Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 65:1-9:  The prophet announces God’s impatience.  The people’s self-absorption is idolatry, and images of practices that displease God fill this reading.  Like a vitner who crushes the grape to release the wine, God will use Israel’s exile to establish a new community of the faithful.
Galatians 3:23-29:  For Paul, baptism is a powerful bond that unites people not only with God but with other believers.  Those who call themselves children of God experience a transformation that removes prejudices of race, social class, or gender in favor of true unity in Christ.
Luke 8:26-39:  Jesus’ mission includes foreigners, and his authority extends to the casting out of demons.  Some who witness Jesus’ work are seized with confusion and fear, but eh man who was healed is commissioned to give testimony to God’s mercy and power.

 ‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2024 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— When have you felt far from God? (Psalm 22:19-28) 
2—What does it mean to be clothed with Christ?  (Galatians 3:23-29)
3—Reflect upon ways you identify with the townsfolk in the gospel story? (Luke 8:26-39)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?

Prayer:  O Lord God, we bring before you the cries of a sorrowing world.  In your mercy set us free from the chains that bind us, and defend us from everything that is evil.  Amen.