Podcasts about gospel matthew

Gospel  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Reflection I often wonder how much Joseph and Mary knew who Jesus would be as he grew and proclaimed a new truth, a new awareness of God. I don't believe they did know the fullness of who He would be. And it reminds me so much that when we are dealing with him and asking him to guide our life, he's taking us step by step, not directly to the end and the purpose of our fullness of life, but rather each step is something that is one more step toward the fullness of who he wants us to be. Takes time, reflection, and wonder, and the imagination that somehow in each of our lives we have a goal to complete and we will never know fully the fullness of that until we're with God in heaven forever. Closing Prayer Father, you speak to us in so many ways through dreams, through other signs, through a person's experiences they share with us. Help us always to be eagerly listening to how you are revealing to us the role that we're asked to play in this world. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/19/26 Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 132, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Isaiah 63:7-16, Marlayna Maynard, First Canticle: 16, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25, Mtr. Lisa Meirow

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday. Day of Abstinence from Meat (age 14 and up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday. Day of Abstinence from Meat (age 14 and up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Eulogius of Cordoba; Ninth Century Martyred priest of Cordoba, Spain, slain by the Moors, after his arrest in 850; Eulogius was a noted scholar of Scripture he wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom for two young virgin martyrs, Flora and Mary, who were beheaded; released, Eulogius was named archbishop of Cordoba or Toledo; before being consecrated, he aided Leocritia, a young Moorish woman who had converted to Christianity; they were caught and beheaded in 859 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/11/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Friends of the Rosary,We continue praying our Holy Rosary from Austin, Texas.In today's main reading of the Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells a parable that illustrates God's compassion and mercy — misericordia, in Latin and Spanish, signifying the suffering of the heart.It is the characteristic of the infinite love of God, as He never forgets his offspring.The whole mystery of the divine mercy is beyond our human understanding. Nothing would exist were it not willed into being by God.And the greatest manifestation of divine mercy is the forgiveness of sins. As Bishop Barron says, “This is the greatest grace the Church can offer: reconciliation, the restoration of the divine friendship, the forgiveness of our sins.”Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 10, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Macarius of Jerusalem; Fourth Century bishop of Jerusalem who helped St. Helena to locate the True Cross; when Helena discovered three crosses in Jerusalem, Macarius suggested that a seriously ill woman be touched with each one; one cured the woman instantly, and was identified as the True Cross; Macanus built a church over Christ’s sepulcher which was consecrated as a basilica; Macarius died in 335 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/10/26 Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Friends of the Rosary,Today, we read in the Gospel (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46) that Jesus told the chief priests and the elders the striking parable of the landowner who planted a fertile vineyard.The vineyard stands for the people of Israel, the Church, and the world, but we are not the owners; we are just the tenants, entrusted with the responsibility of caring for it."The stone that the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone."The vineyard of this world is a place where we can find rest, enjoyment, and good work, but we are under God's judgment, as all is for Him.So, how are we using all the talents and gifts that God gave us?If we reject Him or refuse to listen to him, our tenancy will be in jeopardy. We cannot make the mistake of behaving like little Gods and think that we own the world."Therefore, I say to you,The Kingdom of God will be taken away from youand given to a people that will produce its fruit."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 6, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Friday of the Second Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Fridolin; Sixth Century Irishman, venerated as the "Apostle of the Upper Rhine"; he traveled to France and settled in Poitiers, rebuilding the monastery of St. Hilary which had been destroyed by Vandals; he then became a hermit on the Rhine, and built the abbey of Sackingen; he was known as "The Wanderer" because of his many evangelizing trips in the region; Fridolin died in 540 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/6/26 Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Episode Summary In Part 4 of That They May Have Life, we continue our morality series by moving through the Fourth Commandment's reach into civil society and then turning to the Fifth Commandment: “You shall not kill.” We begin with Jesus' teaching from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), where the Lord deepens the commandment beyond the external act of murder to the interior roots of anger, contempt, and vengeance. From there we explore why every human life is sacred, what the Church teaches about abortion, euthanasia, suicide, and scandal, and how Catholics are called to protect life with both truth and mercy. We also address legitimate defense, the responsibilities of civil authority, the Christian duty toward the common good, and the Church's role in making moral judgments when fundamental human rights or the salvation of souls is at stake. The session concludes by previewing the next series on the sacraments. Key Scripture Matthew 5:21–48 (anger, purity of heart, truthfulness, mercy, love of enemies) Luke 10:27 (love of God and neighbor) Matthew 22:37–40 (the greatest commandments) Mark 1:15 (repent and believe in the Gospel) Matthew 10:37 (loving Christ above family ties) Matthew 22:21 (render to Caesar…) Acts 5:29 (we must obey God rather than men) Topics Covered Recap: beatitude, repentance, law and grace, the Decalogue The Fourth Commandment and the “domestic church” Civil society, authority, and conscientious objection Witness of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter and A Hidden Life The Fifth Commandment: why human life is sacred Abortion: truth, mercy, and the Church's positive duty to support mothers and families Euthanasia vs. allowing natural death (ordinary vs. extraordinary means) Suicide: the objective evil of the act, diminished culpability, and Christian hope Scandal, gossip/slander, bodily integrity, organ donation, and peace Legitimate defense, punishment, just war principles, and the death penalty as a prudential judgment Practical Takeaways Ask: Where do anger, contempt, or vengeance take root in my heart? Protect life with both conviction and compassion—especially by helping people in crisis Pray for leaders and seek the common good without losing charity Remember: the Lord's call is not perfectionism, but conversion toward love Next Episode Next week we begin a new series on the sacraments, starting with Baptism and Confirmation.

