Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for e Sunday, November 17, 2024.
In this Sunday’s sermon, I invite us to explore Jesus’s words in Mark 13:1-8 and how they remind us that while human creations may fade, our faith in God’s unchanging love and truth endures. We reflect on what it means to anchor our lives in something lasting, even in a world of constant change.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Watch at all times, praying that you may stand before the Son of man. – Luke 21:36
Today’s Reading – Mark 13:1–8
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- What are some things in my life, goals, achievements, or possessions, that I sometimes rely on for security? How might I shift my focus to place more trust in God’s unchanging love and promises?
- In what ways do I see God working steadily and patiently in my life, even when I can’t see immediate results? How can I practice patience and trust in God’s timing?
- How does Jesus’s warning about temporary structures challenge my understanding of faith? Are there areas where I might be tempted to substitute human accomplishments or institutions for my relationship with God?
- When I face changes or uncertainty, what practices or habits help me stay anchored in my faith? How can I strengthen my connection to God as my foundation?
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. ↩︎