I inadvertantly mispelled Barb Buczek's last name in my email
her email address is barb.buczek@bethanylc.com
Pastor Len
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] Looking for a Few Good Men or Women
We are looking for a few good men or women (at least 6 to be exact) to teach and lead our children in the Christian faith on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
We are looking for substitutes, too!
Contact Barb Buzcek at barb.buzcek@bethanylc.com if you are willing to share your gifts.
Pr. Len
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[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday Words for August 27, 2014
From Interim Senior Pastor Len Hoffmann
Scroll down to find the link to your Bethany Weekly Newsletter!
Thought for the Day
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers
Romans 12:9-12
Our new schedule starts on September 14, Holy Cross Day, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 with Children’s Church, Sunday School and Adult Education at 9:00 a.m. Social Hour at 10:00.
September 7 is Rally Day and Education Fair. W.I.R.E.D. for Outreach and Service (Worship, Involvement, Renewal, Education, Discipleship). Worship will be at 8:30 and 10:30. From 9:30 to 10:30 Sunday School Registration, Parent Orientation, and Adult Education Fair. Tables will be available so you can sample and register for fall adult education opportunities. Different nights of the week and Sunday mornings.
Are you concerned about the managaement of your personal finances? Consider attending Financial Peace University (adults) begins on Wednesday, September 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Sunday at Bethany: It is Labor Day weekend and the official beginning of fall. This weekend we celebrate the work of our hands in service to family, community, nation and world.
Our readings remind us that God uses our abilities and gifts to further his kingdom We are called to offer our gifts to God’s service and God’s work in the world.
Included in this work is our calling to pray and advocate for peace and justice, as we pledge in our baptismal and affirmation rites. Our text from Romans this week encourages us to care for the saints (fellow believers) and also the strangers in our midst. We welcome all people including our enemies, for whom Paul states the following: “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We are not on our own ability able to do these acts of love and mercy on our own power, but because of the Spirit of Christ working in and through us individually and as a community of faith. We carry our labors of love and mercy, because we have received love, mercy and grace from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Reflect on your God-given gifts this Labor Day weekend and pray that God may lead you to offer your gifts to the community of faith and to community at-large.
Pr. Len
Lectionary 22
Proper 17
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world.
Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
First Reading Jeremiah 15:15-20
Jeremiah's delight in the word of the Lord is contradicted by the heaviness of God's hand upon him and God's seeming unfaithfulness. God's tough love to Jeremiah says that if he repents, he will be allowed to continue in his strenuous ministry. Jeremiah is strengthened by the simple words: "I am with you."
15O LORD, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. 16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. 17I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation. 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, ike waters that fail.19Therefore thus says the LORD: If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me. f you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them. 20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the LORD. 21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
Second Reading Romans 12:9-21
Paul presents benchmarks for faithful relationships with Christians and non-Christians. Love is the unflagging standard of our behavior. When we encounter evil, we do not resort to its tactics but seek to overcome it with good. While Christians cannot control the actions and attitudes of others, we seek to live at peace with all people.
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Gospel Matthew 16:21-28
After Peter confesses that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (16:16), Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called a "rock."
21From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
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Wednesday, August 20, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] Correction Nursery Attendant Posting
Nursery Attendant Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
$10 per hour or $40 per Sunday.
My apologies.
Pr. Len
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[Bethany Lutheran Church] Looking for A Nursery Attendant
Bethany is looking for a Nursery Attendant who will begin September 7.
The Hours will be 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. each Sunday morning,
The position description is attached.
Starting wage is $10 per hour or $30 per Sunday.
If you know of someone who is qualified and may be interested, please contact
Pr. Len at len.hoffmann@bethanylc.com
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[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday Words for August 20, 2014
From Interim Senior Pastor Len Hoffmann
Scroll down to find the link to your Bethany Weekly Newsletter!
Thought for the Day
Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and the quarry from which you were dug.
Isaiah 56:1b
September 7 is Rally Day and Education Fair. W.I.R.E.D. for Outreach and Service (Worship, Involvement, Renewal, Education, Discipleship). Worship will be at 8:30 and 10:30. From 9:30 to 10:30 Sunday School Registration, Parent Orientation, and Adult Education Fair. Tables will be available so you can sample and register for fall adult education opportunities. Different nights of the week and Sunday mornings.
Confirmation (grades 6-8) will begin on Wednesday, September 10 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Financial Peace University (adults) begins on Wednesday, September 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
Our new schedule starts on September 14, Holy Cross Day, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 with Children’s Church, Sunday School and Adult Education at 9:00 a.m. Social Hour at 10:00.
