7-July-24  (Mark 6:1-13)

In our gospel reading for today, Jesus is rejected by his hometown and he warns the disciples that they may face rejection where they go as well. Imagine what it would be like to learn after the fact that you had turned away God's chosen messengers! Here is a secret: God has given each of us unique gifts and experiences so that each of us carries a message from God to all the rest of us.
That's one reason why this Table needs to be open to any and all who would come. It is here that we accept our Host's open invitation and see each other as sisters and brothers in Christ. Sure, we all have our flaws and human failings, but we carry, nonetheless, that sacred message from God in those flawed, frail human forms.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God who calls all of us through your Son Jesus, we thank you that your love knows no boundaries and crosses every barrier. Let us receive all those around your table as the gift you intend them to be. Thank you for these symbols of bread and cup, reminders that you would let nothing, even sin and death, separate us from you. Thank you for Jesus, who taught us how to live and who died to open the way for us to come to you.
Fill us now with the Spirit of Christ, that we may go into your world, bringing the Good News of your unstoppable love to all we meet.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN