20-Oct-24 (Mark 10:35-45)

What does it mean to be great? James and John had some pretty typical ideas about that, but Jesus disagreed. They thought it meant being in a position of power and authority. Jesus said that the one who is truly great is one who is a servant of others.
As we approach the time of taking up our offering for today, let's consider that "being a servant" is essentially giving of yourself, of your time and your resources in ways that benefit others.
One way to do that is to give our own time and efforts. Another way is to give our resources so others can meet the needs. That's really what offering is about:
We give our financial resources to the Church so that people who understand the issues well and have experience in dealing with them can be our representatives.
Our own efforts and theirs combine to get the work of the Church done.
So, rather than pursuing positions of power and authority, let's pursue giving of ourselves to meet the needs of others. Let's be truly great.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, who gave of yourself in so many ways, to make our lives full and complete, give us generous hearts, full of your love. Help us to give freely of what we have in the service of others.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN