I once heard the quote that “there is nothing so strong as gentleness and nothing so gentle as real strength”. It sounds good, but do we live in this harsh and divided world as if we believe that to be true? How much do we give in to societal pressure to push our way to the front; to assert our rights; to strive for what we want rather than what others need? We need these Beatitudes more than ever before, and this week, we come to Jesus’ invitation to meekness. We tackle together the difference between what we think of as meek and what it really looks like in scripture and in practical, human life. We consider where such meekness comes from and how Jesus helps us to embody it, that we might inherit the land (Matthew 5:5).
This is also a Communion Sunday, where we acknowledge our need and rely on God to fill us in the empty places of our hearts and lives. We do not meditate on these Beatitudes / Blessings or partake in this holy meal all on our own, but as a community gathered in the sanctuary of COA and in the homes of those we call our members and neighbors. All are welcome!