There are two Gospels today. We start our service with with Mark 11.1-11. As I have said before, Mark keeps the action short and to the point. Jesus briefly visits the Temple but, as it’s late, he doesn’t turn the tables over - he goes back to his base at Bethany. We get the message time and time again in Mark’s Gospel - Jesus is a man in a hurry. Time is short. The main reading today will be a large section of Mark’s version of the Passion of our Lord, his trial, crucifixion and death. We start with Jesus led away from the Garden of Gethsemane to be tried by night in front of a kangaroo court (Mark 14.53-15.39). The chief priests use Jesus’ words to condemn him, as their chosen witnesses cannot agree. While this is going on Peter fulfils Jesus’ prophesy and denies him three times. Jesus is then tried by the Roman governor, who is amazed at Jesus’ silence in the face of the accusations from his own people and tries to release him. The will of the mob prevails. Jesus is condemned to death by crucifixion. He is once again mocked, scourged and then carries his cross until it becomes too heavy for him. Simon of Cyrene helps him carry it. When they reach the Place of the Skull, Golgotha, he is crucified. Once again he is rejected and mocked by all around him. There is an earthquake and Jesus cries out in desolation. A Roman soldier proclaims him as God’s Son. This helps us set the scene for the coming week, what we call Holy Week. On Thursday we shall recall the events of Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. We will have a service in Sutton at 10. On Good Friday, if the weather allows us, we shall meet in the churchyard at Burton at 10 for a said Good Friday service, when we shall read the John Passion, which gives us yet more insights into the death of our Lord. IF we are at Burton, IF the weather allows, please wrap up warmly and bring a picnic chair, just as we used to do last summer. If the weather is unsuitable we shall meet at Bignor inside. I will send round an email in good time. True and humble King, hailed by the crowd as Messiah: grant us the faith to know you and love you, that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross, which is the path of glory. AMEN
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AuthorCanon John Green Archives
May 2021
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