The Sunday Lectionary Readings for SUNDAY, July 26, 2020 — 8th Sunday After Pentecost

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

SUNDAY, July 26, 2020 — 8th Sunday After Pentecost

[Ordinary 17, Proper 12]

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Kingdom Wisdom

Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39;

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

The Best Summer Ever

Opening Statement

In the midst of summer, when our thoughts seem occupied with relaxation and fun, we find ourselves confronted with the difficult task of faithful living. Today’s texts abound with hard work and treachery and puzzling images of the kingdom God. Yet these texts are tempered with deep love, love of another person and of God. These texts help us to see that no matter what happens in our lives nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Opening Prayer

(adapted from Romans 8, Psalm 105)

Our gracious and ever loving God, we come in the midst of summer looking for refreshment. We rest in the knowledge of the wonderful works you have done for us, and of the deep and abiding love you have for us and for all God’s people. Search our hearts. Fill our soul with your indwelling Spirit who whispers to our soul that all will be well if we but trust in you. Shine your light before us, that we may see our path to you and to your kingdom on earth. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

(adapted from Genesis 29, Matthew 13)

We pause this morning, O God, with heavy hearts. We live in the midst of great and abiding love, but also in the midst of deceit and lies. May we be found faithful in all we do. May we speak the truth in love and live lives of love each day. Too often we seek you in the spectacular and otherworldly. May we see the many inbreakings of your kingdom in the everyday, ordinary things of life: in mustard seeds, yeast, treasures in fields, and fish gathered in nets. May we be able to answer with a full-throated yes when asked if we have understood your teachings and your call. Amen.

Words of Assurance

(based on Romans 8)

When we are not sure how to pray, or if we are even able to address God in prayer, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Know that no matter what, nothing, absolutely nothing can ever separate us from God’s presence and God’s love.

The Collect

(from the Book of Common Prayers)

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Reading

Genesis 29:15-28

Leah and Rachel Jacob’s wives

29:15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.

Psalm 105:1-11, 45b

Give thanks to God

1  Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
     make known among the nations what he has done.
2  Sing to him, sing praise to him;
     tell of all his wonderful acts.
3  Glory in his holy name;
     let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4  Look to the Lord and his strength;
     seek his face always.

5  Remember the wonders he has done,
     his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6  you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
     his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
7  He is the Lord our God;
     his judgments are in all the earth.

8  He remembers his covenant forever,
     the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
9  the covenant he made with Abraham,
     the oath he swore to Isaac.
10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
     to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
11 “To you I will give the land of Canaan
     as the portion you will inherit.”

45b Praise the Lord.

Second Reading

Romans 8:26-39

Nothing can separate us from God’s love

8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

   “For your sake we face death all day long;
     we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

(Matt. 8:11)

Alleluia.

Many will come from east and west and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.

Alleluia.

The Gospel

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Parables of the reign of heaven

13:31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Apostles’ Creed

• I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

• I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

• I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Many churches around the world are working hard to adapt to online worship, and one challenge is how our members can celebrate communion from home. Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present.

Benediction

Go into the world to be those who are patient and willing to work with the wheat as well as the weeds. Bring the Good News of God's love wherever you go. May God's people and love go with you always. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Daily Lectionary for SUNDAY, July 26, 2020 — 8th Sunday After Pentecost
Kingdom Wisdom
Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

One-Line Parables of Jesus

Today, our gospel message comes to us from the 13th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 31st verse, “Parables of the reign of heaven.”

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52).

Father, You sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them, we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us worship you, one God in three persons, And reveal yourself in the depths of our being, by proclaiming and living our faith in you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

“One-Line Parables of Jesus”

Today we read some “One-Line Parables” that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God to illustrate how God’s power and authority are visible and expressed in our world.

