Beloveds of God,
The ways things are shaking down these days can be soul crushing. Minneapolis is front and center of the gaze, but we must not lose sight of what has been happening and continues to happen around the world. We are being driven to distraction. Where’s the blessing?
It seems appropriate that this week’s Scripture is Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. When the empire wreaks havoc on our minds, bodies, and souls, they can be of comfort. They are not just a hunky-dory inspirational text. They are not a measure of worthy or not worthy. They are a reminder that God is with us. God is working in and through us. Beauty is amongst us.
I invite you to give this Voice paraphrase a read. Hold it and return to it over the next few days. Let’s talk about it on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream.
Blessed are you,
Rev. Michael