Contemplating Grace

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

Blessedness and Woe “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...”[1] To begin the New Year I start a new series of Life Notes titled, Blessedness and Woe. This series will reflect upon what are commonly called the Beatitudes[2], contained in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount[3], and a similar set of teachings … Continue reading Blessedness and Woe

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Epiphany Reading: “…(Magi) from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’” [1] Reflection: The gift of the twelfth day of Christmas, according to the song, is twelve drummers drumming. The number 12 is associated with perfection, completeness, and harmony. … Continue reading Epiphany