Bishop Mike's Podcast

Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 10 and then Good Friday, April 15 Deacon Rick Erickson and the Bach Society will present the St. John Passion, which Bach wrote for a Good Friday service. 

Read more at BishopMike.com Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary This post includes three complete series options first, then, for those who stick with the lectionary, I will post a list of every Sunday and the texts, with links through Summer 2021.

Read more at BishopMike.com (español) Pentecost B – May 23, 2021 Acts 2:1-21– Day of Pentecost. Rushing wind. Tongues of flame. Multi-lingual, multicultural event. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
 OR  Ezekiel 37:1-14– Valley of the Dry Bones. I will put my spirit in you and you shall live. You shall know I am the Lord when I open your graves… Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:31) Romans 8:22-27– Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness… intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
 OR  Acts 2:1-21 – Day of Pentecost. Rushing wind. Tongues of flame. Multi-lingual, multicultural event. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15– When the Advocate comes, he will bear witness to me… lead you into all truth.

Read more at BishopMike.com (spanish) Ascension B - May 16, 2021   Acts 1:1-11 – Ascension. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Psalm 47 – God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5) or Psalm 93– Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:3) Ephesians 1:15-23– With the eyes of your heart enlightened, may you know the hope to which God has called you. Luke 24:44-53 – I am sending what the Father promised, so stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.

Read more at BishopMike.com (español) Easter 6B – May 9, 2021 Acts 10:44-48 – Holy Spirit falls on unbaptized Gentiles. So they baptize them.
 Psalm 98 – Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands. (Ps. 98:5) 1 John 5:1-6 – The love of God is obeying God’s commandments. John 15:9-17 – This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. I have said these things that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. You did not choose me; I chose you, and appointed you to bear fruit.

Read more at BishopMike.com (espanol) Easter 5B – May 2, 2021 Acts 8:26-40 – Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza reading the suffering servant from Isaiah.  Psalm 22:25-31 – All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD. (Ps. 22:26) 1 John 4:7-21– Beloved let us love one another for love is of God… whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. John 15:1-8 – I am the vine; you the branches, that you might bear fruit. By this my Father is glorified: that you bear fruit.

Read more at BishopMike.com (español) Easter 4B – April 25, 2021 Acts 4:5-12 – Peter questioned for healing. There is no other name by which we must be saved. Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 1 John 3:16-24 – All know John 3:16. 1 John 3:16 is important too: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for one another… Little children let us not love in word or speech, but in truth and action.
  John 10:11-18 – The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand runs away. I know my sheep. I have other sheep not of this fold. Hymns: Shepherd Me O God by Marty Haugen (ELW 780), The King of Love My Shepherd Is… (ELW 502), El Señor es mi Pastor (LLC 624).

Read more at BishopMike.com (español) Easter 3B – April 18, 2021 Acts 3:12-19– Peter addresses the people: Faith in Christ made this man well. 
 Psalm 4 – The LORD does wonders for the faithful. (Ps. 4:3) 1 John 3:1-7 – See what love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. (This passage was taught to us as a memory verse in song. Some may remember this round. Luke 24:36b-48 – Resurrection appearance. Jesus eats food. Peace be with you. You are my witnesses.

