Jun 2: Sabbath Blessings

Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.” Mark 2:27

Jesus had a series of escalating, tension filled encounters with the religious leaders of his day. In our gospel story for Sunday, Jesus knowingly breaks sabbath laws in order to do something good for others. He becomes angered when the Pharisees become so fixated on following rules that they rule out helping others on the sabbath. God created the sabbath as a time of rest and recovery. It is built into the structure of creation and central to the Jewish faith. It is meant to be a liberating gift from God, not simply an ordinance to be adhered to. Join us Sunday as we consider the gift of sabbath.

Jun 9: Family of God

And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:34–35

Jesus’ ministry and teaching reveals the Kingdom of God. It was received as liberation by many, and often opposed by religious leaders. Jesus is also rarely understood. When Jesus is told that his mother and brothers were there to visit him, he redefines the nature of kinship. It is those who do the will of God that are my brothers and sisters. This was a radical and challenging redefinition of family, that the disciples (and us) may have struggled with. Join us Sunday as we consider this teaching and more.

Jun 23: Storm Front

He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:39–40

Jesus had the power to calm storms. This did not prevent the disciples from being afraid. In times of panic and struggle we often forget that Jesus is with us. We never walk alone and there is power greater than we could ever understand working for us.

Jun 30: Healing Touch

Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” Mark 5:22–23

There are many contentious interactions between religious leaders and Jesus. In our gospel for Sunday, we see Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, repeatedly ask Jesus to heal his daughter. This story shows us the power of Jesus to heal and his heart for those whose loved ones are suffering. This simple and profound truth is worthy of our reflection and holding fast to. Join us Sunday!

Jul 7: Hometown Rejection

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Mark 6:1–3

This Sunday’s gospel picks up from last week’s miracles. After healing a woman who was bleeding for 12 years, and restoring life to a 12-year old girl, he returns home to a rude welcome. In his hometown, the people do not receive Jesus as a wise teacher, healer, or a Rabbi. Instead they can only see him as the son of Mary who was a carpenter. They could not receive Jesus because they knew him too well. Instead they rejected his ministry and chose to take offense. There is much to glean from this text, but one key is how Jesus handled this rejection. Many of us would be decimated by the rejection of those who know us best, but Jesus shakes off the dust and keeps going. Join us Sunday as we consider rejection, resilience, and recalcitrance.

Jul 14: Awesome Creator

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Genesis 1:1–3

In these opening verses of the Bible God begins creation. By the power of God’s word light and life are brought into existence; from nothing comes something. It is amazing how God created everything and how creation is so intricately made. It is also fascinating that God chose to create everything in the first place. Join us Sunday as we ponder anew God’s creation and our place in it.