"The Last shall be First, and the First Last."

Dear Friends:  This Sunday's Gospel passage (Mark 10:35-45) is one we can scarcely believe happened!  After all, we're talking about St. John and St. James in this story!  But at this stage in their lives, they had a lot of growing to do in their spiritual lives, much like the rest of us.

 

These two disciples approached Jesus while they were walking on the way to Jerusalem, whispering schemes of high intrique.  'Lord, grant us to sit on your left and on your right when you come into your Kingdom!'  They wanted front row seats numbered two and three in Jesus' new administration.  It's funny how Jesus had used a child to demonstrate to them what is required to enter God's Kingdom (namely, the faith of a child), and now these two were acting childish!

 

Needless to say, the other disciples were not happy when they found out that both John and James had attempted an end-run in the Kingdom pecking order.  They wanted their place in the new order as well.  Both James and John asked for places at Jesus' left and right, but little did they suspect that those places were reserved for two thieves who were crucified on that bad Good Friday.  Both James and John said they were ready to drink from the cup of suffering, and undergo the baptism of the blood of persecution.  That they would receive in years to come.

 

But Jesus makes a good point here that we also should take note of.  He says, "The Last shall be First, and the First Last."  James, John, the others, and even you and me sometimes want it the other way:  the first should be first and the last should be last.  But that's not the way it is in God's Kingdom.  Ironically, the disciples were squabbling over their place in the Kingdom, all the while walking towards Jerusalem and Jesus' own death.  You see, Jesus became last, so we might have eternal life.  And we are also called to be servant leaders in a hungry and hurting world.  By word and deed, we can point the way to the Christ who loves us all!

 

I don't know if I will see all of you this Sunday.  But, for those of you who won't be there, let me tell you that this will be my last Sunday as one of your interim rectors.  I want you to know how special you are to me, and also know that I will miss each of you so very much.  South Riding Church has made a big difference in my life, and for that I will be forever grateful.  Please keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you in mine!

Keith Almond

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A message from Maryann Branch:

 

Little River Elementary is collecting food for the Loudoun County HolidayCoalition in the next few weeks.  If you would like to donate anything from the list below please bring it to church on the Oct 18th, or bring it to the School office during the week before Oct 22nd.  The following items are needed:  

Stuffing Mix, Boxed instant Potatoes, Pie Filling, Boxed Roll Mix, Boxed Pie Crust,  Canned Veggies, Canned Fruit, 100% Juice, Cereal, Canned tuna/chicken, Mac & Cheese, Pasta,Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter, and Meaty Soups 

They are also running a Plastic BagDrive that ends November 6, collections at Church will begin on Oct 18th.   Please bring in your plastic grocery bags to recycle!

 

And of course, our thanks to those who serve the church so faithfully each Sunday morning