Stumbling Block

Jesus said, “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 9:42-50 

Stumbling Block

Dear ruler of our hearts
who made us for good
help us to be stepping stones
never stumbling blocks.

May what we do each day
lift others up from their fall
may we always be seeking
to hold a trembling hand.

We shelter in place to save others
we stay at home to protect
may we always be a loving gift
and never a hazard or danger.

Keep us safe in your arms, O God
that we might also shelter others
give us ears to hear their cries
and strength to lift the up again.
Amen





Today is the feast day of John Donne, priest and poet. His words helped shape my life.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.