For Sunday, October 20, 2024, Readings: Job
38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104: 1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: ...Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements ~ surely you know! Or stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? [Job 38: 1a,4-7]
Bless the Lord, O my soul [Ps 104:1a]
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins...In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications...and he was heard because of his reverent submission. [Hebrews 5:1, 7b]
Are you able to drink from the cup that I drink...So Jesus called them and said...whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you but be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:38b, 42a, 43b-45]
In this age of high technological
achievement and more devices for instant information access than anyone can
possibly need or use, some days all I seem to do is spin in circles trying to
find a simple answer to a simple question. The amazement and the wonders of
life disappear in a haze of frustration, complaint, and a waste of precious
mortal time. And then, God, speaking to Job whose earthly trials far exceed my
own or yours, says, WHERE WERE YOU when I laid the foundation of the
earth? ...WHO determined its measurements...On what were its bases sunk...or
WHO laid its cornerstone…my favorite line in all of Job: when the
morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? The
bigger question for me is, where am I as Creation in
all of its forms continues to spin all around me? With much of the world
in turmoil and whirlwinds from so many sources, why am I frazzling over some
temporary nonsense? I must, instead, remember to pray for my soul to bless
the Lord as the Psalmist says.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that high priests were chosen
from among mortals to be in charge of things pertaining to
God, among other duties. In no way a "high priest," I am
nonetheless very mortal and especially subject to weakness in
many ways. Therefore, created as a conscious being, I am called by God to
actively discover in what ways I am to offer sacrifice for my own sins and on
behalf of others. Jesus explains to his ambitious disciples that the cost of
being great is not so glamorous as it might seem. Coming back to the theme
of the last shall be first and the first last, we are to be
servants of Christ for one another, not seeking personal power or status, but
rather to put the needs of others ahead of our own. That news may be
disappointing for some on days when the temptations of earthly delight seem
particularly appealing.
I may not be a major change-agent for the entire world, but I can
work to remember my place and responsibility as an active part of God's
Creation. Through continuous prayer for renewal of my faith, and the
willingness to listen, be present, and help the people of God however I am
able, I can ease the desire for being the one served to the choice of being the
servant. The cup of Christ may taste bitter at times but the end result will be
as sweet and everlasting as the chorus of the morning stars singing
together. May my soul be the blessing that God is calling it to be. May I
discover each day the courage to drink deeply of the Cup that is prepared for
me. And may I always know, through all the dizzying changes and chances of this
mortal life, that God is present wherever I am.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ Great and Living Lord of all that is, the seen and the unseen, excite us each new day with the abundance in Your precious gift of this living, breathing planet; as our Divine Designer and Holy Artisan, You have made it all! Let us sing our thanksgivings with the morning stars as we praise and serve You, one another, and all of Your Creation.
~ Great and Living Lord, impart insight and prudence to the leaders of our Planet, our Nation, and our Community, that their words and actions may be enlightened and merciful, knowledgeable and just, serving those who called them to office, and not darkened by willful personal or political power. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~ Great and Living Lord surround the hearts of all who live in the grip of chronic illness, or critical life circumstance, with Your peace and healing; and extend endurance for those who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need…add your own petitions
~ Great and Living Lord, keep us in the knowledge that love never dies and that those we have sent ahead, have new life in the resplendent and holy grandeur of Your Eternal Kingdom. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~ Great and Living Lord, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions
~ Great and Living Lord, renew and energize all who lead us in Your church, to guide us as we walk together in service and sacrifice, in prayer and supplication, willing to drink of the cup You have prepared for us. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
The
Celebrant adds: God
of Glory and Majesty, re-fresh our hearts, our ears, and our minds, to receive,
listen, and know again, the splendor of Your Word and Your Works. Kindle the
desire within us to offer ourselves in reverent submission, serving all we meet
and all Creation in Your name. We ask through Jesus, our Great High Priest;
and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Advocate; who together with You are One
God, now and forever. Amen.
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