ASLC Podcast

Introduction Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive t...

Our stewardship is also rooted in our time here on earth. What will we do with our time here on earth? How will we use the gifts God has given us to bear good fruit? Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Introduction Today’s festival stands like a bright bridge between seasons. The joy of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany comes to its close, and the journey toward Lent and Easter begins. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son—echoing the promise spoken at his baptism. This glimpse of glory does not remove the road ahead, but it gives strength for it, sustaining Jesus as he turns...

Introduction Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent in...

Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving. Scripture Readings: Micah 6:1-8; P...

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. Scripture R...

Introduction Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us. Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians...

Introduction In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news...

Introduction The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptis...

Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-16, Matthew 2:1-11 and John 1:1-14

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the ligh...

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We...

Centering Song: Oh God We Call ACS 1075 O God, we call, O God, we call, from deep inside we yearn, from deep inside we yearn, from deep inside we yearn for you. Readings and Psalm Isaiah 2:1-5 , Psalm 122 & Luke 1:39-55

Introduction Jeremiah’s promise that God would bring “justice and righteousness in the land” comes to its strange and wonderful fulfillment in the cross of Jesus, the King of the Jews. It looks for all the world like a royal disaster — a king on a cross beside criminals. Yet in this seeming defeat, Jesus pulls off heaven’s greatest surprise: through the gate of death, he swings open the door to pa...

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”

Introduction We worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living. This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!

We worship on the first day of the week because our Savior was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.. Scripture Reading: Luke 20:27-38, Job 19:23-27, Psalm 17:1-9

Introduction In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live wit...

Introduction Real repentance and fake holiness couldn’t be more different— but God’s mercy covers us all. We’re made right not by perfection but by Jesus’ stubborn grace. So we laugh, we sing, and we give thanks—because God’s forgiveness is the real feast.

Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the gospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Readings: Genesis 32:22-31, 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 and Luke 18:1-8

Jesus’ mission includes making people clean again. Unexpectedly, a Samaritan healed of leprosy becomes a model for those who would praise and worship God and give thanks for God’s mercy. Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Luke 17:11-19

A little faith goes a long way is Jesus’ point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth of faith has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in holy baptism, holy communion, and the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving. Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 37:1-9 and Lu...

Consideration of and care for those in need—especially those “at our gate,” the folks we actually see and know about—isn’t just a nice add-on to stewardship, it’s the heart of it. Scripture reminds us that hoarding stuff doesn’t make us safe, it just makes our garages hard to walk through. In fact, sharing what we’ve been given is how we loosen wealth’s chokehold before it tightens like last year’...