In a culture of might and personal rights, the golden rule can easily be dismissed as weakness. Jesus says, “Enter the narrow gate, because narrow is the road that leads to life . . . ” The road is narrow not because the gospel is hard to understand; It’s narrow because love can be hard.
I am a collector of great quotes and phrases. I wish I could hire someone to go through all my notebooks, electronic files, and random pieces of paper to organize these jewels so I could more easily retrieve them instead of always having to search for them.
The first beatitude, “blessed are the poor” in Luke’s gospel, reads “blessed are the poor in spirit” in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus is not telling people to be poor, or poor in spirit so they can gain the kingdom of heaven. He’s making an announcement — God is for the poor. The question for the church is — who are we for?
Wherever we are on the spectrum of emotion around Mother’s Day, giving ourselves and others space for authenticity can be a gift. Jesus said, “Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those that weep” – it’s a flow kind of thing that has rhythm and balance and warmth, like the womb of a good mother.
Thanks Paul, thanks for being church for us. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of quietness, the reality of people who struggle so much, and of the presence of God in it all.
Last week when yet another community need came into view, First Church volunteers stepped up! Because Presbyterian Night Shelter is now allowing their guests to stay in the shelters all day instead of asking them to leave first thing in the morning, they need 300 sandwiches each day. Here’s how you can help.
As I’ve thought about Easter celebration this Sunday I’ve though about how my grandmother and other influencers in my early life really stressed that resurrection Sunday is every Sunday, and by implication, all our days are a chance to resurrect or to witness resurrection.
I’m thinking of you and praying for you. How have you kept your self busy? Any good stories to tell?
I recently read someone who said Jesus considered himself light but he also wanted to convince his followers that they are too, thus the words, “you are the light of the world.” The idea that we, along with Jesus, can be light in this world is a motivating and encouraging message.
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