SUNDAY (February 21, 2021)
First Sunday in Lent
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
Reading
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” (Genesis 22:1–3)
Meditation
So after years of waiting to have a child, Abraham and Sarah are finally blessed with a son. And now, God is calling Abraham to offer Isaac, his only son, as a sacrifice to Him. Abraham’s heart must have been heavy and somewhat bewildered as he undertook the task of obedience. What sorts of sacrifices does God call you to make? What things are you willing to give up for the sake of Christ?
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Let your grace be upon Vicki, O Lord, and teach her 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
O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; 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