*Daniel 9:2–10 Psalm 95:1–9 1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5 Matthew 20:1–16
Septuagesima (meaning “about 70 days”) - Grace is Undeserved (or Grace Alone) The collect for this Sunday implores God to graciously hear us, who are justly punished for our sin, so that we may be delivered by His goodness. The goodness of God is emphasized in the parable of the vineyard workers in the Gospel, Matthew 20:1-16. All the laborers receive the reward because of the goodness of the landowner and not because of their own labor or merit. We prepare for Easter by remembering that God is good and Christ has borne the heat and burden of the day for us so that we might have the goodness He gives for free.
What is pre-Lent? These three Sundays begin the church's countdown to Easter Sunday. More properly, this time is called Gesimatide from the Latin names: Septuagesima (70 days – Grace is undeserved or Grace alone); Sexagesima (60 days – Grace is passively received or Scripture alone); and Quinquagesima (50 days – Grace is not easily understood or Faith alone). These themes, which point us to God's Word and the old truths of the Reformation, help us to prepare for the season of Lent.
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