30-Jun-24 (Mark 5:21-34)

Sometimes we feel like we're "lost in the crowd," but the woman who approached Jesus in the gospel lesson for today wanted to stay unnoticed. She figured just a touch to the hem of his garment would do.  There was no need to bother Jesus or take up any of his time. But Jesus wouldn't have it that way. I think it's because Jesus wanted her to know that God wasn't only concerned about her physical health but also her relationship with God.
God wanted to be "bothered" and spend some time with her. That brings us to the Table. The Table is where we remember that God cared so much for us that God would allow nothing to stand in the way of our relationship with God. The Table is where we meet this God who cares so much for us as well as all of God's children. The Table is where we can know that we are never lost in the crowd, that we are loved by God, and welcome in God's family.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God who meets us here at this table as our host and friend, who also gathers our brothers and sisters around us, we thank you for the promise of your unending love. We thank you for this bread and cup, symbols of that love. We thank you for Jesus, who showed us your love in everything he did.
As we remember Jesus, fill us with the spirit that empowered him, that we may carry his message of your love into the world with us, to all our brothers and sisters.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN