MONDAY (October 5, 2020)
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
Reading
“And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!” (Isaiah 5:5–7)
Meditation
God’s words here are harsh. The beautiful vineyard (God’s relationship with Israel) that he had established has gone sour and to waste. God speaks words of judgement—harsh words that reflect the unfaithfulness of His people. He has given them everything they need and more, and they live carelessly and bear no fruit. God, out of love for His wayward people, paints a picture of what happens when people are unfaithful—at some point they leave themselves open to the wiles and dangers of the world around them. How do we respond to these words of judgement? Certainly God is not unfaithful to us.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Heavenly Father, bless Dorothy with faith in you and fervent love toward all those who cross her path this day. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the week (from Sunday)
Gracious God, You gave Your Son into the hands of sinful men who killed Him. Forgive us when we reject Your unfailing love, and grant us the fullness of Your salvation; 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