The Praise of a Trapped Prophet

No Service at Trinity this Sunday due to COVID-19 restrictions

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Third Sunday After Pentecost

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29–31

It should be no surprise, for the Lord warned them from the beginning. To follow Christ, to live our Baptism, to be a Christian will not be a life of ease, peace, and abundance, but rather one of trouble and contradiction. All the apostles and prophets found this to be true. Jeremiah’s complaint is repeated by all who have discovered the Christian life is but warfare between life and death. Because Jesus gave Himself to the defeat of the devil and our spiritual slavery by letting it all have its way with Him to the cross, all who believe are freed and made participants in newness of life by simple faith in this grace and mercy of God for us. Jesus says three times today, “Do not be afraid,” so now even with the prophet’s complaint repeated, we can rejoice with him, “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord!”

READINGS

Old Testament Reading


Psalm

Epistle:


Gospel:

Jeremiah 20:7–1347
Jeremiah’s complaint

Psalm 91:1–10 (11–16)

Romans 6:12–23
Slaves to righteousness

Matthew 10:5a, 21–33
Do not be afraid

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You.