This week we will be discussing Mark 9:30-10:52. Within these readings, Jesus will foretell his Passion on two more occasions before his entry into Jerusalem in chapter 11. Jesus will also twice use the example of a child to instruct his disciples in the humility and utter dependence that he expects of them and us. In verses 9:33-37, his disciples, having been part of the Transfiguration, begin to debate who among them is the greatest. In response to this discussion, Jesus places a child among them to show them what true greatness is in the kingdom of heaven. In 10:13-16, we see Jesus saying “Let the little children come to me . . . for whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” It is immediately after this teaching in 10:17-22, that Mark gives us the counterexample of the rich man. For Tuesday, please read the selection from Mark and think through what it means to be a child. (The best exposition I have read on the story of the rich man is from Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215), which is attached.)
SCHEDULE for ALL SAINTS (Sunday, November 1):
· Bishop Michael Curry will be installed as the XXVII Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church at noon. Please listen to his explanation of the Eucharist and what it means to drink from the same cup HERE. His sermon at General Convention is HERE. The Church of the Messiah will be having a watch party at Pine Lakes CC.
· Also, The Church of the Messiah will be participating in the All Saints Evensong at Holy Cross at 5:00.
· And, Trinity will be having an All Saints Evensong at 4:30 with a preceding organ concert at 4:00.
Dinner is a 6 on Tuesday. Menu is spinach pie and ham. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
We can never ransom ourselves, *
Psalm 49:6-8
or deliver to God the price of our life;
For the ransom of our life is so great, *
that we should never have enough to pay it,
In order to live for ever and ever, *
and never see the grave.