31-Oct-21 (Mark 12:28-34)

Jesus liked to keep things simple. I didn't say "easy," but "simple." In the gospel story for today, he simplifies the principles of the realm of God down to two great commandments: Love God with your whole being -- everything you are. Love your neighbor as you would want to be loved. To make it even more possible for us to live out these ideals, Jesus himself lived them. If you want to see what these two Great Commandments look like, look at Jesus.
That's especially true here at the Table. Here we see a love for God so great that Jesus pours out his own life so that God's purpose would move forward. Here we see a love of others so great that even death won't prevent it from making a way for others. This is what loving God with your whole self and loving your neighbor looks like.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God whose love for us shines out in every aspect of Jesus life and death, we thank you that, through Jesus, we can know what it looks like to really love you and to really love others. While we are not called to the same specific purpose of your Son, we do feel the call to give of our lives to your service and to the service of others. As we take these symbols of your unstoppable love, kindle that same love in us. As we take the bread and cup, set our minds and hearts to living out that love in your world. Let us truly love you and love each other.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, Amen.