Contemplating Grace

Blessing the Poor, Part 4 “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”[1] Although the content of the teachings we call the Beatitudes, found in Matthew, and what we call the Blessings and Woes, found in Luke are similar in many ways, there are also interesting differences between them. For example, … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 4

Blessing the Poor, Part 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] What is the difference between being poor in spirit and simply being poor? While I believe what is called the Beatitudes in Matthew and … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 3

Blessing the Poor, Part 2 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] Last week I provided a few definitions of what it means to be poor. The previous week I shared my thoughts about heaven. With … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 2

Blessing the Poor “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] The initial verses from the Beatitudes and the Blessings and Woes are directed at the poor, but with a couple of subtle and interesting differences between … Continue reading Blessing the Poor

Blessedness and Woe, Part 2 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...”[1] The phrase, “for your reward is great in heaven,” can be understood in different ways. And how we understand that phrase has a lot to do with how we understand and apply the Beatitudes in Matthew and the Blessings … Continue reading Blessedness and Woe, Part 2