Unlike the longer “Story Parables” like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, “One-Line Parables” begin with a phrase like “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” and concludes with a common everyday activity or thing. For example: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Using language, objects, plants, and what we humans experience in our everyday lives, Jesus told “One-Line Parables” to describe for us the wonder and the excitement and the blessing available to us in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Each of these “One-Line Parables” paints a picture of the Kingdom of God and offers us another glimpse into the reign of God because each picture could not provide for us the height or depth of God’s Kingdom. Therefore each One-Line Parable gives us another opportunity to think about and wonder and enjoy the riches of God’s Kingdom.

Now, you may have noticed that after Jesus had finished His teaching about the kingdom of God, He concluded His instruction by asking: “Have you understood all these things?” to which the disciples responded, “Yes!”

Now I have to admit that I usually smile when I hear the disciple’s reaction to this question because I wonder if the disciples really understood what Jesus was trying to teach them.

In fact, occasionally, I wonder if the disciples even had a clue as to what Jesus was talking about when He used “One-Line Parables.” Even though the disciples said they understood, I sometimes sense that they were too embarrassed to admit that they did not understand.

And so their reaction to the question that Jesus asked is similar, I think, to all the occasions when we laughed at a joke that we did not get and the times when we nodded our head in agreement to an explanation that we did not understand. For you see, Jesus used these teachings to challenge His disciples and us to see beyond how we normally perceive things and understand the world.

For example, today, we read that Jesus told His disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed or a handful of yeast. Now I think that you would agree with me that these items are not much to look at first, but when we put the seed in the ground or mix the yeast with the dough, the results can be astounding.

One mustard seed, planted in the ground, can produce a tree big enough for birds to nest in, and a handful of yeast, when mixed with flour, can produce a loaf of bread that we can use to feed our family.

And so even though the rich blessings God intends for us in this world and the next may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast, we should not deceive ourselves.

For just as a seed can ultimately produce a large tree, and yeast, when added to flour, can create bread, God’s blessings can enrich our lives and allow us to be a blessing to others.

And yet, due to our sinful condition, we do not always see the possibilities available to us in God’s Kingdom. And even though these tales of yeast and seed, treasure and pearls are all exciting, we may wonder what they have to do with us.

But the “Good News” is that these “One-Line Parables” were meant to open our hearts and our souls to the vastness of God’s mercy and love and help us to understand that even the smallest seed of the Word of God, or the tiniest bit of the yeast of God’s righteousness, can transform us.

And so our response today should be a prayer to God to instill in us the faith the size of a mustard seed, knowing that God can bring growth and treasure beyond what we know or understand so that our lives can be a picture to others of the love and mercy of our Father in Heaven.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the seed of your Word that you have planted in our hearts and the yeast of righteousness that you have mixed into our lives. Help us, we pray, to value that which you have given us and to make following Christ the essential thing in our lives so we can do your will and share your love and Word that you have proclaimed through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Sermon contributed by Paul Zwarich.
Even though the rich blessings God intends for us may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast, we should not deceive ourselves.

The Daily Prayer for SUNDAY, July 26, 2020

The Daily Prayer

SUNDAY, July 26, 2020

On July 26, 1990, US President George Bush signed the world’s first civil rights law for people with disabilities. Since its signing in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has served as legal protection for equal opportunity in all aspects of life, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

Hear these words of L’Arche founder Jean Vanier: “People may come to our communities because they want to serve the poor; they will only stay once they have discovered that they themselves are the poor.”

Lord, thank you for using the foolish to confound the wise and the weak ones to shame the strong. Help us live with the shrewdness of serpents and the innocence of doves. Keep our feet from fatigue, our spirits from despair, and our hands from failing to rise in praise to you. Amen.

Verse of the Day SUNDAY, July 26, 2020

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Read all of Hebrews 11

Listen to Hebrews 11

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un dia a la Vez - Domingo 26 de julio de 2020

El odio

Si vosotros no perdonáis, tampoco vuestro Padre que está en los cielos os perdonará vuestras ofensas.

