Voters’ Assembly & Luncheon | April 19 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service for our quarterly Voters’ Meeting. We invite all members to gather for a shared meal, Christian fellowship, and to review important updates regarding our parish, the Kansas District, and the upcoming 2026 National LCMS Convention.

Voters’ Assembly & Luncheon | April 12 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service for our quarterly Voters’ Meeting. We invite all members to gather for a shared meal, Christian fellowship, and to review important updates regarding our parish, the Kansas District, and the upcoming 2026 National LCMS Convention.

Christ is Risen!

Today’s Readings

Old Testament

Epistle

Gospel

Psalm

Thought for the Day: The Victory Shout

Today, the silence of the tomb is broken. For forty days of Lent, we fasted from the "Alleluia." We watched the altar be stripped bare and heard the heavy sound of the stone closing the tomb. But this morning, the chancel is transformed. The bare stone is covered in white, the lilies fill the air, and we find our voices again.

When we say, "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!" we aren't just reciting a slogan or a polite greeting. We are making a legal claim. In the LCMS, we teach Objective Justification: that when Jesus walked out of that grave, God the Father signaled to the entire universe that the sacrifice for sin was accepted. Because He lives, your justification is a finished fact.

Death, which once had the final word, has been "swallowed up in victory." The grave is no longer a hole of despair, but a dressing room for eternity. Today, we don't just celebrate a historical event; we celebrate our own future. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead has claimed you in Holy Baptism. The victory is His, the gift is yours, and the joy is eternal.

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead." — 1 Corinthians 15:20–21

A "Hoppy" Start to the Day: Join us for breakfast and an egg-straordinary hunt!

We remember when Jesus, the Lamb of God, was led to the slaughter of His cross as the Sacrifice of Atonement for the sin of the world.

Today’s Readings

Old Testament

Epistle

Gospel

Psalm

Thought for the Day: The Bare Stone and the Loud Sound

As you enter the sanctuary today, the first thing you notice is the void. The altar, which just last night was the site of a joyful feast, now stands cold and bare. The linens are gone; the candles are extinguished. In the LCMS tradition, this bare altar is a visual sermon: it is the body of Christ, stripped of its dignity, laid bare for the sins of the world.

Good Friday is the day we stop trying to "fix" ourselves or bargain with God. We simply stand before the cross and admit that we cannot save ourselves. We see the cost of our rebellion in the silence of the sanctuary and the starkness of the wood.

The service ends not with a blessing, but with the Strepitus—that sharp, jarring sound that echoes through the room. It is the sound of the tomb closing. It is the sound of finality. But for the Christian, that "clack" also signals that the work is finished. The debt is paid. The stone that seals the tomb also seals your pardon. We depart in silence, not because there is no hope, but because the sacrifice was so great that words simply fail us.

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." — Isaiah 53:7

📢 GARAGE SALE EXTENDED!

We still have a massive selection of items and we aren’t done yet! Join us for one more afternoon of great finds and even better deals.

• When: Friday, April 3, 2026

• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Fellowship Hall)

Everything must go! See you there!

#HolyCrossLutheran #GarageSale #ScottCityKS #BargainHunt #CommunityEvent #ShopLocal #FinalDay #InventoryClearance

The Holy Apostles received this New Testament in His blood from the Lord Jesus “on the night when he was betrayed,” and they delivered the same to His Church, which we also now receive in the name and remembrance of Christ (1 Cor. 11:23–26; Matt. 26:26–28).

Today’s Readings

Old Testament

Epistle

Gospel

Psalm

Thought for the Day: The Servant’s Testament

Today, we stand at the threshold of the Passion. The "New Commandment" Jesus gives us—to love one another as He has loved us—is not a heavy burden of new laws, but a fruit of the incredible gift He institutes this night.

In the LCMS, we marvel at the "Real Presence": that in the bread and wine, Jesus truly gives us His very body and blood. On the night He was betrayed, knowing exactly what the morning would bring, Jesus did not focus on His own coming agony. Instead, He focused on you. He left a testament—a last will and apparel—that ensures His forgiveness and presence are "for you" until the end of time.

As the service ends tonight, you will likely witness the Stripping of the Altar. As the linens, candles, and crucifixes are removed in silence, we see a visual representation of Christ being abandoned by His friends and stripped of His dignity. The bare stone of the altar reminds us that Jesus goes to the cross alone, so that we might never have to be alone again.

"The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" — 1 Corinthians 11:23–24

Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion

Today’s Readings

Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9–12

This is the classic prophecy of the King coming to Zion. He doesn't arrive on a warhorse with a sword, but "humble and mounted on a donkey." He promises to cut off the chariot and the warhorse, speaking peace to the nations. His rule is established not by force, but by the "blood of my covenant," which sets the prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Epistle: Philippians 2:5–11

St. Paul provides the ultimate "Passion" roadmap. He describes how Jesus, though being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He "emptied himself" by taking the form of a servant. He humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross. Because of this, God has highly exalted Him, decreeing that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.

Gospel (Procession): Matthew 21:1–9

The Humble King Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a conquering general on a warhorse, but as a peaceful King riding a borrowed donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. The crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" It is a moment of pure, public recognition—the "Palm Sunday" joy that recognizes Jesus as the promised Savior.

Gospel (The Passion): Matthew 27:11–54

The Suffering Servant The mood shifts from the gates of the city to the pavement of Pilate’s court and the hill of Golgotha. Jesus stands silent before His accusers, is mocked by soldiers, and is crucified between two thieves. The reading reaches its climax at His death, when the curtain of the temple is torn in two, the earth shakes, and even a Roman centurion is forced to confess: "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Psalm: 118: 19-29 (v.26)

Thought for the Day

From "Hosanna" to "Crucify" Today we walk a narrow path between celebration and sorrow. We begin with palms in our hands and "Hosanna" on our lips, welcoming our King. But as the service unfolds, we realize that this King’s "coronation" is a crown of thorns and His "throne" is a wooden cross. In the LCMS, we call this the Sunday of the Passion because it reminds us that Jesus didn't come to Jerusalem to be a political hero, but to be the Passover Lamb. He rode into town to die for the very people who would turn their backs on Him by Friday.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" — Matthew 21:9

Huge Garage Sale at Holy Cross Lutheran!

Are you looking for great deals and unique finds? Join us at the HCL Fellowship Hall for our upcoming garage sale. We have a wide variety of items available, including clothing, books, artwork, shoes, and small appliances.

Where: Fellowship Hall

1106 Court Street

When: * Friday, March 27: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 28: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Stop by and see what treasures you can find. We look forward to seeing you there!

Huge Garage Sale at Holy Cross Lutheran!

Are you looking for great deals and unique finds? Join us at the HCL Fellowship Hall for our upcoming garage sale. We have a wide variety of items available, including clothing, books, artwork, shoes, and small appliances.

Where: Fellowship Hall

1106 Court Street

When: * Friday, March 27: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 28: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Stop by and see what treasures you can find. We look forward to seeing you there!

Today’s Readings

Gospel: Matthew 27: 32-61

1. The Way to Golgotha (vv. 32–34) Jesus is led out to be crucified. He is so physically weakened by the flogging that the soldiers force a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, to carry His cross. They arrive at Golgotha ("The Place of the Skull") and offer Him wine mixed with gall to dull the pain, which He refuses, choosing to face the full weight of the sacrifice clear-headed.

2. The Crucifixion and Mockery (vv. 35–44) Jesus is nailed to the cross. The soldiers cast lots for His clothing, fulfilling Psalm 22. A sign is placed above Him: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." He is crucified between two insurrectionists. Passersby, priests, and even the criminals mock Him, repeating the devil’s temptation from the wilderness: "If you are the Son of God, come down."

3. The Death of the Son (vv. 45–54) From noon until 3:00 PM, darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" After one last cry, He yields up His spirit.

• The Immediate Signs: The temple curtain is torn in two (opening the way to the Holy of Holies), an earthquake occurs, and tombs are opened.

• The Centurion’s Confession: Seeing these events, the Roman centurion declares, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

4. The Burial (vv. 55–61) Many women who followed Jesus watch from a distance. As evening approaches, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, asks Pilate for the body. He wraps Jesus in clean linen and places Him in his own new tomb, rolling a great stone across the entrance. Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" remain, sitting opposite the tomb in vigil.

Psalm 51

A broken heart is the only "sacrifice" God requires. 💔 Psalm 51 moves us from the crushing weight of sin to the joy of a "clean heart" and a "renewed spirit." We don't bring God our successes; we bring Him our need, and He washes us whiter than snow.

Thought for the Day

True repentance isn't about promising to "do better" next time; it is about admitting we are "blown" and need the Creator to perform a total rebuild of our spirit. We don't bring God a polished resume; we bring Him a broken heart, and the miracle of the Cross is that He never despises it.

"Jesus, Your blood and righteousness / My beauty are, my glorious dress; / Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, / With joy shall I lift up my head." (LSB 563)

Judica

The name comes from the Latin Introit for the day, Psalm 43:1:

"Judica me, Deus..." ("Vindicate me, O God..." or "Judge me, O God...")

Today’s Readings

Old Testament: Genesis 22: 1-14

In this profound and harrowing account, God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. As they climb Mount Moriah, Isaac asks about the lamb for the sacrifice, and Abraham prophetically replies, "God will provide for himself the lamb." At the final moment, the Angel of the Lord stops Abraham, and a ram caught in the thicket is sacrificed instead. Abraham names the place "The Lord Will Provide."

Epistle: Hebrews 9: 11-15

The author of Hebrews explains that Christ has appeared as the High Priest of the good things to come. Unlike the old priests who offered the blood of goats and calves, Jesus entered the Holy Place once for all by His own blood, securing an eternal redemption. This sacrifice purifies our consciences from "dead works" to serve the living God, making Him the mediator of a new covenant.

Gospel: John 8: (42-45) 46-59

Jesus engages in a sharp confrontation with the religious leaders regarding His identity. When they accuse Him of having a demon, Jesus points to His honor from the Father. The tension reaches a climax when Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." By using the divine name of God, Jesus claims His divinity; the leaders pick up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hides Himself and leaves the temple.

Psalm43 (v5)

Thought for the Day

The Lamb in the Thicket On Judica Sunday, we hear the cry "Judge me, O God!" It is a dangerous prayer to pray unless you have a Mediator. Today, we see that Jesus is that Mediator. He is the "I AM" who existed before Abraham, yet He is also the true Isaac—the beloved Son carrying the wood for His own sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus was "judged" in our place so that we might be "vindicated" before the Father. As the crosses in our churches are veiled today, we look past the purple cloth to the blood of the New Covenant that cleanses us from all sin.

"Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." — John 8:56

Today’s Readings

Gospel: Matthew 27: 11-31

In Lutheran theology, this passage is the ultimate display of The Theology of the Cross. We do not find God in "glory" or "success," but in the suffering and shame of Christ.

• The Vicarious Satisfaction: Jesus literally stands in the place of Barabbas—and by extension, us.

• The Blood: While the crowd’s cry ("His blood be on us") was a self-curse, Lutheran liturgy and hymnody often "re-claim" these words in a sacramental sense: We want His blood to be upon us for our forgiveness (as in the Lord's Supper).

Psalm 145

For a Lutheran, Psalm 145 anchors us in Theology of Glory's proper place. While we see God’s glory in nature and His provision, we only truly "apprehend" His heart through His Word. He is "righteous in all His ways" (v. 17), and that righteousness is given to us as a gift. It reminds the parishioner that their life is held by a King who is both infinitely powerful and intimately kind.

Thought for the Day

The "Cross" is not a mere symbol of general piety or a vague religious gesture. It is the specific, historical location where God’s perfect justice and His infinite mercy met.

On the cross, the "Great Exchange" occurred: the Holy One took the verdict of the guilty, and the guilty received the righteousness of the Holy One. It stands as the definitive proof that God does not ignore sin, but instead pays for it Himself to reconcile the world to His heart.

The Church Council meeting will be held in the OWLS Room immediately following the conclusion of the service. Make your way there so we can begin our session promptly. We will review the national election updates and finalize our preparations for the upcoming Holy Week.

Laetare

Like the previous Sundays, the name comes from the Latin Introit, based on Isaiah 66:10:

"Laetare, Jerusalem..." > ("Rejoice, O Jerusalem...")

Today’s Readings

Old Testament: Isaiah 4: 8-13

The Prophet Isaiah calls all who have mourned for Jerusalem to "rejoice with her in joy." God promises that His people will be comforted like a child nursed and carried by its mother. This is not a shallow happiness, but a deep, restorative peace that God pours out like a river. He promises that when His people see this, their "heart shall rejoice" and their "bones shall flourish like the grass," signaling that God’s hand is with His servants.

Epistle: Galatians 4:21–31

St. Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between the Old Covenant (Law) and the New Covenant (Grace). Those under the Law are like children of the slave woman, living in bondage, while those under the Promise are children of the "free woman," the "Jerusalem above" who is our mother. Paul concludes that we are not children of the slave, but of the free, having been liberated by Christ.

Gospel: John 6:1–15

Jesus leads a great crowd up a mountain in the wilderness near the time of the Passover. Faced with five thousand hungry people, He takes five barley loaves and two fish from a young boy, gives thanks, and distributes them until everyone is satisfied. After the fragments are gathered—filling twelve baskets—the people realize He is "the Prophet who is to come into the world," though Jesus withdraws to avoid being made an earthly king.

Psalm: 132: 8-13 (v13)

Thought for the Day

The Feast in the Middle of the Fast Today we pause to catch our breath. On Laetare, we stop looking at our own empty hands and look instead to the hands of Jesus, which are always full of bread. Whether it is the miraculous feeding of the five thousand or the "motherly" comfort promised in Isaiah, today reminds us that the Christian life is not just about "doing" for God, but about receiving from Him. We are not slaves to the Law, but free children of the promise. Even in the wilderness of Lent, your Savior provides a table for you, refreshing your soul for the final walk toward Holy Week.

"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her." — Isaiah 66:10

Today’s Readings

Gospel

1. The Trial Before Caiaphas (26:57–68) Jesus is hauled before the Sanhedrin in a night session. They seek "false testimony," but the witnesses can’t agree. Finally, when adjured by the living God, Jesus confesses His identity: He is the Christ, the Son of God, who will sit at the "right hand of Power." This is labeled blasphemy. The King of Kings is spat upon, struck, and mocked.

2. Peter’s Denial (26:69–75) While the Master is being beaten inside, Peter is "warming himself" in the courtyard. Three times he is accused of being with Jesus; three times he denies it with increasing vehemence, even calling down curses. The rooster crows, the word of Jesus is remembered, and Peter goes out to weep "bitterly."

3. The Official Verdict (27:1–2) At daybreak, the religious leaders make the "official" decision to put Jesus to death. They bind Him and hand Him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

4. The End of Judas (27:3–10) Seeing Jesus condemned, Judas is seized with remorse (though notably not repentance). He tries to return the 30 pieces of silver, declaring Jesus innocent. The priests dismiss him with a cold "See to it yourself." Judas hangs himself. The priests, hypocritically "scrupulous" about blood money, use the silver to buy the Potter’s Field, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah.

Psalm 145

Psalm 145 is a monumental "alphabet psalm" (an acrostic where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet). It serves as a grand doxology, transitioning the Psalter toward its thunderous conclusion.

Thought for the Day:

The value of our work in the Church—whether administrative, digital, or liturgical—does not come from our own excellence, but from the objective truth of the message we share. Even when our own strength fails or our resolve wavers like the disciples in the garden, the Lord remains "faithful in all His words and kind in all His works" (Psalm 145:13). He is the "Rock" that stands firm even when the "disciples flee."

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." — Psalm 145:18

Oculi

Like the other Sundays in Lent, it takes its name from the first word of the Latin Introit for the day, based on Psalm 25:15:

"Oculi mei semper ad Dominum..." > ("My eyes are ever toward the Lord...")

Today’s Readings

Old Testament Exodus 8: 16-24

When Aaron strikes the dust of the earth with his staff, it becomes gnats throughout the land. Significantly, Pharaoh’s magicians try to replicate the miracle but fail, forcing them to confess, "This is the finger of God." Despite this divine testimony, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. In the subsequent plague of flies, the Lord makes a clear distinction between Egypt and His people, shielding the land of Goshen from the swarm to demonstrate that He is the Lord in the midst of the earth.

Epistle Ephesians 5: 1-9

In this passage, St. Paul calls Christians to be "imitators of God" by walking in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up as a sacrificial offering. He warns against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, noting that these things are out of place for saints and invite God's wrath.

Gospel Luke 11: 14-28

In this passage, St. Paul calls Christians to be "imitators of God" by walking in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up as a sacrificial offering. He warns against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, noting that these things are out of place for saints and invite God's wrath.

