22nd Sunday after Pentecost • Year C

Historical Collect

Almighty, eternal God, show mercy to your children who humbly pray, that we who have no confidence in our worth may not be judged but tenderly received. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)

Thematic Collect

Everlasting God, our Alpha and Omega, stir in your church a renewed sense of joy in the promise of the resurrection that we might live lives of humble service and overflowing grace as we wait for the coming of your Son. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

The Common Thread

See how God enabled Moses to not only fear him, but trust and love him? I have heard the cries of my people. How comforting it is to know our Father listens to us and hears our prayers (Exodus 3:7). How much more reassuring to know that he is with us (Exodus 3:12). Yet, all will not be easy; we must stand firm in trying times. The Lord God will stand with us. Those who stand in faith in him until the end will enjoy eternal glory, being sons of the resurrection: equal to the angels in immortality.

First Reading • Exodus 3:1–15

It is ironic that Moses, who more than anything, eventually wanted to see God face-to-face (Exod 33:18–20), but in this first meeting with him in the burning bush, “he was afraid to look at God.” We see in Moses one who would continue to fear God but who would come to love and trust him also. Scripture tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psa 111:10). Yet, the admonishment that “we should fear, love, and trust in God above all things” is repeated throughout the Small Catechism.

This same Moses, who ended up wanting to behold the glory of the living God, was fearful of meeting with Pharoah. Though he would not see God, the Lord promised to be with him. Just as “I AM” sent Moses before Pharoah, he sends us to the world, promising to be with us too—even to the end of the age (Matt 28:19–20).  

Psalm • Psalm 148:1–12

Why should we praise God? There are many reasons that all of creation should praise him but ultimately, the ground of our praise is Christ. He has raised up a “horn,” the very power of God, for the Israel of God (Gal 6:16). Everything—sun and moon, shining stars, sky, water, sea creatures, fire and hail, snow and mist, the wind, mountains and hills, trees, wild beasts and livestock, creeping things and soaring birds, rulers and citizens, men and women, the old and the young—will be renewed in Christ (Rom 9:19–20). Praise the Lord!

Second Reading • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–8, 13–17

Many deceivers appear throughout life. Sometimes in person; sometimes in the form of media. We are especially bombarded by the latter in these times. Heresy abounds in social media and on the Internet. But it can also show up in Sunday School classes and even in sermons. I recently heard of a pastor who was telling his flock that he is God. Being vigilant against such deceit can sometimes be as easy as comparing what you read and hear to the Apostles’ Creed. Other cases require careful inquiry in God’s Word. Whatever we do, we must stand firm, holding to those doctrines taught by the apostles. 

Gospel • Luke 20:27–40

Many people love distractions—even in Scripture. This is why there are endless discussions about millennial views, rapture, and controversial speculations about things which make no difference since they do not advance the kingdom of God. God’s work is to promote faith in his Son. The work of Christ’s kingdom only truly progresses, not through distractions but, through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church’s devotion to faithfully baptize and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.