Johan Olaf Wallin: Archbishop of Uppsala and Hymnwriter

Today we commemorate Johan Olaf Wallin. Wallin was a Swedish churchleader who is well known for his Swedish hymnal and his poetry. He led the commission to set up the Swedish hymnal in 1811 and wrote an entirely new one by 1816. Of the five hundred hymns, over one hundred and thirty were written by Wallin, and he translated almost two hundred more hymns. In fact, the Swedish hymnal didn't change for nearly a century. So today we pray for an increased love of congregational singing, the bishops and leaders of the church that they may by their example strengthen and renew the church's worship, and for all interpreters of the feelings of their people.

St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

Yesterday was the day of St. Peter and St. Paul, two of the Church's early leaders. Peter, formerly Simon, was one of the twelve apostles and was a fisherman. He is sometimes referred to as the favored apostle, and was the apostle who denied Jesus during Jesus' time of trial. However, Peter proclaimed his love for Jesus three times, which may correspond to the three statements of denial. Peter is also well known because Jesus changed his name and said that upon this rock He will build his church in Matthew 16:13-20. Peter is also called the first pope.

Paul actually started out as Saul, a persecutor of Christians, until Jesus blinded him on the road to Damascus and then opened his eyes, literally and to His message. We know Paul best because he wrote many of the Epistles in the New Testament. Both of these early Church leaders were believed to have been martyred on the same day in the year 68 AD.

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom; Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Readings for Today:
Exekiel 34:11-16
Psalm 87:1-6
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Mark 8:27-35

Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons

Irenaues was a bishop of Lyons, France. He spoke out against many heresies, especially Gnosticism. His book, Against Heresies, is probably his most well known defense against Gnosticism, which was threatening to the church. Irenaeus stated that the bishops were the only providers of the true interpretation of the Gospel. Irenaeus was a promoter of peace in the Church.

Almighty God, you have raised up faithful bishops and leaders of your Church. May the memory of your servant Irenaeus be a source of joy for us and a bulwark of our faith, so that we may serve you and confess your name before the world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Readings for Today:
Ezekiel 34: 11-16
Psalm 84
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 21:15-17

Philipp Melanchthon: Renewer of the Church

Today we celebrate Philipp Melanchthon and his achievements. Most of us know Melanchthon because he penned the Augsburg Confession, but very few are aware of his place as one of the first systematic theologians of the Lutheran church. Melanchthon also worked with Luther at Wittenberg University as a professor of theology, the Scripture, Aristotle, and the classics. Melenchthon was and is sometimes vilified as being to Catholic or too Calvin, but his other works, Loci Communes and Summary of Ethics are both examples of how Lutherans view doctrine (Loci Communes) and how we are to view ethics, even Aristotle's (Summary of Ethics).

On this day as we remember Philipp Melanchthon and the Augsburg Confession, let us pray for the unity of the church, the preaching and teaching of pure doctrine, and a deeper knowledge of Christ and his benefits.

The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

Today is the 478th Anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, which is the standard doctrine for the Lutheran Faith. In it, Philipp Melanchthon along with several other members of the German empire, detail what it means to be a member of the Lutheran church, in hopes that it can be reconciled with the Roman Catholic church. In the Confession, almost every aspect of what Lutherans believe is found, from the concept of the Trinity to the monastic lifestyle. Melanchthon explains why we practice things differently than the Catholic church, and uses Scripture to back up the Lutheran way of doing things. There is also discussion about original sin and why there is still so much sin in the world. Melanchthon stresses the importance of being saved by grace through faith, as it is an important part of what we believe as Lutherans. He also states that even though we cannot do good works to gain the Holy Spirit and salvation, but that without the Holy Spirit it is impossible to do good works. Melanchthon also discusses how and when mass should be distributed as well as how we are to view the saints. To see for yourself what the Augsburg Confession is about, click here.

The Nativity of John the Baptist

We all know the tale of John the Baptist. He was the cousin of Jesus, born to Mary's sister, and began to proclaim the coming of Jesus. John the Baptist proclaimed that even though he was baptizing with water, soon would come the day of one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. One, whose sandals he would be unworthy to tie. Even though some people believed that John the Baptist was Messiah, he kept pointing towards Jesus as the one who would bring salvation. John the Baptist was baptized Jesus in the Jordan. Shortly after Jesus' baptism, John was beheaded by Herod, because of his teachings against the moral code of Herod and his family. Today marks the anniversary of the birth of the "Last Old Testament Prophet" and we are reminded of the turning point between the Old Testament and the New.

Readings for Today:
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 141
Acts 13:13-26
Luke 1:57-80

Prayer for the Day:
Almighty God, you called John the Baptist to give witness to the coming of your Son and to prepare the way. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that we too may witness Christ's coming and so prepare his way; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Second Sunday after Pentecost -- Matthew 6

Readings:

Isaiah 49:8-16
Psalm 131
1Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 6:24-34

As we enter ordinary time, the season after Pentecost, our readings focus on discipleship and the life of faith. On this Sunday, we hear a portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us that the entirety of our life is not wrapped up in the trappings which surround us. Rather, the essentials will be given to us, and therefore we might live a life of open discipleship.

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Feast of the Holy Trinity -- Eternal, Perfect and Divine Relationship

Readings:
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

It has been said that Holy Trinity Sunday is the only Sunday dedicated to a doctrine of the Church. While it is true that the doctrine of the Trinity is key and central to the Christian faith, this Sunday reminds us not only of the doctrine, which of course is spelled out nowhere in Scripture, but when we speak of our Triune God, we speak of the eternal character of God. The Trinity speaks about who God is and who we are called to be in the midst of God's nature.

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As our state primary approaches...

Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speech and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speakers eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor.

St. John Chrysostom

Pentecost, the Holy Spirit and the Community

Readings:
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-35
1Corinthians 12:3-13
John 20:19-23

Pentecost is the great festival of the Holy Spirit which gathers us into the fellowship of the Church and sends us out for the sake of the world. In the waters of Baptism we are given gifts by the Holy Spirit for the sake of the community and God's mission.

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