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 Peacemakers, Part 3
Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 3 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”[1] The past couple of weeks I focused generally on international and religious violence. This week I zero in on more personal contexts of violence – that occurring in families and other intimate relationships. Jesus’ statement that “blessed … Continue reading Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 3
Podcast of “Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2”
Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2
Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”[1] Last week I went to some length considering how common it is to use violence to try to attain peace, particularly between nations. In many ways it is our default position – that if we cannot peacefully … Continue reading Blessed are the Peacemakers, Part 2
Podcast of “Blessed are the Peacemakers”
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Peacemakers “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”[1] What is a peacemaker? Would President Harry Truman be considered a peacemaker for forcing Japan to surrender, thus ending World War II, by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? It is argued, perhaps correctly, that such an overwhelming … Continue reading Blessed are the Peacemakers
Podcast of “Blessed are the Pure in Heart”
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
