Sunday, February 28, 2021
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
When it comes to human love, it’s fair to say that it comes in different degrees. For instance, even with just a little love for someone, you might be willing to help carry some groceries or get their mail while they’re out of town. But if you have a greater love for someone, you might be open to caring for them when they’re sick or helping them move into a new home. The greatest demonstration of love, however, is to lay down your life for someone else. There’s no greater sacrifice one can make for another. And yet, that’s exactly what Jesus did for us, even though so often we are unloving and unlovable people. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
READINGS
Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
(God renames Abram and Sarai.)
Psalm
Psalm 22:23-31
Epistle Reading: Romans 5:1–11
(“We were reconciled to God.”)
Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27–38
(Take up your cross and follow Me.)
COLLECT
Let us pray, O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength.
By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.