Sunday, October 22, 2006

Stumbling Blocks and Barricades and Reformation

NExt Sunday (yes I know that worship just ended this morning but now it is time to work on the next service) I am using the Markan reading from October 1. This summer when doing my forward planning I read this and the sermon title jumped into my mind: Get Out of the Way!

At the time I hadn't really paid attention to the fact that I had set the sermon for the last Sunday in October--Reformation Sunday. BUt really it seems so terrribly appropriate. Jesus talks about stumbling blocks and being led astray. And of course a stumbling block is something that blocks the path. We as creatures are so good at putting up barricades in people's way. What blocks do we need to move in the church, seeing as it is always reforming (semper ecclesia reformanda est)? HOw have we diverted God's path?


PRAYER OF CONFESSION/ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leading and teaching God, you call us to the narrow path.
But all too often we find barricades that keep us from following it.
Jesus said: “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.”
and we are pushed to admit that sometimes we block the path of your Grace, or attempt to re-direct it.
Jesus said: “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
and we are pushed to think of the times when our world is based on the opposite.
Leading God, you set out a path that you would have us follow, and lead others as we go,
But sometimes we find the path mis-directed and so set up barricades and detours instead.
…time of silent reflection…
The same God who puts the path before us puts many access points to that path. Even when we go astray God always calls us back.
We are forgiven. The barricades are broken down. Thanks be to God! Amen.
ADD: See more rambling here

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