A Reading from the Book of Concord 3 year series November 18, 2012 - Pentecost 25, Proper 28, series B
The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the Gospel, Mark 13:1-13 for the Pentecost 25, Proper 28, series B, November 18, 2012.
Although we do not fast and take long torturous walks to compensate for our sins, we are willing to suffer shame and physical pain rather than deny our faith in Christ.
Our adversaries accuse our teachers of being against discipline and the subduing of the flesh. Just the opposite is true, as can be learned from our teachers' writings. They have always taught that Christians are to bear the cross by enduring afflictions. This is genuine and sincere subduing of the flesh, to be crucified with Christ through various afflictions. They teach that every Christian ought to train and subdue himself with bodily restraints, or bodily exercises and labors. Neither over-indulgence nor laziness may tempt him to sin. But they do not teach that we may merit grace or make satisfaction for sins by such exercises. Outward discipline ought to be taught at all times, not only on a few set days. Christ commands, "Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness" (Luke 21:34). Also in Matthew 17:21, "This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." Paul also says, "I discipline my body and keep it under control" (1 Corinthians 9:27). He shows that he was keeping his body under control, not to merit forgiveness of sins by that discipline, but to keep his body in subjection and prepared for spiritual things, for carrying out the duties of his calling. We do not condemn fasting, but the traditions that require certain days and certain meats, with peril of conscience, as though such works were a necessary service. (paragraphs 30-39)
Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-325-3040.