Third Sunday after Trinity

The Church’s Flag

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If you’ve attended an Independence Day parade, you know that it begins with the procession of the flag of the United States of America. Everyone in attendance stands and places their hands upon their hearts to show respect to our flag.

But why do we stand for this flag?

Well, it’s a way to honor the sacrifices many made with their lives in defense of our freedoms. We stand for the ideals and values of liberty that the flag represents. We stand for the shared history and tradition that we pass down throughout the generations. We stand because the flag unites all Americans under a common banner.

However, the Church also has its own unifying flag, which tells our story and history, focusing us on the image of love and sacrifice for a thousand generations — the cross.

Just as the flag represents all that America is, so the cross of Jesus Christ reflects who He is and what He has done for us by dying on the cross for the sins of the world and rising again on the third day. For this reason, the cross of Jesus Christ has united the Church on earth for generations.

Throughout the Church’s history, congregants have stood as the cross enters the sanctuary, signaling the start of the Divine Service and leading God's people to give thanks for the freedom from sin that Jesus won for them. They stand because the cross not only focuses God's people on what He has done for us but also guides us to the gifts He continues to give through His Word and His flesh and blood.

So whenever we have a festival at Good Shepherd or any other time a procession is appropriate, don’t be shy about standing for the cross, because it reflects who Jesus is and the sacrifice He has made for you.

To God be the glory!

In Christ,
Pastor Rogness