Psalm 136:m 1-16 (v 26)

Thought for the Day

The Finger of God

On Oculi Sunday, we acknowledge that we are living in a spiritual battlefield, but we do not look at the enemy with fear. Instead, we fix our eyes (Oculi) on Jesus. In today’s Gospel, Jesus casts out demons by the "finger of God"—the same power that humbled Pharaoh in Egypt.

It is a comfort to know that while Satan is a "strong man" who guards his palace, Jesus is the "Stronger Man" who has already broken in, stripped the enemy of his armor, and claimed you as His own "spoil." When you feel overwhelmed by temptation or the darkness of the world, remember that you belong to the One who conquers with a mere finger. Your victory isn't found in your own strength, but in keeping your eyes fixed on the One who has already won the war.

"My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net." — Psalm 25:15

The Evening Prayer service (often referred to as Vespers or found on page 243 of the Lutheran Service Book) is a quiet, contemplative service designed to mark the transition from the workday to rest.

This Readings for this Evening

Gospel Matthew 26: 30-56

1. The Prediction: After the Last Supper, Jesus predicts the disciples will abandon him; Peter insists he won't.

2. The Agony: In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in soul-crushing anguish to follow the Father’s will while the disciples repeatedly fall asleep.

3. The Betrayal: Judas arrives and identifies Jesus with a kiss.

4. The Arrest: Jesus stops his followers from fighting back, surrenders to the armed crowd to fulfill Scripture, and everyone deserts him.

Psalm 19

The heavens show God’s glory, but His Word restores the soul. From the "silent preacher" of the stars to the "sweeter than honey" Law, Psalm 19 calls us to move from observing the Creator to being redeemed by Him. "May my heart be pleasing in Your sight."

Thought for the Day:

The Master’s Tuning: Just as a speaker rebuild requires both a steady hand to fix the visible damage and a keen ear to apprehend the hidden frequencies, our life in Christ involves both the Law that exposes our "hidden faults" and the Gospel that restores our "output" to match the Creator’s design.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Reminiscere ("Remember Your mercies")

Today’s Readings

Old-32 Testament: 32: 22-32

In this account from Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious "Man" (the pre-incarnate Christ) throughout the night, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. Although God strikes Jacob’s hip to show His power, He honors Jacob’s persistent faith by renaming him Israel, marking his transformation from a "deceiver" to one who strives with God and prevails through His grace.

Epistle: Romans 5:1-5

St. Paul declares that because we are justified by faith, we possess an objective peace with God through Jesus Christ. This certain hope allows us to rejoice even in tribulations, as God uses suffering to forge a "chain" of spiritual growth—endurance, character, and a hope that will never disappoint because it is rooted in the Holy Spirit’s outpouring of God's love.

Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28

In this Gospel account, a Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter, persisting even when He initially meets her with silence and then a difficult test regarding "the children's bread." She brilliantly turns His own words into a plea for mercy—arguing that even the "dogs" eat the crumbs—leading Jesus to commend her great faith and grant her request.

Psalm: 121 (v 1-2)

Thought for the Day

The Faith That Won’t Let Go

Today we see that faith is often a wrestle. Like Jacob struggling in the dark at the Jabbok and the Canaanite woman refusing to be turned away by Jesus’ silence, we learn that God actually invites us to hold Him to His promises. When life feels like a "no" or God seems silent, faith looks at the Cross and remembers His "Yes." We do not pray as beggars hoping for a scrap, but as children who know the Heart of the Father—clinging to Him until the blessing comes.

"I will not let you go unless you bless me." — Genesis 32:26

The King’s Preparation

Summary: While the world plots His destruction and Judas calculates His price, Jesus calmly prepares His disciples for the end. From the burial oil at Bethany to the Cup of the New Testament in the Upper Room, Jesus is the one in control, turning the instruments of His death into the means of our life.

Today’s Readings

Gospel (The Passion): Matthew 27:11–54

The Suffering Servant The mood shifts from the gates of the city to the pavement of Pilate’s court and the hill of Golgotha. Jesus stands silent before His accusers, is mocked by soldiers, and is crucified between two thieves. The reading reaches its climax at His death, when the curtain of the temple is torn in two, the earth shakes, and even a Roman centurion is forced to confess: "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Psalm 105: 1-11

Thought for the Day

The Cost of the Cup

Lent midweeks are often about "counting the cost," and Matthew 26 gives us two very different ledgers. On one side, we see Judas valuing the Son of God at thirty pieces of silver. On the other, we see a woman "wasting" a fortune in ointment to honor a King who is about to die.

