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Pax et Bonum The Online worship resource for St. James Parish A low prayer, a high prayer, I send through space
Arrange them Thyself, O though King of Grace. From the Poem-Book of Gael
The whole bright world rejoices now, Hilariter, hilariter!
Then shout beneath the racing skies, Hilariter, hilariter!
And all you living things make praise, Hilariter, hilariter!
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Hilariter, hilariter! St. Mark Today is the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist. Scholars believe that most likely, the gospel of Mark was written by a young man referred to as John Mark in the book of Acts, whose mother had a house in Jerusalem. He was most likely not an eye-witness of the events of Jesus’ life. He was probably a Greek speaker, and was less familiar with Palestinian geography than a native of that area would have been. Some think the gospel was written to members in Rome, some believe Syria, the Decapolis, and/or Galilee.
 Mark was a companion on St. Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas; indeed he was listed as a cousin of Barnabas. Part way through the journey Mark turned back for unknown reasons, but whatever the reasons were caused Paul to mistrust him, and he refused to take him on any further endeavors. This caused a rift with Barnabas; they had a parting of the ways, and Paul took Silas as his new missions partner. Later, when Paul was imprisoned, Mark became his companion. Somehow the breach that had happened earlier was mended. Their loss and later regain of friendship is a wonderful example of reconciliation that we can benefit from. Mark was also a companion of Peter, who called him "my son Mark" (I Peter 5:13) It is generally accepted that Mark received the information which was used to form his gospel from Peter. Mark’s gospel moves along at a great pace, making constant use of the word "Immediately." There is a sense of urgency in his writings. It was most likely written as a letter that was meant to be read publicly, and if one reads the gospel from one end to another in one sitting, one senses the urgency of the message, that Jesus Christ was in fact the Son of God, and armed with that knowledge, the church has work to do.
Collect for St. Mark:
Debra's Midweek Meditation "My sheep hear my voice. I know them,
The passage in John 10: 22-30 lands us right in the middle of a debate between Jesus and the Jews (the leaders of the people). They are having trouble with both their expectations of a Messiah and the confounding nature of Jesus' presence among them. Their questions are no different than the questions we often have within our own hearts. Who is this Jesus? And how can we trust Him? The words that Jesus says to the questions are "listen to me." Our God will not be enslaved by our expectations or our misunderstandings about God's purposes and all encompassing love. In contemplative prayer, questions give way to listening, then communion with the Spirit, and finally transformation. Answers are a dime a dozen, but true communion is rare. What Christ offers is a relationship that does not turn away from depth of commitment but rather flowers in each new revelation of the beloved one. Christ if offering us no less than truth- the truth of God which cannot be spoken only only heard with the ears of the heart.
"If you continue in my word," says Jesus in the gospel of John (8:31-32), "you truly are my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."
Blessings
O Divine Love, who calls and sends all who follow you,
Daily Morning Prayer: This Week at St. James:
Friday: SJA Teacher Appreciation Lunch
May 4 & 5: Please pray for our clergy and lay delegates (Frank O’Toole, Anne Bricker, and Lisa Fitzhugh) as they attend the Diocesan Convention. Prayers Etc.
Here is a gaping sore, Lord;
For those on our prayer list:
For the students, faculty and alumni of Virginia Tech and their families.
For our Diocesan Convention May 4 and 5: In Closing:
Thank you
O God of Peace,
Pax et Bonum, |
