Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

Earlier Jesus blessed those who longed for righteousness, who hungered and thirsted for it with fervency. But what happens when we finally begin demonstrating righteousness in our lives? What happens when we show mercy to someone who doesn’t “deserve” it (as though any of us do!)? What happens when we cry for justice for people who are mistreated because of the color of their skin or the accident of being born without wealth? What happens when we expect public officials to actually be accountable for the way they hold office? What happens when we actually try to bridge gaps and build peace with those who may not believe the same things we do?

Unfortunately, one reality is that we just might face persecution. The devil stirs the heart of looters and rioters to spoil your peaceful protest so it gets smeared. Those in positions of power resist calls for transparency and accountability with actions sly or belligerent, legal or illicit. People you love cast smokescreens, avoid the question, even ghost you when you bring up an uncomfortable truth – however tactfully or winsomely.

We shouldn’t be surprised when sinful human beings resist your stand for righteousness when your call implies they must change, especially if they have to give up some position of wealth, power, or prestige to do what’s morally and ethically right. But neither should we be disheartened. Remember, Jesus considers it a blessing to be persecuted. You are bring light to a place where there was once darkness. You are bringing hope where there was once hopelessness. You are bringing a promise where there was once only a curse. And with each person, oppressor or oppressed, who lets your light light their flame, lets your hope encourage them, lets the promise you’re speaking in Jesus’ name banish the curse of sin and death in their lives – that light, hope, and promise permeates this fallen world with the love of Christ. And ultimately, Jesus will usher in that day when complete righteousness will displace the unrighteousness of our current age that is fading away. Indeed, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Righteous Father, help me as I seek to exhibit and spread your righteousness in acts of love, mercy, and justice in the world around me, in your Son’s strong name. Amen.

Some tech issues led to starting with an iPhone before switching to our cameras. So here is part 1 & part 2 of the service.

Part 1

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=2698297147118683&ref=watch_permalink

Part 2

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=726572048100805&ref=watch_permalink

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

One of my earliest exposures to the word “peacemaker” was old Westerns. The Colt “Peacemaker” was used by the hero to fend off the villain. But firearms are not what Jesus has in mind. It behooves us to remember that, particularly in light of his other teachings about turning the other cheek and non-resistance when someone attempts to impose their will on you by force.

As Christians we are called to be part of the solution in times of conflict, not part of the problem. When others oppose us, we stand up for Jesus, but never do so by putting others to the sword. I am afraid in the current political climate that too many who claim the name of Christ have sold out being salt and light in favor of being recognized by worldly power-brokers and politicians. Too many have forsaken being a counter-cultural influence for sake of Jesus in order to see Christianity’s standing as part of the culture, a worldly power to be reckoned with instead of heavenly kingdom to be hoped for.

But if we reclaim our inheritance in Christ as those who make peace instead of instigating culture wars, we’ll likewise reclaim the blessing Jesus promises in this beatitude. We need never should allow the world to triangulate us into their conflicts. We can always join in common cause with those who share a commitment to justice on particular issues (e.g. combating racism, poverty, human trafficking, etc.), but we should not be surprised that those outside the Church have different values on other issues (lifelong marriage, the need for prayer, etc.). And when others directly oppose us when we take a stand for Christ, we treat them with compassion, not retaliation.

If we advocate for peace instead of war, lead lives marked by tranquility in relationship to others, and cultivate serenity within, we’ll show the world that we are indeed children of God. If Jesus was willing to endure the atrocities he did for the sake of love, how much more should we be willing to emulate him when we interact with even the most caustic individual or most fraught situation. If we live as peacemakers, we’ll demonstrate that God really is our Father, and his blessing will rest on us always.

Lord of peace, help me to live at peace with others and experience your peace within, and thus prove to be your child.

Bilingual Service (English & Spanish)

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=584145422286390&ref=watch_permalink

Evensong

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=281004526446429&ref=watch_permalink

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:8

When Moses was communing with God in preparation for delivering the tablets of the Law to Israel, he wanted to see the Lord face to face. But God’s response was telling, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). With this verse hovering in the back their minds, some of Jesus’ audience may have been thinking, “Wait! Did Jesus imply death is the reward for being pure in heart?”

I think it’s a stretch to say that Jesus thinks of death as a reward, the blessing we look forward to for cleansing our thoughts, feelings, and motivations. He came to defeat death as much as to get rid sin. I think Jesus’ goal with this beatitude is much more straightforward – to make it possible for us to relate to God face to face and still live. If the number one command is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then clearly our Heavenly Father isn’t looking for a reason to smite us. He want those he can freely show love to…and who can love him back freely.

In a pithy way, Jesus outlines the necessary requirement to enjoy the fullest relationship with God possible–a heart free and clear of any moral impurity. Of course, none of us can claim to have so pure a heart; we are all sinners. Which is why Jesus offers his own heart on our behalf. His pure heart counts as ours (justification, for you theology nerds out there) while the Holy Spirit is busy purifying our hearts (sanctification).

Thus in this life we are given the chance to relate to God in a deeply intimate way, perhaps more deeply than you imagine or are ready for. So we trust the Holy Spirit to reshape us to not merely do what’s right, but to want to do what’s right (“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13). Our Loving Lord alone is able to make us into what he’s already credited to us spiritually. We may not be perfect yet, but our imperfections are hidden behind the cross; all the while our hearts are being molded day by day into the perfect image we see in Jesus Christ. So don’t be discouraged if you struggle with sin, temptation, or feeling like your in someone else’s skin when you happen to do something right. We are all works in progress. And the more you actually experience being pure of heart, the closer you’ll get to God. You may even get to see his face and live in this life…not just the next.

Merciful Father, make as pure as your already credit me as being in Christ Jesus so that I might grow closer to you than I dare dreamed before.