'Poor in Spirit' Wins the Reward

~~~ 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 ~~~ Psalm 34 ~~~ Matthew 5:1-12 ~~~

 

Our hope for you is firm,
for we know that as you share in the sufferings,
you also share in the encouragement.

 

The Beatitudes are full of hope and encouragement.

The Beatitudes challenge many of our commonly held beliefs.

 

If you reflect on the Beatitudes from Matthew's gospel today;

here is what you will not find.

There is no blessing for the proud.

There is no blessing for those who belittle others.

There is no blessing for the one who stands in the spotlight

bragging of his accomplishments.

There is no blessing for the driver who cut you off in morning traffic.

There is no blessing for the husband who abuses his wife.

There is no blessing for those who harm children.

There is no blessing for the neighborhood drug dealer.

 

Instead, the Beatitudes speak of things that today

we might consider weaknesses.

The poor in spirit...mourners...the meek...

those seeking justice...the merciful...the clean of heart...

the peacemakers...and the persecuted.

 

In which of these categories can I find myself?

Honestly it can change from day to day.

I have been among those who mourn, but it is not where I would long to stay.

I have been among those seeking justice,

but has it always been for the right reasons...

I am not sure.

You can be very selfish in seeking justice for your own sake.

Being a peacemaker can be challenging at times too,

especially when those around you

do not want peace or when they do not value peace.

 

 

Certainly we all want to see the kingdom of heaven, to find comfort, to be satisfied,

to experience mercy, to see God and be called his child.

It seems that in order to get to heaven you must allow yourself

 to be poor in spirit and persecuted.

 

Taste and see how good the LORD is...

 

Perhaps the very first Beatitude is the key to all of the others that follow.

'Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven...'

 

If we are to enter into the kingdom of heaven it is crucial that we die to ourselves.

To enter the kingdom of heaven we must confess that we totally rely on God.

We must believe with all of our heart that we need God in our daily life.

 

Poor in Spirit means you empty your self; putting aside all that is self-centered.

Much easier said then lived from day to day.

It takes hope and encouragement to truly be 'poor in spirit'.

It requires one to look beyond one's own self.

 

Be one who becomes cloaked in the blessings of the Beatitudes.

Keep striving for the Kingdom of Heaven...

one day we hope to arrive at our destination.

See you on the other side!!

Encouraged By Others

~~~ Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3 ~~~ Psalm 98 ~~~ Matt. 10: 7-13 ~~~

Barnabas was encouraged by what he saw and experienced

with the faithful in Antioch.

Even though Barnabas was a good man, filled with Holy Spirit and faith,

 he still benefited from seeing how the grace of God was working

in and through the people of Antioch.

I think this perhaps holds true for our clergy and ministers today. When you can witness God and the Spirit working and moving among your community;

you must be encouraged in your own faith and ministry.

The opposite holds true for the community. When the community experiences

the faith and commitment of their ministers they too are encouraged.

We are here to build up one another. It works both ways...

minister to community and community to minister.

How frustrating it would be for a minister

who saw no growth or faithfulness within his own small community.

These first Christians were on fire with the spirit and were hungry to learn more.

How encouraging would it be for our ministers today to have a similar experience.

Barnabas could not take credit for what he experienced. He could however,

rejoice in what he found to be evident.

When you are part of a faith filled community

it is easier to believe these words of Jesus,

"The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Go out into the world and do good works because you have been given gifts.

You have been given the gift of faith without cost. Take nothing with you as you go out not even sandals or a walking stick.

The Lord will provide all your needs.

The Lord will guide your steps, do not inhibit them even with sandals.

Do not obstruct the path with sandals between your feet and the road.

There is no need of a walking stick because the Lord will lead the way.

 He will clear the path you will take. Trust in him to keep you steady on your feet. Loving the Lord is what keeps you balanced in all your undertakings.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Mark 5:12

"Take Care What You Hear"

Mark 4: 21-25

"For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible...nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears ought to hear..." and finally emphasizing..."Take care what you hear."

Yesterday we reflected on seeing in the true sense not only with our physical eyes. Today we have the Gospel of Mark also speaking to us about things becoming visible through the light. Could he be implying through the Light of Christ? For all things are visible with the Divine Light.

Mark, however, continues his instruction concerning our hearing. We were created by God with the gift of our senses. I have a difficult time what my life would be like without one of my senses. I have asked myself, If I had to freely give up one of my senses which one would it be. Well I admit I am selfish because for me the easiest sense to sacrifice would be my sense of taste.

I could not imagine not being able to see all of the wonders God has created for us. I definitely would be devastated to loose my hearing. If I could not hear just music alone I would be a very different person. I always hold in high admiration those who have lost their sight or hearing. Those I know have been given the grace to live full lives in spite of their loss.

Jesus tells his followers, that would be us, to 'take care what you hear'. I wonder how that might apply to us in today's environment? There are so many times I have had the television on and heard something I wish I had not. Until today I was conscious of what was entering into my ears, but now I want to be more discerning about what I choose to listen to. I want to hear about the good things happening in our world, I want to hear words of kindness, love, encouragement, and peace just to list a few.

So if that is what I want to hear I am then compelled to begin with myself. I certainly have the ability to thoughtfully choose my words before I speak. I also realize that I am not perfect and must decide to make this a priority for myself. I invite you to join me. Start with today, speak only kind words to others.

If we take care what we hear, what words are entering into our minds and hearts; we will be giving ourselves an enriched vocabulary from which to draw. You do not need a rich vocabulary to condemn and curse others.

"Take care what you hear" influences daily how you speak.  Words spoken as well as those heard linger within our soul.

Now I have left no time to share with you my thoughts on the lovely letter

Paul writes to his dear friend Timothy...2Tim. 1: 1-8

As I read Paul's words to his friend I was feeling the love he must have had for Timothy. Here are a few phrases that touched my heart...I remember you constantly in my prayers...I yearn to see you again...I recall your sincere faith...stir into flame the gift of God.

So much to contemplate in today's readings.

To you my readers; I give thanks to God and I do remember you in my prayers.



Original image: I chose this photo of a sunset because even though the sun has already set the sky fills with color for several more minutes. I chose this kaleidoscope image because the concentric design reminds me to be aware of what comes into my hears and what comes out of my mouth.

What we hear and speak flow together in continous ripples.