Stumbling Blocks

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

Gracious Creator, source of all life

you smooth the way for our lives

making the rough places plain

and crooked road made straight.

We humans cause others to stumble

we judge and bind up the strangers

feeling superior and forgetting to serve

we forget to be grateful for your love.

You cautioned and taught your disciples 

to live by humility and tender care

giving up the parts that cause stumbling

always willing to make room for others.

Help us Lord to be your servants again

let us willing give up pride and power

making room for the needs of others

sharing your love to our broken world. Amen.