Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for the second Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2024.
In today’s sermon on Mark 8:31-38, I will explore Jesus’ revelation to his disciples of the path ahead – one marked by suffering, rejection, and ultimately, resurrection. Through the lens of discipleship, we reflect on the call to take up our cross daily, embracing sacrificial love and confronting injustice with hope and resilience. As we journey through Lent, may the symbol of the cross inspire us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that in Christ’s victory over death, we find strength, purpose, and everlasting hope.
And continuing today, after the 10:30am service coffee hour, those who wish to participate in our “Faith Around The Table” faith study based on the reflection questions below can gather in St. Mark’s Hall.
Today’s Opening Sentence
I do not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Galatians 6.14
Today’s Reading – Mark 8:31-38
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How does the concept of taking up your cross and following Jesus challenge your current understanding of discipleship? What adjustments or changes might you need to make in your daily life to align more closely with this call?
- Reflecting on the message of sacrificial love and selflessness portrayed by Jesus in the Gospels, how can you actively practice love and service towards others in your daily interactions and relationships? What specific actions or attitudes can you cultivate to embody this love more fully?
- Consider the notion of confronting systems of injustice and oppression, as Jesus does and as the disciples would. In what areas of your life or community do you see injustices present, and how can you work towards addressing them? What steps can you take to advocate for justice and promote equality in your spheres of influence?
- Thinking about the promise of resurrection and the hope it brings, how can you cultivate a mindset of hope and optimism in your daily life? How might focusing on the ultimate victory of God’s love over sin and death influence your perspective on challenges and difficulties you encounter?
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.