Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, February 18, 2024. I wish you a holy Lent!
Our celebration of Lent began this week, with the preparatory act symbolized by the extravagance sweetness of the Pancake Supper, before entering Lent with the solemnness of Ash Wednesday. Thank you for all who joined us for those important events.
In my message today, I invite us to explore the divine blueprint for transformation as revealed in our reading from Mark’s Gospel, Mark 1:9-15. Through the powerful symbolism of water, journey, and new beginning, we draw parallels between Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the wilderness and our own Lenten journey of faith, finding strength and renewal in God’s presence. Embracing the symbol of the cross as a daily reminder of Easter’s triumph and our baptismal covenant, we journey with hope and anticipation, trusting in God’s promise of redemption and new life.
Also today, after the 10:30am service and we have enjoyed some hospitality at the coffee hour, those who wish to participate in our “Faith Around The Table” faith study based on the reflection questions below.
Today’s Opening Sentence
We shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4.4
Today’s Reading – Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”1
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 symbolism of water, journey, and new beginning resonate with your own spiritual journey? Reflect on times in your life when you have experienced renewal or transformation. Consider how these experiences have shaped your relationship with God and informed your understanding of faith.
- In what ways do you see parallels between Jesus’ wilderness journey and your own struggles or temptations? Think about the challenges you currently face or have faced in the past. How do these challenges test your faith, and how do you find strength and resilience in times of difficulty?
- What does the symbol of the cross mean to you personally, and how can you incorporate it into your daily life during Lent? Explore your understanding of the cross as a symbol of redemption, sacrifice, and hope. Consider practical ways you can integrate this symbol into your daily routines as a reminder of your baptismal covenant and commitment to follow Christ.
- How can you approach this Lenten season with a sense of hope and anticipation, trusting in God’s promise of renewal and new life? Reflect on the overarching message of hope in your sermon and consider how you can cultivate a spirit of hopefulness throughout Lent. What practices or attitudes can help you embrace the journey of Lent with anticipation for the joy of Easter?
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.