Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for the Palm Sunday and The Sunday of The Passion, March 24, 2024.
Today, I read the Passion of Christ from Mark’s Gospel. During the reading I interject three short reflections that reflect on how the crucifixion of Christ reveals the depth of human brokenness and the injustices present in our world, yet it also offers hope through the transformative power of the cross. Just as Simon of Cyrene carried the cross, we are called to take up our own crosses and follow Christ, bearing the burdens of others with compassion and courage. So, as we journey from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, I hope we may find strength in the redemptive love of Christ, allowing the cross to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and transformation in our lives.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. – Philippians 2.8–9
Today’s Reading – Mark 15:1-39
(I read the reading in the video this week. It is a long reading so I will not include it here, but here is a link to the reading.)
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- How does the portrayal of injustice and brokenness in the crucifixion narrative resonate with experiences of injustice and brokenness in my own life or in the world around me?
- In what ways do I see myself complicit in systems of injustice or brokenness, and how might I seek forgiveness and reconciliation through the transformative power of the cross?
- Reflecting on Simon of Cyrene’s role in carrying the cross, how am I responding to Jesus’ call to “take up my cross and follow me” in my own life? What burdens or responsibilities am I willing to bear for the sake of Christ and God’s kingdom?
- As I journey from the darkness of Good Friday to the hope of Easter Sunday, how can I actively participate in the redemptive work of Christ in my community and beyond? How can I embody the sacrificial love of Christ and bring healing and restoration to those who are suffering?
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.
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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.