Was it right for the woman, unclean from her flow of blood, to touch Jesus? It was a moment of moral ambiguity which we all face sooner or later. Dr. Zeile's discussion of this delicate topic is accompanied by elements of the Communion service (sometimes called the Mass):Introit, Creed, General Prayer (a prayer for all in general), and the Communion rite itself, and the hymn "For All Your Saints."

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Dr. Zeile's meditation on the power of God's Word to bring the world into being, and awaken sinners from the dead is accompanied by Psalm 77 and a portion of Psalm 118, the celebration of Holy Communion, and the hymn based on thr Phos Hilarion, "O Gladsome Light."

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This meditation on the climax of Psalm 22 ("My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?") points out God's regard for the afflicted throughout the Old Testament, and the affliction like no other by Jesus, a man like no other. Because God regards Jesus' affliction, we have forgiveness and life, and an assurance in our every affliction that God cares for us. Classic Hymns, "Evening and Morning," and "Tell Out My Soul" (based on the Magnificat) flank this message.

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In the historic lectionary, both Palm Sunday and the First Sunday in Advent have the Gospel Matthew 21:1-9. Dr. Zeile's message points out the meaning of the word Hosanna which calls upon God to "Save now!" and reflects on what we need to be saved from, and when. This sermon is preceded by the Blessing of the Advent Wreath, Romans 13, and the Venite (Psalm 95) from Matins, and concludes with the Benedicamus. The classic Advent hymn, "Come Thou Precious Ransom, Come" is also sung.

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After the Martin Franzman hymn, "Thy Strong Word", Dr. Zeile discusses the message from God given in Isaiah 58 about fasting, a message very suited to Lent, the Christian fast season. In addition to some historical context and perspective, the sermon focuses on what makes any work acceptable to God, the right or saving relationship with Him offered through Christ who fasted for us. The Offertory (Psalm 51) and General Prayer follows with the celebration of Holy Communion (at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH).

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After the classic 17th century hymn, "Thee Will I Love," Dr. Zeile discusses the invitation received by the wealthy young ruler in Mark 10 who balked at forsaking his wealth to follow Jesus. In principle, we have received the same invitation and must be ready to let all our temporal blessings go when God requires, as sooner or later we must. In the meantime we are to use our gifts in God's service, which we can only do by faith, the gift God gives. the General Prayer follows the message and another classic hymn, "Draw Us to Thee."

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After a responsory, collect, and Psalm 30, Romans 10 is read by an elder, and the hymn, "O Christ who Called the Twelve", is sung. Then Dr. Zeile speaks on Mark 1:14-20, the urgency of Christ's message regarding the Kingdom (rule) of God, which comes to us now but will not always be open to us.

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Boredom, like anger, is an experience, not a sin, but it can set us up for temptation. Dr. Zeile's message based on Israel's experience in the wilderness alerts us to the folly that awaits those who cannot "wait upon the Lord." After Psalm 146, Luther's hymn on the Lord's Prayer is sung ("Our Father Thou in Heaven Above"), then the sermon; afterward the Nicene Creed is confessed, followed by the Kyrie and prayers. Finally, the canticle, "Christ has been Raised" concludes the program.

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