Sunday, October 20th, 2024
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45
Yesterday was the consecration of our new diocesan bishop, Julia Whitworth. Today she will be seated at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The service yesterday was glorious, and I am sure this evening will be as well. I have found over my 23 years as a bishop, that, even though our ceremonies can be amazing and spectacular, and can make us feel like rock stars, they can be our undoing unless we are humble and servant to all. When the pageantry is all over, then the hard work of loving and serving people can truly begin. Our roles, whether bishop or priest, elected official or average citizen, call us to serve the people and love one another every single day, especially when no one is watching. The cost of following Jesus is and will always be the call to humility and service.
A Sunday Litany for October 20th, 2024
Wondrous Creator, author all of our blessings
you fill us with your joy and your loving presence
you give us days of great and wondrous celebration
and you call us to humility and service always.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.
We humans crave worldly power and attention
aching and fighting to always be the star of the show
yet Jesus knew our human fragilities and needs
and taught us to be first by being a servant of all.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.
Lift us from our petty battles for prowess
let us let go of the need to control everything
instead help us to turn all our needs to you
and be on our knees in prayer and service always.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.
We struggle to be seen, heard and acknowledge
yet you have loved us deeply and always will.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.
Your love and mercy are more than we deserve
so let us be grateful by sharing that saving love.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us.
For you are the Holy One who stands with us today
and you will be present in all of our storms.
Lord Jesus, help us follow you by serving the least among us. Amen.
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