Book of Concord Weekly Readings for Bulletins -- 3 year pericope

A Reading from the Book of Concord
3 year series
September 13, 2009 - 15th Sunday after Pentecost

The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB Gospel, Mark 9:14-29 for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, September 13, 2009.

The father of the spirit-possessed mute boy came to Jesus painfully aware of his own unworthiness, but knowing that Jesus could cure his son. This example of our Lord's mercy is a great comfort for all of us who come to the Lord's Supper for forgiveness and strength.

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD	15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
FORMULA OF CONCORD, SOLID DECLARATION	ARTICLE VII: THE HOLY SUPPER

Unworthy guests go to this Sacrament without true repentance and sorrow for their sins, without true faith and the good intention of amending their lives. By unworthy eating, they are guilty of profaning Christ's body and blood.

Some Christians have a weak faith and are shy, troubled, and terrified because of the great number of their sins. They think that in their great impurity they are not worthy of this precious treasure and Christ's benefits. They feel their weakness of faith and lament it, and from their hearts desire that they may serve God with stronger, more joyful faith and pure obedience. These are the truly worthy guests for whom this Sacrament has been especially instituted. Christ says:

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Matthew 9:12)

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him; . for God has welcomed him. [Romans 14:1-3]

Whoever believes in [the Son of God, be it with a strong or with a weak faith,] may have eternal life. [John 3:15]

Worthiness does not depend on the greatness or smallness, the weakness or strength of faith. Instead, it depends on Christ's merit, which the distressed father of little faith [Mark 9:24] enjoyed. (paragraphs 68-71)