01-Sep-24 (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

Have you ever had one of your parents say to you, "Don't put that in your mouth!"? [wait for answers]
Well, first of all, let me say that they were right and you shouldn't do put some things in your mouth. But we're talking about things that may make you sick.
In our Gospel story for today, some people were telling Jesus that they didn't approve of what the disciples were eating, not because it would make them sick, but because they thought it bothered God.
Jesus said that what you eat doesn't bother God. It's what you think about and say and do that bothers God. Jesus said that the things you spend your time on will make you do and act in certain ways and those will either be things that hurt others and bother God or they'll be things that help others and please God.
What are some things you could think about that would help others and please God? [Wait for answers]
Let's talk to God about that.
God, we thank you that you gave us Jesus to tell us about the good things we can think about. We thank you that Jesus showed us how to love others and please you by what we say and do. Help us to think about and do those things.
We pray in Jesus' name. AMEN.