A Famine Not of Bread

Click here to listen to this sermon. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! We’ve been rejoicing in the great benefits of our Lord’s Body and Blood given in the Sacrament. Forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. A soothing medicine. A precious remedy against the poison in our systems. The medicine of immortality. The antidote that we should not die, but live forever in Jesus Christ. Food that strengthens us for the journey to the promised land of heaven. How can this be? How do these great things happen? What works such magnificent benefits for you? Is it your eating and drinking? Maybe the way you chew the host? How about whether you receive it in your hand or mouth? Perhaps the way you swish around the wine in your mouth? And then the way you swallow both? Not letting the host touch your teeth. Not letting the wine hit your cheeks. Common cup or individual cup? And if not that, then maybe it’s the kind of bread and wine that you use. Moist bread? Swee...

I’ve read the Longer Preface to the Large Catechism many times, but never in quite the same way I did today.   I had read Luther’s admonition to those who neglect the catechism because they imagine they are giving their mind to “higher” matters or who are just too lazy to put forth the time and effort to learn and teach such things.   I have thought, “You give it to those guys, Dr. Luther.”   Like the Pharisee, I’ve proudly said to myself, “I’m glad I’m not like them.   I teach the catechism.   I work hard.   I put in a lot of hours in preparation.” But then I noticed something else Luther writes: 9 Therefore, for God’s sake I beg such lazy bellies or arrogant saints to be persuaded and believe that they are truly, truly not so learned or such great doctors as they imagine!   They should never assume that they have finished learning the parts of the catechism or know it well enough in all points, even though they think that they know it ...