July 10, 2022 - Trinity 4 Sermon

Introit: Ps. 27:3-4a, 5; antiphon: Ps. 27:1-2
Gradual: Ps. 79:9-10a
Old Testament: Gen. 50:15-21
Psalm 138 (antiphon: v. 8b)
Epistle: Rom. 12:14-21
      or Rom. 8:18-23
ProperVerse: Ps. 9:4b, 9
Gospel: Luke 6:36-42

Christ's Mercy Is Ours to Show to Others
"Be merciful, even as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36-42). The old Adam in us wants to condemn and seek vengeance. But the Lord says, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" (Rom. 12:14-21). To condemn, to avenge yourself, is to put yourself in the place of God. It is to fail to trust that He is just. Ultimately, it is to disbelieve that Jesus suffered the full vengeance for all wrongs. Only Christ is merciful as the Father is merciful. He is the one who overcame all evil with the good of His cross, forgiving even His executioners. Jesus is our Joseph, who comforts us with words of pardon and reconciliation (Gen. 50:15-21). He is the One who does not condemn but gives life that runs over. Only through faith in Christ are we sons of the Father-being merciful, forgiving, doing good to our enemies. For in Christ we know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:8-13).