Reminiscere—Second Sunday in Lent, 25 February 2018
But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” —St. Matthew 15.25-26
HOLDING GOD TO HIS WORD
Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Genesis 32.22–32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (St. Matthew 15.21–28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (St. Matthew 15.27–28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thessalonians 4.1–7)—to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint.
THIS WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
REMINISCERE The Second Sunday in Lent takes its name “Reminiscere” from the first word of the Introit in Latin, “Remember” (Psalm 25.6).
LENT is a good time to begin or increase participation in worship and catechesis. Invite your friends and family who have not been to Divine Service in a while, and resolve to attend each Sunday and Wednesday in Lent to receive Christ’s gifts in Preaching and His Supper.
LAUDS is the Church’s morning prayer, and is prayed Tuesday—Thursday at 9:30am. Increased prayer is one of the Lent disciplines. Join us as you are able.
SUNDAYS AVAILABLE FOR ALTAR FLOWERS There are still six Sundays available for Altar Flowers this year. Please sign up on the chart in the Narthex.
LENT MIDWEEK VESPERS is Wednesday at 7pm, with the theme “The Passover: Arrest and Betrayal” on St. Matthew 26.36-56.
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
Psalm 25
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service: St. Matthew 15.21-28; 1 Thessalonians 4.1-7
[M] St. Luke 13; Numbers 14
[T] St. Luke 14; Numbers 15
[W] St. Luke 15; Numbers 16
[Th] St. Luke 16; Numbers 17
[F] St. Luke 17; Numbers 20
[S] St. Luke 18.1-14; Numbers 21
Hymn of the Day or Month (LSB 615)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
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.
