Theme of the Day: The Christian Loves God above All
Not all love is good. It is self-destructive to love bad things. However, it is just as harmful to love good things in a bad order. For example, it would seem to be a good thing that a man loves his dog. But if he loves his dog more than he loves his wife, his “love” for both is disordered. That is not in the best interests of the man, his wife, or even his dog. For love to be healthy, it needs to be properly ordered. The Christian loves God above all things. For the Christian understands that everything in this present world is transitory. Relationships fail. Empires fall. Accomplishments are quickly forgotten. But nothing about God is transitory. God’s love is eternal. He promises the Christian everlasting life. And so the Christian struggles not simply to avoid loving bad things. The Christian struggles to love God above all other good things too. Because the Christian understands that God is of ultimate value.
Matthew 10:34-42
Exodus 32:15-29
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Psalm 27
593 – Holy Spirit, Light Divine
702 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
704 – Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
697 – May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
817 – Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
Prayer of the Day: God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us love you with all our heart, strengthen us in true faith, provide us with all we need, and keep us safe in your care; 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.