Gospel | Mark 1:21-28 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me by Edward Hopper and John Edgar Gould

Lyrics:
Jesus Saviour pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea
Unknown waves before me roll
Hiding rocks and treach'rous shoal
Chart and compass come from Thee
Jesus Saviour pilot me

As a mother stills her child
Thou canst hush the ocean wild
Boist'rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say'st to them be still
Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea
Jesus Saviour pilot me

When at last I near the shore
And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest
Then while leaning on Thy breast
May I hear Thee say to me
Fear not I will pilot Thee

Passage:
21 They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. 22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

23 Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24 “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are ​— ​the Holy One of God! ”

25 Jesus rebuked him saying,“Be silent, and come out of him! ” 26 And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

27 They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee. -- Mark 1:21-28 (CSB)

Musical Reflection:
Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes:
A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

Prayer:
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of your servants toward the attainment of everlasting salvation; that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Gelasian Sacramentary