The Fifth Sunday of Easter (Ps) May 18th

Psalm 109:21-31

²¹    But you, O God my Lord,

deal on my behalf for your name’s sake;

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!

²²    For I am poor and needy,

and my heart is stricken within me.

²³    I am gone like a shadow at evening;

I am shaken off like a locust.

²⁴    My knees are weak through fasting;

my body has become gaunt, with no fat.

²⁵    I am an object of scorn to my accusers;

when they see me, they wag their heads.

²⁶    Help me, O Lord my God!

Save me according to your steadfast love!

²⁷    Let them know that this is your hand;

you, O Lord, have done it!

²⁸    Let them curse, but you will bless!

They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad!

²⁹    May my accusers be clothed with dishonor;

may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak!

³⁰    With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;

I will praise him in the midst of the throng.

³¹    For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,

to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

 These words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," shows us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: "forgiveness of sins."

Who receives this sacrament worthily?

 Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

Lord Jesus, Holy One of God, You showed that the Kingdom of God had come by Your healing the sick and casting out demons.  Heal us in both body and soul by the medicine of immortality of Your body and blood that we may truly be Your disciples; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.