We gather together as a family of faith on this the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.
Again, we remember that we are “after” the Day of Pentecost. In the Easter season we are “of” Easter. We are Easter people, united with people around the world by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel means “Good News” of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We are Easter people.
Today our Summer Sermon Series continues on with the book Just Like Jesus by Pastor Max Lucado. This week I combined two chapters: An Honest Heart and a Pure Heart. Obviously, Jesus is the one true honest and pure hearted person ever. We limp along doing our best to be honest and pure in our daily living. Max talks in the book about being a witness in a court. You have to take an oath “to tell the truth, the whole truth so help you God.”
We are the same witnesses, to tell the truth about Jesus, the whole truth and nothing but that truth. In the Gospel of John 14:1-6 Jesus says “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through me.” Today we see Jesus going through the countryside healing and ministering to all he met. May the Lord heal and minister (love) us as well today and always with His honest and pure heart of grace.
Introduction
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
