07-Nov-21 (Luke 20:27-38)

In our gospel story, the Sadducees, who we don't see very much in the gospels, come at Jesus with a trick question. Jesus answers them by telling them that the source of their confusion is that they simply don't understand the realm of God. They think that the realm of God will be exactly like this age, only better. Jesus says that there are fundamental differences between this age and the realm of God.
One of those differences is what we see right here at this table: Everyone is welcome here, everyone has a place, and there is enough for all. We can catch a glimpse of the realm of God when we come to this table and practice ahead for it by gratefully receiving it ourselves and welcoming all others as well.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God who seeks to bring us into that age where everyone is welcome and there is enough for all, help us to lay down the misconceptions of our age and look forward and live forward into your realm. We thank you for these symbols, the bread and the cup; symbols of how much you gave to show us that we're all welcome here. We thank you for Jesus, to one who calls us to come. As we take this bread and this cup, fill us also with your Spirit, that we may truly live into your coming realm.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, Amen.