Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "and the house was filled."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Isaiah 43:16-21
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Psalm 126

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now - "And The House Was Filled" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Fr. Christopher, in a Gospel reading, focuses on the significance of the phrase "The whole house was filled" and the various elements that filled the house during a dinner with Jesus. This reflection explores the various aspects of worship, testimony, change, and criticism that were present during this significant event.

Mary's Worship: Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume symbolizes extravagant worship and recognition of Jesus' impending death. This act of worship is not just about the perfume but the heart behind it. Mary's worship was costly in terms of the perfume's value and the social norms she broke. She poured out her love and devotion without reservation, setting an example for us to worship Jesus with all we have.

Curiosity and Criticism: The house was filled with curious onlookers wanting to see Jesus and critics like Judas, who questioned the use of resources for worship. Curiosity brought many to see Jesus, but it also brought criticism. Judas' criticism of Mary's act of worship reveals a heart more concerned with material value than spiritual significance. This contrast between curiosity and criticism challenges us to examine our hearts and motives when approaching Jesus.

Testimony of Lazarus: Lazarus' presence at the dinner is a powerful testimony to Jesus' miracle of raising him from the dead. Every time someone looked at Lazarus, they were reminded of the transformative power of Christ. Lazarus' testimony reminds us that our lives, too, can be a testament to the power of Jesus' work in us. Our stories of transformation can inspire others to seek Jesus and experience His life-changing power.

Change and Healing: Simon the Leper's dinner hosting reflects the changes and healing that Jesus brings into people's lives. Once isolated due to his condition, Simon hosts a dinner for Jesus and His followers. This shift from isolation to community illustrates the healing and restoration that Jesus offers. It challenges us to open our hearts and homes to others, creating spaces of healing and community.

Thematic Connections: Fr. Christopher emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Gospel narratives, encouraging us to reflect on the significance of these events as we approach Easter. The stories of Mary, Lazarus, and Simon are not isolated incidents but are part of a larger narrative of Jesus' journey to the cross. This interconnectedness invites us to see our own stories as part of God's larger story of redemption and transformation.

Mary's Growth: Mary's journey from being a learner at Jesus' feet to a devoted worshiper illustrates spiritual growth and a deep understanding of Jesus' mission. In Luke 10, Mary is a learner, sitting at Jesus' feet to hear His teaching. In John 11, she is a mourner, falling at Jesus' feet in her grief. In John 12, she is a worshiper, anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume. This progression shows us that spiritual growth involves learning, experiencing Jesus' comfort in our pain, and ultimately worshiping Him with all we have.

Invitation to Worship: The reflection invites us to approach Jesus with our burdens, curiosities, and worship, encouraging a personal connection with Him amidst life's distractions. Just as the house was filled with various elements, our lives were filled with different experiences and emotions. We are invited to bring all of these to Jesus, trusting that He can transform our curiosity into faith, our criticism into worship, and our isolation into community.

Prayer (ask for prayer and pray for others)

Kids

Youth

Give