A Cup of Water

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop

 him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed

 of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is

 for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name

 of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be

 better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 

If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have

 two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble,

 cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 

And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God

 with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and

 the fire is never quenched.

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you

 season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:38-50

A Cup of Water

A simple gesture, a smile

opening a door, moving over

giving half a sandwich away

sitting with the newest child

changes the world in small steps.

Power would have us believe

winning is absolutely everything

yet the sweaty hands of a child

the laughter around the table

this love is absolutely everything.

We do not need to fear those

who would ignore us with disdain

they will miss the dancing

they will not see the twinkling light

that sparkle with joy in our eyes.

God created perfectly imperfect humans

so we could look to the brightest stars

to hope for future to step towards love

embracing the every day random 

singing praise deep in the night's hours.

The Collect

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.