Pastor Dan Bodin  ~  Second Midweek Service in Lent                                   Lenten Series: “The Book of Exodus: Let My People Go!” (3 of 10)   Old Testament:  Exodus 14:1-29 Epistle:  Philippians 4:11-13 Gospel:  Matthew 11:25-30 The post March 4, 2026 ~ “Stop Trying and Start Trusting” ~ Exodus 14:1-29 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent by Fr. Stephen Hamilton.Reading 1 Genesis 12:1-4aResponsorial Psalm Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22Reading 2 2 Timothy 1:8b-10Verse Before the Gospel Matthew 17:5Gospel Matthew 17:1-9

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Casimir, 1458-1484; son of the king of Poland; he practiced the Christian virtues with special regard to chastity and kindness to the poor and was zealous in the faith, particularly in his devotion to the holy eucharist and the Virgin Mary; he died of consumption Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/4/26 Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28

Gospel  Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Reflection It's interesting that in our culture, we tend to feel that we should give more honor to people who have positions of power. Or, we pay more attention to people who have some kind of public celebrity status. So interesting that we do that when we are told over and over again by our one teacher that we are all one. We are all equal. Yes, someone may have a position of responsibility that's greater than ours, but it doesn't mean that they're more valuable. So help us to recognize everyone as your child, as the one you have asked to be a servant to the people around them. That's the heart of this message of Jesus, to be servants to one another as equals, as brothers and sisters, united. Closing Prayer Father, the oneness that we have is something that slips through our fingers. We tend to be caught up in a cultural expectation of the importance and what makes people important. So bless us with an open heart to see the beauty and the dignity of everyone and to offer ourselves in service to all. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Katharine Drexel, 1858-1955; born in Pennsylvania to a family of means; after returning from a trip out west, she decided to leverage her wealth and resources to uplift the lives of Native Americans and African Americans; she is remembered for her devout prayer life, courage towards social justice and unending generosity Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/3/26 Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Second Sunday of Lent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/1/26 Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Saturday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: Pope St. Hilary; on the death of Pope Leo the Great, Hilary was elected pope; he worked to strengthen the Church in France and Spain; he rebuilt many Roman churches and erected the chapel of St. John Lateran; Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul; he died in Rome on February 28, 468 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/28/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Friday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Anne Line, 1563-1601; disowned by her father after she married a Catholic, Robert Line; Robert was arrested, exiled, and died in Flanders, Belgium; Anne remained in England, where she hid Catholic priests in a London safe house until her arrest; she was hanged in Tyburn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/27/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Welcome back to Valdocco! The second week of Lent is here! Join Br. Travis and Vicky as they share about the Transfiguration and enter into this weekends Gospel Matthew 17:1-9.  Praying for you! Thanks for being here with us! If you want more episodes likes this one, subscribe to join in on the fun! For more information about the Salesian Family please visit: https://salesians.org https://salesiansisters.org https://www.instagram.com/sym_bosco/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesiansofDonBosco https://www.facebook.com/salesianym https://www.salesianlaymissioners.org https://www.tiktok.com/@salesiansofdonbosco?lang=en

Thursday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Isabel of France, 1225-1270; sister of St. Louis and daughter of King Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castile; she refused offers of marriage to continue her life of virginity consecrated to God; she ministered to the sick and the poor, and after the death of her mother, founded the Franciscan Monastery of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary; she lived there in austerity, but never became a nun and refused to become abbess; she died there in 1270 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/26/26 Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources.  https://renew.org/ Join RENEW.org at an upcoming event: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ In this episode from the Renew Conference, Matthew Bates unpacks the true meaning of the gospel through Romans 1—challenging common assumptions and calling us back to the Bible's royal announcement: Jesus is King. Too often, the gospel is reduced to a formula about personal salvation or forgiveness of sins. But Paul presents something far bigger. According to Romans 1:1–5, the gospel is the long-promised good news that:  

Pastor Chris Waldvogel  ~  First Midweek Service in Lent                                             Lenten Series: “The Book of Exodus: Let My People Go!” (2 of 10)   Old Testament:  Exodus 3:1-14 Epistle:  Romans 12:1-2 Gospel:  Matthew 16:21-28 The post February 25, 2026 ~ “How God Changes Us” ~ Exodus 3:1-14 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

This Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 17:1–9) gives us the Transfiguration, one of the most mysterious and beautiful moments in the life of Christ. But this passage is not only about proving that Jesus is God. It reveals what humanity looks like when it is fully united to God.In this episode, we explore theosis, sanctification, the imago Dei, and what it means to be transformed “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Sunday Worship for February 22, 2026, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service— Pastor Dan Peterson; Cantor Kyle Haugen. Prelude —Chorale prelude on O MENSCH BEWEIN DEIN SUENDE GROSS; J. S. Bach (1685–1750) • Introit—Psalm 91:15, 16, 1 • Gathering Hymn— The Glory of These Forty Days, (ELW 320) • First Reading— Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 • Psalm 32 • Second Reading— Romans 5:12-19 • Gospel—Matthew 4:1-11 • Sermon—"On Sin" • Hymn of the Day—I Want Jesus to Walk with Me   (ELW 325) • Distribution Anthem—Processional Psalm for Lent;  David P. Dahl (b. 1937) • Sending Hymn —Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW 624) • Postlude—Toccata in D minor (“Dorian”); J. S. Bach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link here to view the bulletin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 55: 10-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: Matthew 6: 7-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Gospel  Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Reflection We remember the story of the Tower of Babel and how it was that when God saw people working together he said, I want to create different languages so that they can't understand each other. Calling that a babble. So what he's saying is that when you speak just words without intention, just to repeat them over and over again, there is no way that there's any kind of communication with God. No, the way we communicate with him is yes, saying certain words. But the intention of those words have to be in our hearts as we pray them. The way Jesus taught us to pray is to recognize who He is, to work for what He longs to establish. To know that it will happen. And most especially, to be nurtured with the power to do something that's so essential. A core teaching. Forgive. Forgive one another. And as you do that, your father is in that very action, forgiving you. Closing Prayer Father, make our hearts one with your heart, our eyes like your eyes. Help us to see what is needed to do what you call us to do so that we can establish the Kingdom of God and dwell in its healing presence. The presence of a God in us growing, developing into a kingdom of love and forgiveness. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (Matthew 6:7–15), Our Lord teaches us to pray.Moreover, He gives us the "Our Father" prayer, the model of all prayer.It's planted deep within us the desire to speak to God and listen to him. After all, we are wired for the Divinity.It's a waste of time to be seeking only worldly things—money, pleasure, power, honor. Sooner or later, we realize that they are unsatisfying.The Lord's Prayer properly reorders our priorities. We should pray so our consciousness is reoriented.By praying and being obedient to the heavenly Father, we intend to be free from the slavery of Satan and of sin.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Adela, 1067-1137; youngest daughter of William the Conqueror; in 1080 she married Stephen of Blois; throughout her life, Adela had an active role in English politics; she was famed for endowing churches and monastic institutions Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/24/26 Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 55: 10-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: Matthew 6: 7-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Monday of the First Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Polycarp, 69-155; a letter addressed to him by St. Ignatius tells him to care for the Church and his own surviving epistle shows he encouraged the Philippians on the path of righteousness; St. Iraneus praises his defense of orthodoxy and his energy in combating heresy; during a visit to Rome, St. Polycarp spoke to the bishop, Anicetus, who agreed to let the Eastern churches calculate the date of Easter in their own way; Polycarp was arrested and martyred during a pagan festival in Smyrna, when he refused to deny Christ Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/23/26 Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46

Deacon Dan Diesel proclaims the Gospel (Matthew 4:1-11) and breaks open the word on the first Sunday of Lent. Words for your Way from Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, California.

