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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost • Year A
August 2, 2026 • Proper 13
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Historical Collect
Almighty, eternal God, your kindness is far more than we desire or deserve. Generously pour out your mercy to forgive where our conscience is afraid and to provide that for which by ourselves, we do not even presume to pray; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
God of abundance, at your table you gather us with all your saints for a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that we will all share when Jesus returns. Send us forth, fed and nourished, ready to serve all in need and invite others to the feast that is you; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
God makes an everlasting covenant, not simply with David but, with all whom he represents. When he says that he will make a covenant with “you” in Isaiah 55:3, “you” is plural. This everlasting covenant, in Pauline terms, is with the Israel of God (Gal 6:16). That is how his steadfast love endures forever: it extends to all of the elect, the children of Abraham. He feeds all who follow him from the bounty of his steadfast love.
First Reading • Isaiah 55:1-5
This sounds like the American dream (for some) come true: buy without spending a penny. The prophet takes matters a step further, suggesting that we spend for what does not satisfy when we could have what does satisfy and spend nothing. Of course, only what God offers truly satisfies, and this costs nothing. He provides freely to those who will incline their ears. Hearing here, means obeying too. שִׁמְע֖וּ means both to hear and obey, to hearken. Only through obedient listening to God does a soul find life (Rom 10:17).
Psalm • Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
God’s love is unwavering. The love of the One who made order from chaos and light in a dark expanse will outlast creation. The love of God extends beyond his chosen people to all creation. He gives food to all because his love of his creation persists — forever.
Second Reading • Romans 9:1-5, 6-13
Here is the picture of a faithful pastor — one who is in anguish over the souls of people. Imagine wishing yourself severed from Christ, if only it meant those under your care were saved. This is the all-to-real real anguish of every pastor. People come and go in congregations; too often, we never really know why. Yet this does not mean that “the word of God has failed.” There are those whom we may never have considered were worthy of the gospel, whom the Spirit of God nevertheless calls. May we suffer faithfully for those whom Christ elects.
Gospel • Matthew 14:13-21
“They all ate and were satisfied.” In other words, their bellies were full. Jesus would satisfy still more, for there was an abundance left over. The crowd of thousands paid nothing for their filling. Jesus is compassionate, giving food to all (Psa 136:25), but he would satisfy a deeper hunger. The very Bread of Life stood before them but were they satisfied with him? Evidently not, for Jesus says, “You are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves” (John 6:26). Are we satisfied with the Bread of Life? May we “come, buy, and eat ... without money and without price” (Isa 55:1).
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
