 Today, the First Sunday of Advent, begins a new year in the Church’s liturgical and lectionary cycle. This year it is the turn for Luke’s Gospel to take the lead. The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent is part of Luke’s adaptation of the thirteenth chapter of Mark’s Gospel, the Apocalyptic discourse. The teaching is stimulated by the disciples’ question, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ Luke’s message to the disciples is to be on guard so that day should not catch them unawares. This passage has been chosen for the First Sunday of Advent to remind us that we, too, need to be on guard and to be prepared for the Lord’s coming.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of Advent calendar. In today’s picture from his book, Lights, Teddy Horsley is beginning to count down the days until Christmas. Lord Jesus Christ, we look forward to your birth at Christmas. Stay with us as we count the days, so that we are ready to welcome you; for you are our God. Amen. Next Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, introduces John the Baptist preparing for the ministry of Jesus. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is Christmas decorations. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.
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 Today is the last Sunday before Advent, the last Sunday of the Church’s lectionary year, the day when the Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King. Here is the triumphal acknowledgement that Christ reigns. The image offered from John’s Gospel is from the conversation between Jesus and Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus the direct question ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus takes this as an opportunity to define his kingdom as ‘not from this world’. The theme of Christ the King provides an appropriate reason for celebration before the more sombre days of Advent begin. One way to celebrate is by holding a festival.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of festival time. In today’s picture from their book, Exploring Buddhism, Sara and Rees are enjoying an outdoor festival with their friends. Lord Jesus, you are Christ the King, your reign has no end. Inspire us to live as your disciples, to display your reign in our lives, and to rejoice in your glory; now and always. Amen. Next Sunday, Advent Sunday, opens a new year in the life of the Church. During this new year we will be following Luke’s Gospel. The season of Advent calls us to be ready to welcome the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is Advent calendar. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials. You are warmly invited to join us in worship online. We are livestreaming our 10:30am service on both our Facebook and YouTube pages. To access the service on Facebook, follow this link to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolCathedral. To access the service on YouTube, follow this link to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/LiverpoolCathedral/videos.  Today is the Second Sunday before Advent. The Gospel reading comes from Mark chapter 13, a chapter that stands apart from the rest of Mark’s Gospel. Known as ‘the apocalyptic discourse’, chapter 13 stands between Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem (chapter 12) and the passion narrative (chapters 14 and 15). In chapter 13 Jesus prepares the disciples and the church for the last days by emphasising two clear points. On the one hand, Jesus affirms the reality of the last days. On the other hand, Jesus projects this time into the future. The temple will be destroyed, but that in itself will not be a sign that the end is near.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of demolition. In today’s picture from their book, Signs and Symbols, Aled and Sian go looking for the ancient castle to explore what has survived and what has been demolished over the years. Lord Jesus Christ, all things decay, but you endure for ever. Teach us to place our trust in the things that last, that we may live our lives for you; for you are our God. Amen. Next Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King draws to a close the Church’s lectionary year. Here is the triumphant acknowledgement that Christ reigns. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is festival time. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials. You are warmly invited to join us in worship online. We are livestreaming our 10:30am service on both our Facebook and YouTube pages. To access the service on Facebook, follow this link to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolCathedral. To access the service on YouTube, follow this link to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/LiverpoolCathedral/videos.  Today begins a new phase of the Church’s year. Today is the Third Sunday before Advent. The Gospel reading reminds us of our call into discipleship as we hear again how those first four disciples were called away from their trade as fishermen. Jesus called Simon and Andrew as they were casting a net into the sea; he called James and John as they were mending their nets. Called away from their trade as fishermen, Jesus equipped them to fish for people.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of fishing nets. In today’s picture from his book, Teddy Horsley meets Jesus’ Disciples, Teddy Horsley is helping James and John mend their nets. Lord Jesus Christ, you called Simon and Andrew, you called James and John, away from their boats to follow you. Help us to leave behind all that stands in the way of our calling, that we may follow you in obedience and love; for you are our God. Amen. Next Sunday, the Second Sunday before Advent turns our attention to Mark 13 where Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple. Renewing our call to discipleship also reminds us that some things have to be left behind. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is demolition. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials. You are warmly invited to join us in worship online. We are livestreaming our 10:30am service on both our Facebook and YouTube pages. To access the service on Facebook, follow this link to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolCathedral. To access the service on YouTube, follow this link to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/LiverpoolCathedral/videos. |
supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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