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11. Sermon by Rev Lori Walton. The post Sermon for February 22 2026 appeared first on St. James' Episcopal Church Fremont California.

First Sunday of Lent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/22/26 Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

First Sunday in Lent Old Testament: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 15The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16And the Lord God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." 1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" 4But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; 5for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Psalm: Psalm 32 1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *        and whose sin is put away! 2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, *        and in whose spirit there is no guile! 3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *        because of my groaning all day long. 4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *        my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *        and did not conceal my guilt. 6 I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." *        Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. 7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *        when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them. 8 You are my hiding-place;   you preserve me from trouble; *        you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 9 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *        I will guide you with my eye. 10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *        who must be fitted with bit and bridle,        or else they will not stay near you." 11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *        but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. 12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; *        shout for joy, all who are true of heart. Epistle: Romans 5:12-19 12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned—13sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. 15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.19For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" 7Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" 11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.  

First Sunday in Lent, February 22, 2026 Our Worship Series: Exactly What I Need. This week: A ChampionFirst Reading: Genesis 3:1-15Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19.Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11Sermon Text: Romans 5:12-19. A Champion for All the Defeated.Pastor Nate Kassulke

Here is the sermon for February 22,2026Pastor Lindemann's theme for the sermon is “Champion Part 1, 2, and 3”The Scripture readings for today are:First Lesson: Genesis 3:1-15Second Lesson: Romans 5:12-19 Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11Sermon Text: All ReadingsThank you for joining us in worship!You may donate by going to this link:https://www.fountoflife.com/giving

Friday after Ash Wednesday Saint of the Day: St. Wulfric, 1080-1154; born in England, became a priest, and was excessively materialistic and worldly; after meeting with a beggar, he became a hermit, and devoted himself to rigorous austerities' he was known for his miracles and prophecies; Wulfric was a very popular saint during the Middle Ages, and his tomb was visited by many pilgrims Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/20/26 Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Sunday Worship for February 15, 2026, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service— Pastor Dan Peterson; Cantor Kyle Haugen. Prelude —Two celebratory organ settings of IN DIR IST FREUDE (ELW 867):  Improvisation, Paul Manz (1919–2009); Fanfare, Brenda Portman (b. 1980) • Introit—Psalm 99:9, 2, 5 • Gathering Hymn— In Thee Is Gladness, (ELW 867) • First Reading— Exodus 24:12-18 • Psalm 99 • Second Reading— 2 Peter 1:16-21 • Gospel—Matthew 17:1-9 • Sermon—"Do Not Be Afraid" • Hymn of the Day—How Good, Lord, to Be Here   (ELW 315) • Distribution Hymn—Beautiful Savior (ELW 838) • Sending Hymn —Alleluia, Song of Gladness (ELW 318) • Postlude—Alleluyas,  Simon Preston (1938–2022)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link here to view the bulletin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Old Testament: Prophet Isaiah [25:6-9] On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations; and he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and the humiliation of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Psalm 139 O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, you are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely. You encircle me, behind and in front, and lay your gentle hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; A height of beauty I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there;  if I lie down in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall guide me, your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, "Let the darkness cover me, and the night wrap itself around me," even darkness to you is not dark, my Lord,  and the night is as bright as the day. You created me in my inmost self; you knit me together in my mother's womb. For so many marvels I thank you; A wonder am I, and all your works are wonders.   You knew me through and through, My being held no secrets from you, when I was being formed in secret, textured in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my embryo. In your Book were written all the days of my life, when none of them as yet existed. How awesome to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I try to count them—they are more than the sand;  If I come to the end—I am still with you. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See that I am not on my way to ruin and guide me in the way of eternity. Epistle: The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians [15:12-28] If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, then we of all people are to be most pitied. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. …for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. And Christ will reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all. The Gospel: Matthew [23:31-45] When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Thursday After Ash Wednesday by Ms. Joan Watson. Thursday After Ash Wednesday First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Luke 9: 22-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Thursday After Ash Wednesday by Ms. Joan Watson. Thursday After Ash Wednesday First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Luke 9: 22-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 It Is Finished: Lenten Service this year explores the prophecies of Zecvhariah.First Reading: Isaiah 59:12-20.Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:8-13.Gospel: Matthew :1-6, 16-21Sermon Text: Zechariah 1:1-6, Return to Me.Pastor Nate Kassulke

