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June 1, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 9:1-17; John 9:24-41“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It can be easy to read Isaiah chapter six and gloss over just how intense the vision of Isaiah would have been. As the Lord called Isaiah to speak His Word, there is a lot going on. There are the Seraphim with their wings and their flying. There is the shaking of the thresholds at the voice of the One calling. There is the angel with the smoke and the coals. But what might have been the most intense was the realization of those words, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” We don't think of holiness all that much in our day and place. For us, God is sort of a spiritual therapist. He's there for when we might need something. He's sort of in the background, just sort of letting the movie play out as it does. In short, He's a buddy who's there when we need Him, but otherwise He just sort of lets us be. I don't think that's how Isaiah felt standing in the presence of the angels and the company of heaven. I don't think that was the thought floating in his head when the angel brought the coal. In fact, I know it wasn't. How? Because of Isaiah's own words: “And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'” Isaiah wasn't excited to see his buddy. He was nervous. Why? Because he knew of his sin. He knew of the sin of his people. He knew that this Lord of hosts, this Yahweh Sabaoth, was holy. He was not sin. He was perfection. He was the perfection that no imperfection can stand before. And so Isaiah was scared. He needed atonement. But that's what the angel brought to Isaiah. He brought it from the altar of the Lord Himself. This thrice holy God is good and perfect. But He is loving. This Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, He is holy and hates sin. But He is loving and desires people to have the cleansing from sin that they would become the objects of His love. You, Christian, are the object of His love. He has sent Jesus to the cross to bear your unholiness. He has sent His Spirit into your heart through the Word, through the promise of Baptism, that you would know that you are His beloved. He has taken your unholiness and poured out His wrath against it on the cross, that He could give you His holiness that you could stand before Him in His heavenly temple forever. Thanks be to God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna. Save us. Bless us with your holiness, that we would ever remain your beloved and holy children. AmenRev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.
May 4, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 21:1-24; Luke 12:1-12“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. The people of Judah were in a precarious position. They had watched the Northern Kingdom be completely destroyed by the Assyrian army. Families were separated. The places of worship had been desecrated with idols of false gods. The identity of the Northern Kingdom was gone. King Ahaz refused to listen to God through the prophet Isaiah. King Ahaz had his own plans to protect his people. Ahaz looked to the formidable army of Egypt for protection against Assyria. The very nation that God had freed His people from enslavement, Ahaz cut a deal with and went back to their historic slavemaster. In the previous chapters, Isaiah reminds his hearers of God's attitude towards arrogance and pride. God hates the prideful nature of man. He despises the arrogance of His people and the arrogance of the pagan nations around His people. In their idolatry, they have committed adultery against God. They have had affairs with other gods and lusted after their own hearts' desires. In the worst of times, they still pursued their own hearts and their false gods.In our sin, we fall into the trap of arrogance and pride. We see our accomplishments and what we are capable of achieving. Our electronic advancements and technological advancements give us every answer in the palm of our hands. We can find endless entertainment, both good and bad, with a few swipes of the finger. It can seem as if nothing is out of our reach. Isaiah's words in chapter 12 speak to the remnant that was left behind. The few that remained faithful to God. The epitome of that remnant is found in Jesus Christ. Christ is Israel reduced to one. The final sacrifice, the final King, the final prophet. Christ fulfills all aspects of God's holy law. In faith, you hold fast to the promise that Christ has completed the work for your salvation. Sin, satan, and the world will work tirelessly to turn you away from the work of Christ and point you to your work. In faith, you are held fast to Christ's work and His salvation for you. He has become your salvation. He has completed the work for you. He has paid the price for your sins. He has conquered death for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though Satan's wrath Beset our path And worldly scorn assail us, While You are near, We shall not fear; Your strength will never fail us, Your rod and staff will keep us safe And guide our steps forever; Nor shades of death Nor hell beneath Our lives from You will sever. (LSB 714:2)
April 27, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 9:1-24; Luke 9:18-36“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Nike tells you to “Just do it!” Your football coach says, “Winners never quit.” Motivational slogans can be helpful on the court, field, or soccer pitch. What works on the field, however, doesn't always make the cut when it comes to the Christian faith. Life as a baptized saint doesn't always look like it does for the heroes of an inspirational movie, and it's rarely as smooth as a clever slogan on a motivational poster. There are moments, days, weeks, months, and even years where you're worn out, weak, and weary: Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Times when you ache and groan from the hurts and pains of your own trespasses and from those who have trespassed against you. Times when you're weary of scrolling through so much evil in the world that it's overwhelming. Times when you grow faint, and it feels as if your faith is wavering, flickering like a birthday candle in a tornado. Isaiah knew days like this. Yahweh called him to preach God's warning and promise to His wayward people, Israel. But did they listen? Not nearly as often as they ignored God and His prophets. All those years of teaching, preaching, and proclaiming Yahweh's warning and promises. No doubt there were plenty of days when Isaiah felt weary, faint, and sapped of strength in body, mind, and spirit. But Isaiah had something, and you have something that those motivational posters and inspirational movies don't have: Yahweh's promise. “He does not grow faint or weary,” declares Isaiah. “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” Isaiah knew that faith and trust in Yahweh wasn't for winners, but for sinners, like Isaiah, Israel, and you and me. To be sure, there will be days in this life that will still leave you feeling weary and faint. But take comfort in this, that when you are weak, weary, and faint, you're in good company. You're not alone.Isaiah proclaimed the Good News that Yahweh delivers us, not by our might, but by his mercy. Not by our power but his promise. Not by our strength, but in the Savior Isaiah foretold. A Savior, who came not in an awesome display of power or athletic prowess, but in weakness, humility, and sacrifice. His name is Jesus. Immanuel. God with us, even in moments of weariness. His steadfast love for you never fails. Never quits. Never ends.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Creator of the stars of night, Thy people's everlasting Light: O Christ, Redeemer, save us all And hear Thy servants when they call. (LSB 351:1)
The Lamb is Alive! Isaiah 53:7-10 Preacher: Paul Shoemark Date: 05⧸04⧸2026 Series: Easter 2026 Reading: Isaiah 53:7-10, Matthew 28:1-10 What does Easter actually mean — beyond the eggs and the long weekend? Isaiah 53 painted a picture of a suffering servant 700 years before Jesus, and it points to something bigger than death. This Easter message explores what it means that the grave wasn't the end, and what Jesus' resurrection offers us now.
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, April 3rd - 1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 - 2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 - Gospel Reading: John 18:1—19:42 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, March 31st-1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, March 30th-1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 - Gospel Reading: John 12:1-11 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, March 29th-1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 - 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Palm Sunday Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen. Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a and Philippians 2:5-11. Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11.
AbbeyoftheArts.com Abbey of the Arts Wisdom Council member Claudia Love Mair reads Isaiah and invites you into 5 minutes of contemplative silence to hold a loving intention for peace, justice, and compassion to flourish in the world. Credits: All texts under fair use or with permission. Isaiah 43:10. Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson (biblehub.com/nkjv/isaiah/43.htm). All rights reserved. AbbeyoftheArts.com
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, March 16th -1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21 - Gospel Reading: John 4:43-54 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Twenty Eight
A @Christadelphians Video: *[Watchman Report: A High Road to Iran]*In this thought-provoking Watchman Report, we undertake an insightful expositional journey into a remarkable end-times prophecy. We examine Isaiah chapter 19, a passage that reveals a future of unexpected peace and divine blessing in the Middle East after the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.This outstanding prophecy foretells a "highway" linking Egypt, Israel, and Assyria—a corridor of worship and unity. We explore the historical context of these ancient empires and present a compelling case for their modern identities, with a specific focus on how ancient Assyria corresponds with the nation of Iran today. This presentation offers a powerful, Scripture-based perspective on the "new beginning" that awaits the world under the reign of Christ.Join us for this revealing and insightful biblical analysis of current events.*Video Chapters / Timestamps*00:00 - Introduction: A Biblical Perspective on Current News01:15 - The "New Beginning" Prophecies02:57 - Reading Isaiah 19:22-2503:44 - The Historical Fulfillment Question04:39 - God's Complex Relationship with Egypt and Assyria06:55 - Assyria's Role and Modern Identity08:05 - The Latter-Day Fulfillment: A Highway to Iran09:54 - The Prophetic Context of Christ's Kingdom10:43 - The Personal Application: Our Relationship with God12:02 - The Essential Step of Belief and Baptism13:34 - Conclusion and Encouragement*
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Pr. Wolfmueller on Closed Communion On the Demons Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller’s YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological AcademyThe post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 2/23/26 (0542) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Homily from the Mass offered Saturday, February 21st -1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14 - Gospel Reading: Luke 5:27-32 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, February 20th -1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a - Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, February 8th -1st Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
