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A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 24, 29, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 18:16-33, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: Galatians 5:13-25, Kira Austin-Young, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Mark 8:22-30, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 8, 84, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 18:16-33, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 15, New Testament: Galatians 5:13-25, Kira Austin-Young, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Mark 8:22-30, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.
Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (Mark 4:26–34), the parable of the mustard seed is revealed.Christ Jesus said,"To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,or what parable can we use for it?It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plantsand puts forth large branches,so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."God makes very great things starting from the very small in a gradual process, never drawing attention to Himself.At God's prompting, we start doing small things by planting the seed.We take small steps and do not worry about the attention or the praise we attract.The faithful sow the seed and take risks, leaving the rest to the mercy and providence of God.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 30, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Bathildis, 626-680; born in England; she was enslaved, and taken to Neustria, a part of the Frankish kingdom; in time, she became a trusted member of the court of King Clovis II, and married him in 649; she bore him three sons, all of whom became kings; when Clovis died in 657, Bathildis served as regent for Clotaire III; she had founded a Benedictine convent at Chelles, as well as St. Denis Monastery and Corbie; when Clotaire III assumed the throne, Bathildis retired to Chelles, where she died Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/30/26 Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Dallan; Dallan Forgaill was a Sixth Century kinsman of St. Edan of Ferns, born in Connaught, and a great scholar; through his application to study, he became blind; he wrote a poem in honor of St. Columba, which was only published after Columba's death; legend has it that, upon its publication, Dallan's sight was restored to him; Dallan was murdered by pirates in 598, and his head thrown into the sea; it was recovered, and miraculously reunited with his body Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/29/26 Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, 1225-1274; the "Angelic Doctor"; born in Aquino, Italy, became a Dominican, and studied under St. Albert the Great; he wrote the Summa theologiae and much of the liturgy for the feast of Corpus Christi; he is considered one of the greatest minds of the Church Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/28/26 Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Mark 3:31-35 The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Reflection Jesus is underscoring a frightening thought that what it takes for us to be able to receive what God is offering through Jesus. We need to know who He is and we need to accept all that He gives. He is our brother. He is the mother that gives us a life. He is the father who has created us. He sees so clearly in his work that his work is the most important thing in his life, more important than himself or his family or anything. He longs to do the work of God, and that is to awaken everyone to God's intimacy with them. Closing Prayer Father, your intention, your longing, is to transform us into being part of a family, a union, a communion that can never be broken. It is life. It is like a family's life to us as a child. So this teaching of Jesus is a life to us as we grow, evolve, and grow in our understanding. Bless us with receptivity. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici, 1474-1540; born in Italy, orphaned in her teens; as a young woman, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis; at age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula; this was a new way of life--single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery, what is today known as a "Secular Institute"; Angela died in Brescia, Italy; in the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/27/26 Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus; great men of the First Century, companions and disciples of St. Paul; Timothy accompanied St. Paul on his second missionary journey and was entrusted to aid the Thessalonians, Corinthians and Ephesians; Titus is addressed as St. Paul’s ‘true child after a common faith’ and was called to missionary work in Crete Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/26/26 Gospel: Mark 3:22-30
A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 63, 98, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 13:2-18, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: Galatians 2:1-10, Kira Austin-Young, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Mark 7:31-37, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 103, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 13:2-18, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 15, New Testament: Galatians 2:1-10, Kira Austin-Young, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Mark 7:31-37, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 63, 98, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 13:2-18, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 16, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Mark 7:31-37, Mtr. Lisa Meirow
Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, 1567-1622; born in Savoy, France, and as bishop devoted his work to implementing the decrees of the Council of Trent; also co-founded the Visitandines, with St. Jane Francis de Chantal; among his most read and revered writings are Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/24/26 Gospel: Mark 3:20-21
