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ANGLICAN PARISH OF ATWELL/SUCCESS THE CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION Sunday Bulletin Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – 15th November 2009 |
Do Not be Alarmed
There have been earthquakes and tsunamis quite close to Australia during the year, with disastrous results for the people living in the areas affected. We also begin to think at this time of the year about the dangers of bush fires and of the terrible consequences of the extreme fires that caused such devastation last year on ‘Black Saturday’ in Victoria. We live in a world where at any time there can be a natural disaster that turns upside down the world for those people living in the affected area. It is at times such as these that people look to God for reasons why, as well as for help. Sometimes there is no reason or prediction for a particular weather event, it just happens and while not unexpected in the bigger scheme of things, it is unusual and can cause people to simply ask ‘why?’.
When Jesus was on the Mount of Olives, a very significant place for him in the lead up to the crucifixion, he looked on the Temple and foretold of its destruction. This of course was a real surprise to his disciples. He also spoke of other things that are apocalyptic, that is, the revealing of the mysteries of the future and/or the heavenly realm. Because we do not know all things, we are not able to say with any certainty what Jesus was actually talking about concerning earthly events, but we are able to heed the warnings and to be reminded to be on our guard. However, Jesus does not want us to unduly worry. He says: “Do not be alarmed”, and he says this in the knowledge of God being ultimately in control. This is what helps us to live through disasters and brings us out safe in the knowledge of a certain future.
Fr Clive
Sentence
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed. 1 Samuel 2.10
Prayer of the day
O God, welcoming refuge for the outcast, and upholder of justice for the oppressed: maintain the hope of the poor, so that the time may soon come when no one need want for food and shelter, and all will learn to share freely following the example of your Son, who gave his very self; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
For the word of the Lord; thanks be to God.
Psalm 16
1 Preserve me, O God:
for in you have I taken refuge.
2 I have said to the Lord, You are my lord:
and all my good depends on you.
3 As for those who are held holy on the earth:
the other gods in whom people delight,
4 Though the idols are many that they run after: their offerings of
blood I will not offer, nor take their name upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my appointed portion and my cup:
you hold my lot in your hands.
6 The share that has fallen to me is in pleasant places:
and a fair land is my possession.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel:
at night also he has instructed my heart.
8 I have set the Lord always before me:
he is at my right hand, and I shall not fall.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices:
my flesh also shall rest secure.
10 For you will not give me over to the power of death:
nor suffer your faithful one to see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life:
in your presence is the fullness of joy, and from your right hand flow
delights for evermore.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:14, 19-25
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 19 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
For the word of the Lord; thanks be to God.
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark 13:1-13
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
13:1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be complished?” 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. 9 “As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. 10 And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
This is the Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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NOTICES
Today: We welcome Fr Clive McCallum to preside and we give a special welcome back to
Jeff Wilson who is going to talk about his recent trip through North Western and
Central Australia.
Please stay for a cuppa after the service.
Readings Next Sunday, Christ the King, (W), 22 Nov 2009.
2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
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