February 9, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13Daily Lectionary: Job 6:1-13; John 3:1-21“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth… so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Wouldn't it be great to have a purpose in life? This is the question we spend the majority of our lives contemplating and attempting to figure out. We want nothing more than to have a purpose and to then fulfill that purpose. What is crazy is that you are forced to decide in high school what you think your purpose is. You are constantly asked what you want to be when you grow up. Adults ask it as if they expect you to know your future perfectly. But how difficult that question is to answer! Even when we are well into the career path we have chosen, the question continues to arise: Is this it? Am I doing what I am meant to do? Am I making the difference I set out to make? I can't lie; I ask myself this question all the time. We have a beautiful verse about purpose today. It's not your purpose; it is about the purpose of the Word of God. St. John says it best. Concerning the words of his Gospel, he says, “These things are written that you may believe and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)The purpose of the Word is to bring us to forgiveness, life, and salvation. It does this through the doctrines of Law and Gospel. The Law, which is spread throughout the Scriptures, is most often thought of as that which was given through the words of the Lord God, which He spoke to Moses. When confronted with the Law, every part of it, we realize that we have miserably failed at every chance of keeping it. We realize that we deserve nothing but death and punishment because of our actions and inaction. Then, when we are beaten down, the Gospel enters in! The great news is that our Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, who bore the weight of our sins upon the cross of Calvary, died and rose again, FOR YOU! The great news is that, though we sin daily and deserve punishment, Jesus has taken that punishment for you and gives you his perfection. What a relief knowing that we are saved solely by the work of Jesus! While we may change our minds about our purpose and plans, the Word of God will always remain to bring liberty to the captives and freedom to those oppressed. It is to deliver to you Christ and Him crucified. Thanks be to God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer for grace to receive the Word (148))Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MNAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, January 25th-1st Reading: Isaiah 8:23—9:3 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, January 18th -1st Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, January11th -1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 - 2nd Reading: Acts 10:34-38 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Feast of the Epiphany (trans.) – January 4, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The actual feast is on January 6th, and today would be the Second Sunday after Christmas. Still, this year, the story of the magi's visitation to Jesus would have been a part of the text choices for today, so all good. Now, this feast, which occurs on Tuesday, ends our Christmastide – our twelve days of Christmas. So, as I said in previous years, don't let anyone give you a hard time about still having the tree up. Besides, they can be thankful you don't celebrate Christmas until Candlemas on Feb. 2,nd as some do! Every year we tell the story of the Magi who travel from the East to bring gifts to the Christ child, and as it is good to repeat each time the origin of this story of the three wise guys. Matthew, the only gospel account of the magi, never tells us how many there were, or even if they were all men. But since Matthew mentions three gifts, later Christian tradition came to identify three of them. And in the late sixth century Armenian Infancy Gospel, the Magi are even given the names-Melkon or Melchior, Balthasar, and Gaspar. But just as we don't really know the names of the people who wrote the gospels, we also don't know the names of these folks, so call them whatever you want – Larry, Mo, and Curly –really up to you. This story is one that is celebrated not only because of gifts, but as a symbol that the child born to us at Christmas was for all the people of the world, because the sages came from lands so very far away. Whatever you name them, we know you can't call them “on time.” As we hear today, Jesus was not a baby anymore, but a child, and living in a house. Apparently, Waze or Google Maps was not available to these Eastern travelers. Well, even if they were late, and brought really weird gifts to a young child, each year we like to tell the story of their visit… Loud Knock Heard From The Back Ceremonial Music Plays As King Approaches King 1 presents Mother Diana with gift. Mother Diana opens the box, inside is a snow gauge. Mother Diana reads the scroll aloud – “We saw a star and were guided by its light to the Christ child. As we moved along, we needed to always check that we were still on the right path. The truth is – While being too restricted is not good for anyone, taking an occasional measurement on your life journey does allow you to be sure you are still on the right path. His life should be the measure you use.” Mother Diana rolls up the scroll and says, Thank you great sage! While I love a beautiful snowfall, let's hope I don't need to use this too often. Now, as I was saying… Loud Knock Heard From The Back Ceremonial Music Plays As King Approaches King 2 presents Mother Diana with gift. Mother Diana opens the box, inside is Bluetooth speaker, and a scroll. Mother Diana reads the scroll aloud – “We stopped along the way at the palace of King Herod. He told us to return and tell him where we found the Christ child. Yet we were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and went home by another way. The truth is – There is a lot of noise in the world, and many voices will try to tell you who you are, where you are to go or what you are to do. Be sure you are listening to the right one.” Mother Diana rolls up the scroll and says, This is sooooo cool! I can't wait to set this speaker up. Now, as I was saying… Loud Knock Heard From The Back Ceremonial Music Plays As King Approaches King 3 presents Mother Diana with gift. Mother Diana opens the box, inside is a wreath of bird food, and a scroll. Mother Diana reads the scroll aloud – “We brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. Impractical? Perhaps. But a symbol of who he was to be for the world – King, God, and Sacrifice. Yet he was clear about the gift we are to bring in his name, and it was none of those things. The truth is – Food is essential for life, and the law of God in our time, and yours now, is to care for the stranger among us. How you feed others is the gift of love you bring to Christ.” Mother Diana rolls up the scroll and says… Wow – thank you great sage – I am so excited to think about this gift – it looks so pretty. Let's see…three magi, three gifts, I guess we must be done. So… Loud Knock Heard From The Back Ceremonial Music Plays As King Approaches King 4 presents Mother Diana with gift. Mother Diana opens the box, inside is a mixing spoon and a scroll. Mother Diana reads the scroll aloud – “The star awakened us to something important happening in the world, and Christ stirred us to new life. The truth is – There are important things happening in the world now too, and Christ desires us all to come to him, to follow him, to be him in the world. This is a time to be stirred up.” Well, thank you great and final sage??? – You have given me a lot to think about. Are we done? [look around] Well, this is an assortment of cool gifts, right? A snow gauge, a Bluetooth speaker, a bird food wreath, and a mixing spoon. These Magi have given us something to really think about, haven't they? The thing is, these all might be quirky gifts, but the magi did manage to come up with just what we need this year. Especially in this time when it seems the world is spinning and we struggle to know where to go or what to do. Especially in this moment in the world where the voices of bigotry and hate are not only prevalent, they are coming from our nation's leaders. Especially now, when we hunger for righteousness, and hear the cries of the vulnerable who are starving for lack of shelter, food, and most especially – love. Especially now, when we are worn to the bone, but there is oh so much more work to do in the name of Christ. These gifts we received today can be a reminder to us all of who we are and whose we are, and what that means for us as we welcome the Christ child into our hearts. As we move through the world, there will be many who try to guide our paths. The measure of our lives will not be like measuring snow, which is needed only for a season, and tells us only what is true in a snapshot of time. It will be how we measure up to our commitment to the Christ born to us that will be most important for us to keep in our heart and mind. Here, at this table, and among other travelers in our faith, we are able to check-in, gauge our lives, and adjust as needed. This world is filled with so many angry and hateful voices, who will try to lead us to abandon the Jesus in our midst to the cross. For he told us that he is in the immigrant, the sick, the poor, and the imprisoned. But like those sages of long ago, we are meant to listen to his voice, not to these others. How do we discern which is which? His will always be the voice of compassion, generosity, kindness, and love. We will always be reminded of that voice here too – in the scripture and at this table. So many cry out in hunger – hunger to be seen, to be heard, to be fed, to be loved. All of creation groans from our abuse and neglect too. We feed on him here, so that we can feed him in the world. The food of life that is Christ, is to strengthen us for the journey, that we may feed others, caring for them and all of creation by his love shining in us and through us. And finally, the world is too dangerous and dark for us to be silent, to be hesitant, or to hide away. We must not only be stirred up, we must stir up the conscious of the world! There is no time to waste, not a moment to spare. People are dying – physically, emotionally, spiritually – God's children – our sisters and brothers. What is done to any one of them is done to Jesus himself. We cannot sit here in the warmth of his love, and then ignore his pain when we leave. If we do, we render Christmas meaningless for ourselves, and all the world. The wise folks brought Jesus symbols of who he was – gold for a king, incense for a deity, myrrh for a sacrifice. Today they bring symbols of who we are as followers of that Christ child. And just as that night so long ago changed everything, letting all the world know that God's love is stronger than hate, that light will always overcome darkness, and that death is forever defeated by life – by our lives lived in Him the angels continue to rejoice in heaven as he is reborn in each of us at Christmas, and every day we open our hearts to Him. So, with all that in mind, as I do each year I offer this quote by Michael Dougherty. “When the carols have been stilled, when the star-topped tree is taken down, when family and friends are gone home, when we are back to our schedules, the work of Christmas begins…to welcome the refugee, to heal a broken planet, to feed the hungry, to build bridges of trust, not walls of fear, to share our gifts, to seek justice and peace for all people, to bring Christ's light to the world.” May we, like the magi, be willing to follow where God leads us, trusting that there is always another path to take that will lead us out of darkness into light –His light. May we know that we need no star, only an open heart, to see the God who yearns to love us – and wants so much to be in relationship with us. And most especially, that once we receive the gift of Christmas, the Christ child, in our hearts, that we do the work of Christmas and share that light with the world. Because it is we, not the magi, who are now meant to reveal Christ to a world who hungers for God's love. Christmas isn't over…it's only just begun. Amen. Based upon a concept by the Rev. Phillip Dana Wilson – Used with permission. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rec-001-Homily-Visit_of_the_Magi-2026.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge January 4, 2026 The Feast Of The Epiphany (Trans.) 1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:1-12 Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12 The post A Visit From The Wise Guys – 2026 appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, January 4th -1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 - 2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
December 30, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 or 2 Samuel 7:1-16Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 58:1-59:3, 14-21; Luke 1:26-38“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” (Isaiah 11:1-2a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our lives and even this world (our newsfeeds, our headlines, our daily burdens) can so often feel like a dead stump. Hopeless. Lifeless. Good for nothing. Maybe your heart feels like that today; cut down & good for nothing. But God is not done with stumps. Hear the Word of the Lord: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1) From a line that looked like it had fallen prey to the lumberjack, the House and lineage of David, God promised a tender shoot. Not one more stump that reminds us of our sinful failure and faithlessness, but a shoot that would take root and grow into a glorious vine. Christ Jesus has taken what was dead, and by His miraculous conception in the blessed virgin and His glorious birth from her womb, the House of David is alive forevermore! And this Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…” You are now a branch in the vine of David, and His mercy and forgiveness flow even into the places that you may have thought were dead and beyond repair. Baptized into Him, and fed with His Body and Blood flowing within you, let Him nourish you. He is the vine and the root that will never wither. He is the King who will never turn a blind eye to your need, whose Kingdom shall have no end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This flow'r, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God. From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load. O Savior, child of Mary, Who felt our human woe; O Savior, King of glory, Who dost our weakness know: Bring us at length we pray To the bright courts of heaven, And to the endless day. (LSB 359:3-4)Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 21st -1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 - 2nd Reading: Romans 1:1-7 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 14th -1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 - 2nd Reading: James 5:7-10 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
December 15, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22"A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." (Isaiah 40:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When John the Baptizer was asked who he was, he pointed to this verse from Isaiah. So, how did he change the landscape? By preaching repentance. Turns out people aren't generally keen on confessing their sins. The world is not a very forgiving place. We ourselves have been trained from the earliest ages to find reasons why our wrongs were actually rights. A child who is confronted with knocking over a lamp might blame a stuffed animal. That doesn't work, but our reasoning gets more sophisticated as we grow. It was a sibling's fault. It was a parent's fault for putting the lamp so close to the edge. It was an emergency, so haste was more important than the lamp. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. So long as someone believes it, we show ourselves to be right.We live in a world that demands self-righteousness. If you cannot justify yourself, you will be blamed. However, when people without faith sin in such a way that they cannot justify themselves, it breaks them. Guilt overwhelms them. All that self-justification was actually protection. And without it, people lose their minds, which is why confession and absolution in the Church is so weird to people. Why would anyone willingly put themselves through such guilt and shame? However, the repentance of a Christian has two parts. First is sorrow over our sin. That is the same as anyone else. It's the second part that is different. The second part is hope. A sure and certain hope that all our sin is forgiven. The guilt is made Christ's. The shame hangs on His shoulders. His blood pays for it. And His life is given for our salvation.Without Christ, we would make mountains to hide our sin behind. We would bury in whatever valley we could. But the way of the Lord leaves nowhere for our sin to hide. All our hiding places are made an open field, so the sin can all be seen. And so that Jesus can take it all away. That is why we are so willing to turn in repentance. That is why we willingly confess our sins. Because we know the one who takes them and makes them His. And they're ours no longer. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Make ye straight what long was crooked; Make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign. For the glory of the Lord Now o'er earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken. (LSB 347:4)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, December 11th -1st Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:11-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, December 9th -1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:12-14 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 7th -1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 - 2nd Reading: Romans 15:4-9 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
December 5, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-12:6Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 2 Peter 2:1-22“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Salvation” is a powerful word, but you might not use it every day. We're more familiar with the verb “to save” and with the noun “savior,” but to say that God is our salvation is unique. Salvation is what God accomplishes and brings. The Savior brings salvation. Isaiah doesn't just say that God brings salvation, but that God is salvation. In other words, this isn't something God simply accomplishes, but salvation is God's identity (along with many other important things!)Isaiah lived in a chaotic world. The politics were complicated. Life was dangerous. Things were confusing. Where would God's people find help? Their kings hadn't been great. Other nations were attacking them and trying to take advantage of them. Was there hope that things would get better? Isaiah promised that there would be a branch from the stump of Jesse. There would be a descendant from King David who would do great things for God's people. “Great things” sells that promise short. The One who is coming would not be corrupt, but would do everything right. The peace would be so profound that wolves and lambs would lie down next to each other, and the lambs wouldn't get eaten! There would be no danger, even to the point that toddlers could play over snake dens without getting bitten! God's people who had been carried away would be brought back home. Everything would be restored!Who would do this? No mere human king. No political or military leader could pull this off. This is the work of God Himself. God is the salvation of His people. God is the hope of the hopeless, the strength of the weak, and the perfection of the imperfect. That's great news, because life today can be chaotic as well. Politics, health, safety, emotions, families, and so many other things are difficult, challenging, and messed up. Both in the days of Isaiah and today, God is the salvation of His people. God shows up with healing and forgiveness and restoration and righteousness, and He makes all things right, just the way they should be by His very presence. God comes to you as your salvation. In the middle of chaos, trust in the Lord your God because He is your salvation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, For You have paid my ransom. (LSB 555:6)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, November 30th -1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 - 2nd Reading: Romans 13:11-14 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Isaiah 6 (ESV) Isaiah’s Vision of the Lord In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and Continue reading The post Micah Reading Isaiah 6: The Call—The Pedagogy of God appeared first on Fides et Ratio | Reflections on life from a theological and rational perspective.
Reading Isaiah from the the living translation and the passion translation enjoy. .
November 3, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Matthew 22:1-22“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever put on clothes thinking they were clean only to find out they are not? What about getting dressed up in your nicest clothes for a special occasion, looking in the mirror, and then, to your complete horror, you see they have stains! I think the worst is being nicely dressed and then spilling something on your clothes, staining them, and there's nothing you can do about it. The big problem with stains is that some of them become permanent. You can't get them out, no matter what soap you use and how hard you scrub. Sin is that way. It stains us. We are not aware how dirty and stained we are until we look into the mirror – the mirror of God's Word. Our first reaction may be to try to clean up the mess ourselves, scrubbing away, trying to make ourselves clean again. Or, like King David, we may try to cover them up. Maybe no one will notice, especially God. And like David, we discover that trying to hide our sins only makes matters worse. David finally turned to the only one who could deal with his sin permanently, once and for all. “I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). God sent His prophet, Jeremiah, to His people whose hearts were filthy, stained with idolatry and all sorts of evil. “Come now,” God says, “let us reason together.” The Lord holds out an amazing promise; He will deal with their sins. He will not throw His people away or abandon them to the rag bin. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” God has washed you clean; no more stains, nothing to hide, nothing to cover up. He has washed you white in the blood of His Lamb, Jesus (Revelation 7:14). The stain of our sin is not permanent. God invites us to confess our sins, and He promises to wash us in the never-ending forgiveness of our Lord's precious blood. God did that in your Baptism, and those cleansing waters are still washing you clean. Now, there is real peace! There is real freedom, living under the cleansing flood of Christ!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me Savior, or I die.(LSB 761:3)Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 10/10/25 (2833) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 10/3/25 (2761) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, August 24th. 1st Reading: Isaiah 66:18–21 2nd Reading: Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:22-30 To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 8/21/25 (2332) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Reading Isaiah 22:1-30 where the Lord tells the kings of Judah to walk in the ways of their father David, or if they will not He will bring their house into desolation. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 7/11/25 (1921) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 5/15/25 (1351) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 5/14/25 (1342) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Reading Isaiah with Luther The post The Mountain of the Lord and the Resurrection – Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 3/21/25 (0803) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 2/25/25 (0572) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 12/19/24 (3542) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 12/5/24 (3401) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, author, “Has American Christianity Failed?” Pastor Brian Kachelmeier, author, “Reading Isaiah with Luther” Has American Christianity Failed? Pr. Wolfmueller's YouTube Channel Reading Isaiah with Luther Redeemer Theological Academy The post Your Unanswered Bible Questions – Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller & Pr. Brian Kachelmeier, 11/14/24 (3393) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
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