01-Sep-24  (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

Jesus says, in our gospel story for today, that it is not what goes into a person, but what comes out of the heart that purifies or defiles you. So, when we take the bread and the cup in communion, it is not a rite of purification. It is a rite of remembrance. When we remember what Christ gave to open the way for us to be right with God, when gratitude flows from our hearts, as we become more Christ-like in our minds and hearts, then the mind of Christ purifies our thoughts and the heart of Christ purifies our intentions and the Spirit of Christ flows outward in our words and deeds. We are here to remember, and in the remembrance, be changed from within.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who is already at work, bringing us to be more like Christ, we thank you for the example of Jesus in his life, showing us how to live a life of service to others and to you. We thank you for this bread and cup, symbols that remind us of all the Christ gave to make the way possible to be right with you. As we remember, change us from within, that what flows out of our inner-most being is the image of God you put there. Let our words and actions reflect your grace and love in our world that cries out for need of it.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN