to do anything, but the opportunity to do something better in Christ was lost.

Many times iniquity is the most painful sin because we do not have the capacity to do good things when life requires a hero in the faith and we are still babies in the faith. For this reason, Lent also has a focus on the spiritual disciplines which help us to grow more capacity to do good things in Christ.

What do you need to confess? (2X)

Analysis

Psalm 32 was written by King David after his adultery with Bathsheba and his murdering of her husband, Uria the Hittite in 2 Samuel 11 and the disclosure of the Prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12. His confession is recorded in Psalm 51. But, in Psalm 32 described the experience of David with his confession.

So what did David Say?

In verse 1, David said that it is a blessing to be forgiving. But there is also an interesting sentence: “Whose sin is covered.” This is interesting because the sacrificial system did not cover intention sin, only unintentional sin.[1] God forgave David only because he prayed and his pardon was before the cross of Christ! Psalm 51 is a very important prayer.

What else did David say?

Dave uses different words for sin. Three words are most interesting: sin, transgression, and iniquity. Sin was taken from the word in Hebrew  (‎חֲטָאָֽה) which means to miss an objective like the archer whose arrows fall short of the target. Transgression (פֶּ֗שַׁע) means to break a law. Iniquity (עָוֹ֑ן) means to do something bad or fail to do something good. David’s sins—adultery and murder—were both transgressions of the Ten Commandments.

What elso can we learn from this Psalm?

In verses three and four, David spoke of his depression and guilt for trying to hide his transgressions. But even King David was subject to God’s Law and needed his forgiveness. And we see that his confession resulted in forgiveness and the blessing of God.

What do you need to confess? (2X)

Conclusions

In the context of the church universal, confession is a subjec that Roman Catholics manage better than Protestants perhaps because of their focus today on the spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Biblical studies, meditation, and confession of sin. Confession, like forgiveness, makes room in our lives for relationships in the community of faith and makes room in the life for better relationships with God.

In the community of faith, confession means that our relationships in the community are more important than our personal guilt. In a competitive world this act of confession is immediately obvious and totally contra-cultural.

Confession is also very important in our relationship with God. Our lives in Christ grow because confession is the beginning of realization that we are not holy like God and we need him.

Consequently, the pain of confession appears in our lives like a sweet sacrifice before a Holy God and as a sign that community in Christ is possible in this time and this place.

What do you need to confess? (2X)

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray.

Holy Father:

Thank you for your love and for giving us the opportunity to confess our sins and be forgiven by means of the cross of Jesus. In the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to forgive the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ and also the sins of persons that we see every day. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Héroes o Niños de la Fe: Confesión de los Pecados

[image error]Héroes o Niños de la Fe: Confesión de los Pecados

Iglesia Presbiteriana de Trinidad, Herndon, Virginia Miércoles, 01 de Marzo, 2017. También, el Shadai de DC, Manassas, Viriginia Jeuves, 02 de Marzo. 2017.

Bienvenido

Bienvenido. Mi nombre es Stephen Hiemstra. Soy un voluntario pastoral y también un autor cristiano.

Introducción

Hoy es Miércoles de Ceniza cual es el primer día de la Cuaresma, que es los cuarenta días antes de Pascua. Porque Cristo murió por nuestros pecados, tradicionalmente Cuaresma es un tiempo de reflexionar sobre nuestros pecados y también sobre las disciplinas espirituales.

Nuestro texto de hoy, Salmo 32, enfoque en la tema de confesión de pecados, cuáles son ambos males cosas que hacemos y buenos cosas que no hacemos. Iniquidades, que son buenos cosas que no hacemos, son normalmente los pecados más doloroso.

Oración

Vamos a orar.

Padre santo. Gracias por tu presencia entre nosotros esta mañana. Agradecemos que tu palabra todavía mueva nuestros corazones y estimula nuestras mentes. Haga tu presencia especialmente claro en este momento y este lugar. En el poder de tu Espíritu Santa, abran nuestros ojos y danos oídos que oyen. En el precioso nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

Texto

La escritura de hoy viene del Salmo 32 versículos 1-5. Escuchan la palabra de Dios:

  ¡Cuán bienaventurado es aquel cuya transgresión es perdonada, cuyo pecado es cubierto! ¡Cuán bienaventurado es el hombre a quien el SEÑOR no culpa de iniquidad, y en cuyo espíritu no hay engaño! Mientras callé mi pecado, mi cuerpo se consumió con mi gemir durante todo el día. Porque día y noche tu mano pesaba sobre mí; mi vitalidad se desvanecía con el calor del verano. Te manifesté mi pecado, y no encubrí mi iniquidad. Dije: Confesaré mis transgresiones al SEÑOR; y tú perdonaste la culpa de mi pecado. (Salmo 32:1-5 LBA)

  La palabra del Senior. Gracias a Dios.

Contexto

¿Qué necesito confesar? (2X)

Durante este año pasado, escribía una memoria de mi vida espiritual de algunas 300 páginas. Hubo historias de mi juventud, relaciones, crecimiento, educación, y profesión. En el medio de toda la vida, experiencia muchas cosas interesante y también hice pecados de varios tipos. Muchas veces la pena más profundo en mi vida viene cuando no podría hacer el bien cuando la oportunidad a hacer bien fue posible. Este tipo de pecado se describe en la biblia como iniquidad y como norteamericanos es el pecado que muchas veces grita lo más fuerte.

Por ejemplo, yo no podría aceptar, la oportunidad de ser un misionario en Latina América como joven de veintisiete años porque no tenía suficiente fe en Dios y page demasiada atención a mi vida personal—no fui listo. En un otro contexto, yo no podría proveer soporte emocional a una amiga mía después ella fue sujeto de abuso de su propia madre por rasión de alcoholismo—yo intenté, pero no tuve los recursos emocionales requiere. En cada caso, no fui obligado de hacer nada, pero la oportunidad de hacer algo mejor en Cristo fue perdida.

En muchas veces, iniquidad es el pecado más doloroso porque no tenemos la capacidad de hacer una buena cosa cuando la vida requiere un héroe de la fe y somos todavía solamente niños de la fe. Por esta rasión, Cuaresma también tiene un enfoque por las disciplinas espirituales que ayudarnos a crecer más capacidad de hacer cosas buenas en la vida común.

¿Qué necesitas tú confesar? (2X)

Análisis

Salmo 32 fue escrito por Rey David después su adulterio con Betsabé  y el asesinato de su esposo Urías el hitita en 2 Samuel 11 y  12. Su confesión fue recordada en Salmo 51. Pero, en Salmo 32 describió la experiencia de David con su confesión.

¿Qué dije David? (2X)

En versículo 1, David dije que a estar perdonaste es un bendición. Pero hay también una frase interesante: “cuya pecado está cubierta”. Esta frase es interesante porque los sacrificios no cubería los pecados intencionales, solamente pecados no intencionales. Dios perdone David solamente por rasión de su oración y su perdón fue antes de la cruz de Jesucristo! Salmo 51 es una oración muy importante.

¿Qué más dije David?

David use diferente palabras para los pecados: pecado, transgresión e iniquidad. Un pecado fue tomado de la palabra en hebreo  (‎חֲטָאָֽה) que significa perder un objetivo como un arquero cuyas flechas se pierden un blanco. Una transgresión (פֶּ֗שַׁע) significa a romper una ley. Una iniquidad (עָוֹ֑ן) significa a hacer algo malo o una falta de hacer algo bueno. El pecado de David fue realmente dos cosas—adulterio y asesinato—y ambos son transgresiones de los Diez Mandamientos.

¿Qué más aprendamos de este salmo?

En versículo tres y cuatro, David hable de su depresión y culpa por tratando de ocultar su transgresión. Aun el rey David es sujeto de la ley de Dios y necesite su perdón. Y vemos que su confesión resulta en perdón y la bendición de Dios.

¿Qué necesitamos confesar? (2X)

Fínale

En el contexto de la iglesia en general, confesión es un sujeto que los católicos manejan mejor que los protestantes tal vez porque ellos enfoque más que los protestantes hoy días en las disciplinas espirituales, cuales son cosas como oración, estudios de la biblia, meditación y confesión de pecados. Confesión, como perdón, hace espacio en la vida para relaciones en la comunidad de fe y hace espacio en la vida para una mejor relación con Dios.

En la comunidad de fe confesión significa que nuestras relaciones en la comunidad son más importantes como nuestro orgullo personal. En un mundo competitivo este acto de confesión es inmediamente obvio y totalmente contra-cultural.

Confesión es también muy importante en nuestra relación con Dios. Nuestra vida en Cristo crece porque confesión empieza con la realización que no somos santo como Dios y le necesitamos.

Entonces, la pena de confesión parece en nuestra vida como un sacrificio dulce frente de un santo Dios y un signo que comunidad en Cristo es posible en este tiempo y este lugar.

¿Qué necesitamos confesar? (2X)

Oración Para Terminar

Oramos.

Santo Padre:

Gracias que te ama y darnos la oportunidad de confesar nuestros pecados y nos perdonas por medio de la cruz de Cristo. En el poder de tu Espíritu Santo, ayúdanos a perdonar los pecados de nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo y también los pecados de personas que vemos cotidaría. En el preciosos nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

Ask me about my new bookmarks!

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Lenten Study Guide 2017: The Small Catechism of Martin Luther

The Small Catechism  of Martin Luther

  DAILY READINGS FOR LENT- 2017

  BE SURE TO OFFER A COPY TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T GO TO CHURCH!

Introduction: DAILY PRAYERS

Ash Wednesday – March 1

EVERY MORNING

As soon as I get out of bed, I say (and may bless myself with the sign of the cross

to remember that I am baptized):             

“In the name of the Father, and of + the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Then I say the Creed and pray the Lord’s Prayer.

  APOSTLES’ CREED

  I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary, 

suffered under Pontius Pilate, 

was crucified, died, and was buried;  

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

               he is seated at the right hand of the Father, 

and he will come to judge

the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

 the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

               and the life everlasting. Amen .

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

 Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,      

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,      

as we forgive those   

who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,    

but deliver us from evil.      

               For thine is the kingdom,                  

                             and the power, and the glory,                       

  forever and ever. Amen.

I may end with this prayer (or say it with my family):

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me through  the night from danger and harm. I pray you to keep me by your grace today from sin and every evil,  that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds I may serve and please you.   Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things.  Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil one have no power over me. Amen.

After that, I do my daily work with joy. 

Thursday, March 2

EVERY NIGHT

When I go to bed, I say (and may bless myself with the sign of the cross to remember that I am baptized):             

“In the name of the Father, and of + the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Then I say the Creed and pray the Lord’s Prayer. I may end the day with this prayer (or say it with my family):

               I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have kept me  through the day from danger and harm. I pray you to forgive me my sins and all the wrong I have done.   Keep me through the night by your grace. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. 

Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil one have no power over me. Amen.

After this, I go to sleep with joy.

Friday, March 3

BEFORE EATING

I say Psalm 145:15

“The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give everyone food at the right time. You open your generous hands and satisfy the hunger of all living things.”

Then I pray a prayer like this:

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these gifts which we receive from  your generous hands, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  Part One: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Saturday, March 4

The First Commandment : “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods.”

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear, love, and trust God more than anything else.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive me when I forget you and love myself more than I love you; or when I put things and people above you. Help me to fear, love, and trust you more than anything else. Amen.

1st Sunday in Lent, March 5

The Second Commandment : “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”                                                  

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not use his name to curse, swear, lie, deceive, or try to use magical powers. We must speak God’s name to pray, praise, and thank him in all times of trouble.

Prayer: Lord God, heavenly Father, how should I talk about Someone who loves me as you do? How should I talk about Someone I love?  Help me through your Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen.

Monday, March 6

The Third Commandment: “Remember the Lord’s day, to keep it holy.”                                                                              Q.

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not look down on the preaching  of God’s Word. We must treat it as holy and listen to it gladly.

Prayer: Father, I do not always listen to the pastor as I should. Please don’t stop preaching to me the Law that points out my sin and the Gospel that forgives my sin through your Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

  Tuesday, March 7

   The Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and mother.”

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not look down on or irritate our parents and other authorities. We must respect, serve, obey, and love them.

Prayer: Lord, there is no peace in this sinful world without parents, teachers, police officers, and others to enforce the laws. Please keep them from love of power, and keep me from rebellion and resentment. Amen.

Wednesday, March 8

      The Fifth Commandment: “You shall not kill.”                                                                                             

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not harm our neighbors. We must protect and help them in every need.

Prayer: O God, I do not keep your commandment just because I never murdered anyone. Forgive me when I have killed with my words or my silence or my coldness towards others. Amen.

Thursday, March 9

           The Sixth Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.”                                                       

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that our words and actions are clean and decent in matters of sex. Husbands and wives must honor and serve each other.

Prayer: Lord, you created us male and female. Protect our children and youth who grow up in a society that is indecent and dangerous in matters of sex. Wash away my sins, and bless marriage and the family. Amen.

Friday, March 10

                                             The Seventh Commandment: “You shall not steal.”                                                                            

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not take our neighbors’ money or possessions, or try to cheat them. We must help our neighbors to protect their possessions and employment.

Prayer: Father, I steal from you the worship that I owe you when I take what is not mine.  Use the work I do to meet the needs of my family, my church, and your world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, March 11

               The Eighth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”    

 Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not hurt our neighbors by lying, betraying, or insulting them. We must defend our neighbors, say good things about them, and explain what they do in the best possible way.

Prayer: God, I confess that my tongue is like a deadly snake that bites and poisons my neighbor! Clean my mouth and fill it with words that give grace and peace. Amen.

 

2nd Sunday in Lent – March 12  

 Ninth Commandment : “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.”                                                                             

Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not envy or try to take our neighbor’s house, property, or personal belongings, or claim to have a right to them.  We must help our neighbors to keep what belongs to them.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive me when I envy others. Sometimes I ask, “Why can’t I have all those things?” I even start to feel sorry for myself. Help me to count my blessings and to be happy for other people, and to fear and love you more than anything else. Amen.

 

Monday, March 13

The Tenth Commandment : “You shall not covet your neighbor’s husband or wife,  family, friends, workers, or even pets and animals.”  

 Q. What is this?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we do not interfere in our neighbors’ relationships. We must urge them to stay and be loyal.

Prayer: Father, you are trustworthy and loyal. Please put to death the part of me that is not always loyal and true. Help me to be faithful like you. Amen.

Tuesday, March 14

The Conclusion to the Commandments

Q. What does God say to us about all these commandments?

A. “I am the LORD your God, and I am a jealous God. I punish the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate me with their ancestor’s sin. But I bless those who love me for a thousand generations” (Exodus 20:5-6).

Prayer: Father, you are jealous for what is yours – your holy name, your Word, your people, your world, and all that you have made. You hate sin. You punish sin until it is gone. Help me to fear, love, and trust you so that my heart may be set to obey your commandments, through Jesus Christ, your Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday, March 15

Q. What is this?

A. God threatens to punish everyone who breaks these commandments. We should be afraid of his anger, because of his righteousness and not violate his commandments. But God promises grace and every blessing to those who keep his commandments. For this reason, too, we should love and trust God, and willingly obey his commandments.

Prayer: Father, you punished and destroyed my sins in the body of your dear, true Son, Jesus Christ. I would be afraid every minute and never have peace in my life, if I could not believe that I am righteous in your eyes through your Son.  In myself, I am a sinner and deserve nothing but wrath. Instead, you do not punish me as your enemy, but as your child, you love, correct, and discipline me. Keep me in your Holy Spirit that I may trust and love you in all circumstances, and gladly do what you command. Amen.

Part Two: THE CREED  

Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17

The First Article: “I believe in God the Father.”

Q. What is this?

A. I believe that God created me and all creatures. He gave to me and still preserves my body and soul – eyes, ears, and all the other parts of my body, as well as my mind and all my senses. He gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and land, spouse and children, daily work, and all I own. He protects me against all danger, and he shields and defends me from all evil. He does all this because of his pure, fatherly, and divine goodness and mercy, not because I have earned it or deserved it. For all of this, I must thank and praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true!

Prayer 3/16: Father, you have created everything through your eternal Son and the Holy Spirit. Humble my foolish pride and call me to sincere worship. Amen.

Prayer 3/17: Father, everything is a gift from you! You cause the sun to shine and the rain to fall on all people, both grateful and ungrateful. Help me to show goodness to others who don’t deserve it, because neither do I. Amen. 

  Saturday, March 18, and the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 19, and Monday March 20

The Second Article:  “And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” 

Q.What is this?

A. I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father in eternity and true man,   born of the Virgin Mary. He is my Lord! He has saved and redeemed me – a lost and condemned person. He bought and freed me from all sins, death, and the power of the devil. It did not cost him silver or gold, but his holy, precious blood and his innocent, suffering body – his death! Because of this, I belong to him. I live under him in his kingdom and serve him. I share forever his righteousness, innocence, and blessedness – for he is risen from death and lives and reigns forever. This is most certainly true !

Prayer 3/18: Dearest Jesus, you are the eternal Son of God, but at Christmas I see you as a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in your mother’s arms. I see how you grew up and became a man – how people followed you to hear what you said; how you were loved by those who knew you; how you healed the sick; how hungry people were fed when they were with you; how little children sat on your lap; and how you called all people to enter the kingdom of God. Thank you for being my Lord and the Savior of all the world. Amen.

Prayer 3/19: Holy Jesus, your flesh and blood are divine and more valuable than all the money in the world! You were innocent of all sin. You did not have to die. You chose to be punished in place of the guilty. You truly are the Lamb of God who takes away my sin and gives me peace with God. Amen.

 Prayer 3/20:  Come, Lord Jesus, I am your sin, but you are my righteousness, innocence, and blessedness now and forever. Amen.

Tuesday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 22

The Third Article: “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” 

Q. What is this?

A. I believe that – by my own understanding or power – I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. Instead, the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and keeps us united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church, day after day, the Holy Spirit fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day, the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead. He will give eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true!

Prayer 3/21: Come, Holy Spirit, that my unbelief may be driven out. I cannot be a believer on my own. Amen.

Prayer 3/22: Holy Spirit, sustained by you, I may gladly bear and suffer all things, for you will raise me from the dead. Amen.

 

Part Three:  THE LORD’S PRAYER

  Thursday, March 23

Introduction:  “Our Father who art in heaven.”

Q. What is this?

A. God invites us to believe that he really is our Father and we really are his children,  so that we will pray with trust and complete confidence, in the same way children come to a loving father with their requests.

Prayer: It is your will that we should not individually name you Father, but together call you our Father.So give us a united love that your name will be holy on our lips. Amen.

Friday, March 24

The First Petition: “Hallowed be thy name.”

Q. What is this?

A. God’s name is holy in and of itself, but we pray that his name will be holy among us.

Q. How does this happen?

A. God’s name is holy among us when the Word of God is taught clearly and purely, and when we live holy lives as his children based on the Word. Help us, heavenly Father, to do this! But anyone who teaches and lives by something other than the Word of God dishonors God’s name among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Prayer: Father, guard us by your holy Word, that we may remain your children and not commit an offense by which we might prove ourselves to be your enemies and so make of you a dreadful judge. Amen.

 Saturday, March 25

The Second Petition: “Thy kingdom come.”

Q. What is this?

A. God’s kingdom comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray for his kingdom to come to us.

Q. How does this happen?

A. God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us the Holy Spirit,  so that we believe his holy Word by his grace and live godly lives here in this world and in the kingdom of heaven .

Prayer: Father, this world is full of sin and death, but your kingdom is a kingdom of grace and life in which the only Lord is your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us the Holy Spirit and faith, that sin may no longer rule us and we may live obedient and acceptable lives, now and forever. Amen. 

