Reflection on the Word in our Worship
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus' foundational proclamation of the Gospel is given in these words, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). The first disciples, Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John would have understood Jesus' words well enough and trusted him deeply enough to commit to becoming his students, or disciples. Their faith wasn't blind. It was the fruit of their confidence in the Old Testament promises ("the time is fulfilled," Mark 1:14), Jesus' gospel of the Kingdom, and the power of his words and deeds.
Belief is more than credence or consent, and actually involves commitment. Certainly this is the implication of ‘believing the good news’, since the good news was that God’s kingdom is coming, and God’s kingdom means God’s rule in the hearts and minds of men and women. One cannot truly ‘believe’ that without commitment.
- Donald English, The Message of Mark
The Collect for the Third Sunday of Epiphany
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 3:19–4:4
Psalm 130 (after the playlist below)
New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:14-20
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the playlist
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Playlist)
Psalm 130
1 Out of the deep have I called unto you, O Lord; *
Lord, hear my voice.
2 O let your ears consider well *
the voice of my supplications.
3 If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could abide it?
4 For there is mercy with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my trust.
6 My soul waits for the Lord, *
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, *
and with him is plenteous redemption;
8 And he shall redeem Israel *
from all their sins.