The United Church of Canandaigua

Our next miracle to review occurs on the Sabbath day. In dialogue with his accusers, we learn much about the character and authority of Jesus, and what that means for us (and all of his creation) in response to Him. During the sermon, we will also learn more about the nature and purpose of Sabbath.

While Jesus is preaching to a crowd, the roof begins to crumble, and a man is being lowered on a mat. He is paralyzed, and his friends want Jesus to heal him. Jesus' words surprise everyone. Jesus claims to forgive his sins and then proves it by healing him. In doing so, Jesus claims to be God with the authority to heal not only physically but spiritually. Jesus continues to offer forgiveness of sins, bringing healing to our deepest needs.

It is Transfiguration Sunday. We will explore the powerful image of light. Jesus has come as the light of the world. What does this mean for us? Not only this, but we are told that we are recipients of this light. It is embedded in us and shines out to the dark world around us.

The first day of Jesus' public ministry is a busy day. He moves from place to place, healing and casting out demons. But Jesus withdraws from the crowd only to be sought out by his disciples. Jesus patiently and carefully redirects His disciples as He clarifies His purpose, His mission. Like the disciples, we must be careful to follow Jesus rather than assert our agenda, our plans for ministry.

As Jesus teaches in the Capernaum synagogue, the people are astonished at His words of authority. A demon-possessed man interrupts by identifying Jesus. Jesus' authority moves from teaching to action as he commands the evil spirit to leave. In Mark 1:21-28, we are reminded that Jesus is in charge. And his authority brings salvation and redemption. What will our response be to Jesus? Will we confess Him as Lord or dismiss Him and move on with our lives?

As we continue in our series through the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins the work of ministry by calling four disciples. He finds them in their workplace (on a fishing boat) and invites them to join Him. Peter, Andrew, James and John express immense faith to leave their boats and follow Jesus. Are we willing to risk to be a part of God's mission in our world?

Shortly after Jesus's baptism, he travels into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For 40 days, he eats nothing and battles temptation. As we explore Luke's account of these temptations, we are challenged in our own temptations. Jesus models for us successful resistance to the evil one.

As we begin our study in Mark's Gospel, he takes us to the Judean desert to witness a strangely dressed man baptizing for the forgiveness of sins. Into this context, Jesus comes onto the scene. Jesus' baptism is at the beginning of God's plan to save the world. May we open our hearts and minds to hear the story of Jesus. God steps into our world to rescue and redeem. May we encounter this story in a fresh way as we begin 2024.

In this final Sunday of Advent, we consider the extreme faith and submission of Mary. Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and told that her life is about to dramatically change. His news must have been disturbing and filled with uncertainty. May we be challenged to live in the same sort of all-out trust in God's movement in our lives.

The prophet speaks of the coming Messiah as one who will seal the covenant of God with His people. This covenant is rooted in the character of God and provides a permanence that is beyond our performance.