Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, August 30, we celebrate the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2026 and welcome new members to the Church through baptism, with Deacon Nate Irvine presiding.
These readings speak to the cost of following Christ and the essence of genuine love.
FIRST READING – Jeremiah 15:15–21
Jeremiah has devoted himself to God's word, yet he suffers greatly. He openly expresses his pain to God: "You have become like a deceitful brook to me, like waters that fail." God responds not with rebuke but with a call and a promise. "If you turn back, I will take you back. I will make you a fortified wall of bronze. They will fight against you, but they will not prevail, for I am with you to save and deliver you."
PSALM 26:1–8
The psalmist invites God to test him because he has lived with integrity and walked faithfully with God. He has separated himself from the worthless and deceitful, maintaining innocence so he may approach God's altar, singing and recounting God's wonderful deeds. His integrity stems from love: "Lord, I love the house in which you dwell and the place where your glory abides."
EPISTLE – Romans 12:9–21
Paul describes what genuine love looks like: bless those who persecute you; do not repay evil with evil; feed your enemies and give them something to drink; overcome evil with good. Love is not merely sentiment—it requires active commitment to honor, hospitality, humility, and breaking the cycle of vengeance through acts of kindness.
GOSPEL – Matthew 16:21–28
Jesus tells his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day. When Peter resists, Jesus responds, "Get behind me, Satan. You are setting your mind on human things rather than on divine things." Jesus then explains the cost of discipleship: "If anyone wants to follow me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. For those who lose their life for my sake will find it."
Baptism Message
Today, those who are baptized embrace a sacred calling—to be faithful even amid struggle, to live with integrity, to love genuinely and completely, and to follow Christ by losing their lives to find them truly. Baptismal waters invite us on a journey of transformation, guiding us through struggles toward redemption, triumph, and lasting joy.
Read the full readings and reflections.
The podcast of today’s service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week’s announcements and the church calendar.
This week in your prayers, please include those on our prayer list to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