Read more at BishopMike.com (español) Easter 2B – April 11, 2021 Acts 4:32-35 – Now those who believed were of one heart and soul, and they held all possessions in common. Psalm 133 – How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity. 1 John 1:1 –2:2 – If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves. John 20:19-31 – When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Doubting Thomas: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) The Resurrection of our Lord – April 4, 2021 Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s sermon at Cornelius’ house: God shows no partiality. Anyone from any nation who fears God is accepted by God.
 OR Isaiah 25:6-9 – On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make a feast for all people, swallow up death forever, wipe away the tears from all faces. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – I shall not die but live and recount the deeds of the Lord. I Corinthians 15:1-11 – For I handed on to you what I received, Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised on the third day.
 OR Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s sermon at Cornelius’ house: God shows no partiality. Anyone from any nation who fears God is accepted by God.
 John 20:1-18 – Resurrection appearance. Mary: “I have seen the Lord.”
 OR Mark 16:1-8 – Empty tomb. Mark’s original ending: “So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) Maundy Thursday – April 1, 2021   Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: To love one another as he had loved them. By your Holy Spirit write this commandment in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.   Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 – God establishes Passover as a day of remembrance.   Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 – What shall I return to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows…   1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that on the night in which he was betrayed our Lord took bread…   John 13:1-17, 31b-35 – Washing of the disciples’ feet.   Good Friday - April 2, 2021 Merciful God, your Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to himself. Grant that we who have been born out of his wounded side may at all times find mercy in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 – The Song of the Suffering Servant. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… Psalm 22 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Hebrews 10:16-25 – I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more. New covenant. orHebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 – Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, let us hold fast to our confession.  John 18:1-19:42 – John’s passion: arrest, trial, crucifixion. The passion for John’s gospel is appointed for Good Friday every year. John’s account is most problematic of the four gospels because of its many references to “the Jews.” In a post-holocaust world, we have to be acutely aware of how these passages get heard and interpreted. Crucifixion was a Roman form of execution. While there is little doubt that Jesus was also at odds with the Temple leaders, he and his disciples were Jewish. Passages about “the Jews” calling for Jesus’ death were used to stoke the flames of hatred and violence against Jewish people.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) Passion/Palm Sunday – March 28, 2021 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29– Open the gates of righteousness that I may enter.
 Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 – The Triumphal Entry. Isaiah 50:4-9a – I gave my back to those who hit me; my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard. I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. Psalm 31:9-16 – Into your hands I commend my spirit… Philippians 2:5-11 – Have this mind among that was in Christ, who emptied himself and became obedient to death on a cross. Mark 14:1 – 15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47) – The Passion, though I prefer to focus on the Triumphal Entry, Mark 11:1-11.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) LENT 5B – March 21, 2021 Jeremiah 31:31-34 – I will make a new covenant. I will write the law on their hearts. They will all know me. I will remember their sins no more. Psalm 51:1-12 – Create in me a clean heart O God…
 OR Psalm 119:9-16 – Happy are those whose way is blameless… Hebrews 5:5-10 – High priest according to the order of Melchizedek. He learned obedience through suffering. John 12:20-33 – Gospel: Greeks. Sir we wish to see Jesus. Grain of wheat dies. Love life lose it. Save me from this hour? When I am lifted up, I will draw all people unto myself. The light is with you a little while longer. While you are in the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of the light.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) LENT 4B – March 14, 2021 Numbers 21:4-9 – Moses lifts up the serpent in the wilderness. Murmuring. Fiery serpents.
 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 – They cried to the Lord in their trouble and he saved them from their distress…
 Ephesians 2:1-10 – Dead in your trespasses, for by grace you have been saved by faith… for good works.
 John 3:14-21 – Just as Moses “lifted up” the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. Light has come into the world, but people preferred darkness. For God so loved the world…

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) LENT 3B – March 7, 2021 Exodus 20:1-17 - Moses’ covenant (age 80?). Ten Commandments. I brought you out of the land of Israel.  Psalm 19 - Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You… 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – The gospel is foolishness to those perishing, but to us the power of God. Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified. God chose what was weak and despised in the world… John 2:13-22 - Cleansing of the Temple. Early in John’s gospel. Then resurrection prediction. Destroy this temple and in three days I will rebuild it.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) Lent 2B – February 28, 2021   Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 – Abraham’s covenant (age 99).  
 Psalm 22:23-31 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Romans 4:13-25 - Abraham wasn’t saved by the law. His trusting God’s promises is reckoned to him as righteousness.
   Mark 8:31-38 – Peter’s confession and rebuke. Crucifixion prediction. Take up your cross and follow me.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) Lent 1B - February 21, 2021 Genesis 9:8-17 – Noahic covenant (age 600). Never again will I flood the whole earth. The bow in the clouds is a sign of the promise.
  Psalm 25:1-10 – Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions.
 1 Peter 3:18-22 – You are blessed if you suffer for what is right. Always be prepared to give account for the hope that is within you. Appeal to a good conscience. v. 19 is the “descended to the dead/hell” proof text. Baptism, like Noah, saves. Mark 1:9-15 – Baptism of Jesus, Temptation, arrest of John. Then “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD - February 14, 2021 2 Kings 2:1-12 – Elisha asks Elijah for a double measure of his spirit. Elijah is taken up into heaven by a chariot of fire. Psalm 50:1-6 – The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 – If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. Mark 9:2-9 – Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain after six days. ELW 315. OR EPIPHANY 6B – February 14, 2021 2 Kings 5:1-14 – Namaan healed. Psalm 30 – For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – In a race all runners compete, but only one wins the prize. Run to win. Mark 1:40-45 – Jesus has compassion on a leper and heals him, telling him not to tell anyone.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) EPIPHANY 5B – February 7, 2021 Isaiah 40:21-31 – Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. On Eagle’s Wings, ELW 787. Arise Your Light Has Come, ELW 314. Psalm 147:1-11, 20c – Adonai builds up Jerusalem, gathers the outcasts of Israel, heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 – Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. Though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all. Mark 1:29-39 – He went away to a deserted/lonely/desert place. Augustine: “Our souls are restless until they rest in thee.” Beneath the Cross of Jesus, ELW 338. The Lord’s My Shepherd, ELW 778.

Read more at BishopMike.com (spanish)   EPIPHANY 4B – January 31, 2021   Deuteronomy 18:15-20 – The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet.   Psalm 111 – I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.   1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Concerning food sacrificed to idols: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. No idol really exists. So we are no worse off if we do not eat food sacrificed to idols, and no better off if we do. But take care that your liberty does not become a stumbling block to others.   Mark 1:21-28 – Jesus rebukes the unclean spirits, and they obey him on the Sabbath in the synagogue, and the people are amazed.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) EPIPHANY 3B – January 24, 2021 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 – After the incident with the big fish, God told Jonah again to go and call Ninevah to repentance. He did. They believed him. The king called a fast and told the people to turn from evil and violent ways. God changed his mind about destroying Nineveh. Psalm 62:5-12 – For God alone my soul waits in silence… Steadfast love belongs to the Lord, who repays all according to their work. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 – The appointed time has grown short. Don’t get married, grieve, rejoice, shop or deal with the world. For the present form of this world is passing away. Mark 1:14-20 – Jesus preaches in Galilee and calls disciples: The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the Good news. Jesus calls Simon and Andrew to fish for people. Jesus calls James and John.

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) Epiphany 2B –January 17, 2021 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) – The Lord calls to Samuel, who thinks it is Eli. “Speak your servant is listening.” Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 – Lord you have searched me, and know me… Where can I go to flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. You knit me in my inner parts… 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial. Your bodies are members of Christ… You were bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body. John 1:43-51 – Jesus finds Philip and says to him, “Follow me.” Philip goes and tells Nathaniel. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” “Come and see.”

Read more on BishopMike.com (español) THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD – January 10, 2021 Genesis 1:1-5 – In the beginning God created, by the Word and the Spirit hovered… Psalm 29 – Ascribe to the Lord O heavenly beings… glory and strength. The voice of the Lord is over the waters. Acts 19:1-7 – Paul encounters disciples in Ephesus who were baptized with John’s baptism. They are baptized again in the name of Jesus. Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:4-11 – John appears in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance, and pointing to Jesus. Jesus is baptized, and a voice comes from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Read more on BishopMike.com Epiphany Sunday – January 3, 2021 Epiphany - January 6, 2021    Isaiah 60:1-6 – Arise! Shine! Your light has come… Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn… they shall bring gold and frankincense and bring the praise of the Lord.
   Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 - Give the king your justice, and righteousness to a king’s son. May all kings fall down before him, and nations give him service.
   Ephesians 3:1-12 – The mystery made known by revelation: That the Gentiles have now become fellow heirs.
   Matthew 2:1-12 – The magi consult with Herod, then visit the child Jesus with his mother Mary. They offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, returning to their country by another road.

Read more on BishopMike.com CHRISTMAS 1B – December 27, 2020 Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3 – I will rejoice in the Lord. My whole being shall exult in my God… The nations shall see your vindication and the kings your glory. Psalm 148 – Praise the Lord, heavens, heights, angels, moon, earth, sea monsters, deep, fruit trees, cedars… Galatians 4:4-7 – When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, under the law, so we might receive adoption. Luke 2:22-40 – Jesus’ presentation in the Temple. Simeon’s Song. A light to reveal you to the Gentiles. And the child grew in stature and wisdom.