 

4th  Sunday in Lent, March 26

The Third Petition: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Q. What is this?

A. God’s will is done without our prayer, but we pray that God’s will also will be done among us.

Q. How does this happen?

A. God’s will is done in two ways. First, his will of law and justice is done when God destroys and interferes with every evil will that would prevent his kingdom from coming on earth – that is, the will of the devil, the world, and our own sinful desires. Second, his will of grace and peace is done when our Father strengthens us by his Word and Holy Spirit and keeps us living faithfully until the end of our lives. 

Prayer: Ultimately turn us from all sins, Father. Even now, grant that we may obediently serve you according to your will and not our own will. Amen.

Monday, March 27

The Fourth Petition: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Q. What is this?

A. God gives daily bread even to evil people, even without our prayer. But we pray that he will help us to recognize his generosity and receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

Q. What is “Daily Bread’’?

A. “Daily bread” is everything that nourishes our body and meets our needs – such as food, drink, clothing, home, employment, education, health, good weather, money, and possessions. “Daily bread” also includes a godly family, faithful friends, good neighbors, dependable coworkers, honest government, peace, discipline, honor, and other things like these.

Prayer: Our Father, forgive us for taking your gifts for granted! Please allow us to eat our daily bread undisturbed by worries and strife, and with thanks to you for everything. Graciously comfort and tend all who are poor, hungry, and miserable. Amen.

Tuesday, March 28

The Fifth Petition: “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Q. What is this?

A. We pray that our heavenly Father will not look at our sins and so refuse to hear our prayers.  We are not worthy, and we do not deserve the things for which we pray. Yet he wants to give these to us by his grace, even though many times each day we sin and truly deserve only punishment. Because God forgives us, we also want to forgive from our hearts and willingly do good to those who sin against us.

Prayer: Father, I now forgive those who have sinned against me. Forgive each one of us our trespasses. Amen.

Wednesday, March 29

The Sixth Petition: “Lead us not into temptation.”

Q. What is this?

A. God tempts no one. We pray that God will protect us and save us, so that the devil, the world, and our sinful desires will not mislead us into false beliefs, despair, or other serious and shameful sins. Even if these attack us, we pray for grace so that we will win and be victorious in the end. 

Prayer: Our Father, your people will suffer trials and be tempted by the devil until the end of the world, when your Son will return in glory. Forgive us for doubting your goodness and power,

and lead us by the Spirit to believe and trust that you have overcome the world. Amen.

 

Thursday, March 30

The Seventh Petition: “But deliver us from evil.”

Q. What is this?

A. We pray, as a summary, that our Father in heaven will save us from every kind of evil that threatens body, soul, possessions, and honor. We pray that when our final hour comes, he will grant us a blessed death and in his grace bring us to himself from this valley of tears.

Prayer: Help us to trust your will, Father. Sometimes we wonder, is it your will that a friend is killed in a car accident, or that a mother dies of cancer, or that people go hungry? When you permit bad things to happen, teach us to know for sure that all things work together for good for those who love you. Amen

Friday, March 31

The Doxology: “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Q. What is this?

A. We must be certain that such prayers are acceptable to our Father in heaven and will be granted. He himself has commanded us to pray in this way, and he promises to answer us.   “Amen” means, “Yes, it will happen this way!”

Prayer: O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you see how the world insults your name and keeps the honor due you to itself. They also take the power, might, wealth, and glory which you are supposed to serve you. We are not helped by their ruin; we would rather see that they be saved with us and worship your name in your kingdom. Amen.

Part Four: HOLY BAPTISM

Saturday, April 1

Q. What is Baptism?

A. Baptism is not just plain water. Baptism is water used according to God’s command and united with God’s Word.

Q. Which Word of God?

A. The triune name of God. Our Lord Christ says in Matthew 28:19 – “Go, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: We are your children, Father, through your Son and Holy Spirit. Keep me in your family always, and don’t let me be an ungrateful son or daughter of yours. Amen.

5th Sunday in Lent, April 2

Q. What gifts does baptism give? What good does it do?

A. Baptism gives to us forgiveness of sins. It redeems us from death and the devil. And baptism gives eternal  salvation to all who believe this– just as God’s words and promises declare.

Q. What are these words and promises of God?

A. As our Lord says in Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be damned.”

Prayer: Father, your Son’s baptism delivers me from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Baptism is not a powerless ritual. It is salvation to me and to all who believe what your words declare. Help us to believe this, Holy Spirit! Amen.

Monday, April 3

Q. How can water do such great things?

A. Water cannot make these things happen, of course. Everything is done by the Word of God that is with and in the water. Without the Word of God, the water is plain water and not baptism. But with the Word of God, it is baptism – a grace-filled water of life and a bath of new birth in the Holy Spirit.

Q. Where is this written in the Bible?

A. St. Paul says so in Titus 3:5-8 – “God saved us… through this bath of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit. He poured out the Holy Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ,  our Savior, so that we are justified by grace and we are made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”   This is most certainly true.

Prayer: You have bound yourself to your Word in baptism, dear God, so that I might find you and cling to you. Thank God, I am justified by your grace and not my efforts! Amen.

Tuesday, April 4

Q. What is the practical use of Baptism?

A. The “old Adam” in me is drowned every day by sorrow for my sins and repentance. This is how the old “me” dies, with all my sins and evil desires. Then a new “me” comes to life every day by faith and rises up from death.  My new “self,” cleansed and righteous, will live forever in God’s presence.

Q. Where does God say this?

A. Romans 6:3-4 – “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death. Just as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too live a new life.”

Prayer: Lord, kill my will and bring your will to life in me, every day, until my will is completely dead and only your will remains. Amen.

 

Part Five: INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

  Wednesday, April 5

Q. What is “the power of the keys”?

A. The power of the keys is the authority which Christ gave to the church to forgive the sins of those who repent  and to declare to those who do not repent that their sins are not forgiven.

Q. What does Christ say?

A. In John 20:23, our Lord Jesus Christ says to the apostles: “Receive the Holy  Spirit. If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive their sins, they are not forgiven.”   Also in Matthew 18:18, Christ says: “I tell you, whatever you hold accountable on earth  will be held accountable for God’s judgment in heaven.   Whatever you set free on earth will be set free by God in heaven.”

Prayer: Father, your Spirit entered my life when I was baptized in the name of Jesus. But sometimes I feel trapped by my own sin – trapped with no way out. Thank you for the pastor’s words of forgiveness  that set me free and renew the Spirit in me. Amen

Thursday, April 6

Q. What is individual confession?

A. It has two parts. First, I confess my sins to the pastor in private. Second, I receive “absolution” – that is, forgiveness from the pastor who is speaking for God. I must not doubt, but firmly believe that, in this way, my sins really are forgiven by God in heaven.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, don’t let me doubt the words of the pastor who is speaking for you when the pastor says the Father’s name and tells me my sins are forgiven through the Son “absolutely.” Amen.

 

Friday, April 7

Q. What sins should I confess in private?

A. In the presence of God, I should confess that I am guilty for all sins, even sins that are not known to me. This is what we do in the Lord’s Prayer and when we confess in church. However, in my individual confession, I should confess only the sins  that are known to me and that trouble me.

Prayer: Lord, I am embarrassed to admit my sins to another human being. But you give me the chance to be forgiven all by myself – to wash away my shame and lift me from my fear of condemnation! Amen.

Saturday, April 8

Q. How shall I examine my conscience?

A. I must look at my daily life in light of the Ten Commandments.  How do I act towards my family? How did I treat people today? What are the other “gods” that receive more of my time and attention than God does? I should think about specific situations  when I have not loved God with my whole heart, or my neighbor as myself.

Prayer: I love you, heavenly Father, and I know that you love me. Sometimes when I’m angry or disappointed, or even when I’m having a good time, I forget that you even exist. Let me hear your voice again and the words that take me back to my baptism. Amen.

