Sermon for the Wednesday of Invocavit, 2024

Thus says Solomon, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction.” For what son is there, chimes in the author of Hebrews, whom a father does not chasten? Children need chastening. For forty years, the LORD chastened Israel in the wilderness. And He not only chastened them alone; indeed, He chastens all His children, even the great leaders of Israel. David needed to be chastened, as did Solomon. Yes, even Jesus was chastened. And He gained immensely from His chastening, for He, unlike the other sons, was not only without sin but was the eternal God Himself; so His chastening was for us. And behold what great, inestimable benefit His chastening worked for us: everlasting salvation by the remission of our sins. Yes, Beloved, chastening is good; do not despise it. Rather, receive whatever chastening He gives, knowing that whatever it may be, He chastens us because He loves us as sons, and if sons, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Readings:

• Old Testament: Numbers 11:1-3

• Epistle: James 1:2-15

• Holy Gospel: Luke 22:24-32

Sermon: