“…For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

SCRIPTURE READINGS

HYMNS FOR THE DAY 

Sunday of St. james elder, apostle


Sermon 

A note from Pastor regarding his sermon:

Each time we celebrate the feast day of St. James, after whom our congregation is named, the lectionary gives us a Gospel reading in which James and John begin by asking for a special place of honor at Christ’s side when He is glorified. We are therefore reminded, each time, that we follow Christ not to win glory or honor for ourselves, but instead to serve Jesus and take a similar role as the servants of our brothers and sisters in this world.

But we are also reminded of James’ and John’s bold claim that they are able to drink the cup that Jesus drinks, and to be baptized by the baptism with which He is baptized. It is not likely that they fully understand what they are asking, but we are reminded through this conversation that our Christian life is not guaranteed to be one of ease, comfort or luxury… but a struggle we share with all of God’s saints, united in the hope that we will rise to new and everlasting life when this world comes to an end.