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 are reminded today, how easy it is to become a stumbling block for the most vulnerable among us. We have all witnessed well meaning people making others faith journeys, more difficult because they do not understand culture, language, or circumstances. When we live for God and not ourselves, we need to spend a lot of time removing the stumbling blocks in our own hearts, and in the way of others. Our job is to lift others up over the worst challenges they face. We are called to set aside our agenda in order to make the road clear. May we all be those who clear the road for others.

Loving creator you are the God and father of us all

We are your children in every shade and language

Belonging to one family, which you deeply love.

We get so busy in our ministries we failed to see

The sisters and brothers who we have pushed aside

In order to do what we think you’re calling us to do.

Help us to clear the path for others and not add stones

Make us aware of the challenges, other people face

And give us hearts of love to be patient as they walk. Amen.