This Sunday, we will spend time with only three verses from the Gospel according to Matthew (10:40-42). They speak of what it means to be a disciple, including our call to be welcoming, and the importance of giving even a cup of water to a little one. On the surface, that may seem simple. However, this scripture invites us to go deeper, and be open to perspectives other than our own.
Bonnie Pattison helps us consider this from the context in which Jesus lived. “Jesus mentions a “cup of cold water” to indicate not only hospitality but sacrifice: to offer cold water required drawing water from a deep well and often carrying it uphill in a heavy jar to the family home.” (1) How might Jesus be calling us to be welcoming as individuals, church, community, a nation and a world? Are we willing to both embrace sacred hospitality and sacrifice, even if it turns our world a bit upside down?
We will explore this together in worship. After we greet one another, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. We will pray and reflect. Lisa Miller Maidi will offer our congregational prayer this week. Dian Ludlow will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “What Cup of Water are We Willing to Share?"
Just a note: We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion next Sunday, July 9. 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.
1 Bonnie L. Pattison, “Matthew 10:40-42, Theological Perspective” in Cynthia A. Jarvis and E. Elizabeth Johnson, Eds., Feasting on the Gospels, Matthew, Volume 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013).
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.