29-Sep-24 (Mark 9:38-50)

In the gospel passage for today, Jesus tells us that if our eye or hand causes us to sin, we're better off without them. Of course, we know it's not really our hand or eye that causes us to sin, but the false desires that come out of our heart. In the same way, we understand that the spiritual power of communion is not in the physical bread and cup before us. The power of communion comes from these symbols reminding us of who Jesus is and all that he gave to open the way between God and us. As long as we do this, we remember him.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who showed your love to us through Jesus life of teaching and his death for our sake, we thank you for Jesus, who we remember here and now. We thank you for these symbols, the bread and cup, that remind us that nothing we can ever do will separate us from that love.
Now, as we take the bread and cup, renew your Spirit within us so that we can carry the Good News of your love into the world around us and show who you are by word and by deed.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN