Cantate Sunday

In today's Gospel we hear Jesus describing what is the task of the Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the Gospel: reproving the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. First comes the conviction of sin by the preaching of the law: the world--and we ourselves--need its correction and accusations, to be convinced that we are indeed sinful and unclean. Second, the righteousness of Christ is put forth, by sharp contrast. For he was without sin in every respect. But third, the judgment is not upon us who are worthy of condemnation, but upon the devil; for the righteousness of Christ is his gift to his people. Thus they are washed in his laver of Baptism, their sins are drowned in his blood which they receive at the altar, and they are pronounced innocent by this holy Gospel. The sermon.