It is grace, all grace

Date: March 18, 2012

Liturgical Sunday: Fourth Sunday in Lent

RCL Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

Sermon Title: It is grace, all grace

Knox Presbyterian [audio:https://wordsfromthemiddle.ca/wp-content/uploads/120318_-_Knox.mp3|titles=It is grace, all grace]

St. Mark’s Presbyterian [audio:https://wordsfromthemiddle.ca/wp-content/uploads/120318_-_St_Marks.mp3|titles=It is grace, all grace]

Did you know that there is a celebratory Sunday in Lent? I must confess that I did not. It is this Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent is called Laetare Sunday which derives from the opening words of the Latin Mass “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem).¹It seems fitting that this Sunday’s sermons revolve around grace. We don’t celebrate grace too much because, at least this is one of the possibilities, we don’t really understand it. I hasten to add that I have not provided a definitive word on “grace,” let alone the definitive word on it, but I hope these two sermons, especially if taken together, will expand your view and understanding of grace.

If the notion of grace grabs you and you want to do some additional reading about it I very highly recommend, What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. It is a great book but if you are like me you will need to grit your teeth to plow through the first couple of stories that he relates . . . keep going it is worth it!

Warm blessings,

Barry

¹I found out this fascinating fact from, Preaching the New Common Lectionary, Year B, Lent, Holy Week, Easter 1984