FRIDAY (October 9, 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
““Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them.” (Matthew 21:33–36)
Meditation
Jesus is still speaking to His opponents—those who are threatened by His ability to attract followers who might ultimately be loyal to Jesus and not the religious authorities. Jesus uses language that would be very familiar to the Jews. Master (God), vineyards (Israel), tenants (unbelievers who oppose God). The prophets of old, including Isaiah, warned about Israel’s wavering ways. Jesus’ opponents would have been pulled into this parable and likely even thought Jesus was going down a road they understood. He had their attention.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Father, we lift up Cindy before you this day, asking that You would give her your mercy all the days of her life. 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