THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 6)
June 18, 2023
AS WE GATHER
God said to the people of Israel, “you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Jesus called twelve men to be His apostles (Matthew 10:1), those “sent” from among the priesthood of all to preach and teach and heal. Not all are called to the apostolic ministry as pastors, but all that are baptized are called “priests.” In the Old Testament priests were to offer sacrifices of blood for the forgiveness of the people’s sins. Jesus Christ with His sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment, so that now the New Testament in His blood proclaims His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sin and the life of the world. As a result, New Testament priests (Christians) now “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Exodus 19:2-8
(A Kingdom of Priests to all people.)
EPISTLE READING: Romans 5:6-15
(Salvation is a gift of God’s love.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 9:35-10:8
(Commissioning of the Twelve.)