Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Jesus said, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
-John 15:7-8 (ESV)
Disciples bring glory to God by bearing ‘much fruit’. The ‘fruit’ is most likely the outcome of their entire life and ministry as they remain in fellowship with Jesus by keeping his commands and experiencing his presence with them through the Spirit. In their lives and ministry, then, they reflect the character of God and he is glorified as people catch glimpses of what he is truly like. As they bear this ‘fruit’, Jesus said to them, you are showing yourselves to be my disciples.
-Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary
The Collect of the Week
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 45:11-13,18-19
Psalm 33:1-8, 18-21 (after the playlist below)
New Testament Lesson: 1 John 4:7-21
Gospel Lesson: John 15:7-21
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Playlist)
Psalm 33:1-8, 18-21
1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; *
it is fitting for the just to be thankful.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp; *
sing praises unto him with the ten-stringed lute.
3 Sing unto him a new song; *
make skillful melody and cry aloud with joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is true, *
and all his works are faithful.
5 He loves righteousness and true judgment; *
the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, *
and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea together, as in a heap, *
and lays up the deep, as in a treasure house.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; *
stand in awe of him, all you that dwell in the world.
18 To deliver their soul from death, *
and to feed them in the time of famine.
19 Our soul has patiently waited for the Lord, *
for he is our help and our shield.
20 Our heart shall rejoice in him, *
because we have hoped in his holy Name.
21 Let your merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.