The Righteous Shall Shine Like the Sun
Friday, July 21, 2023
(Jesus said) “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
(Matthew 13:43 ESV)
This weekend in church, our Gospel reading will be the parable of the weeds in the field. We are continuing our walk through Chapter 13 of Saint Matthew reading the parable of seeds thrown in the field only for the person’s enemy who comes and sows weeds amongst the good seeds. At harvest time, both will be taken from the ground. The bad weeds will be thrown into the fire and burned. The good plants will be brought into the storehouse and protected. Our Lord Jesus is reminding us that we who have been Baptized in His name need to always keep our eyes out on those who will sow thoughts and ideas that will lead God’s people away from Him. Jesus wants us to be the good plants that we are, standing firm in God’s Word, trusting Him above all things, and showing all people the importance of being in the family of God.
Prayer (Collect for this Weekend):
O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.