Page 37 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Saturday, March 18

All Are Welcome - Hymn 641

Hymn 641 - Verse 3
Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine, and wheat. A banquet hall on

holy ground where peace and justice meet. Here the love of God, through Jesus is
revealed in time and space as we share in Christ the feast that frees us; all are welcome,
all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

(Click the audio play button on the bottom of the page to listen to the third verse of the hymn.)

Reflection

In ancient times prophets were often persecuted for speaking God’s truth, a truth that
did not always align with the will or wants of the people. However, despite these threats

the prophets continued to proclaim this truth, knowing that God’s reign could not be
denied. May we find strength through Christ Jesus to proclaim the Gospel truth in the
world around us.

Love of Neighbor Reflection
Allowing someone to be themselves and appreciated for who they are. That means

learning to expand to not include those barriers we may have found necessary to build
at some point in our lives.
~Susan Myren (36 yrs with First Lutheran)

We mimic how Christ manifests his love for us in how we accept, welcome, and be of
help and assistance to others. As is mentioned below we do not have to earn Christ’s

love, it's extended to us because we are part of God’s creation. We, as neighbors in this
creation, therefore are to grant freely grant others our love and trust without expecting
that they be earned.

~Les Carlson (21 yrs with First Lutheran)