Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 50:4-9:  The image of the servant of the Lord is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah.  Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus.  Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trust in God’s steadfast love.

James 3:1-12:  The text uses various images to illustrate how damaging and hurtful the way we speak to and about others can be.  Not only are we to control our speech, but what we say and how we say it are to reflect our faith.
Mark 8:27-38:  This story provides the turning point in Mark’s gospel.  Peter is the first human being in the narrative to acknowledge Jesus as messiah, but he cannot accept that as the messiah Jesus will have to suffer.  Moreover, Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross. 

 ‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’

Questions To Ponder:
1— What difference does it make to you that God inclines his ear to us? (Psalms 116:1-2)
2—How do you need to work at taming your tongue? (James 3:1-17)
3—What is most important to you about who Jesus is, as Messiah, at this time in your life? (Mark 7:24-37)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?

Prayer:  O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives.  Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son.  Amen.