Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Ascension Sunday, May 12, 2024.
This week, my sermon explores the message of Luke 24:44-53, and reflects on the importance of working together as a community to fulfill God’s mission. Our collective efforts make a difference in spreading love and grace when we accept Jesus commission to the church and these good works are an encouragement for us to embrace the power of togetherness in your own journey of faith.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the close of the age. – Matthew 28.19, 20
Today’s Reading – Luke 24:44-53
Then Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- Reflecting on the analogy of the basketball team, consider a time when you witnessed the transformative power of collective efforts within our parish community. How did this experience deepen your understanding of collaboration and unity in spreading God’s love?
- In Luke 24:44-53, Jesus commissions his disciples to continue his work as a team. How does the idea of being part of a team resonate with you in your own journey of faith? What strengths do you bring to our parish community, and how can you contribute to our collective mission of spreading the Gospel?
- Think about a specific ministry or initiative within our parish that you feel particularly drawn to. How can you actively participate in this ministry, utilizing your time, talents, and resources to support the community and further God’s mission?
- How can you embrace the spirit of collaboration and collective action in your own life, both within the parish community and beyond, to make a positive impact in the world?
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.