My wife has become long-distance friends with a confessional Lutheran lady who belongs to an LCMS congregation. They had a text chat today that I found sad, but illustrative. My wife’s friend gave my wife permission to share this with me, and gave me permission to share this with you.

Was Isaiah engaging in performative stagecraft when he prostrated himself in his vision of the throne-room of God (from where we get the part of the liturgy known as the Sanctus)? Was Jesus performing a show when He cured lepers, forgave sins, and preached the Gospel to the multitudes?

Following Fr. Bussman’s lead in calling out congregations that are an oasis, I have to share my own experience in finding a delightfully liturgical and confessional congregation where one might least expect it.