Theme of the Day: The Church Fulfills Its Role as Its Brother’s Keeper
The privilege, responsibility, and importance of the task of being our brother’s keeper all rest in the words from today’s Gospel that follow Jesus’ divine directive. The keys of the kingdom have been placed into our hands. It is our privilege and responsibility to bind and to loose – to be our brother’s keeper – because Christ has appointed the church to carry out that task on his behalf.
Matthew 18:15-20
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Galatians 2:11-16
Psalm 32
688 – The Gifts Christ Freely Gives
654 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive
559 – If Your Beloved Son, O God
657 – Baptismal Waters Cover Me
570 – God Loved the World So That He Gave
Prayer of the Day: O Lord Jesus Christ, preserve the congregation of believers with your never¬failing mercy. Help us avoid whatever is wicked and harmful, and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Alleluia.