— Marcos 11:26, RV-60

El odio es un sentimiento muy negativo. Se manifiesta en una profunda antipatía, disgusto, aversión, enemistad o repulsión hacia una persona, cosa, situación o fenómeno, por lo que se desea evitar, limitar o destruir lo que se odia.

El odio proviene exactamente de la misma fuente que el amor y forma parte de la humanidad. El odio es destructivo y autodestructivo. Es como un veneno que se riega y contamina y crea raíces de amargura. Además, te aleja por completo de Dios, ya que Él es amor.

No es bueno si tienes este tipo de sentimientos porque terminarás mal a la larga. Recuerda también que por odio muchas personas han cometido las peores locuras y han hecho terribles decisiones entre intentos de asesinatos y venganzas. Lo que es más triste, hay personas que su propio odio los alcanza y se eliminan a sí mismas.

Si hoy te has identificado con el odio, es tiempo de decirle a Dios lo siguiente: «No quiero odiar más y deseo sanar mi corazón. Así que te ruego que me limpies y me purifique. Permite que hoy mismo pueda liberarme, perdonar y sacar todo lo que me hace daño».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Es como un veneno que se riega y contamina y crea raíces de amargura.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Sunday, July 26, 2020

SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS

… “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

— Matthew 6:14-15

A Spanish father and son were estranged. The father later went to search for his son. When he could not find him, the father put this ad in the Madrid newspaper:

“Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.”

Saturday noon, 800 Pacos showed up at the office looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful actions that Christians can perform. The world does not understand the ability or reasons to do this because it is most unnatural in a dog-eat-dog world. There is also pain to be overcome because behind every act of forgiveness lies the wound of betrayal; but there is far more pain and emotional, social, physical damage done when we do not forgive.

An Asian Christian apologist says, “If I am asked what separates Christianity from other religions, or what’s different about Christianity, aren’t all religions the same when you get down to it?’ one of the first things that I would say is bound up in this one beautiful word: forgiveness.”

Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him. He thinks he is magnanimous and suggests seven times! Jesus makes his famous reply, “…not seven times, but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:22).

Jesus then shares a parable about a man who, after much pleading for mercy, was forgiven for much and yet would not forgive another person who owed him little. In the parable, the master throws the man into jail to be tortured until he pays back his large debt. Then comes the conclusion: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart” (Matthew 18:35).

RESPONSE: Today I will forgive others who hurt me because God has commanded it and because my own forgiveness depends on it.

PRAYER: Lord, give me a spirit of forgiveness toward others who hurt me, just as You have forgiven me.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

LHM Daily Devotions - July 26, 2020 - "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"

July 26, 2020

♫ "Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.

"When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and hell's destruction, Land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee." ♫

The word "pilgrim" may bring to mind the English settlers who sailed to America aboard the Mayflower. In earlier centuries, pilgrims traveled across Europe or to the Holy Land to visit sacred sites and shrines. In our hymn, we are the pilgrims, making our way through the "barren land" of this earthly life to the promised land of paradise. Our journey is compared to the exodus, as God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt and led them through the desert. The Israelites often grew weary and frustrated on their long journey, complaining bitterly and wishing they were back in Egypt. Conveniently forgetting centuries of slavery, they readily remembered filling up on meat and bread. Yet God graciously supplied their need, providing manna, the bread from heaven.

Like the Israelite pilgrims, we too may complain about our journey, thinking we do not have enough or being dissatisfied with what we have. We grow weak and weary in the face of trouble, tempted to doubt God's care. Yet as He cared for the Israelites, God provides for us. He gave us His Son to be our Savior. Freed from slavery to sin by the death of His precious Lamb, God set our feet on the path of faith, on a journey through new life to eternal life.

As Israel was sustained by manna, our faith is nourished by Jesus, "the true bread from heaven" (John 6:32b). The Israelites ate manna, yet still they died. Our living Bread promises of Himself, "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh" (John 6:51b). Fed and forgiven as we feed by faith on the Word, and nourished by Jesus' body and blood, we continue on our way.

