Theme of the Day: Increased Faith Increases Duty; Increased Duty Increases Delight
Look up “duty” in the dictionary. It’s defined as “something that one is expected or required to do.” Look up “duty” in a thesaurus. Some of its synonyms: chore, burden, obligation, work. “Duty” can carry some strong negative connotations. Now, consider this. In the world, as you rise through the ranks, you are able to leave many duties behind. For example, if you are high-up on the corporate ladder, you can delegate things you don’t want to do to someone else. In Christ’s kingdom it works just the opposite. An increase in faith does not lessen duties at all. It increases opportunities to serve God and others. Increased faith means increased obligations and work. But here’s the good news. The same faith that increases our duties leads us to delight in them. For through faith we know that we serve the one who first came to serve us. We consider it a privilege to imitate Christ in our service to others. Just as his service to us brought him great joy, so does our service to others.
Luke 17:1-10
1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12
Psalm 62
918 – Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
748 – Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly
660 – Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face
661 – Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
767 – Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, in your bountiful goodness, keep us safe from every evil of body and soul. Make us ready, with cheerful hearts, to do whatever pleases you; 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. Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Alleluia.