Theme of the Day: A Focused Savior Has Focused Followers
There are different types of followers: the half-hearted versus the committed. Jesus is uninterested in half-hearted followers who shoehorn him into their lives only when their other pursuits provide time for the Christ. Jesus wants followers who are all-in… who love him above all things… who would be willing to leave everything else behind if that were what it would take to be with him. We simply do not have it in us to produce that level of commitment. But Jesus’ words have Jesus’ power. In his gospel Jesus explains how he went all in for our salvation. He tells us he left the comforts of heaven behind to come rescue us. And through those words Christ creates within us the very commitment that he seeks.
Luke 9:51-62
1 Kings 19:19-21
2 Corinthians 11:21b-30
Psalm 62
739 – Forth in Your Name, O Lord, I Go
695 – Take My Life and Let It Be
711 – Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult
737 – Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way
836 – I Walk in Danger All the Way
Prayer of the Day: O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Alleluia.