A 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

Today would have been my mother's 100th birthday.  She was a loving mother, a faithful Christian and a dedicated pastor's wife. She gave her life to us and to the church and always focused on the needs of the children. She had a rough upbringing during the dust bowl in Oklahoma, and was committed to serving children by feeding them, teaching them, and welcoming them with open arms. She refused to be a millstone, but instead lifted up the weak, the outcast and the lonely. I am grateful to be her daughter! That is exactly what we are called to be - those who clear the road of all stumbling blocks and welcome all as we were welcomed.

Loving Creator, you open your arms

to the small, the weak and the vulnerable

as you opened your arms wide to us

help us to share that welcome with others.

We like our comfort and our circle

yet we forget were once standing outside

we were once small, weak and shivering

you made room for us in our deepest need.

Our rigid world is full of locked doors

and barriers that shut out the little children

help us today be those who removed the weights

and welcome them with open, loving arms. Amen.