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Marianne Cope, 1838-1918; born in Germany, emigrated to Utica, New York, and joined the the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis in Syracuse, New York; she was twice elected provincial; in 1835, along with six other sisters, she went to Hawaii to take charge of the receiving station outside of Honolulu for people suspected of having leprosy; in 1888, Mother Marianne and two sisters went to Molokai to open a home for “unprotected women and girls” there; she took charge of the home that Saint Damien de Veuster had established for men and boys; her sisters have attracted vocations among the Hawaiian people and still work on Molokai Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/23/26 Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/22/26 Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr, 291-304; venerated since the Fourth Century in Rome; various early legends make it difficult to discern details of her martyrdom, but she was young and heroic; after her death, Constantine's daughter erected a basilica over her grave; she is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the mass, and early Church Fathers praised her virtue Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/21/26 Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
Friends of the Rosary,We pray today's Rosary — the Sorrowful Mysteries — on the road.In today's main reading of the Gospel (Mark 2:23–28), Christ Jesus says:"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."Friends, in today's Gospel, Jesus acknowledges that he is “lord even of the sabbath.”Bishop Barron explains this mystery, "Christians should enter the public arena boldly and confidently, for we are not announcing a private or personal spirituality but rather declaring a new King under whose lordship everything must fall. If Jesus is truly Lord, then government, business, family life, the arts, sexuality, and entertainment all come properly under his headship."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 20, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of Pope St. Fabian, 200-250; a Roman layman who came to the city as a new pope was about to be elected; a dove landed on his head, it was taken as a sign, and Fabian was elected unanimously; he led the Church for 14 years and died a martyr’s death during the persecution of Decius Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/20/26 Gospel: Mark 2:23-28
Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Henry of Uppsala, 1100-1156; an Englishman who accompanied Cardinal Nicholas Breakspear to Sweden and Norway in 1151; there he was made the bishop of Uppsala, Sweden; he accompanied King St. Eric of Sweden on a military campaign to Finland, never leaving that land again; Henry was murdered in Finland in 1156 by an excommunicate named Lalli Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/19/26 Gospel: Mark 2:18-22
A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 148, 149, 150, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: Ephesians 4:1-16, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Mark 3:7-19, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 114, 115, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 15, New Testament: Ephesians 4:1-16, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Mark 3:7-19, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 148, 149, 150, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23, Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 16, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: Mark 3:7-19, Mtr. Lisa Meirow
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Anthony, the Abbot, 251-356; born in Egypt, and felt called to give away all his possessions, follow Christ, and become a hermit; his spirituality attracted many followers; during the Arian controversy, St. Anthony supported the Nicene party and became friends with St. Athanasius, who would later write The Way of St. Antony Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/17/26 Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Sulpicius, 576-646; the son of wealthy parents; he renounced the idea of marriage and devoted himself to good works, especially caring for the poor; when he became Bishop of Bourges in 624, he fought for the rights of his people against King Dagobert's minister, Lullo; known for austerity and holliness; he is reported to have converted all the inhabitants of Bourges to Christianity with his holiness and charity; resigned his bishopric late in life to devote himself to the poor Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/16/26 Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Arnold Jansen, 1837-1909; born in Germany, ordained in 1861, and served as a parish priest; in 1875 he founded the Society of the Divine Word, to provide priests and lay brothers for the missions; he also founded the Servant Sisters of the Holy Ghost for the missions in 1889 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/15/26 Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: Grandmother of Sts. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa; she was trained in the faith by St. Gregory Thaumaturgis; during the persecution instituted by Emperor Diocletian, Macrina and her husband had to flee Neocaesarea, in Pontus; they lived on the shores of the Black Sea, and Macrina died in about 340 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/14/26 Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Mark 1:21-28 Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. Reflection Jesus lived in Capernaum and it was not unusual for him to be in the synagogue. But what was interesting about this case is when he spoke, there was something happening to the people who were listening. It was a feeling or a sense that there was something more here than just someone telling us what to do. But somebody who had this authority over that, which is the enemy, a power over evil, over anything that would destroy us. Closing Prayer Father, your fame was difficult because it became an obstacle to your being able to preach and teach. Bless us with an understanding of the mystery of the power you have over evil. Help us to understand the gift that you had. We also have, and we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Friends of the Rosary,In today's reading from the Gospel (Mark 1:21-28), we see the people of Capernaum in the synagogue astonished at Jesus' teaching, "for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes," Mark the Evangelist is telling us.They asked one another,"What is this?A new teaching with authority.He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."Their amazement came as there was a man with an unclean spirit, crying out:“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?Have you come to destroy us?I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”"Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”The unclean spirit convulsed him and, with a loud cry, came out of him."At that time, Christ the Lord drove out an unclean spirit from the possessed man.Today, he wants to perform the same cleansing operation in our lives.From the beginning, He wanted our hearts to be temples of his presence. He is the One who has cleansing authority and cleansing power. He expels those things that don't belong to Him, inviting us to a full conversion. Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 13, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Hilary of Poitiers, 315-368; as bishop of Poitiers, France, he battled Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ; the emperor ordered all bishops of the west to sign a condemnation of Athanasius--the great defender of the faith in the east--but Hilary refused, and was exiled to Phrygia; he attempted a debate with the heretical bishop who had exiled him, but he was, instead, sent home, where his people welcomed him Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/13/26 Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. John of Ravenna, 477-494; Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, who saved his people from the fury of Attila the Hun; served as bishop from 452 to 494; also faced the Ostrogoths, under King Theodoric the Great, who invaded the region and became the chief political power in the years following the final deposition of the Roman emperors in the West in 476 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/12/26 Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
Friends of the Rosary,Today in the Gospel (Mark 6:45-52), we see Christ Jesus coming toward the disciples walking on the sea, passing by the waters, signaling His lordship over all the powers of the disorder. Note that water is, throughout the Scriptures, a symbol of danger.The Lord moves through the waters and appeases the wind, reaffirming dominion over nature and inviting us to abandon our hardened hearts and trust in Him.The boat, with Peter and the other disciples on board, evokes the Church, which has weathered storms over time.Still in Christmas, on this Wednesday after Epiphany, this passage is another affirmation of the divinity of Christ.Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 7, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Wednesday after Epiphany Optional Memorial of St. Raymond of Penafort, 1175-1275; born in Spain, a relative of the king of Aragon; co-founded the Order of Our Lady of Ransom, dedicated to saving poor Christians captured by the Moors; went with King James to Majorca; he ordered King James to cease his scandalous behavior, but he did not; Raymond left Majorca by spreading his cloak upon the water, tying up one corner of it to a stick for a sail, standing on the cloak and sailing for six hours to Barcelona; King James repented; Raymond was 100 years old at his death Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/7/26 Gospel: Mark 6:45-52
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Mark 6:34-44 When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days' wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men. Reflection This is the only miracle found in all four of the Gospels, and I think it's because it is such a beautiful image of what the kingdom of God is really like. God comes into our life in the form of a spirit. Jesus is the model. And when we are filled with this Holy Spirit, we are able to do things beyond our imagining. And the most important thing I think it's saying about the Kingdom of God is it's about abundance, not just a little nourishment, but more nourishment than anyone could imagine. It's the Holy Spirit that is described as that thing that is the blessing that we receive. And having received it our work, our being with one another, becomes abundantly nurturing and life giving. What a great gift God has given us. The model is Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the power. Closing Prayer Father, we look at situations in our life and we see them as almost impossible to handle. And yet you're telling us if we allow the Blessed Spirit to enter into our life, we are able to do so much more than we could ever imagine, because it's not just us doing it. It's your love, your healing, your wisdom flowing through us, enabling us to establish the Kingdom of God. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday after Epiphany Optional Memorial of St. Andre Bessette, 1845-1937; entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, along with duties as sacristan, laundry worker and messenger; when he heard someone was ill, he visited to bring cheer and to pray with the sick person; when an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, André volunteered to nurse, and not one person died; after Holy Cross authorities bought property on Mount Royal, Andre raised $200 to build a small chapel and welcome visitors; by 1931, there were gleaming walls, but money ran out; “Put a statue of Saint Joseph in the middle. If he wants a roof over his head, he’ll get it”; The magnificent Oratory on Mount Royal took 50 years to build; the sickly boy who could not hold a job died at 92 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/6/26 Gospel: Mark 6:34-44
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 19, 126, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Isaiah 54:1-13, Erin Jean Warde, First Canticle: 15, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Mark 10:13-16, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.
15 And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Et dixit eis : Euntes in mundum universum praedicate Evangelium omni creaturae. 16 He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.Qui crediderit, et baptizatus fuerit, salvus erit : qui vero non crediderit, condemnabitur. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues.Signa autem eos qui crediderint, haec sequentur : in nomine meo daemonia ejicient : linguis loquentur novis : 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.serpentes tollent : et si mortiferum quid biberint, non eis nocebit : super aegros manus imponent, et bene habebunt.One of the first companions of St Ignatius Loyola, St Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, preached the Gospel in India and in Japan. He converted innumerable pagans and died in 1552 on his way to China.
