Theme of the Day: Followers Of Christ See The True Purpose Of His Power
Power is neither inherently good nor bad. Fire is powerful. The chef uses fire to create meals. But the arsonist uses fire to destroy homes. Nuclear fission is a powerful force. The engineer harnesses it, producing abundant electricity. The tyrant harnesses it, threating others with nuclear weapons. What matters is the purpose of the one who has that power.
Jesus has limitless power, as the numerous accounts of his miracles demonstrate. Those who witnessed those miracles understood that Jesus used his power for good. That doesn’t mean they all understood Jesus’ true purpose. Some thought Jesus’ purpose was to make this temporal life better. And while Jesus did that at times, his ultimate purpose was to save us from sin and give us the gift of eternal life. Followers of Christ see the true purpose of his power.
Mark 7:31-37
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 146A
603 – All Praise to God Who Reigns Above
769 – Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
520 – Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
517 – Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
765 – O Son of God, in Galilee
Prayer of the Day: O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation. Alleluia.