Mark 9:2-6 (The Message) In a Light-Radiant Cloud 2-4 Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah,… Continue reading
Lenten Reflection #23 “Cross Living” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Thursday March 11, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 8:34-37 9The Message) 34-37 Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #22 “Now…Focus” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Wednesday March 10, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 8:31-33 (The Message) 30-32 Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. He then began explaining things to them: “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars,… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #21 “What!” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Tuesday March 9, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 8:27-32 (The Message) 27 Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?” 28 “Some say ‘John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah.’ Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’” 29 He then asked, “And you—what are you… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #20 “If at first…” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Monday March 8, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 8:22-26 (The Message) 22-23 They arrived at Bethsaida. Some people brought a sightless man and begged Jesus to give him a healing touch. Taking him by the hand, he led him out of the village. He put spit in the man’s eyes, laid hands on him, and asked, “Do you see anything?” 24-26 He… Continue reading →
Zeal
The sermon text is below the sermon video… Sermon preached at St. Stephen’s, Goldsboro, NC ; Sunday March 7 2021 The Reverend Alan Neale, “I got ZEAL!” As the service was continuing, the minister was becoming more and more anxious. Somewhere, out there in the congregation, there was someone who kept murmuring “Praise the… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #19 “Speaking Plainly” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Sunday March 7, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 7:32-35 (The Message) 31-35 Then he left the region of Tyre, went through Sidon back to Galilee Lake and over to the district of the Ten Towns. Some people brought a man who could neither hear nor speak and asked Jesus to lay a healing hand on him. He took the man off by… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #18 “Waste Not” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Saturday March 6, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 6:39-44 (The Message) 39-44 Jesus got them all to sit down in groups of fifty or a hundred—they looked like a patchwork quilt of wildflowers spread out on the green grass! He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #17 “Your Turn” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Friday March 5, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 6:35-38 (The Message) 35-36 When his disciples thought this had gone on long enough—it was now quite late in the day—they interrupted: “We are a long way out in the country, and it’s very late. Pronounce a benediction and send these folks off so they can get some supper.” 37 Jesus said, “You do… Continue reading →
Lenten Reflection #16 “Up, Close and Personal” St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Goldsboro, NC. Thursday March 4, 2021. The Reverend Alan Neale
Mark 5:35-43 (The Message Translation) 35 While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36 Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” 40-43 But when he… Continue reading →