Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Just and note that I am on holiday the next two Sundays, so there will be no Sunday email or online service posted until Sunday August 4th when I return. I hope you all have a safe and blessed two weeks.
In my sermon for this Sunday, we explore the stark contrasts between earthly power and the life-giving love of God. Through the stories of Herod’s banquet and Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, we see how true abundance in life comes from compassion and mercy, not wealth and status.
Today’s Opening Sentence
The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. – Deuteronomy 30.14
Today’s Reading – Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How do I see the contrast between earthly power and the life-giving love of Christ in my daily life? In what ways can I choose compassion and mercy over status and wealth?
- When have I experienced or witnessed the transformative power of God’s grace and generosity? How can I share that experience with others?
- In what situations do I find it challenging to live out the Gospel message? How can I seek strength and courage to be a bearer of God’s light and love in those moments?
- How can I make a conscious effort to bring hope and life to others, especially those society marginalizes or who are different from me, reflecting Jesus’ inclusive and abundant love?
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.