Stumbling Blocks

‘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

We have all experienced those who are stumbling blocks and those who are steppingstones.  Sometimes they can be one and the same. We often unintentionally make life harder for those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We say things and do things carelessly, with no concern for the impact. Today, Jesus' teaching for the disciples is very much for us as well. We learned from Covid how we could help protect or injure others. But post Covid, we are so anxious to live our lives fully again, we forget about those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We are careless with our words and selfish with our actions. May we all heed the call to be steppingstones for others.

Loving Creator, you lead us and guide us

in storms and deep shadows you take our hands

leading us through like small timid children

you bring us to safety and you bring us home.

Too many of us are careless and unkind

we worry too much about our own needs

and throw curves and stumbling blocks

in front of those who are already struggling.

Help us today to always be careful and kind

clearing the way for those who are quite lost

making room for those who have been excluded

trusting in you always, so all might thrive here. Amen.