Sunday of the Passion (“Palm Sunday”), April 9

Q. How do I make my individual confession?

A. I ask the pastor for time to talk.  We will use the service that is in Evangelical Lutheran Worship on page 243. The pastor is not allowed to tell my secrets to anyone else. The pastor is there in the name of Jesus Christ to help me.

Prayer: Lord, won’t the pastor think I am a bad person? Or is the pastor a human being like me, a sinner who needs the words of forgiveness, too, and does not judge me? Amen.

Monday in Holy Week, April 10

Q. What if I am not bothered by any special sins?

A. I should not torture myself or invent imaginary sins.  I don’t have to name particular sins if I really can’t think of any (but that hardly ever happens).    I don’t have to go into all of the details. I may receive absolution after making a general confession.    Are there any sins that don’t trouble me as much as they really should?

Prayer: Father, how can I not be bothered by my sins when I remember how Jesus suffered on the cross to atone for my sins? Amen.

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 11

Q. How can I be sure that I truly am forgiven?

A. The pastor will say the absolution: “God is merciful and blesses you. By the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I, a called and ordained servant of the Word, forgive you your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  I am to have absolute trust in God’s Good News! Also, the pastor will offer to me other words of advice from the Holy Scriptures when my conscience is heavily burdened, or if I feel trapped in a pattern of sin, or need help to do better.

Prayer: O God, my sins were buried with Jesus and remained in the tomb when he rose from the dead.

 Help me to leave the old life behind and to live the new life in the Holy Spirit, until the “old Adam” in me is dead and buried, and has no more power over me. Amen.

   

Part Six:   HOLY COMMUNION

  Wednesday in Holy Week, April 12

Q. What is Holy Communion?

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

Q. Where is that written in the Bible?

A. The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke write this, and also St. Paul – In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take and eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do this for the remembrance of me.”    

Prayer: Father, you give me the body and blood of your Son. Jesus is more than a memory! Jesus claims and grasps this bread and wine, and promises to come to his people. Help me with the Holy Spirit to remember with thanksgiving that Jesus is really here! Amen.

 

Maundy Thursday, April 13   

Q. What good does this eating and drinking do?

A. These words tell us: “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Our sins are forgiven and also life and salvation are given to us through these words in the sacrament. Where sins are forgiven, there is also life and salvation.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you give me forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in the very same body and blood

that was crucified for me and now saves me from hell!  Amen.

Good Friday, April 14

Q. How can physical eating and drinking do such great things?

A. Eating and drinking (without the Word of God) do not do such things. The words and promises of Christ do it: “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”  These words, along with the act of eating and drinking, are the important part of the sacrament. Anyone who believes these words has what they say – the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: Lord, who am I, a sinner, to doubt the way that you come and pardon my sins? If your Word commanded me to jump up and down for forgiveness, I should believe your words and jump up and down – and be confident that my sins are forgiven. Amen.

Holy Saturday, April 15

Q. Who, then, receives such a sacrament in a worthy way?

A. Fasting (going without food) and other preparations (prayer or singing hymns) are excellent disciplines for the body.  But anyone who believes these words – “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” –  is really worthy and well prepared.  But whoever doubts or does not believe these words  is not worthy and is unprepared,  because the words “for you” demand a heart that fully believes.

Prayer: Help me to listen and believe that you, the Son of God, are risen and giving me a foretaste of the feast to come in your kingdom. Glory to you, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever! Amen.

Sunday of the Resurrection of our Lord (Easter), April 16

So let us keep the festival to which the Lord invites us;  Christ is himself the joy of all, the sun that warms and lights us.  Now his grace to us imparts eternal sunshine to our hearts.   The night of sin is ended. Hallelujah!

Martin Luther’s Easter hymn – “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Chains”

 A suggestion for celebrating the Great Fifty Days of Easter –

read and pray through the Small Catechism again every day!

 Or offer your copy to someone who doesn’t go to church!

 

Special Thanks to Rev. Jonathan L. Jenkins

St Michael’s and Zion Lutheran Churches

Klingerstown, PA