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.

The prodigal son and his embittered brother both stand in need of the Father’s love. Jesus shows us a God who restores the repentant, pleads with the resentful, and invites all to His banquet. True hope is found not in our righteousness but in the Father’s mercy that welcomes every sinner home.

In Micah’s prophecy, God Himself promises to shepherd His people, feed them in rich pastures, and work wonders greater than the Exodus. This vision finds its fulfillment in Christ, the Good Shepherd, who leads a mixed multitude into the wilderness, heals the sick, and miraculously provides bread for their journey. More than meeting physical needs, He conquers sin and death, offering full pardon and new life to all who believe—Jews and Gentiles alike. As Romans reminds us, we who were once slaves to sin have been set free to serve righteousness. This is the joy of the Gospel: the Lord delights in mercy and remembers His covenant forever