SATURDAY (February 27, 2021)
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
Reading
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”” (Mark 1:12–15)
Meditation
St. Mark wastes no time here. Jesus is baptized and immediately, the Spirit that had descended upon Jesus like a dove, now drives Jesus out into the wilderness. The wilderness is seen as a place of desolation and danger—a place where one is all alone and defenseless. This is where Satan tempts Jesus, to no avail. Jesus is victorious, but note that even Jesus is cared for by ministering angels. Even Jesus was never alone. For through Jesus we see the Father, by the Spirit. This is good news for us sinners as well, for we are never alone. God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit— is always with us.
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
O Lord, in Holy Baptism you put your Name upon Jessica. Bless her now with the forgiveness of sins and a firm trust in you. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Week (from Sunday)
O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer