August 16, 2026

Our Lectionary readings for next Sunday, August 16, are Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28.

"It's the thought that counts!" 

We sometimes hear that sentiment where there exists a gap between intention and result. Even if something bad has happened, or something good hasn't happened, we take comfort in good intentions.

That might work in many instances, but Jesus makes a clear connection between thoughts--internal dispositions and desires--and what we actually do--external actions and behavior. "Out of the heart," for example, "come  evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders" (Matthew 15:19). Another way he puts this is when he implies that if you want good fruit, ". . . make the tree good" (Matthew 12:33). The thought counts because "out of the heart" comes the life we live.