Psalm 4 (antiphon: v. 8)
Office Hymn: 423 Jesus, Refuge of the Weary
OT: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Ep: Acts 2:36-47; Gos: Mt 28:16-20
Catechetical Hymn: 596 All Christians Who Have Been Baptized
Summary: It is necessary that we be instructed not just in the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles’ Creed, but also in the holy Sacraments and the Office of the Keys. Why? The Sacraments are the means of grace by which God creates and sustains faith in His Word. He does this by His Word and in His Name. Especially with Holy Baptism, Jesus and the Apostles clearly teach that the baptism is necessary for salvation. Without receiving the holy sacraments in faith, we cannot be consider ourselves Christian. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Yet, Baptism is not just about God’s command but also about His word of promise. Great promises are attached to Baptism, making it a wonderful treasure for every Christian.