June 28, 2021
Dear friends,
First, thanks again to everyone who chipped in at Old Settlers Day! It was a great occasion, and I’m glad that Concordia was such a big part of it! Really well done.
Then, a lesson related to this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 6:36-42, “Be merciful… judge not…”) is the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. Take a look and see how Jesus is merciful! Notice that his mercy does not ignore her sin; rather, it draws her out of it. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
That is the Gospel: the free forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake, which converts our stony hearts from rebellion against God to earnest love and trust in him.
That’s the same Gospel that we then apply to one another. Here’s how it goes in an old Danish hymn:
Our neighbor’s failings we should hide,
True charity supplying,
Nor comfortless let those abide
Who for our help are crying,
In need of home and daily bread,
Whom we should help as Jesus said,
His love thus glorifying.
Grant that our words and deeds may give
True witness of our yearning;
The Spirit in our heart does live,
His light within us burning;
Grant that our light shines ever bright
That all may see the Father’s Light,
Their praise to You returning.
What glory that you and I, who have received God’s mercy, also get to dispense it freely! It’s as if the richest man in the world were to leave his estate to you. Now you have the checkbook. What will you do? Just think of the good you could accomplish! How much more, when God, who is rich in grace and mercy, gives to you all of the treasures of heaven by faith. Just think of the good you can accomplish!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs