SUNDAY (August 16, 2020)
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.” (Isaiah 56:1)
Reading
“Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed. “And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— these 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.” The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, “I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.”” (Isaiah 56:1, 6–8)
Meditation
We read a lot about justice these days. Righteousness? Well, not so much, unless we speak in a self-righteous sort of way. What does God mean when He says, “Keep justice, and do righteousness?” In and of ourselves, we cannot keep justice nor do righteousness, for without God, we can only define such things selfishly. As God’s people, our identity comes from the holy One, the righteous One, the just One—and our actions flow from Him.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Let your grace be upon Jerome, O Lord, and teach him to hope in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Week
Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer