“The clue to interpreting the gospel lesson for this past Sunday (Mark 3:20-35) lies in what is at the center of the selection,” Rev. David Collins explained to the people of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Karnes City. Using a literary device known as a “chiasm” (following a themed pattern of ABCDCBA) the gospel writer Mark points us to Jesus’s binding of Satan (literary theme D at the center of the selection) by his victory on the cross as the key to our freedom from Satan and all of his power. We are freed to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and to love and serve according to our created purpose.

What might all this mean for us? When find our center in God, we are freed from acting out of neediness and fear. We are freed to act in the power of the Holy Spirit which can transform our lives into opportunities for service: our families can become centers for mission and we become gifts of love offered for the community around us.

St. Paul’s News and Notes: Anyone interested in tacking quilts for Lutheran World Relief is invited to an organizational meeting on June 13 at 6:00 p.m. Cross Trails Ministry Day Camp will be held July 9-13 from 8:30-3:30. To volunteer, make a donation, or to sign up your favorite student contact Barbara Jonas.