For the next several weeks the readings for the day will be taken from St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians and St. Matthew’s gospel. It must be a providence that the epistle begins with St. Paul using the come form of the word “encouragement” ten times. Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes which use the word “blessed” nine times. As we meditate on the connection between these two words what stands out is that the blessings Jesus pronounces are meant not as a challenge, a gauntlet throw, but as an encouragement. We are to encouraged to find the blessing in being poor in spirit, mourning, hungering and thirsting, even in persecution. Jesus and St. Paul want us to understand that no matter we are going through God is with us. Blessed assurance!
JUNE122023
By Church Staff