The first week of Lent is here! Join Br. Travis, Fr. John, and Vicky as they enter into Lent reading this weekends Gospel Matthew 4: 1-11.  Praying for you! Thanks for being here with us!   If you want more episodes likes this one, subscribe to join in on the fun! For more information about the Salesian Family please visit: https://salesians.org https://salesiansisters.org https://www.instagram.com/sym_bosco/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesiansofDonBosco https://www.facebook.com/salesianym https://www.salesianlaymissioners.org https://www.tiktok.com/@salesiansofdonbosco?lang=en

Ash Wednesday - The Beginning of Lent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/18/26 Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Ash Wednesday Old Testament: Joel 2:1-2,12-17  1Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near— 2a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come. 12Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. 14Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord, your God? 15Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; 16gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. 17Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" Psalm: Psalm 103 or 103:8-14 [1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *        and all that is within me, bless his holy Name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *        and forget not all his benefits. 3 He forgives all your sins *        and heals all your infirmities; 4 He redeems your life from the grave *        and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness; 5 He satisfies you with good things, *        and your youth is renewed like an eagle's. 6 The Lord executes righteousness *        and judgment for all who are oppressed. 7 He made his ways known to Moses *        and his works to the children of Israel.] 8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *        slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 He will not always accuse us, *        nor will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *        nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *        so is his mercy great upon those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, *        so far has he removed our sins from us. 13 As a father cares for his children, *        so does the Lord care for those who fear him. 14 For he himself knows whereof we are made; *        he remembers that we are but dust. [15 Our days are like the grass; *        we flourish like a flower of the field; 16 When the wind goes over it, it is gone, *        and its place shall know it no more. 17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever                                on those who fear him, *        and his righteousness on children's children; 18 On those who keep his covenant *        and remember his commandments and do them. 19 The Lord has set his throne in heaven, *        and his kingship has dominion over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his,     you mighty ones who do his bidding, *        and hearken to the voice of his word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, *        you ministers of his who do his will. 22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his,     in all places of his dominion; *        bless the Lord, O my soul.] Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 20We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 1As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says, "At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you." See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,4but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 1"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 16"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Father Thomas Naval proclaims the Gospel (Matthew 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37) and breaks open the word. Words for your Way from Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, California.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/15/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO SERMON HANDOUT   Last Sunday after the Epiphany Old Testament: Exodus 24:12-18 12The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." 13So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. 14To the elders he had said, "Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them." 15Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. 17Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. Psalm: Psalm 2 or 99 1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *        Why do the peoples mutter empty threats? 2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,   and the princes plot together, *        against the Lord and against his Anointed? 3 "Let us break their yoke," they say; *       "let us cast off their bonds from us." 4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *        the Lord has them in derision. 5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *        and his rage fills them with terror. 6 "I myself have set my king *        upon my holy hill of Zion." 7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *        he said to me, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for                             your inheritance *        and the ends of the earth for your possession. 9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *        and shatter them like a piece of pottery." 10 And now, you kings, be wise; *        be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Submit to the Lord with fear, *        and with trembling bow before him; 12 Lest he be angry and you perish; *        for his wrath is quickly kindled. 13 Happy are they all *        who take refuge in him! or 1 The Lord is King;   let the people tremble; *        he is enthroned upon the cherubim;        let the earth shake. 2 The Lord is great in Zion; *        he is high above all peoples. 3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *        he is the Holy One. 4 "O mighty King, lover of justice,    you have established equity; *        you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." 5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God   and fall down before his footstool; *        he is the Holy One. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,   and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *        they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. 7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *        they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them. 8 "O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *        you were a God who forgave them,        yet punished them for their evil deeds." 9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God   and worship him upon his holy hill; *        for the Lord our God is the Holy One. Epistle: 2 Peter 1:16-21 16For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

On Transfiguration Sunday, just before Lent begins, we climb the mountain with Peter, James, and John and watch Jesus reveal who he truly is. Our conversation with Lars Olson leans heavily into Luther's Law and Gospel distinction: God's holy voice exposes our sin and leaves us in fear, while Jesus delivers mercy through his speaking. As Moses and Elijah fade and only Christ remains, we hear that salvation doesn't come from building booths or getting it right, but from listening to the Son who goes down the mountain to the cross for us. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionCOURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9 1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead"Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate