Prepare for the Sunday of the Vineyard (02/17)
Within the liturgy for each Lord’s day, we receive the Word of God through uniquely appointed readings, psalms, hymns, and prayers. This week we will pray the Office of Matins (audio of this liturgy.) The following guide will help you to prepare to hear and sing the Propers, i.e. the varied texts and hymns for this week.
GRACE ALONE
The people of Israel contended with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1–7). They were dissatisfied with His provision. In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matt. 20:1–16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first—those who rely on their own merits—will be last. “For they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Cor. 10:5). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 9:24–10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin. Therefore, "Let him who glories, glory in the Lord." (Jer 9:23-24)
Collect of the Day: O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we, who justly suffer the consequence of our sin, may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Readings:
Old Testament: Ex. 17:1-7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ex.%2017%3A1-7
Epistle:1 Cor. 9:24-10:5
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor.%209%3A24-10%3A5
Holy Gospel:Matt. 20:1-16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.%2020%3A1-16
Hymns:
545 Word of God, come down on earth Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier Video