Sunday at Bethany: Every time I make my way from Rockford to Crystal Lake and back again I notice the sign Bubbling Boulders. It is obviously a place that sells very large rocks for landscaping purposes. These large landscaping boulders have become a favorite for many and appear in yards all around us. I frequently ask Cathy if she would like a boulder for our yard and she always says “no”.
Boulders can be a beautiful thing to behold and they can also be a problem to be overcome. Out in some of our national parks boulders are both. When in nature they are a wonder to behold, when they become unstable and crash down onto roadways they snarl traffic for miles.
In the context of our scripture readings this week rocks and boulders when referring to our living God is nothing but a positive. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the rock of our salvation. He is the one we are able to cling to when the storms of life surround us. God forms a sure foundation, since in baptism we are claimed by God with the promise that even if we become faithless God is always faithful and seeks us and invites us to grab on to this rock of grace.
We can, however, put up boulders to block God’s involvement in our lives. Boulders can roll into our lives seemingly out of the blue and they may crash our relationship with God. In those cases Christ seeks to clear away those boulders as he rolled away the stone of the tomb on Easter morning. We are no longer trapped and lodged between sin and death, but are forgiven and set free to reach out and serve in Jesus name.
Pastor Len
Lectionary 21
Proper 16
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
First Reading Isaiah 51:1-6
Just as God had called Abraham and Sarah and given them many descendants, so now God offers comfort to Zion. God's deliverance will come soon and will never end.
Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the LORD. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.2Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.
3For the LORD will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. 4Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples.5I will bring near my deliverance swiftly,
my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope.6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats;
but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended.
Second Reading Romans 12:1-8
In response to God's merciful activity, we are to worship by living holistic, God-pleasing lives. Our values and viewpoints are not molded by this age, but are transformed by the Spirit's renewing work. God's grace empowers different forms of service among Christians, but all forms of ministry function to build up the body of Christ.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
The Gospel Matthew 16:13-20
At a climactic point in Jesus' ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God," and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.
13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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Monday, August 18, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] New Adult Education Opportunies This Fall
Hi Bethany Lutheran,
Christian education is a life-long pursuit, which is why at Bethany we are striving to provide you with as many adult education opportunities as possible.
We wanted to make you all aware of these new classes we will be offering in the fall. To learn more or sign up for these opportunities, please join us for our Education Fair in between services on Rally Day, Sunday, Sept. 7th 9:30am, or email Pr. Paul (paul.cannon@bethanylc.com).
Blessings!
New this Fall!
Four Positive Pillars of Parenting – Paula Briedis, a family therapist from the Samaritan Counseling Center is coming to help you with those tough parenting questions for all age levels. To pre-register, email Pr. Paul.
- 4 Sundays, Sept. 14th – October 5th , 9-10am @ Bethany
Financial Peace University – Financial Peace is a nationally recognized Christian based financial planning program, which has helped thousands of people take charge of their home finances.
- 9 Wednesdays, Sept. 17th – Nov. 12th, 7-8:30pm @ Bethany
Stretch and Pray – Feeling cooped up in your pew? Come down in your comfortable Sunday attire to explore new postures of prayer for all age levels and abilities.
- 4 Sundays, Oct. 12th – November 2nd, 9:30-10:00am @ Bethany
More Adult Ed. Opportunities
Living the Questions – If you’re looking to delve into questions of faith, this video Bible Study series, featuring world renowned theologians, is for you.
- Mondays (ongoing), 7-8:30 pm, starting Sept. 8th @ Bethany
Bad Girls of the Bible – Think everybody in the Bible is a saint? Think again! Come learn about not-so-perfect women of the Bible!
- 7 Sundays, Sept. 14th – Oct. 26th, 9-10am @ Bethany
Theology on Tap – Join us for a beverage of choice and some conversation about God, life and whatever else comes up!
- 1st Thursday of the month (typically), 7:30-9pm @ Duke’s Alehouse
Sips & Scriptures – Get your day started right with some coffee/tea and some Bible Study.
- 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am. Locations vary.
Men’s Group – Check out the Men’s Group for fellowship and some Bible study over a cup of coffee.
- 1st Saturday of each month, 7:30-9am @ Bethany
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Wednesday, August 13, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday Words for August 13, 2014
From Interim Senior Pastor Len Hoffmann
Scroll down to find the link to your Bethany Weekly Newsletter!
Thought for the Day
Let all the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 67:3
August 17 at 9:45 a.m. “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Teaching Sunday School, but were Afraid to Ask”. Members of our Education Team will answer your questions about schedule and curriculum. Please join them and become involved in Education.
September 7 is Rally Day and Education Fair. Watch for details of this special celebration as Bethany is W.I.R.E.D. for Outreach and Service. W.I.R.E.D. = worship, involvement, renewal, education, discipleship. Worship will be at 8:30 and 10:30.
Our new schedule starts on September 14, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 with Children’s Church, Sunday School and Adult Education at 9:00 a.m. Social Hour at 10:00.
Sunday at Bethany: There are many ways in which we try to determine who is “US” and who is “Them”. We do this as children, youth and adults. Who belongs and who doesn’t. Who is “in” and who is “out”.
We often determine who is “US” and who is “Them” based on race, color or religious affiliation. We decide on the basis of politics, economics or family of origin.
Our Readings from scripture this week remind us that these struggles are not new ones for the people of God. Who could be a follower of Jesus; who could be blessed by God; who could be part of the community of faith is evident from our lessons this week.
The answer comes that all people are embraced by God. God comes to break down barriers. God includes all peoples of the earth. God’s love and mercy embraces all and opens God’s community of faith to all through Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world.”
Yes, the power of evil in the world and within ourselves often causes us to want to set up barriers. Our fears and our pre-judgement of others does get in the way of our willingness to let others in.
We seek forgiveness and understanding while at the same time encouraging justice for those who are wronged or harmed by others.
We pray this week for children and youth who are murdered or who die from neglect. We pray for widows and orphans who need our help and assistance. We pray for those who are battered or abused. We pray for ourselves that we might be open to others as God has been open to us. We pray for opportunities to share the Good News of God’s inclusive love with those who may be alienated from God and his church.
Pastor Len
Lectionary 20
Proper 15
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you.
Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy,
that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
First Reading Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God's imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.
Thus says the LORD:
Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. 6And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath, and do not profane it,
and hold fast my covenant — 7these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. 8Thus says the Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.
Second Reading Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable, so that while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all.
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
The Gospel Matthew 15: 10-28
Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be pagan and unclean approaches him for help.
10Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, "Listen and understand: 11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?" 13He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit." 15But Peter said to him, "Explain this parable to us." 16Then he said, "Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile."
21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." 24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
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Tuesday, August 12, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] Death of Pamela J. Beattie
We pray for the Beattie Family and remember the life of Pamela.
Visitation will be at the Skaja Bachmann Funeral Home 7715 West Route 14 Crystal Lake IL, on Friday August 15, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Saturday from 9:00 AM until tim of service 10:00 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church 76 West Crystal Lake Avenue Crystal lake, IL. The officiating pastor will be Rev. Len Hoffman. Funeral information 815-455-2233 or skajafuneralhomes.com.
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Weekly Newsletter
Wednesday Words for August 6, 2014
From Interim Senior Pastor Len Hoffmann
Scroll down to find the link to your Bethany Weekly Newsletter!
Thought for the Day:
I will listen to what the Lord God is saying.
Psalm 85:8
***
A prayer of thanksgiving is offered for the Rev.-Elect Neal Cannon, brother of Pr. Paul, who has been called by Christ Lutheran Church, Belvidere, IL as Associate Pastor. The Ordination celebration will be held Reformation Sunday, October 26, 2014.
September 7 is Rally Day and Education Fair. Watch for details of this special celebration as Bethany is W.I.R.E.D. for Outreach and Service. W.I.R.E.D. = worship, involvement, renewal, education, discipleship. Worship will be at 8:30 and 10:30 with our new schedule starting on September 14, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:30 with children’s church, Sunday School and Adult Education at 9:00 a.m. Social Hour will be from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
August 10 at 9:45 a.m. “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Teaching Sunday School, but were Afraid to Ask”. Members of our Education Team will answer your questions about schedule and curriculum. Please join them and become involved in Education.
Sunday at Bethany:
Listening is hard work. We often hear but don’t listen. Listening involves being present for the other and asking important questions.
Our scriptures for this Sunday demonstrate that listening to what God is saying often requires a purposeful and devotional effort. Elijah is hiding in fear for his life and is waiting to hear from the LORD. It is only when he comes out of his cave can he truly listen to what the LORD is telling him.
St. Paul reminds us that God’s Word, Jesus Christ, is on their lips and in their hearts. In listening with their hearts they are able to confess, believe and proclaim the Good News.
Peter in the Gospel asks for confirmation if it is really Jesus. Yet, when he starts to trust his own abilities he begins to sink, and asks Jesus to save him.
Are we taking time to listen to what God is saying to us as individuals and as a congregation? Are we being purposeful and devotional as God speaks to us? Do we present ourselves to God, so that we might hear Jesus voice as he seeks to walk with us in our journey of faith?
Pastor Len
Lectionary 19
Proper 14
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
First Reading 1 Kings 19:9-18
On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God's presence—earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in "sheer silence." God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor.
9At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." 11He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." 15Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every
Second Reading Romans 10:5-15
A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God's saving actions.
5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7or 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say?
"The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart"
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
The Gospel Matthew 14:22-33
Matthew's gospel typically portrays Jesus' disciples as people of "little faith" who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt.
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
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