Author: Greg Hildenbrand
I am a contemplative spiritual director, author, and a leader of contemporary and blended worship at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. I am a happily married father of two awesome, adult children. I write a blog, Life Notes, every week and have published numerous books and music CDs, all of which are available on my website and other typical outlets. I enjoy writing, both music and text, and exploring and experiencing where spirit meets matter, in both seen and unseen ways.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart
Blessed are the Pure in Heart “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”[1] What does it mean to be pure in heart? And what does it mean to see God? These are among the obvious questions this particular Beatitude raises. The heart is often used as a metaphor for our emotions, … Continue reading Blessed are the Pure in Heart
Podcast of “Blessed are the Merciful, Part 2”
Blessed are the Merciful, Part 2
Blessed are the Merciful, Part 2 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”[1] Last week, I cited a couple of examples that seem to indicate that the merciful do not necessarily receive mercy, at least as we understand mercy, contrary to the words of Jesus. The first example was of Mother Teresa, a … Continue reading Blessed are the Merciful, Part 2
Podcast of “Blessed are the Merciful”
Blessed are the Merciful
Blessed are the Merciful “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”[1] This saying is another of the Beatitudes that has no obvious parallel in Luke’s Blessings and Woes. That those who are merciful will receive mercy may seem obvious to most, but not necessarily to the merciful. Acts of mercy often seem to … Continue reading Blessed are the Merciful
Podcast of “Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2”
Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2
Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”[1] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”[2] My mother used to try to guilt me into eating whatever food on my plate I did not like by telling me that … Continue reading Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2
Podcast of “Blessed are the Hungry”
Blessed are the Hungry
Blessed are the Hungry “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”[1] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”[2] This combination of one of the Beatitudes from Matthew and a corresponding Blessing and Woe from Luke is particularly interesting. The latter passage from Luke … Continue reading Blessed are the Hungry
Contemplating Grace 