Neither Crowds nor Cross Avoiding

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 13)

August 6, 2023

AS WE GATHER
We usually hear the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000 during the summer months of the long, green season of the Church Year. This miraculous feeding affirms God’s generous and daily provision for all our needs. But also, this miracle propels us forward to receive and confess Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, through the cross. Daily, He feeds us with magnanimous grace and forgiveness. His Church continues to be that place of respite where we are fed by holy Words and precious Sacraments from Jesus Himself. Jesus has great compassion on the 5,000 and continues to sustain His Church with equal compassion in the midst of our complex circumstances and needs.

Bible Readings

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 55:1-5
(Compassion from of old.)

EPISTLE READING: Romans 9:1-5
(Adoption, glory, and God’s covenant belongs to Israel.)

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 14:13-21
(Jesus provides food in a desolate place.)