Livestream Links

First Reading - Zechariah 9:9-12

Psalm - Psalm 145:1-14

Second Reading - Romans 7:14-25a

Gospel - Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus does not refer here to the mere physical or mental work of a laborer. He has in mind rest for the soul instead of for the body and mind. So what is this labor but the labor for righteousness, the work of keeping the law when it constantly nags us and weighs us down with its accusations? No wonder we need rest for the soul. This rest occurs when the Spirit reminds us that Jesus has fulfilled the law. Now we are freed to keep the law without its obligations, and when we fail and are tempted to go back to laboring at it, may instead, come to Jesus and be at peace in the One who fulfilled the law. 

First Reading - Isaiah 55:10-13

Psalm - Psalm 65:1-8, 9-13

Second Reading - Romans 8:12-17

Gospel - Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Note how undiscriminating the sower is, scattering seed everywhere. The sower’s task is to sow and trust God for the increase. Who knows what sort of “ground” we may walk upon in the course of a day, or even that sits in church pews? Our job remains the same: sow! The Spirit takes care for the ground. 

First Reading - Isaiah 44:6-8

Psalm - Psalm 119:57-64

Second Reading - Romans 8:18-27

Gospel - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

All disciples must sow the Gospel seed, but the good seed that flourishes is sown by the Son of Man. Only he makes the seed grow; and this, he does while we rest (Mark 4:27). Our work is to sow throughout the “field of the world” (Matt 28:19-20) and trust him to deal with the weeds — and with the “evil one” who plants tares. 

First Reading - Deuteronomy 7:6-9

Psalm - Psalm 125:1-5

Second Reading - Romans 8:28-39

Gospel - Matthew 13:44-52

These three, similar parables are each getting at the overriding importance of the kingdom. The kingdom of God is the principal thing. However, our understanding of Jesus’ teachings and our actions upon it do not always synch. Obviously, this was also true of his disciples. So he asked, “Do you understand?” Those who “get it,” ought to be rightly focused on kingdom matters, as well as be well-equipped to teach about the kingdom, plying law (“old”) and gospel (“new”) as fits the need.