Watchword for the 16^th Sunday after Trinity: This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1Jo5:4b)

The Introit is from Psalm 25:  Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.  Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. (Verses 8.10.14-15) Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Lesson from the Old Testament from the prophet Isaiah the 49^th chapter: “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Verses 1-6 This is the sermon text)

The epistle lesson from the letter of the apostle St. Paul to the Romans in the 10^th chapter: “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Verses 9-17)

The holy gospel according to the evangelist St. Matthew in the 15^th chapter: “Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Verses 21-28)

The liturgical colour is green.

Together with the Christian Church we pray a collect for this Sunday: Lord, we implore You, grant Your people grace to withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds to follow You, the only God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (LSB Altar Book Pg. 926)

Hymn for the week:

1. Seek were you may 
   To find a way,
   Restless, toward your salvation.
   My heart is stilled,
   On Christ I build,
   He is the one foundation.
   His word is sure,
   His works endure;
   He over throws
   All evil foes;
   Through him I more than conquer.
2. Seek whom you may To be your stay,
   None can redeem his brother.
   All helper. Failed;
   This man prevailed,
   The God man and none other,
   Our Servant King
   Of whom we sing.
   We’re justified
   Because he died,
   The guilty being guiltless.
3. Seek him alone,
   Do not postpone;
   Let him your soul deliver.
   All you who thirst,
   Go to him first
   Whose grace flows like a river.
   Seek him indeed
   In every need;
   He will impart
   To every heart
   The fullness of his treasure.
4. My heart’s delight,
   My crown most bright,
   O Christ, my joy forever.
   Not wealth nor pride
   Nor fortune’s tide
   Our bonds of love shall sever.
   You are my Lord;
   Your precious Word
   Shall guide my way
   And help me stay
   Forever in your presence.

Georg Weissel 1590-1635 translated by Arthur P. Voss 1899-1955.

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight to preach his holy will faithfully and his gracious promises invitingly! If you are not preaching, then listen for God is talking (Hic dixit Dominus) + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)