Epiphany 4
It’s always encouraging to get to the point where we are “half way” there. It’s the point when we become much more likely to continue on than to go back. This weekend, our Rector Desiree is half way through her long service leave.
And this Fourth Sunday after Epiphany is when we are half way between the Season of Christmas and the Season of Lent. A good time to reflect on our journey (that is our Spiritual Journey).
Was the beginning at Christmas really exciting and meaningful? Or was it just another round of the same old stuff we always do with a little bit of Celebrating Baby Jesus thrown in?
Do we see any real significance in the approach of Lent? Some people might be starting to think of Lent coming up wondering if it mightn’t be a good idea to try giving something up again this year. Others might be planning to do some extra reading or study throughout Lent.
Maybe you are like me and have had the thought pass through your mind that “I just don’t know what I should do”.
As I was preparing for the services this weekend, I discovered the answer in the sentence for today from Micah Chapter 6 Verse 8 … “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The Gospel according Matthew 5:1–12
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.