Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, October 27, 2024.
In my sermon this Sunday, we explore the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man whose faith led to his physical and spiritual transformation. As Jesus heals Bartimaeus, he also invites him, and us, into the journey of discipleship. Following Jesus opens our eyes to see the world differently and calls us to break free from the limits society places on us.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Our Saviour Jesus Christ has abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. – 2 Timothy 1.10
Today’s Reading – Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- What areas of your life or worldview might need to be transformed in light of Jesus’ call to follow him? Consider where you may feel stuck or limited, and how faith in Christ could open your eyes to new possibilities.
- How do you see the people around you, especially those on the margins of society? How might Jesus be calling you to see them differently? Reflect on how you can extend love and compassion to those who are often overlooked or dismissed by society.
- What “cloak” are you holding onto that may be keeping you from fully following Jesus? Think about what material or emotional security you rely on that might be preventing you from taking bold steps of faith.
- In what ways do the values of the world you live in clash with the values of God’s kingdom? How are you being called to respond? Reflect on how you can align your actions and beliefs more closely with the love, justice, and community-centred vision of God’s kingdom.
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. ↩︎