κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

[Introduction] Jesus said, Consider the lilies of the field ... (v 28b). Yes ... let’s do that first. We see them most often on Easter Sunday and at weddings. They’re tall, bright, elegant, joyful. They come in all the colors of the rainbow. They usually have six petals shaped like trumpets. Their filaments resemble tiny golden torches. They’re just gorgeous. Now don’t confuse them with the so-called daylilies you see on the side of the road around here ... Those aren’t really lilies. Daylilies are a different type of flower. Though the plant produces hundreds of flowers over the course of weeks, the flower of daylilies literally die every day. The flower of the true lilies live a week, maybe even two, even after being cut. The fragrance of lilies is simply sweet. Their petals are soft ... velvety. And though they can be bruised when pressed, the flower itself is quite hearty. Then Jesus said, Yet I say to you: Not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these (v 29)...

[Jesus said:] Learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (v 13). [Prayer] Heavenly Father, we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to you, but you continue to pour out your Spirit upon us ... calling, gathering, enlightening, and sanctifying the whole Christian church on earth through the Gospel. Help us, like Saint Matthew, to hear your call and to follow you, receiving your mercy ... in Jesus’ name. [Introduction] If not for the call of the Gospel, Saint Matthew may very well have died as just another rich man despised for his wealth. But today he heard Jesus calling. Follow me , our Lord said and Matthew left everything to do just that, becoming merciful, just as he is merciful. Because of this WE TOO CAN HEAR THE CALL OF THE GOSPEL AND FOLLOW JESUS TO RECEIVE HIS MERCY THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE I. When Matthew first heard the call in Capernaum, he didn’t hesitate to follow.  A...

[Jesus said:] “ Now my soul is troubled. And what will I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this reason, I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified [it]! And again, I will glorify [it]!” (vv 27-29).  [Prayer] Heavenly Father, you glorified your name in the birth of Christ and his transfiguration. You glorified your name on the cross of Christ, in his resurrection, and in his ascension. Enable us now to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith, that all our works may glorify you ... in Jesus’ name. [Introduction] They heard a word from heaven.  Can you imagine what that must have been like ... to hear a thundering voice responding to Jesus’ prayer that the Father would glorify his name?  What would that have been like ... to be in the crowd ... in Jerusalem ... during Jesus’ triumphal entry on Holy Week ... and to hear our heavenly Father speak in this way? Can you imagine the...