Sermon for The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, 2024

Perceive the sharp contrast between the Pharisee and the Publican: outwardly, the Pharisee may look good and the Publican bad, yet inwardly, the Pharisee is proud of himself, and the Publican is proud—one might say—of God’s mercy. In fact, we might not even call that pride; we might just call it faith. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” Beloved, that is the prayer of the Christian; make it your prayer. Stand with the Publican and beat your breast in acknowledgment of your unworthiness. And then, receive the mercy of God: receive the Body of Christ, given for you; receive the Blood of Christ, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Trusting in the mercy of Christ Jesus, Almighty God in the flesh, who gave His life into death and shed His sacred Blood to redeem you, you, likewise, go home, justified.

Readings:

• Old Testament: Genesis 4:1-15

• Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

• Holy Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
  

Sermon: