Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, July 7, 2024.
In my sermon for this Sunday, we reflect on the boundless generosity of God through Jesus Christ and our call to reflect that generosity with hospitable hearts. Our reflection on the reading challenges us to respond to God’s love without skepticism, embrace hospitality, and share God’s grace with everyone we encounter, participating in the divine mission of spreading the Good News of hope and healing in the world.
Today’s Opening Sentence
The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor and release to the captives. – Luke 4.18
Today’s Reading – Mark 6:1-13
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How do I respond to God’s grace and generosity in my life? Are there moments when skepticism or indifference prevents me from fully embracing God’s blessings?
- In what ways can I practice hospitality and generosity in my daily interactions? How can I offer my time, resources, and love to those in need?
- Think of a time when you felt compelled to share God’s love with others. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey?
- How can I cultivate a more open and receptive heart to God’s teachings and blessings, despite the distractions and pressures of daily life?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.