Upon reaching Canaan, the Israelites found the Jordan River in flood, but when the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the waters parted, allowing Israel to cross on dry land. Our journey will eventually bring us to "the verge of Jordan," the boundary between this life and life in paradise. We may be filled with "anxious fears," but Jesus has already crossed the river of death, passing through its flood to the victory of His resurrection. Jesus, the "death of death and hell's destruction," steps into death's flood before us. We will cross that river to land "safe on Canaan's side" and there forever offer "songs of praises" to the Redeemer who has brought us safely home.

THE PRAYER: Great Redeemer, forgive our sins, nourish our faith and guide us on our journey until we reach paradise and live in Your presence forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you do that others would call "adventurous"?

2. How does God figure into your life when you do something daring and out of the ordinary?

3. Do you challenge yourself physically? Mentally? Socially?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer." Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What do you do that others would call "adventurous"?

Unser Täglich Brot - Verraten

Verraten

Lesung: Johannes 13,18-22; Psalm 41,10-13 | Die Bibel in einem Jahr: Psalm 40-42; Apostelgeschichte 27,1-26

MP3 herunterladen

Selbst mein bester Freund, dem ich vollkommen vertraute, mit dem ich mein Brot teilte, hat sich gegen mich gewandt.

— Psalm 41,10

Im Jahr 2019 feierten Kunstausstellungen weltweit den fünfhundertsten Todestag von Leonardo da Vinci. Während viele seiner Zeichnungen und wissenschaftlichen Entdeckungen ausgestellt wurden, gibt es nur fünf fertige Gemälde, die da Vinci allgemein zugeschrieben werden, darunter Das letzte Abendmahl.

Dieses komplizierte Wandbild zeigt die letzte Mahlzeit, die Jesus mit seinen Jüngern gegessen hat, wie sie im Johannes-Evangelium beschrieben ist. Das Bild fängt die Verwirrung der Jünger bei Jesu Aussage ein: „Einer von euch wird mich verraten“ (Johannes 13,21). Verblüfft diskutieren die Jünger, wer der Verräter sein könnte – während Judas leise in die Nacht hinausschleicht, um die Obrigkeit über den Aufenthaltsort seines Lehrers und Freundes zu informieren.

Verraten. Der Schmerz über Judas‘ Verrat zeigt sich in Jesu Worten: „Der, mit dem ich mein Brot geteilt habe, hat sich gegen mich gewandt“ (V. 18). Ein Freund, der nah genug dran war, um eine Mahlzeit zu teilen, nutzte diese Beziehung aus, um Jesus zu schaden.

Jeder von uns hat wahrscheinlich schon den Verrat eines Freundes erleben müssen. Wie können wir auf solche Schmerzen reagieren? Psalm 41,10, den Jesus zitierte, um aufzuzeigen, dass sein Verräter während des gemeinsamen Essens anwesend war (Johannes 13,18), gibt Hoffnung. Nachdem David seine Qualen aus dem falschen Spiel eines engen Freundes zum Ausdruck brachte, fand er Trost in Gottes Liebe und Gegenwart, die ihn für immer in Gottes Nähe halten würde (Psalm 41,12-13).

Wenn uns Freunde enttäuschen, können wir Trost finden, wenn wir wissen, dass Gottes tragende Liebe und seine stärkende Gegenwart bei uns sein werden, um uns zu helfen, selbst die verheerendsten Schmerzen zu ertragen.

Wie hast du den Verrat eines Freundes erlebt? Wie hat dich Gottes Liebe und seine Gegenwart gestärkt?

Von Lisa M. Samra

© 2020 Unser Täglich Brot
Im Jahr 2019 feierten Kunstausstellungen weltweit den fünfhundertsten Todestag von Leonardo da Vinci. Während viele seiner Zeichnungen und wissenschaftlichen Entdeckungen ausgestellt wurden, gibt es nur fünf fertige Gemälde, die da Vinci allgemein zugeschrieben werden, darunter Das letzte Abendmahl.