Happy Autumn II from Chuckatuck, our prayers and good wishes are offered to you and your families as we celebrate the middle of October. Life has continued to march on for St. John’s family; we celebrated the life of our elder statesman yesterday in a moving service outside at the pond. We enjoyed the variety of creation that joined us to remember Marvin, beavers, butterflies, and lots of birds – a fitting reminder that creation is our reminder of God’s ever-present presence in our lives. A sunny day for remembering him and his impact on our extended community.
As we gathered for worship we continued our journey with the questions of life for our church and our community. In our scripture today we saw that questions and assumptions aren’t a deal-breaker with God. Our collect encouraged us to remember that God’s glory has been revealed to the world and that our mission as the Church is to focus on seeing God present even when God’s presence isn’t obvious. Our Psalmist sang a song that reminds us that the greatness we imagine about God is a pale reflection of God’s greater glory. Likewise, if we imagine God is committed to humans we fall short of the reality of God’s commitment. The letter to the Hebrews reiterated the truth of God’s commitment, as evidence in the commitment of the priests who are called to minister with God’s people. If the earthly ministers can be effective, how much more effective can Jesus be for humanity. The gospel of Mark highlights the difference between how we imagine the world works in God’s economy and the way God’s economy really works. We will receive what God received, even though we are human.
Our sermon today was loosely focused on the greater story found in the Hebrew scripture of Job. We heard God respond to Job’s request for a hearing by asking how well Job really understands how God created the universe. Yet, through it all, God doesn’t condemn Job for asking questions. Rather, God reminds Job (and us) that we may be asking the wrong question to learn what we want to learn from God. But, in God’s economy, that’s okay.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/33FCWTzk0yQ
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