Read more on BishopMike.com Advent 4B – December 20, 2020 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 – David’s house is built, and now he wants to move God from the tent (wilderness tabernacle) to a house (temple). Luke 1:47-55 – The Magnificat. Mary’s song. My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… (ELW pp. 314-315, hymns 236, 251, 573, 723, 882, 723) OR Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 – I will establish David’s line forever. Romans 16:25-27 – God will give you strength through the gospel… to bring about the obedience of faith. Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation: Gabriel appears to Mary, betrothed to Joseph of the House of David. “Hail Mary! Be not afraid… You will bear a son and name him Jesus. Nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responds, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

Read more on BishopMike.com Advent 3B - December 13, 2020 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – The spirit of the Lord God is upon me… he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn… to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. Psalm 126 – When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter… The Lord has done great things for us… Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. ORLuke 1:46-55 – The Magnificat. Mary’s song. My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… (ELW pp. 314-315, hymns 236, 251, 573, 723, 882, 723) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 – Respect those who work among you in the Gospel. Be at peace with one another. Admonish the idol. Encourage the fainthearted. Help the weak. Do not repay evil for evil. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. John 1:6-8, 19-28 – John: there was a man, sent from God. He was not the light, but he came to bear witness to the light. I am the voice in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.

Read more on BishopMike.com Advent 2B – December 6, 2020 Isaiah 40:1-11 – Comfort, comfort ye my people… A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted. Thou who tellest good tidings to Zion… He shall feed his flock…
  Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
- Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. 2 Peter 3:8-15a
- With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, The day of the Lord will come like a thief… The elements will be dissolved like fire… Therefore wait in peace with patience. Mark 1:1-8 – Isaiah: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord! John appeared in the wilderness. Many were baptized by him, confessing their sins.

Read more on BishopMike.com November 29, 2020 is Advent 1B Isaiah 64:1-9 – O that you would tear open the heavens and come down… Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 – Stir up your power O Lord and come to save us. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 – God will strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 13:24-37 – But about that day… no one knows, neither the angels… nor the Son…

Read more on BishopMike.com November 22, 2020 is Christ the King/Reign of Christ A Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 – I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between fat sheep and lean sheep. I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. Psalm 100 – Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ORPsalm 95:1-7a – O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Ephesians 1:15-23 – God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, … And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the Sheep and the Goats Prayer of the DayO God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Gospel AcclamationAlleluia. Blessed is the one who comes in the name | of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our an- | cestor David. Alleluia. (Mark 11:9) Color: White or Green

Listen to more on BishopMike.com November 15, 2020 is Pentecost 24A/Proper 28A/Ordinary 34A Judges 4:1-7 – Read the whole chapter to get the context. Israel did evil, so God turned them over to Canaan who had 900 chariots with iron-rimmed wheels. They cried out to the Lord. Deborah the prophetess, who sat under her date palm tree settling disputes, summoned Barak, telling him to gather 10,000 troops, for God would deliver General Sisera and his chariots over to them. ORZephaniah 1:7, 12-18  – Silent before the Lord, for the day of judgment is almost here. I will punish those entrenched in sin. It won’t be pretty. Neither silver nor gold will deliver them from the Lord’s angry judgment. Their blood will be poured out like dirt. Psalm 123 – Four verses: my eyes look up to you enthroned in heaven, like a servant to a master. Show us favor. We have had our fill of humiliation. ORPsalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 – Lord you have been our protector through all generations. You make us return to the dust. To you a thousand years is as a day. (The days of our lives are 70, maybe 80. They pass quickly, then we fly away.) Teach us to number our days, consider our mortality that we might live wisely. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – No need to instruct you about the times. You know the Lord will come like a thief in the night. So stay awake, and sober as children of light. Put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope for salvation. Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of The Talents. Three slaves steward 1, 2, and 5 talents. When the master returns to settle accounts, two have earned 100%. The one who buried his talent is scorned. Prayer of the Day Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. Abide in me as I a- | bide in you; those who abide in me | bear much fruit. Alleluia. (John 15:4, 5)

