Includes Sermon Audio
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Sentence: – Isaiah 51:11
The redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; and everlasting joy shall be upon the heads.
Collect of the day.
Oh God,
you give light to the blind and comfort to the sorrowing, and in your Son you have given us a High Priest who has offered the true sacrifice for us, and yet can sympathise with us in our weakness:
hear the cry of your people and lead us home to our true country, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Today’s readings:
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22)
Hebrews 7:21-28
Mark 10:46-52
A thought to ponder upon – Mark 10:46-52
Both 8:22-26 and 10:46-52 new rates to healing of the blind man. These 2 stories serve as literary bookends surrounding the 3 major predictions of Jesus death and resurrection (8:31; 9:30-32; 10:32-34), as well as the major instructions on discipleship in Mark’s gospel. The disciples’ blindness regarding the true mission of Jesus is thus also being emphasised, but as Jesus teaches them, he is healing. This spiritual blindness as well.
This healing occurs when Jesus heads back to Jerusalem. Jesus identifies the cry of Bartimaeus, quotation mark Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me” as expressing faith. Initially, Bartimaeus’ cry was seen as an interruption by many in the crowd. This attitude changed to encouragement when Jesus pays attention to him. Even though Jesus faces suffering in Jerusalem, he still considers the marginalised. Jesus asks, Bartimaeus what he wants, so he can express his trust in Jesus. “Your faith has made you well” also hints at spiritual salvation. Bartimaeus joins Jesus and the other pilgrims on their final journey to Jerusalem. He had become a disciple of Christ.
Sermon Audio
The Reverend Josie Steytler preaches from the Gospel after the gospel reading.
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