This Sunday we will continue our exploration of faith practices that are rooted in and emerge from Baptism. This week's topic is:
SERVE All People Following The Example of Jesus
"For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 NRSV)
Serving is at the heart of Jesus' ministry. Making the connection between Jesus feeding the five thousand and setting up a food pantry is easy. God serves others through us. Jesus calls us to be more than good waitstaff. The ministry of feeding is commendable, but there is more to serving.
To follow the example of Jesus and serve all people requires us to get involved in the lives of others. Jesus valued relationships. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, making time for children or comforting his friends Martha and Mary serves as a blueprint for moving us beyond projects and anonymous charitable activities to relationships.
Following the life of Jesus leads us into the mess of life where lives are transformed and Christ is made known. Serving as Jesus serves brings us closer to Jesus, the one who did not come to be served but to serve.
As we serve following the example of Jesus Christ, we can:
- Visit the sick and the imprisoned
- Feed the hungry
- Respond to disasters
- Walk alongside others
- Give of our resources
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Third Sunday in Lent
March 23, 2014
Exodus 17:1-7 | Psalm 95 | Romans 5:1-11 | John 4:5-42
Prayer of the Day
Merciful God, the fountain of living water,
you quench our thirst and wash away our sin.
Give us this water always.
Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen
I hear you! I remember my grandmother talking about The Great Depression; the neighbors on her street would share what they had (food is what I remember)...whoever had a little more (this week) would share; someone else might be able to give next week! I think St. Luke can DO this; it will start with Baby Steps! Thanks for inviting us to stop out.
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