Claimed, gathered and sent

This is the sermon I preached on Michael and All Angels, Sunday, 9/29/19 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church . The text was Luke 10:17-20. Since the fifth century, there has been a festival dedicated to the honor of the archangel Michael. The focus of the day has broadened to include thanksgiving for all the angels, seen as messengers of the word and will of God. On this festival day, we hear about demons, Satan falling from heaven, the “power of the enemy,” and the submission of spirits. There is a whole realm of spiritual beings that is assumed. In this case, those related to evil. The other lessons for today speak about Michael and the other angels in this other realm. This gospel text begins and ends with joy. It is joy that characterized the disciples’ experience. Their joy foreshadows the joy they’d experience at the resurrection (24:41, 52). The phrase “in your name,” used by the seventy, indicates the sphere of authority for their work of exorcism. It also signifies thei...

This is the reflection sent out to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church on this Sunday's gospel for Michael and All Angels. What strikes you? Do people have angelic experiences today? Have you ever experienced one? Let's talk about this. Gospel: Luke 10:17-20 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” The seventy were reporting to Jesus, “Lord, this and this and this happened and even ‘in your name…the demons submit to us!’” They were overwhelmed with the thrill of all that had taken place on their missionary trip. And Jesus said, “You ain't seen nothin' yet. B-b-b-baby, you ...