Liturgy

Lord God, we come to you this morning as fragile beings.
Oftentimes, we hide our vulnerability from each other
declaring ourselves weak and unloveable.

We’ve calloused our delicate hearts
to survive our daily hardships.
Unknowingly, these hardened hearts
have kept us from true connection with you,
dear God, one another, and ourselves.

Vox, may we accept this invitation
to remove these barriers and show
the softness of our true selves.
As a community, may rest in the
gentleness of your being.

May we soften our hearts
and receive the good word,
in the name of the Father,
his redeeming Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(Gabriella Charissa Cruz)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of Mark 6: 1-6.

1 He left that place and came to his hometown,
and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath
he began to teach in the synagogue, and many
who heard him were astounded.

They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is
this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds
of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the
carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and
Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters
here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor,
except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in
their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there,
except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured
them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

The Good News of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!

The grass withers and the flower fades.
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – The Hidden God 07.04.2021

What are you scandalized by and what does your scandal stop you from seeing?

What does it mean to be scandalized by Jesus?

Why are prophets likely to give scandal?

Benediction

Vox family, leave here today with
the truth that you are fully known.

Your blemishes, scars, and imperfections are out in the open.
God knows and sees them all, and loves you for them.

Care for these special, vulnerable places inside of you.
Love them as God does.

When you face the challenges of our imperfect world,
with its broken systems and cycles of pain and hurt,
remember the healing that God is doing in you and through you.

Do not be afraid, and do not be disheartened.
There is love and peace and joy enough.
Our only requirement is to consent to this
beautiful and holy invitation.

May we leave here, sustained by the love
of our Provider,
our Redeemer,
and our Spirit and Guide.
Amen.

(Gina Bastone-Trevino)

Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find belonging and community this week.

[Photo by Steven Weeks]