Feast of St. Mark

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ Mark 1:1-15

Wondrous Creator, the heartbeat of all creation

you send your beloved among us with good news

you gave him all authority and power to heal

and he walked humbly with the hurting people.

He had compassion when they were hungry

turning a little offering into a great feast

giving sight and hearing to those who came

he refused none and welcomed everyone.

We often put up barriers and high expectations

we limit our love to those we find comfortable

yet we are called by the Savior to love the unlovely

and to walk with the hurting, homeless and hungry.

Gracious Savior, turn our hearts to the people

let us know you in our midst as we serve

let our joy be full as we bring welcome

so that you love showers the earth again. Amen