Living Our Faith
Today’s Verse:
Luke 6:39-42 ESV
(Jesus) also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
Today, on the Church calendar, we remember Bishop John Chrysostom. He served the Church as the Bishop of Antioch. His last name is not “Chrysostom.” The renowned 4th-century preacher, whose name aptly means “golden-mouthed,” was given to him after his death. His sermons were brimming with practical encouragement on how Christians live out their faith in Jesus Christ, urging the Church to embrace a life shaped by the Word of God. He emphasized that humility, charity, and repentance should characterize the Christian life.
In today’s Gospel text, Jesus warns against spiritual blindness and hypocrisy. It’s easy for us to point out the flaws in others while conveniently overlooking our sins. The log in our eye often blinds us to the grace we desperately need. However, Christ’s call here is not to completely ignore sin but to approach others humbly, having first confessed and received forgiveness for our transgressions.
This is the life of repentance and faith to which we are called. We come before the cross, where the true Teacher illuminates the extent of our sin and the profound depth of His mercy. In this light, we are liberated to walk humbly and love our neighbors with genuine compassion and forgiveness—not judgmental arrogance, but with the same compassion and forgiveness Christ bestowed upon us.
In short, as we honor John Chrysostom today, remember his profound call to align our lives with God’s Word. May we discern clearly through the light of the Gospel, repent of our sins, and embrace the grace and love of Christ? May we live faithfully, trusting that He’s done it all to ensure our salvation and that He will guide us in every good work.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You have shown us the depth of Your mercy and called us to walk in humility and love. Remove the logs from our eyes so that we may see clearly and reflect Your grace to others. By the example of John Chrysostom, teach us to treasure Your Word and live it out faithfully. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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