Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people—“all who have longed for his appearing”—shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For all this the assembly glorifies God forever.
Readings and Psalm
- Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
Jerusalem will be defeated
- Sirach 35:12-17 (alternate)
God is impartial in justice and hears the powerless
- Psalm 84:1-7
Happy are the people whose strength is in you. (Ps. 84:5)
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
The good fight of faith
- Luke 18:9-14
A Pharisee and tax collector pray together