Read the Large Catechism with me.
Ten-minute studies on short readings from the Large Catechism.
Let's do this.
Click on the link below and read the short assigned reading. Then, if you have time, check out what I have to say about it. If not, no problem. Just soak up the goodness of the LC.
The Sacrament of the Altar, Part 6: Click here and read 64-74.
The basics:
- The promise attached to the Sacrament: "This is My body, given for you. This is My blood, shed for you, for the remission of sins."
- In this Sacrament He offers to us the entire treasure which He has brought for us from heaven.
- Luther compares this promise to what our Lord says in Matthew 11:28 - Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- We must never flee from the Sacrament, but view it as a pure, wholesome, comforting remedy giving salvation and comfort, which will cure us and give us life in soul and body.
- Those who despise it and live in and unchristian manner receive it to their hurt and damnation, just as a sick person who eats and drinks what is forbidden him by the doctor.
- In the Sacrament we receive from the lips of Christ forgiveness of sin, which brings with it the grace of God and the Spirit with all His gifts, protection, shelter, and power against death and the devil and all misfortune.
- Christ Himself says: They that be whole, need not a physician, but they that be sick. Those who are weary and heavy-laden with their sins, with the fear of death, and temptations of the flesh and of the devil are those who need the great Physician and His body and blood.
- If we would wait until we are rid of our burdens to receive Communion, that we might come pure and holy, we must forever stay away. If we are pure and holy in ourselves, then we have no need of Christ.
My thoughts today:
"If, therefore, you are heavy-laden and feel your weakness, then go joyfully to this Sacrament and obtain refreshment, consolation, and strength."
"For where the soul has recovered, the body also is relieved."
"If you are pure and godly, you have no need of Me, and I, in turn, none of thee."
Pretty good stuff right there, folks.
This Sacrament is for us, friends...
The weary.
The unworthy.
The sinners.
The weak.
The heavy-laden.
The dying.
May we always know where refreshment, consolation, strength. forgiveness, life, and salvation are given.
