In our worship today we began our Lenten journey with the Great Litany and a time to reflect on who and what we are in God’s kingdom and how we are called to lean on God’s grace to move forward, even when there is toil and trouble. The reading from the first letter of Peter conveyed a rationale for the life we are called to live – not demanding to be protected from difficulties but to live a life which imitates Christ. A life which capitalizes on Christ’s sacrifice to make real change in our world. Our psalmist sang a song which realizes that in God alone is true hope found. We are reminded that the troubles are from the world not God. Mark’s gospel covered Jesus’ baptism by John, temptation in the wilderness, and beginning of his earthly mission. We are reminded that life can be as simple as that. The sermon for today was based on our lesson from Hebrew Scripture which laid out God’s covenant with Moses after the flood. A story which can distract us by appearing capricious but after reflection is a story told from the human perspective. It is a story of hope in an uncertain future. The point is to remember that, without hope there is no future, but with hope centered on God we will become better aligned with what we are called to be for God. But also, we will remember that we are a work in progress. Where are you invited to remember your true calling?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-5; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
