In the Book of Job, we encounter the timeless cry of the human heart: why do the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to thrive? Job’s lament paints a world filled with injustice and despair—yet the Gospel reveals God’s answer. In Christ, the power of forgiveness destroys the works of the devil, offering redemption and hope to all who believe. What Job longed for, Jesus fulfills—restoring hearts, renewing minds, and revealing God’s mercy in a fallen world.

In this Gospel passage, the Pharisees question Jesus not to learn, but to trap Him. Their inquiries echo the serpent’s ancient “Did God really say?”—questions born of unbelief. Jesus responds by uniting the two greatest commandments: to love God wholly and to love our neighbor as ourselves. True obedience begins not with skepticism but with love—a love that transforms questioning into trust and compels us to live faithfully before the Lord who is both David’s Son and David’s Lord.

Today’s Gospel contrasts pride and grace. Pride blinds us to God and others, while grace opens our eyes to mercy and truth. Jesus heals the man with dropsy, exposing the Pharisees’ self-righteousness and calling us to humility. As our Collect prays, may God’s prevenient grace—His favor that goes before and follows us—keep us from pride and make us ready for every good work. True discipleship begins in humility, where grace, not pride, shapes our hearts and actions.

“O LORD, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church.” Isaiah and the Gospel of Luke reveal God’s mercy as both personal and communal. In Isaiah, the prophet’s cleansing and Israel’s future redemption point to Christ, the well of salvation. In the Gospel, Jesus’ compassion at Nain transforms grief into joy, signaling God’s visitation and deliverance. His pity revives both individual souls and His whole Church, assuring us of cleansing, defense, and life through Christ our Lord.

Our frailty leads us to love the wrong things, but God calls us to love Him first. As Moses urged Israel and Jesus reminds us, blessings come when we obey, trust His provision, and seek His kingdom above all.

At Holy Cross Anglican, Alpine, Fr. Wyatt Boutwell preaches on Trinity XIII: the Good Samaritan, Christ as our true healer, and the mercy we are called to show.

Join us at Holy Cross Anglican, Alpine, as Fr. Wyatt Boutwell preaches on Trinity XII: the glory of the Law, the healing of Christ, and the righteousness that saves.

At the heart of St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians is the essential truth of Christ’s resurrection. Without it, there is no hope, no faith, and no power to live the Christian life. The Resurrection is not only a past event but a present reality, empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to labor abundantly by God’s grace.

The feast of St. Bartholomew reminds us that God’s grace works through frail men to accomplish His kingdom purposes. St. Bart, known for his simplicity and loyalty, bore witness even unto death, showing us that true greatness in Christ’s kingdom is found in humility, obedience, and self-sacrificial service.