Can you recall a wilderness moment in your life, or a longer time of wondering and wandering? How has that experience impacted you? Wandering through a wilderness is a theme that often occurs in the scriptures. Sometimes it includes a long physical journey, and/or a journey of the heart and soul.
The lectionary Gospel reading for this Sunday arises from Mark 1:9-15. John has just baptized Jesus, in the Jordan. A voice comes from heaven saying that Jesus is the Beloved. And, “immediately” (Mark’s favorite word), the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. John is arrested. Jesus emerges from the wilderness, and heads to Galilee to proclaim the Good News.
On this first Sunday in Lent, we will reflect on this scripture passage, and on the wilderness journeys we have experienced, or may be called to embrace. These may be pilgrimages we take as individuals, as a community of faith, or as sojourners with others in God’s creation. What have we learned from these kinds of journeys in our past? Who supported us on those journeys, and what wisdom did they share? Who walks alongside us now? And, who might we be supporting and walking alongside today?
The Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us in music. We will greet one another, and the children with welcome us into worship with the ringing of the bells. There will be a Children’s Moment. We will pray, reflect, and give thanks. James Davis will read our scripture passage from the Gospels (Mark 1:9-15). The sermon is titled, Our Wilderness Journeys: Trials, Temptations, Possibilities & Promise- Discipleship in the Contemporary World.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream.