26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Question to Ponder is an invitation to prepare your hearts and minds for worship this coming Sunday. Read the scripture below by looking it up in your Bible or simply clicking the link. Reflect silently on the question, journal, or talk about the question with a friend. Come to worship on Sunday at 8 and 9:30 am ready to receive God’s Word.

Introduction to the Readings
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.

Readings
Psalm 16 My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body shall rest in hope. (Ps. 16:9)
Mark 13:1-8 The end and the coming of the Son

Question to Ponder
Reflect on the following prompt: Today I find comfort and rest in the promise that God … (Ps 16)*

Closing Prayer
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes, and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.