Today’s Gospel reading returns to our systematic journey through Mark’s Gospel. In chapter 10 the third and fullest prediction of Jesus’ passion and death is followed by a strange request from James and John to be given special status alongside the Messiah. The other disciples are angry with James and John, possibly because they wished that they had asked first. Once again the disciples have failed to grasp Jesus’ teaching about what it means to be Messiah. Jesus replies that he came not to be served but to serve. The disciples must learn from his example.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of servant leader. In today’s picture from their book, The Big Chapel, Aled and Sian meet the Salvation Army Officer who is using the kitchen in the Big Chapel to feed the hungry and to care for the homeless. Here is a servant leader in action.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you came not to be served,
but to serve others.
Inspire us to follow your example
of serving others,
that we in turn may welcome
your service to us;
for you are our servant leader.
Amen.
Next Sunday’s Gospel reading is Mark’s narrative concerning Jesus’ healing of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. Now even the blind man sees Jesus for who he really is and, as a consequence, his blindness is healed. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is opening eyes. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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Liverpool Cathedral Signs Landmark Agreement with Liverpool Hope University