Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:13-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. Verse 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. Verse 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Verse 16Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." Verse 17They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." Verse 18And he said, "Bring them here to me." Verse 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Verse 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. Verse 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Devotion
Today we commemorate three musicians whose work has touched the church.
Heinrich Schütz, born in Saxony in 1585, studied in Venice and later introduced this Italian style to Germany. He is considered the most influential German musician prior to Bach. He died in 1672. His tune accompanies “My Soul Magnifies the Lord” in the LBW.
Johann Sebastian Bach, born in Eisenach, 1685, wrote a cantata for each Sunday and festival of the church year. His primary works include the B Minor Mass and the St. Matthew Passion. He died in 1750. His tunes accompany “Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus” and “Let the Whole Creation Cry” in the LBW.
George Frederick Handel was born in Halle in 1685. His most famous religious works were his oratorios including his most popular work, “The Messiah.” His tunes accompany “Joy to the World” and “Thine is the Glory,” both in the LBW. He died in 1759.
Prayer
Let every instrument be tuned for praise
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise
And may God give us faith to sing always
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Amen. (LBW 555)