29-Sep-24 (Mark 9:38-50)

Jesus tells us that it's not what goes into our mouths that will cause us problems but what comes out of our hearts. How do we know what's coming out of our hearts? Well, we can listen to what we say about how we think we should act, but watching what we do is a much better indicator.
When we give our lives in service to others, considering others as beloved children of God, of infinite worth, when we provide food and shelter for those in need, when we visit the sick and care for them, all these things show good things coming out from our hearts. (I'll leave it to you to think about the actions we can take that would show contrary things coming out of our hearts.)
So, as we come to our time for offering today, consider the ways you can give of yourself in love and care for others, participating in the work of the Church, here in this place, in our nations, and in our world.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, who has showed us your love and care for us in so many ways, help us to respond to that love with good things, coming out of our hearts and into the world. Let us care for those who need it and bring life and wholeness to the people we meet.
Bless these gifts, returned to you, that they also be put to the good work you have called us to.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.