Shepherd Sunday from 2025
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Trying This Out - Misericordias - Quasimodogeniti - Posted in 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gki9j_hYsKk&t=61s
misericordias
+++
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Shepherd Sunday - "The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they become food to all the beasts of the field and were scattered."
10. But that we may make it the plainer, and may understand it the better, we will cite a passage from the prophet Ezekiel, where he speaks of the wicked shepherds that are against Christ, when he says (34:2ff): “Should not the Shepherds feed the sheep? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they become food to all the beasts of the field and were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my sheep were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and there was none that did search or seek after them,” and so forth. Accordingly, God reproves the shepherds who do not keep the sheep. And now mark well what he has written. His earnest intent in this paragraph is that the weak, sick, broken, those who are driven away and the lost, are to be strengthened, bound up, healed, and sought again, and that they are not to be torn to pieces and scattered. This you should have done, says he to the shepherds, but you have not done it; therefore, I will do it myself. As he says further on, in verse 16: “I will seek that which was lost, I will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.”
11. Here you see that Christ’s kingdom is to be concerned about the weak, the sick, the broken, that he may help them. That is, indeed, a comforting declaration. The only trouble is that we do not realize our needs and infirmities. If we realized them, we would soon flee to him. But how did those shepherds act? They ruled with rigor, and applied God’s Law with great severity; and, moreover, they added their own commandments, as they still do, and when these were not fulfilled, they raved and condemned, so that they were driving and driving and exhorting and exacting, continually. That is no proper way to tend and keep souls, says Christ. He is no such shepherd as that; for no one is benefited, but is rather wholly undone, by such a course, as we shall presently hear. Now let us consider this citation from the prophet in its order.
12. First, he says: The sheep that are weak are to be strengthened; that is, consciences weak in faith and troubled in spirit and of tender disposition are not to be driven and told: You must do this. You must be strong. If you are weak, you are lost. That is not strengthening the weak. St. Paul, speaking to the Romans (Romans 14:1) says: “But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.” And shortly afterwards (Romans 15:1) he says: “Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.” Accordingly, they should not be driven with rigor, but should be comforted, even though they are weak, lest they be driven to despair; and in time they will grow stronger.
13. Isaiah, the prophet, speaks of Christ likewise (Isaiah 42:3): “A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench.” The bruised reeds are poor, tender consciences, which are easily distracted so that they tremble and despair of God. He does not fly at them then, and trample them under foot; that is not his way. But he deals with them gently, lest he break them to pieces. Again, the dimly burning wick, which still burns at least, though there be more smoke than fire there, he does not wholly quench, but lights, and again and again trims it. That is a great consolation, indeed, to such as experience it; and, therefore, he who does not deal gently with tender consciences is no good shepherd.
14. Secondly, the prophet says: “Neither have ye healed the sick.” Who are the sick? They are those who are manifestly deficient in certain of their works. The first clause has reference to tender consciences; the second, to outward conduct. As, for instance, when one growls and sulks, and now and then lapses, and in anger and other foolish ways oversteps the bounds; even as the apostles, at times, grievously stumbled. But even those who in their outward works before men manifest their shortcomings, so that people are offended at them and say that they are rude and peculiar, he will not cast away; for his kingdom here below is not so constituted as to embrace only the strong and the whole, as it will be in the life to come.
Christ is sent here that he might receive and help just such people.
15. Therefore, even though we are weak and sick, we must not despair and say we are not in the kingdom of Christ. But the more we realize our sickness, all the more should we turn to him; for that is what he is here for, to heal and make us whole. Accordingly, if you are sick and a sinner, and realize your condition, you have all the more reason to go to him and say:
Dear Lord, I come just because I am a sinner; that thou mayest help me, and make me good. Thus, necessity drives you to him; for the greater your ailment, the more imperative it is that you seek relief. And that is what he wants; therefore, he tenderly bids us to be of good cheer, and to come unto him. They who are not good shepherds, however, expect to make people good by hatefully scolding and driving them, whereas they are thereby only making matters worse. And this may be seen when we look upon present conditions, brought about by this wrong method, when everything is so piteously scattered, even as the prophet has here said.
}}}}}}} - Vimeo below
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Quasimodo Geniti
Quasimodo Geniti - The First Sunday after Easter - Doubting Thomas, 2026, broadcast earlier in 2025.
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
Introit
As newborn babes: desire the sincere milk of the Word.
Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee:
O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me.
Psalm. Sing aloud unto God, our Strength:
make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who have celebrated the solemnities of the Lord’s resurrection may, by the help of Thy grace, bring forth the fruits thereof in our life and conversation; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. Christ, our Passover, is sacrificed for us. Hallelujah!
V. The angel of the Lord descended from heaven:
and came and rolled back the stone from the door
and sat upon it. Hallelujah!
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #656 Behold a Host
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #656 Behold a Host
He Knows and Guides Us
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
Hymn #285 How Precious Is the Book Divine
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
Hymn #285 How Precious Is the Book Divine
Prayers and Announcements
- In our prayers] - Sarah Buck, Pastor Jim Shrader and Christine, Kermit Way, Dr. Lito Cruz, members and friends.
- Pray for our country, our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
KJV 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
KJV John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
First Sunday After Easter
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee, that of Thine ineffable grace, for the sake of Thy Son, Thou hast given us the holy gospel, and hast instituted the holy sacraments, that through the same we may have comfort and forgiveness of sin: We beseech Thee, grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may heartily believe Thy word; and through the holy sacraments day by day establish our faith, until we at last obtain salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
He Knows and Guides Us
KJV John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Everything was darkness and fear, uniting for strength against the Jews and the stout door. Not knowing is scary. We have lights, locks, chains, extra doors, and noises - and we hope that will do the job. This is the extreme on both sides - the disciples were completely lost and afraid - Jesus was there human/divine - the Word of Creation in Genesis 1 and John 1.
The time between the tortured crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection were frightening and chaotic. He knew what had to happen, and everyone either read, heard, or dismissed such passages as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. The disciples were so afraid of the Jewish leaders that they barred the door shut. Jesus appeared to them and said the most comforting Word - Peace be to all of you (plural).
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
They were mixed up, confused, and afraid, but the Good Shepherd was fearless and compassionate. There were so many episodes in the past.
- The disciples even accused Jesus - Do you not care if we die?
- When Jesus suggested help for a huge group of pilgrims following them, "We don't have enough money!" Our tendency is to respond to fears and agony, pressures and confusion, often - simply the reality of the seemingly unknown future. Our response is not adequate because the Son Himself has us in His hands.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Peace and forgiveness go together in the New Testament. That is because faith in Jesus Christ gives us access to God's grace. Jeru-salem means "a place of peace," which is ironic, only because they would not listen to God as the catastrophic battle moved to an end (70 AD). Another revolt and the city was smashed even worse (Bar Kokba Rebellion, 132-36 AD, obliteration.) The Christian believers were scattered before the Roman Army arrived, because the believers were already driven away. That war increased the Christians and saved many lives as a result. They were not counting the numbers, but the faith.
Breathing on and speaking to the disciples was not new by itself, since they were led by the Holy Spirit, but they were assured of Jesus' forgiveness through this act, carried out to the believers and among the believers. Thus the primary work of the Holy Spirit is to
John 168 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;John 16 8 και ελθων εκεινος ελεγξει τον κοσμον περι αμαρτιας και περι δικαιοσυνης και περι κρισεως 9 περι αμαρτιας μεν οτι ου πιστευουσιν εις εμε
Thus this act in the locked room is to carry out the primary work of the Spirit - to conquer sin through faith in the Savior, whose many miracles and Resurrection give people forgiveness of sin through faith in Him.
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
If someone has never doubted the Savior, then that person should re-examine the situation. This is important because we all doubt Him in various ways. Therefore, we need a constant stream of trust in the Good Shepherd and thankfulness for that forgiveness. The Son of God is so great and we are so tiny that we tend to move in the wrong direction, which should begin in forgiveness and continue on the True Vine (John 15).
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| Enchanted Peace is derived from the famous WWII Peace Rose. |
I looked out on the front parsonage garden this morning, after some rain. At least 60 roses are in full bloom, all waiting to become seeds (hips) and in some cases pruned away. Jesus Christ has given us clear, simple examples to understand His ministry to us. Remaining with Him means being fruitful in His Kingdom. Cleansing (being forgiven) makes us fruitful. The rose (or grape vine) is never dormant but can become that way without the source.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Doubting Thomas is really Believing Thomas, because he traveled to Kerala, India with the Gospel and established Christianity there. We got to know a family from Kerala and attended the wedding of the older daughter. We often talked about how the Gospel there spread in various parts of the world, truly a global network.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
This event is unique to the Fourth Gospel and easily remembered by its drama and meaning. The mainline/apostate ministers and teachers mock this passage (and the Fourth Gospel), thus proving their inability to let the Gospel take effect and guide their lives. Nothing is more powerful than the Spirit working to teach us about Christ and His benefits. The longer we live, the more we realize that truth.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Lent 4 2026
Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 2026.
Bethany Lutheran Church
10 AM
Pastor Gregory Jackson
That Zoom link was wrong, but the link to YouTube below will work very well.
The Hymn #263 O Little Flock Fear Not Thy Foe
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
Introit
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her: all ye that love her.
Rejoice for joy with her: all ye that mourn for her.
Psalm. I was glad when they said unto me:
Let us go into the house of the Lord.
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #316 O Living Bread from Heaven
Seek And Expect from Him Nourishment for the Soul
KJV John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
This passage from the Fourth Gospel first teaches us about miracles and God's ability to provide for us. The vast crowd was convinced - for the moment - about Jesus' miracles and willingness to serve them. However, the disciples expressed a lack of faith about what Jesus could do.
I will repeat a story I have told before, because it shows how fear can turn into faith during stress. My boss asked me to have lunch with another insurance agent. He was stricken with anguish about whether he could succeed and provide for his family. I asked him about his faith, whether he trusted in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and His miracles. And he said he did. I asked, "You believe in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, His miracles, dying for our sins and rising from death? You are telling me that you believe all these things but do not trust that God will take of you and your family?" He smiled and cried at the same time. A perfectionist, he was stuck in WRONG!
We all go through times of terrible stress, which stirs up fear in our hearts. The opposite of fear is not money, popularity, or prosperity - it is faith in God's wisdom and care for each and every one of us. "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
People followed Jesus because the miracles gave them faith in the Savior. But that faith was shallow and easily attacked. The disciples knew many examples of what He could do, but they doubted.
John 6:3-5 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
Jesus used the view to challenge what they could see from an elevated place, as a huge group moved toward them. The crowd was walking along the sea. Jesus said to Philip, "How can we buy bread, so they can eat."
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
Jesus was testing His disciples' faith, because He already knew what He was going to do. Philip figured the cost, and said there was not enough to take care of them. So that was a great contradiction, even before the crowd arrived. They had just seen a number of miracles, but the wonder did not care over to this crowd streaming toward them.
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
Andrew is the chairman of the finance committee. There is one is every congregation. I called the committee the Puddleglums in one congregation and only a few people thought it was funny. "What are five small barley loves and two small fish?" That is the definite mark of not trusting in what God can do. With the disciples stymied, Jesus created some order, having the men sit down in a grassy area (fresh water was nearby). There were about five thousand men, so the entire crowd was very large with women and children.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
Jesus gave thanks (as we always should) and passed them to the disciples, who gave them to all who sat down, the fish as much as they wanted. Those who deny miracles cannot fathom how God can do such a thing, and yet every day scientists marvel that so many plants and animals have incredible abilities to do what we could never imagine ourselves. And we are the pinnacle of creation evolution (they think). Yesterday I learned that blueberries are not blue. They only pretend. A thin layer of wax scatters light so they look blue.
"That nothing be lost" is a command not to be wasteful, which applies in so many different ways. Those who are frugal can give a purpose to many different things, often through sharing. I have to point out that pruning roses for their beauty is also a way to make them more productive, because with plants nothing much grows after forming the seed pod. The plants we call "weeds" are named for their ability to flourish being left alone, crowding out the more delicate.
So this very special food from God was to be treated as unique and not to scattered like trash. This was a meal to remember.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
In teaching people about pastoral counseling, I remind them of the dangers of trying to do everything all the time. Now I have three named examples of Jesus deliberately alone, in Mark 1, Luke 5, and here in John 6:15.
Jesus was fulfilling His assigned duty when people wanted to make him the King and He withdrew. Most people want to work, because it is satisfying and healthy. Others make it an obsession and leave what is genuinely valuable behind. God ordained the Sabbath, which Christians changed to Sunday, to listen to God's Word and to enjoy peaceful time with family and others.
The Communion Hymn #388 Just As I Am (Elliot)
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 50 Lord Dismiss Us
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| By Norma A. Boeckler |
Prayers and Announcements
- Medical care - Randy Anderson (hospital), Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Sarah Buck, Lorie Howell, Kermit Way. Norma's appointment went well.
- My Good Shepherd has been sent to most households. Ask for more if needed.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Reminiscere 2026
use computer !!
http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/search/label/Before%20Lent%202024
Video from 2025 - https://youtu.be/fNzpD0k6OAk
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
Introit
Be Thou my strong Rock: for an house of defense to save me.
Thou art my Rock and my Fortress: therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me and guide me.
Psalm. In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness.
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O Lord, we beseech Thee, mercifully hear our prayers and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and GradualGradual
V. Thou hast with Thine arm redeemed Thy people: the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
Tract. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness.
V. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving.
V. Know ye that the Lord, He is God.
V. It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves: we are His people and the sheep of his pasture.
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #148 Lord Jesus Christ, My Life
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #148 Lord Jesus Christ, My Life
The Famous 1 Corinthians 13 Chapter
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #657 Beautiful Savior
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #657 Beautiful Savior
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