Read more on BishopMike.com November 8, 2020 is Pentecost 23A/Proper 27A/Ordinary 33A Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 - Joshua assembles the tribes at Shechem, telling them to put away the gods they worshipped beyond the Euphrates, in Iraq/Mesopotamia, where Abraham came from. Choose this day whom you shall serve... As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. The people agree. (So Joshua sets it up as a law and erects a standing stone.) OR Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 - Wisdom is radiant and unfading... One who rises early to find her will have no difficulty. OR Amos 5:18-24- Woe to those who wish for the day of the Lord. It will be dark and disastrous. I despise your festivals, religious assemblies, burnt and grain offerings, and songs. Take away your songs and instead let just roll down like mighty waters and righteousness like a forever-flowing stream. ELW 717, 710 Psalm 78:1-7 - God set up a law in Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make his deeds known to their descendants, so that the next generation, children yet to be born, might know about them. They will grow up and tell their descendants about them. OR Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20 - The beginning of wisdom is a sincere desire for instruction. The desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom. ORPsalm 70 - Five verses: I am oppressed and needy. God, hasten, hurry up, and help me! Make those who say, "Aha! Aha!" be put to shame. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - We don't want you be uninformed about those who are asleep, or to grieve as those without hope. When the Lord returns, the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will meet the Lord up in the clouds, in the air. Matthew 25:1-13 – The parable of The Virgins. The kingdom of God is like ten virgins, five foolish, five wise, waiting for their bridegroom, with their lamps. The wise brought extra oil. The foolish have to go buy oil and don't make it back in time for the wedding banquet. ELW 677 Prayer of the Day O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. Keep awake | and be ready, for you do not know on what day your | Lord is coming. Alleluia. (Matt. 24:42, 44)

Read More on BishopMike.com November 1, 2020 is All Saints A ALL SAINTS RITE Revelation 7:9-17 – John’s apocalyptic vision of white-robed martyrs standing before the throne and the Lamb, along with the angels, the elders and the four creatures. They hunger no more, nor thirst (Isaiah 49:10). The sun does not strike them nor heat (Psalm 121:6). God wipes away every tear (Isaiah 25:8). ELW 422, 423, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 – I will bless the Lord at all times… I sought the Lord and he answered me… Taste and see that the Lord is good. ELW 493 1 John 3:1-3 – See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God… Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. ELW 728 We also had the Beatitudes Epiphany 4A. The Beatitudes “placemat” can be found here: 01-24-11 Beatitudes Study Placemat

Read more on BishopMike.com October 25, 2020 – REFORMATION SUNDAY Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah: law on their hearts. Psalm 46 – The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:4) Romans 3:19-28 – No one will be justified by the law. Now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed. John 8:31-36 – You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

Read more on BishopMike.com October 18, 2020 is Pentecost 20A, Proper 24A/Ordinary 30A  Exodus 33:12-23 - Moses asks to see God’s glory. God says, “You cannot see my face,” but allows Moses to see his backside. ORIsaiah 45:1-7 - God promises Cyrus, his anointed (messiah) that he will use him to subdue the nations and strip kings of their robes, even though Cyrus does not know God. Psalm 99 - The Lord is king. He sits enthroned upon the cherubim. Moses, Aaron and Samuel are his priests. ORPsalm 96:1-9, (10-13) - Sing to the Lord a new song. The gods of the peoples are but idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - The Thessalonians turned from their idols to worship the living God, and to wait for his Son, Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. Matthew 22:15-22 – The question about paying taxes. Prayer of the Day Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. Shine like stars | in the world; holding fast to the | word of life. Alleluia. (Phil. 2:15, 16)

Read more on BishopMike.com October 11, 2020 is Pentecost 19A/Proper 23A/Ordinary 26A  Exodus 32:1-14 – The Hebrew people create a golden calf to worship while Moses is receiving the law and commandments from God on Mt. Sinai. Moses convinces God not to destroy them in response to their disobedience. OR Isaiah 25:1-9 – On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast…and he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples…he will swallow up death forever. This is the Lord for whom we have waited. Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 – Both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God, their Savior. OR Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Philippians 4:1-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Matthew 22:1-14 – The Parable of the Wedding Banquet Prayer of the DayLord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel AcclamationAlleluia. This is the LORD for whom | we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in | God’s salvation. Alleluia. (Isa. 25:9)

Read more on BishopMike.com October 4, 2020 is Pentecost 18A/Proper 22A/Ordinary 28A Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 – The Ten Commandments ORIsaiah 5:1-7 – My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. Psalm 19 – The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul… Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. OR Psalm 80:7-15 – Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. Philippians 3:4b-14 – Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. Matthew 21:33-46 – The parable of the Wicked Tenants Prayer of the DayBeloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel AcclamationAlleluia. Jesus says, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit | that will last. Alleluia. (John 15:16)

Read more on BishopMike.com September 27, 2020 is Pentecost 17A/Proper 21A/Ordinary 27A  Exodus 17:1-7 – The people quarrel with Moses: Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” Moses strikes the rock for water. OR Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 – You will no longer say, “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Cast away all your transgressions, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Turn, then, and live. Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 – God divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all night long with a fiery light. He split rocks open in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. He made streams come out of the rock, and caused waters to flow down like rivers. ORPsalm 25:1-9 – Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Philippians 2:1-13 – Paul’s Christ Hymn: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave. Matthew 21:23-32 – Jesus’ authority questioned and the Parable of the Two Sons (not Prodigal Son, but the one who says he’ll work but doesn’t, and one who says he won’t, but does)

Read more on BishopMike.com September 20, 2020 is Pentecost 16A/Proper 20A/Ordinary 26A Exodus 16:2-15 – The Israelites complain against Moses. They receive manna and quail. OR Jonah 3:10 – 4:11 – Nineveh repents and YHWH changes his mind. Jonah gets angry. Psalm 105:106, 37-45 – A song celebrating delivery from Egypt and quails in the wilderness. OR Psalm 145:1-8 – God’s providence. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing. Philippians 1:21-30 – For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Matthew 20:1-16 – Grace: Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. Prayer of the Day Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual loving kindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. Open our | hearts, O Lord, to give heed to what is said | by your Son, Alleluia.

Read more on BishopMike.com September 13, 2020 is Pentecost 15A/Proper 19A/Ordinary 25A Exodus 14:19-31 – CROSSING OVER: The Israelites are delivered from the Egyptians, through the Red Sea. ORGenesis 50:15-21 – Joseph forgives his brothers. “Even though you intended it for evil, God intended it for good…” Psalm 114 – When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion. ORExodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 – Moses’ song of victory: “I will sing unto The Lord for he has triumphed gloriously, the horse and rider thrown into the sea…” ORPsalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 – The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. Romans 14:1-12 – Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions… Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another?… Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Matthew 18:21-35 – Peter: How many times must I forgive? The Parable of the Unforgiving Slave. Prayer of the Day O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. We have an advocate, Jesus | Christ the righteous; your sins are forgiven on account | of his name. Alleluia. (1 John 2:1, 12)

Read more on BishopMike.com August 30, 2020 is Pentecost 13A/Proper 17A/Ordinary 23A Exodus 3:1-15 - CALLED: Moses and the burning bush. OR Jeremiah 15:15-21 - Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c - Israel came to Egypt, but they came to hate them. God’s servant Moses was sent… OR Psalm 26:1-8 - I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. Romans 12:9-21 - Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Matthew 16:21-28 - “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

Read more on BishopMike.com September 6, 2020 is Pentecost 14A/Proper 18A/Ordinary 24A Exodus 12:1-14 -SET FREE: The commandment to observe Passover. OREzekiel 33:7-11 - So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live. Psalm 149 - Sing to The Lord a new song… Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. OR Psalm 119:33-40 - Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. Romans 13:8-14 - Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The Ten Commandments… are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Matthew 18:15-20 - If another member of the church sins against you… How to manage conflict. Prayer of the Day O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia. In Christ God was reconciling the world | to himself, entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. Alleluia. (2 Cor. 5:19)

