The Gospel reading for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 12, 49-56, cites fire, water, and division. Fire signifies warmth and gathering; Jesus laments that he wishes the fire “was already kindled” on earth, that his people were already a community of God. Jesus speaking about water reminds us that in baptism, the spirit washes us with His love, over and over and over and over. Division suggests the crucifixion and the resurrection…there is always more…there is always hope.
Pastor Eric described Jesus as the King of Mercy. The warmth of God’s mercy is like a fire which needs to be stoked and tended. We stoke God’s mercy with our hands. Our St. Mark congregation has demonstrated many mercy moments with our community garden, our Clean Kids Program, Food bank donations and our relationship with Mt. View Elementary School as examples.
We have the opportunity for mercy moments every day, in every contact we have. Look for your mercy moments and find ways to kindle God’s warmth in others.
Click the link below to listen to the Gospel and the sermon for the day.