Sunday Worship
Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find resources below to worship at home.
Today's Gospel
Mark 1: 21-28 Jesus Drives Out the Evil Spirit
Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and 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.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Reflection
There are two key themes to Mark’s account of Jesus at the synagogue, His teaching and the casting out of the unclean spirit. It is usual for the sermon to focus on the casting out of demons but I thought I would write about the former theme of Jesus’s teaching.
Writing a sermon or reflection is certainly not easy. I’m sure any of the visiting priests who are kindly supporting us at the moment will undoubtedly share that view. I know of some folk who start their sermon on Monday reading up what various scholars say as well as researching the background behind the passage and learning about how things were at the time Jesus was around.
There are many different approaches to preparing a sermon but by far the most important aspect is to pray and seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide and provide some divine inspiration.
We read that when Jesus was preaching and teaching in the synagogue, he taught as ’one having authority’. It is also clearly implied that He had much more wisdom and knowledge than the scribes and church elders.
At the risk of stating the obvious, that is hardly surprising is it? He is the Son of God, He is God incarnate and filled with the Holy Spirit. One would expect him to speak with total authority.
Yet, we know from the bible, that even Jesus often escaped from the crowds and His disciples to spend quiet time alone praying and talking with God the Father. He immersed himself in scripture, meditation and prayer. For anyone who has a teaching role, be it at work, school or in church, we can only do this if we have the base knowledge and spend time researching. But to teach with authority and confidence requires an additional element of dedication and commitment.
The gift of wisdom and ability to teach authoritatively are not just the result of many years of hard work, they are also gifts from God who will reward our commitment and requests for guidance.
I know from listening to comments from people after the service, that there are occasions when the sermon really seems to hit the mark, whether that’s the style of presentation, charisma of the priest or the underlying message that resonates with us. Whatever the reason we should be grateful to God for the blessing of those who bring the Word of God to life. Equally, we should also take a little time to say thank you to the vicar who has spent so much time preparing and praying so that they can speak with authority. Paul
Our Prayers
Merciful Father
We ask for you to fill us with the Holy Spirit,
that we might hear your Word and be enlightened.
Help us to listen and read intently
and to make the time to ponder
and understand the meaning of the scriptures.
Amen
