Hope that our sorrows and burdens will be lifted through God’s saving power

Collect: Proper 9

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor:  Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 – – Isaac finds his wife Rebekah and marries her so that God’s promises might continue to be fulfilled.

Psalm 45:11-18 — The psalmist sings of God’s glorious kingdom of power and compassion.

Romans 7:15–25 — Paul proclaims that we are freed from our moral weakness and inclination to sin by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 —  Jesus offers rest to all who long for relief from their burdens.

Father Michael Renninger, Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, preaches a sermon from Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 called, “Pulling Together with Jesus.” “My yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Jesus said, but it’s even easier and lighter when you don’t have to pull it alone.