Judica—Fifth Sunday in Lent
Passion Sunday
21 March 2021
Jesus Is Our Redemption
In the temple Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (St. John 8.51). For Jesus came to taste death for us—to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death’s sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Hebrews 9.11–15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Genesis 22.1–14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross.
Parish News
Judica The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Passion Sunday) takes its name “Judica” from the first word of the Introit in Latin, “Judge” (Psalm 43.1) (also translated Vindicate). Today begins Passiontide, the final two weeks of Lent. Crucifixes are veiled in violet to teach that, in suffering, Our Lord hides His glory. Also during Passiontide, the Gloria Patri “Glory be to the Father…” is omitted.
Lent Vespers is on Wednesday at 7pm, with the theme “Into His Death and Resurrection: On Holy Baptism.” This Wednesday we will meditate on “Infant Baptism… and the Faith of Children.” Bring a dish to share and join us for the Italian-themed potluck dinner at 5:30pm.
Annunciation Divine Service is Thursday at 7pm. Individual Confession and Absolution will be offered in the Nave from 5-6pm on Thursday.
Holy Week and Easter Schedule is on the insert in today’s bulletin. Put it on your bulletin board or refrigerator at home to be reminded of these services at the center of our Christian life. Give a copy to a family member, friend, or neighbor who has not been at Divine Service recently. Additional copies are available in the Narthex and the Parish Center.
School Research Committee will meet Tuesday, April 20 at 7pm. All are invited to join the School Research Committee to discern the feasibility of starting a school at Immanuel. Also, everyone interested in good literature and thoughtful discussion is invited to join the school committee’s reading discussion group to explore essays and books from theology, education, and the classical tradition. The first meeting will take place Wednesday, April 28 at 6:30pm at the Climbing Cafe. Contact Emily Eckardt (enroyer@gmail.com) with any questions. Contact the church office for a copy of the first reading, “Abolition of Man” by C.S. Lewis.
Your Comprehensive Source for News, Information, and Truth Issues, Etc. is a radio show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s topics include: What I Wish My Non-Lutheran Family Members Knew about Absolution; Critical Race Theory; New Age Teachings & Practices; The Annunciation of Our Lord, and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
Prepare for Next Sunday
St. Matthew 21.1–9; Zechariah 9.9–12; Philippians 2.5–11; St. Matthew 26.1—27.66
Hymns: 442 – 441 – 350 – 438 – 451 – 443
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
(Omit Gloria Patri)
Psalm 143 (Omit Gloria Patri)
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service
[M] St. Mark 14.32-72; Jeremiah 2.1-19
[T] St. Mark 15.1-9; Hosea 13.9-14
[W] St. Mark 15.20-47; Zephaniah 3.1-8
[Th] St. John 12.1-19; Micah 3.9-12
[F] St. John 12.20-50; Isaiah 66.1-9
[S] St. John 13.16-38; Zechariah 9.1-17
Hymn of the Day or Month The Royal Banners Forward Go (LW 104, insert in bulletin)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
Kyrie: L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