Preached in 2021. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit bcnewton.coFurther ReadingExpository Thoughts on Mark | J. C. RyleMark: An Expositional Commentary | R. C. SproulThe Gospel According to Mark | G. Campbell MorganKing's Cross | Timothy KellerMark: Jesus, Servant and Savior | R. Kent HughesESV Expository Commentary Vol VIII: Matthew-LukeIf you have benefitted from this episode, consider sharing with others. You can also support my work financially at this link.
The Gospel of Mark is a fast-paced and hard-hitting account—one that refuses to let readers stay neutral about its central figure, Jesus Christ.In today's episode, we begin another sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark. In this opening sermon, Paul calls attention to the radically divisive opening sentence that launches Mark's gospel.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.
22 And Jesus answering, saith to them: Have the faith of God.Et respondens Jesus ait illis : Habete fidem Dei. 23 Amen I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea, and shall not stagger in his heart, but believe, that whatsoever he saith shall be done; it shall be done unto him.Amen dico vobis, quia quicumque dixerit huic monti : Tollere, et mittere in mare, et non haesitaverit in corde suo, sed crediderit, quia quodcumque dixerit fiat, fiat ei. 24 Therefore I say unto you, all things, whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive; and they shall come unto you.Propterea dico vobis, omnia quaecumque orantes petitis, credite quia accipietis, et evenient vobis.St Gregory Thaumaturgus (the Wonderworker) was Bishop of Neo-Cesarea, his native city, in Pontus. He died famous for his missionary labors A.D. 276.
Sunday Worship for November 2, 2025, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service— Pastor Dan Peterson; Cantor Kyle Haugen, and guest trumpeters Morris Northcutt and Ben McDonald. Introit—Revelation 7:14b, Psalm 31:1,5 • Prelude on the hymn tune RHOSYMEDRE, Ralph Vaughan Williams; The Fairest of Roses: Fanfare for Two Trumpets and Organ, Frederik Magle • Processional Hymn —For All the Saints, (ELW 422) • First Reading—Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 • Psalm 149 • Second Reading—Ephesians 1:11-23 • Gospel—Mark 16:1-8 • Sermon— Pastor Dan Peterson, "With God All Things Are Possible" • Hymn of the Day—Give Thanks for Saints (ELW 428) • Distribution Hymn—Sing with All the Saints in Glory (ELW 426) • Recessional Hymn —For All the Saints (ELW 422) • Postlude—Fantasia in C minor, BWV 562, J. S. Bach Link here to view the bulletin.Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving. Visit this link.
Sermon Summary: “The Patient Heart of God” Mark 12:1–12 Introduction: The Gospel That Captivates, Not Terrifies Coleton began with a story from his childhood — his first time hearing the gospel at a Vacation Bible School in Riverdale, Georgia. The preacher was loud, red-faced, and terrifying. Young Coleton walked down the aisle, not because he loved Jesus or wanted to follow Him, but because he was afraid of hell. He reflected, “The preacher's message was true — but it didn't lead me to turn to Jesus because I was captivated by Him. Jesus wasn't made beautiful or awesome to me; He was made out to be brutal, angry, mean, and threatening.” Coleton shared that his goal was to communicate the same truth that preacher did — that rejecting Jesus brings death — but in a completely different way: showing the beauty, patience, and love of God who relentlessly pursues us. From this parable, Jesus reveals two truths: The patient heart of God. What we invite into our lives when we reject the Son. 1. The Patient Heart of God Mark 12:2–5 – “At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed… He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.” Coleton explained that this parable paints the long history of Israel's rejection of God's prophets. Time and again, God sent messengers calling His people to repentance — and time and again, they refused to listen. Yet, instead of destroying them, God patiently sent another messenger. And another. And another. That's the heart of God: He keeps coming after His people, giving chance after chance. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 God's patience isn't weakness — it's love in action. He longs for every person to experience life and repentance. Coleton said, “This isn't just about ancient Israel. This is how God pursues each of us. Even when we run, ignore, or push Him away — He keeps sending reminders, people, and moments to get our attention.” Examples of God's Patient Pursuit C.S. Lewis described his conversion as a “chess game with God.” He was an atheist who wanted nothing to do with religion, but God kept making “moves” — awakening a longing in him for beauty and joy that the world couldn't satisfy. “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis Lewis later wrote about the night he finally surrendered: “I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” – C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy Similarly, St. Augustine — once consumed by lust and pride — found himself restless and unsatisfied. One day, he heard a voice say, “Take up and read,” and his eyes fell on this verse: “Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery… Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:13–14 That moment changed him forever. “There was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away.” – St. Augustine, Confessions Coleton then shared his own story — how God patiently pursued him through emptiness, injury, and unlikely people: First, through the emptiness he felt in high school after trying everything to fill the void. Then, through pain, when he tore his knee and began thinking about God. Then, through a person, a man named Mark McClendon, who shared the gentle love of God. Finally, through conviction, one night when he felt God chasing him — even in his brokenness. “He is always pursuing us with great patience,” Coleton said. “Because He doesn't want any to perish.” Paul wrote the same in Romans 1:19–20: “What may be known about God is plain… since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen… so that people are without excuse.” God's pursuit is relentless. His heart is patient, and His goal is repentance and relationship. 2. Why God Sent the Son Mark 12:6 – “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.'” Coleton pointed out the beauty and heartbreak of this verse. The owner of the vineyard — representing God — has one last hope: his beloved son. Instead of crushing the tenants, he sends his son in love, saying, “Surely they will respect my son.” God sends Jesus not to condemn, but because He desperately hopes humanity will respond. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son… For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16–17 Even knowing the risk — that the world would reject and kill His Son — the Father sent Him anyway. That's how deeply God values us. “Despite our sin, our Creator thinks we are worth experiencing a hellish death for. In fact, it was for the joy of spending eternity with us that Jesus endured the cross.” – Greg Boyd, Present Perfect Jesus was sent because He was humanity's best and final chance to respond to God's love. The cross is not just proof of our sin — it's proof of our worth. 3. What We Invite When We Reject the Son Mark 12:7–9 – “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let's kill him…' So they took him and killed him… What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” Coleton explained that rejecting the Son always leads to death and loss — not because God is cruel, but because there is no one else left to send. God has exhausted every avenue. Jesus is the final messenger, the final offer of grace. Rejecting Him means rejecting life itself. Coleton warned that this truth applies both spiritually and practically: When we reject Jesus' words about marriage, we invite destruction into our relationships. When we ignore His words about generosity, we lose joy and peace. When we refuse His words about forgiveness, bitterness eats away at our hearts. Jesus' words are life. To reject them is to invite death. “To reject the Son is to reject the one person who can bring you to God. To reject the Son is to shut the door to the life He offers.” Coleton admitted that as a boy, the preacher in Riverdale made it sound like God joyfully “flicked people into hell.” But Scripture paints a different picture: “God our Savior… wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth… For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” – 1 Timothy 2:4–6 C.S. Lewis captured the freedom God gives us: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.'” – C.S. Lewis God's desire is life and joy, but He will not force it. We choose life or death, acceptance or rejection. Application: Responding to the Son Coleton closed with a question: How is God patiently pursuing you — and who is He pursuing through you? For the believer, this means joining God in His patient pursuit of others: Like J.R.R. Tolkien pursued C.S. Lewis through friendship. Like Mark McClendon spoke gently to Coleton. For the Christian, it means asking, “What is my response to Jesus' words?” For the skeptic, it means asking, “Can I see the ways God has been patiently pursuing me?” Even the Pharisees, who hated Jesus, could feel that the parable was directed at them (v.12). Coleton asked his listeners, “Do you feel Him speaking to you too?” He concluded, “If you feel like this is God speaking to you, then this is Him still patiently pursuing you. Don't reject the Son.” Discussion Questions How have you personally experienced God's patience and pursuit in your life? Why do you think God continues to pursue people who continually reject Him? What does it mean that Jesus is both the best and the last messenger God sends? In what ways might we “reject the Son” in daily life — not through unbelief, but by ignoring His words? Who might God be patiently pursuing through your life right now, and how can you join Him in that pursuit?
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 34, 150, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3, Ellen Singer, First Canticle: 15, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Mark 13:21-27, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.
A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 45, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 16:23-34, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 13, New Testament: Philippians 1:12-30, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: Mark 16:1-20, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Mark 6:17-29 - Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist Saint John, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Steve Ray joins Terry to discuss the importance of the gift of children and the over-importance some childless couples give to their pets