Read more on BishopMike.com August 23, 2020 is Pentecost 12A/Proper 16A/Ordinary 22A Exodus 1:8 - 2:10 - The Israelites increase in Egypt, so the Pharaoh oppresses them, murdering Hebrew boys. Moses is hidden in a basket and floated down Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter finds Moses. Moses’ mother ends up being his nursemaid. ORIsaiah 51:1-6 - I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Psalm 124 - If God had not been on our side, the raging waters would have overwhelmed us. Our deliverer is the creator of heaven and earth. OR Psalm 138 - All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. Romans 12:1-8 - Present your bodies as a living sacrifice. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Matthew 16:13-20 - Jesus: “Who do people say that I am?” Simon Peter: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”

Read more on BishopMike.com August 16, 2020 is Pentecost 11A/Proper 15A/Ordinary 21A Genesis 45:1-15 – Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after weeping bitterly. The brothers return to their father with gifts from Joseph. OR Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
- And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord… these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer… for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Psalm 133 – How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. OR Psalm 67
- The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
- For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
- What defiles a person… The faith of the Canaanite woman.

Read more on BishopMike.com August 9, 2020 is Pentecost 10A/Proper 14A/Ordinary 20A 1 Kings 19:9-18 – (complimentary series) …and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ OR Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (semi-continuous readings in Genesis until September) – 17-year-old Joseph is loved by his father the most, and hated by his brothers, who sell him into slavery.  Psalm 85:8-13 (complimentary series) – Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. OR Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (semi-continuous) – Give thanks to the Lord, offspring of Abraham, children of Jacob, who caused famine in Egypt, and sent ahead his servant Joseph, who saved them, and became a lord in Pharaoh’s house. Romans 10:5-15 The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Matthew 14:22-33Jesus walks on water. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught [Peter], saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Read more on BishopMike.com August 2, 2020 is Pentecost 9A/Proper 13A/Ordinary 19A Genesis 32:22-31 – Jacob wrestles with God/the angel, in our ongoing walk through Genesis. OR Isaiah 55:1-5 - Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Psalm 17:1-7, 15 – An interesting juxtaposition with Jacob’s dream in the Genesis reading: if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress… As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. ORPsalm 145:8-9, 14-21 (16) - The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. Romans 9:1-5 - They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Matthew 14:13-21 - Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Read more on BishopMike.com July 26, 2020 is Pentecost 8A/Proper 12A/Ordinary 18A 1 Kings 3:5-12 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David… Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people? OR Genesis 29:15-28 The semi-continuous (summary just before June 14) Old Testament readings continue our walk through in Genesis, culminating on September 13 with (spoiler alert) Joseph forgiving his brothers in Genesis 50. In this Sunday’s passage, the tables turn on Jacob, who works seven years to marry Rachel, but Laban sneaks in Leah instead, so Jacob has to work another seven years for Rachel. Psalm 119:129-136 Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes. OR Psalm 105:1-11, 45b Remember the covenant that God made with Abraham, the promise to Isaac, confirmed to Jacob, to Israel, an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.” Romans 8:26-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Read more on BishopMike.com July 19, 2020 is Pentecost 7A/Proper 11A/Ordinary 17A Genesis 28:10-19a OR Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 OR Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 OR Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Read more on BishopMike.com July 12, 2020 is Pentecost 6A/Proper 10A/Ordinary 16A Genesis 25:19-34 – Jacob and Esau, the twins are born, two nations contending. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob. OR Isaiah 55:10-13 – For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven… so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty… Psalm 119:105-112 – Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. OR Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13 – You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. Romans 8:1-11 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 – THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. Listen! A sower went out to sow… and some seed fell on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns and some on good soil.

Read more on BishopMike.com Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 OR Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 45:10-17 OR Song of Solomon 2:8-13 OR Psalm 145:8-14 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Read more on BishopMike.com Genesis 22:1-14 – God tests Abraham, by calling him to sacrifice his son Isaac. OR  Jeremiah 28:5-9 – Jeremiah’s response to the prophet Hananiah, who prophesied peace, and release of the captives from Babylon, and who took the yoke from Jeremiah’s neck and broke it as a sign of how God would break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar’s oppression. Later, God responds: Not for 70 years!” (29:10) Psalm 13 – For the Director of Music: How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? But I trust in your unfailing love… I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. OR Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 – I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever. Blessed are those who rejoice in your name all day long… for you are their glory and strength. Romans 6:12-23 – Do not be a slave to sin. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Matthew 10:40-42 – HOSPITALITY. Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me… And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.