In approaching our gospel reading for this week, Mark 12:1-12 I am keenly award of the tumultuous world in which we live. Whether it’s the recovery efforts following the earthquake in Haiti, the ever-shifting COVID response, Afghanistan, school beginning, transition here at Hollywood Pres., or our own lives that combine a variety of efforts and change. Around the world it appears that chaos reigns and everything is burning. I hear the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 46:2-3 “…though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Where are we to find a refuge, sanctuary, strength during these times?

At the very beginning of the Psalm we are told that God is our refuge and strength, however, in our gospel reading God as refuge and strength does not seem to fit into the picture. It appears in our gospel reading that all things are destined for destruction. The question for reflection is:

How does the Scripture reading from the gospel of Mark encourage us today in a world rife with chaos?

Where do we find refuge, sanctuary, and strength today?

Our refuge … Our sanctuary … Our strength … is in the cornerstone.

This is our exploration on Sunday. This is our reflection. How do we live in the midst of a tumultuous world?

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Pastor Tim