1-October-23 (Matthew 21:23-32)

In the gospel story for today, the problem with those particular Pharisees was not their righteousness, but their focus on acting as door-keepers to the realm of God.  For them, it was all about who was in and who was out.  For Jesus it isn't about who you are, it's about who God is.  God calls us all to come.  Whether you've grown up in the Church or just found it, whether you've spent your life trying to do good or just finally turned things around a bit, whether you know absolutely that God is or whether you're still trying to figure that out, you have a place at this table.  God, our host welcomes us all.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

Loving God, as you call us to this Table,remind us that it is because of your love for us, and not because of anything we have or could do, that you have called us here.  As you have loved us all, help us to love each other and take the Good News of your love with us to share with all we meet.
Thank you for these symbols of bread and cup that remind us that you will not allow anything to separate us from you.  Thank you for your unending, ever-seeking love for all of us.

In Jesus name, AMEN