Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 20th, 2019

Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 20th, 2019

I think that all of us have had the experience of having really great food at a restaurant or receiving really outstanding customer service at a place of business.  When that happens we tell others about what a fantastic experience we had.  If we truly believe in a product or a business it stands to reason that we will tell others about that product/business.  In the First Chapter of St. Mark's Gospel, we hear of St. John the Baptist.  And it makes sense that St. Mark writes here at the beginning of his Gospel by speaking about St. John the Baptist.  We hear:  "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." (St. Mark 1:1)   St. Mark is quoting this verse from the Old Testament book of Malachi  to describe St. John the Baptist:  "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me . . . ." (Malachi 3:1)  It is entirely appropriate that St. Mark would use this Scripture verse in reference to St. John the Baptist.  St. John did in fact prepare the way by preaching and speaking and telling about the Messiah Who was to come after him.  St. John the Baptist  introduced countless souls to Our Blessed Saviour.  He did, in fact, prepare the way of the Lord through his preaching and baptizing and telling others about God.  

Each of  us should follow the example of St. John the Baptist by preparing the way for the Lord.  We do this by introducing others around us to Jesus.  We do this in various ways:  speaking about our relationship with God; talking about what we read in Scripture; inviting others to come to church with us; acting with love towards others; and even praying for others that God will bless them.  There are many wonderful ways to prepare the way before Our Lord.  This reminds me of one of my all-time favorite quotations.  St. Francis said:  "Preach at all times, and sometimes even use words!"  If God has made a difference in my life, I will want to tell others about Him.  If God has blessed me, I will want to share that blessing with others.  In fact right before Our Blessed Saviour ascended into Heaven, He said to the Apostles:  "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (St. Mark 16:15)  We are called to preach to the whole world.  What message are you preaching today?  

You can join us for Mass as we listen to the Word of God found in the King James Version of the Bible.  We also use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We gather together as God's Family to worship Him and to be nourished by Him:  He nourishes us first through His Word; and then He nourishes us by His Most Precious Body and Blood during Holy Communion.  Take some time out of your busy schedule and make some time for God this week.

St. Margaret of Scotland church worships each Sunday morning at 9:30 AM.  You can join us for Mass by joining us in the beautiful Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.  Join us for Mass and stay afterward for our Coffee Hour.