9-Jun-24 (Mark 3:20-35)

Jesus said, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."  He was talking about something else, but I still think this stands as a warning to the Church.  We're so fragmented these days, paying more attention to who we think belongs here (and who doesn't) than on the things of the Realm of God that Jesus taught.
Yet there's hope.  As we gather at this Table, knowing that we are gathering with all believers, in all times and places -- Yes, even those ones that we were calling names and being annoyed at just a few moments ago.
Here at the Table, we are one in Christ, where we like it or not.  And if we can carry that oneness back out into the world, what would that do for the witness of the Church?
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God who reconciles all people and all things to yourself, make us one in truth as well as in aspiration.  As we take this bread and cup, symbolizing that you would let nothing stand in the way of our reconciliation with you, let us remember the Christ, who opened the way for us.  Thank you for these symbols before us.  Thank you for your unfailing and unstoppable love.  May we carry that love with us into your world as we go from here.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN