From James Kiefer at The Lectionary:
The Apostle Peter had a co-worker whom he refers to as "my son Mark" (1 Peter 5:13). Papias, an early second century writer, in describing the origins of the Gospels, tells us that Mark was the "interpreter" of Peter, and that he wrote down ("but not in order") the stories that he had heard Peter tell in his preaching about the life and teachings of Jesus.
....
Mark's symbol in art is a Lion, usually winged.
From Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
From The Gospel of Mark 1:9-14
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news* of God,* 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;* repent, and believe in the good news.’
PRAYER
Almighty God, who by the hand of Mark the evangelist have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
We are celebrating the feast of St. Mark this coming at St. Mark's in Seattle, which is celebrating it's 75th year (Desmond Tutu, a friend of the dean, stopped by last year to begin the festivities.). This weekend's celebration includes a mass written for the occasion, and the eating of pancakes. I guess the pancakes are the "feast" part.
ReplyDeleteKJ, that sounds lovely. Did you go last year to see Archbishop Tutu? The feast of pancakes sounds yummy.
ReplyDeleteDo you recall a discussion at MadPriest's site about a celebration that included throwing pancakes? I gather that yours won't include such an activity.
Please report back to us on the festivities and the special mass composition.
I did not get to tell Tutu "Me too, Tutu!" That was at a dark time for my partner, so I was not getting out much.
ReplyDeleteI will report about the Mass. It was composed by the music director, Melvin Butler. I'm attending the "Newcomer's" class, and that group is meeting at the breakfast. However, I trust that the pancakes will be for eating and not flining!
Mimi,
ReplyDeleteHope you had good and safe travels.
The mass was beautiful AND singable (There was a bit of a practice for the congregation prior to the service.). In addition to the Kyrie, Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, Sanctus and Agnus Dei, the reading from the Psalm was sng and that setting was written by the previous music director, Peter Hallock.
St. Mark's is an unusual place for many reasons, but the building is the core of what was to be a gothic cathedral. However, the Depression hit and the congregation lost the facility. The congregation did not return until after WWII, and the building is still in process, being beautifully ugly, often referred to as the "Holy Box" (Only the center of what would have been the nave was built, so rather than being cross-shaped, it's square.).
However, what it lacks in physical charm, St. Mark's more than compensates with breath-taking worship. This includes the use of a Flentrop pipe organ that was installed in 1965. This morning, the organ was accomapnied by a trumpet, and though the acoustics in the Cathedral are horrible for speech, brass, organ and choir are heard just fine.
But of course, more importantly, the congregation is welcoming of all, has several ministries for those in need and serves as "the church of Seattle." You can check out their website at saintmarks.org.
And that is the report from this not so roving reporter.