Introit:Ps 119:137-140, 142 (antiphon: Ps 119:144)
Gradual: [Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.]
Psalm: Ps 113 (antiphon: Ps 113:3)
OT: Amos 8:4-7
Epistle:1 Tim 2:1-15
Proper Verse: 1 Tim 2:5-6a
Gospel: Luke 16:1-15

The Lord Is Rich in His Grace and Mercy
Because God, our Savior, "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4), He urges "that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people" (1 Tim. 2:1). Christians should so pray "without anger or quarreling," but "adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control" (1 Tim. 2:8, 9). For the Lord does not forget "the poor of the land" (Amos 8:4). He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. "For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). Though we try to justify ourselves "before men," God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance (Luke 16:15). Though we are "not strong enough to dig," and we are "ashamed to beg" (Luke 16:3), He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His "eternal dwellings" (Luke 16:9). More shrewd than even "the sons of this world" (Luke 16:8), He requires His stewards of the Gospel to bestow forgiveness freely.

Introit:Ps 119:73-75, 77 (antiphon: Ps 119:76)
Gradual: [Ps. 91:11; 103:1]
Psalm: Ps 146 (antiphon: Ps 146:2)
OT: Amos 6:1-7
Epistle:1 Tim 3:1-13 or 1 Tim 6:6-19
Proper Verse: Luke 16:31
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Our Help Is Not in Worldly Riches
"The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side," and "the rich man also died and was buried" (Luke 16:22). The poor man Lazarus, who knew many bad things on earth, began to be comforted forever, whereas the rich man, after a lifetime of good things, began to be "in anguish" (Luke 16:25). Therefore, "woe to those who are at ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1), for "the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away" (Amos 6:7). The wealthy are urged "not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches," but "to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share" (1 Tim. 6:17_18). Covetous desire for what God has not given is idolatry and "a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Tim. 6:10). Contentment belongs to faith, by which the Christian has "great gain" in godliness (1 Tim. 6:6).

Introit:Ps 119:162, 164, 165, 167 (antiphon: Ps 119:166)
Gradual: [Ps. 91:11; 103:1]
Psalm: Ps 62 (antiphon: Ps 62:1)
OT: Hab 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Epistle:2 Tim 1:1-14
Proper Verse: Luke 17:3b
Gospel: Luke 17:1-10

We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight, in the Peace of Christ's Forgiveness
We are surrounded by "destruction and violence" (Hab. 1:3) because the Law "is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth" (Hab. 1:4). In fact, the Law cannot rescue us from our enemies; it is our fiercest enemy of all. Therefore, not by sight, experience or feeling, nor by works, "the righteous shall live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4). "Temptations to sin are sure to come" (Luke 17:1), but as often as we sin, the Lord rebukes us, turns us to repentance and forgives us. We pray that He would thus "increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). And indeed, He does! Though we are His "unworthy servants" (Luke 17:10), He prepares His Supper for us, dresses us properly and gives us His body and blood to eat and drink. He appoints pastors for us, "by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:1). For the Gospel brings "life and immortality to light" (2 Tim. 1:10). This we believe. Therefore, "follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard," by which He guards you "in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:13).

Introit:Ps 34:2-4, 17 (antiphon: Ps 48:1)
Gradual: [Ps. 91:11; 103:1]
Psalm: Ps 111 (antiphon: Ps 111:10)
OT: Ruth 1:1-19a
Epistle:2 Tim 2:1-13
Proper Verse: Luke 5:15
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

Faith Returns Thanks to God and Worships Him in the Person of Christ Jesus
Jesus comes in mercy and, by His Word, heals you in body and soul. "Go and show yourselves to the priests," for you are cleansed (Luke 17:14), and you are granted access to the Lord's temple. It is "at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks" (Luke 17:16) that you worship God, for Christ Jesus is your great High Priest; His body is the true temple. In Him, you "find rest, each of you in the house of her husband" (Ruth 1:9), for the Lord has "visited his people and given them food" (Ruth 1:6). The person of Jesus Christ lodges Himself in holy food „ bread and wine for believers to eat and drink. You lodge where Jesus lodges; His Father is your God, His people are your people. Death cannot part you from Him because His death and resurrection are eternally yours through Holy Baptism. "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead" (2 Tim. 2:8). As surely as death could not hold Him, so surely "the word of God is not bound" (2 Tim. 2:9). His Gospel is entrusted "to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2), so that you "may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:10). Such is the confession of faith for all the saints, who believe, teach and confess the one Lord and Savior „ Jesus Christ.