Sermon August 18, 2024 - "Be Opened!"

I’d bet that most pastors have had experiences like these: someone they haven’t seen for years runs into them coming out of a grocery store and starts confiding the pain of their deepest hurts and wounds. Or some random stranger turns to them in an elevator and asks them to pray for that stranger’s loved one who’s in trouble. In today’s Gospel lesson we’ll hear how Jesus responded in those encounters, with compassion and love and even power.

This summer most of the Gospel lessons are in the Gospel according to Saint Mark. These readings talk about Jesus’ teachings, His miracles, and His action-packed ministry. But each of the readings also has a “takeaway” from Jesus Himself! We’re focusing on these “red-letter” verses this summer. Here’s this week’s, from Mark chapter 7, verse 34: Jesus said “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”)

You can view, download, or print the text of this service by clicking the link below or by copying and pasting it into your browser: https://bit.ly/240818Pentecost13

• #CTKLodiOhio#Summer2024#RedLetterVerses#Jesus#Compassion#Ephphatha#Bread#Miracles

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