Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Remembrance Sunday, November 10, 2024.
In this Sunday’s sermon, I invite us to reflect on two contrasting examples from Jesus’ teachings: the self-serving religious leaders and the humble widow who gave all she had. Jesus calls us to live with selflessness, humility, and a heart devoted to God, reminding us that true virtue comes from sacrifice, not recognition.
Also stay tuned to the end of the video for an archival recording of Mr. David Ritchie reciting John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:3
Today’s Reading – Mark 12:38–44
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- When you give your time, resources, or love, what motivates you most? How can you align your actions more with selfless love rather than recognition?
- In what ways do you see pride and self-centredness around you, and in yourself? How might practicing humility help you grow closer to God and others?
- Who are the “quiet givers” in your life, those who give selflessly without seeking acknowledgment? How can you give thanks for their example in your own life?
- As we remember those who sacrificed for others, what sacrifices are you willing to make to bring peace, justice, or kindness into the lives of those around you?
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. ↩︎