But the real "cost" is found at the table. As Jesus institutes the Holy Supper, He reveals that the price of the "forgiveness of sins" is His own Body and Blood. He takes the old Passover—the meal of a people fleeing slavery—and becomes the Lamb who stays to face the slaughter. We start our midweek journey here: at a table where the King gives everything away for free to those who have nothing to offer but their need.

"Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." — Matthew 26:27–28

Invocabit

Invocabit, the First Sunday in Lent, shows Christ entering the wilderness to confront the tempter on our behalf. His victory over Satan anchors our confidence that God hears us in trouble, shelters us in His mercy, and leads us safely through every trial.

Today’s Readings

Old Testament — Genesis 3:1–21

The fall of Adam and Eve reveals humanity’s deep need for rescue, yet even in judgment God speaks a promise of deliverance that will one day crush the serpent’s power.

Epistle — Hebrews 4:14–16

Jesus, our great High Priest, sympathizes with our weakness and invites us to draw near to the throne of grace with bold confidence.

Gospel — Matthew 4:1–11

Christ enters the wilderness to face the devil directly, overcoming every temptation with the power of God’s Word.

Psalm — Psalm 118:1–11 (v. 5)

Thought for the Day

“Christ enters the wilderness for us, conquering the tempter so that we may stand secure in His mercy.”

Invocabit ("He shall call upon Me")

Today’s Readings

Old Testament: Genesis 32:22-32

Jacob wrestles all night with a mysterious Man (the pre-incarnate Christ), refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. God strikes Jacob’s hip but grants him the name Israel, signifying that he has striven with God and prevailed through persistent faith.

Epistle: Romans 5:1-5

In this passage, St. Paul explains that because we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This grace allows us to rejoice even in sufferings, knowing that "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope"—a hope that never shames us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28

In this Gospel account, a Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter, persisting even when He initially remains silent and then tests her with a difficult comparison to "dogs" eating the children's bread. She humbly accepts His word but clings to His mercy, prompting Jesus to marvel at her great faith and grant her request instantly.

Psalm: 121 (v1-2)

Thought for the Day

This Sunday traditionally focuses on the Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness. It sets the tone for the season by showing Christ's victory over the devil through the Word of God, providing the foundation for our own Lenten journey.

Sexagesima

Sexagesima marks the second Sunday before Lent, focusing on the power of God’s Word to take root in the heart. The day calls the Church to hear the Word with faith, resist the distractions that choke it, and trust that God alone gives the growth.

Today’s Worship Readings

Old Testament — Isaiah 55:10–13

God’s Word goes out with purpose and returns with joy, bringing life where we could never make it grow.

Epistle — Hebrews 4:9–13

The Word of God searches our hearts with perfect clarity, exposing what is hidden and calling us into His rest.

Gospel — Luke 8:4–13

Jesus teaches that the Word bears fruit only in hearts that hear it, hold it, and trust it.

Psalm — Psalm 84:4

Blessed are those who dwell in the Lord’s house, for their lives are shaped by His praise.

Septugesima

“Septuagesima” comes from the Latin septuagesimus, meaning “seventieth.”It marks the Sunday about seventy days before Easter (not exactly seventy — the number is symbolic, not mathematical).

Today’s Worship Readings

Old Testament: Exodus 17:1-7

The Fall into sin — setting the stage for Lent’s penitential tone.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 10:1–5

Paul’s call to disciplined faithfulness.

Gospel: Matthew 20:1–16

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard — grace, not merit.

Psalm

Psalm 2 (v7)

Thought for the Day

“God often begins His greatest work in the places where we feel most empty. The wilderness is not a punishment — it’s the classroom where trust is learned.”

Transfiguration

Transfiguration Sunday celebrates the moment Jesus revealed His divine glory on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. It marks the bridge between Epiphany and Lent, reminding us that the One who goes to the cross is truly the beloved Son of God.

Today’s Readings

Old Testament

Exodus 3:1-4

Epistle

2 Peter 16-21

Gospel

Mark 9: 2-9

Psalm

Psalm 2 (v 7)