Welcome to our Worship on the last Sunday after Epiphany. At present both churches in Leesfield Parish are closed for Public Worship, but you're most welcome to join us for worship at home. You'll find everything you need to do that here on this page.
We'll also be sharing recorded services from the Church of England, and St Barnabas & Holy Trinity on our facebook page - Leesfield Parish
Our first hymn this morning is from the Taize community "In The Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful" -
Today's Gospel -
Mark 1: 9-15
‘In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on Him. And a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove Him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming The Good News of God and saying,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the Good News”’
Reflection -
Imagine how John the Baptist must have felt as he saw Jesus walk down towards him at the riverbank where he was preaching and baptising believers.
Not just his Cousin.
Not just his Rabbi.
But Yeshua, his Messiah!
John had spent his life preaching and preparing people for just such a time as this: the coming of their Saviour: Yeshua!
And so he now has the honour of baptising him.
I have been blessed, during my time as a Pastor, to be in charge of the baptism process for many people, before I came to the Parish of St Thomas, Leesfield. And I count it as an honour and a privilege to be part of their baptismal process.
We don’t often perform full immersion adult baptism in the Anglican Faith but let me tell you they are a joyous experience! Even when performed in a swimming baths in Ancoats. There is usually lively praise music and clapping….
I imagine it was a similar scene down by the River Jordan, as Jesus came down to John.
There is often great joy as people feel the release of the Holy Spirit as their sins are washed away and they come out of the water with a new perspective as a Follower of Jesus.
Imagine how John felt as God spoke from Heaven!
In John Ch.3 vv28,30, he states clearly,
‘“You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of Him…For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.”’
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Not long after this, John would be dead. Beheaded for serving our God!
And so Jesus went into the Wilderness to pray and fast.
As we begin the Lenten Season: a time of abstinence or fasting. A time for deepening our prayer and getting close to God, it is helpful to remember that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are. His flesh would cry out for food and water. His mind would wander away from His prayers and meditations.
As we begin our fasts and meditations, as part of Lent, let’s remember to rejoice in our relationship with our Saviour. Whether we are new Christians or long-in-the-tooth-Christians!
Remember the joy that John the Baptist had in being part of that special day but also because he found joy in his servanthood and whatever that brought him, Even decapitation. His murder would not have been a surprise to him.
Fortunately beheading does not await us (as far as I know!) but we have suffered through this time of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Many of you have been keeping away from friends and family and we are currently in the third Lockdown. Some of us are struggling to see our world as the same one we had before Covid. Some of us and our friends have seen their businesses fail and many have felt a keen lack of money. Suicides are up by 55% and many of us are struggling with health problems as well as mental health issues and acute loneliness. We have lost some of our own in death.
So, whether you choose to fast (if you are physically fit enough to do that), or you choose to give up a food or beverage, or whether you choose to give to God your time as part of your Lenten Service: remember the JOY of our Service to Him, as we expectantly wait and hope for the joy of Easter Day.
The Disciples and good folk of the Middle East in Year 30 Anno Domini did not know the future. They were believing in something and somebody Who was radically changing their lives and many would lose their lives in martyrdom and Service to our Lord.
We know and understand that we serve a Risen Lord.
So rejoice in that: even as you fast and pray.
Our Prayers -
Father God, keep our eyes focussed on You and Your Word.
We acknowledge the mighty work that was wrought on the Cross of our Lord and we declare our trust in our Saviour.
Lord Jesus, You say in your Word,
‘”The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel”’ (Mark 1:15)
And we say YES and Amen, Lord!
Father God, we acknowledge Your Sovereign hand upon our lives and we rejoice in knowing You.
We rejoice in Your presence and that we have been set free to serve a mighty Saviour.
Thank You for Your Word and help us to look forward and not back,
‘….looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Hebrews 12:2)
