Blessed? Really?
- By Jean Leckie
- •
- 06 Jan, 2020
Jesus’ Sermon for 2020
Matthew 5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Many of us know these beatitudes, but I wonder how many really believe them or even understand them. There is nothing blessed about going to bed hungry or sleeping on the street when it is 20 below. How are the poor or even the poor in spirit blessed? Jesus couldn’t be recommending an increase in poverty. So who are these blessed ones and what is it that makes them so blessed? What does it even mean to be blessed?
When Jesus spoke of the poor being blessed, I don’t think he was talking about those living through a famine without the means to feed themselves or their children, or about those stuck in a refugee camp with no future in sight or those whose homes and livelihood had been lost in a bush fire. The poor people I know who have enough, maybe just barely enough, but enough are often more grateful and more generous than many rich people I know. They know themselves to be blessed. Many who are rich think they deserve what they have. God’s reign is about gratitude and generosity.
Those who mourn are aware of what has been lost. We can mourn our personal loses but we can also mourn for our world, our planet, our future. The word for comfort is closer to encouragement than sympathy. Those who recognize and mourn what has been lost can be encouraged to act to save and restore life.
Those who are not meek, those who are full of themselves, are so intent on getting their desires filled that there will be no earth left for them to inherit. Jesus didn’t know about our climate crisis but he did know that a humble acknowledgement of our place in creation is essential if we are to inherit the earth.
Those who hunger and thirst after power or money will never be filled; they will always want more. Those who seek justice and righteousness will find their lives full, even blessed. Mary Hinkle Shore puts the beatitudes into two groups and speaks of them in terms of freedom. She writes that Jesus in these first four beatitudes declared freedom from despair, grief, want and injustice; freedom from the despair of poverty, the grief of a way of life lost, the injustice of the system.
Can you count yourself among the poor, the mournful, the meek, the righteous? Are you free to be blessed, thankful for the blessing and inspired to work so that others also can know God’s blessing?
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God is always at work, making a way where there seems to be none. In Isaiah 43:16-21, He reminds us:
“ This is what the Lord says— He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters… ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’”
God’s faithfulness is not just about what He has done in the past—it’s about what He is doing right now. He is not finished with us. He is making a way, opening new doors, and calling us to step forward in faith.
This week marks the end of a special season for our church. Since July 2024, we have been blessed by the wisdom and encouragement of our guest speakers. We are so grateful for each of them and the way God has used them to speak into our lives. Let’s take this final week to celebrate their ministry and give thanks for all they’ve poured into our church.
And now, we look ahead with excitement! Next week, we welcome our new minister, stepping into a fresh chapter of God’s plan for our church. Let’s be in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this transition, trusting that He is leading us into something new and wonderful.
May we step into this week with faith, knowing that the God who made a way through the Red Sea is the same God leading us forward today.
Blessings,
HLUC Board
Dear Church Family,
This week, we reflect on one of Jesus's most beloved parables—the Prodigal Son's story. It's a story of mistakes, mercy, and unconditional love. It reminds us that no matter how far we may wander, God’s arms are always open, waiting to welcome us home.
The father’s response in the parable isn’t just about forgiveness — it’s about restoration, joy, and the deep grace of God who meets us with compassion, not condemnation. Whether we find ourselves like the younger son, the elder brother, or somewhere in between, may we all be reminded of the Father’s heart that seeks, forgives, and celebrates each one of us.
Join us this Sunday for worship and fellowship as we reflect together on this story and celebrate the goodness of God’s love.
Blessings,
Heart Lake United Church Board
Dear Church Family,
Today, we came together to honour and celebrate Evelyn’s life. In moments of loss, we are reminded of the strength found in community - the way we hold each other up, share memories, and find comfort in God’s unending love. Mourning is not meant to be carried alone, and we give thanks that we can walk this journey together.
During the service, Rev. Debbie shared light on this powerful bible verse:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39
Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. May we take comfort in this promise and in the presence of one another.
As we continue forward, let us gather again this Sunday for woship and fellowship, as a family of faith, leaning on one another and on the love that sustains us. May God’s peace be with you in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Heart Lake United Church Board
Dear Church Family,
In Luke 13, Jesus speaks of a fig tree that had not yet borne fruit, and of the gardener who chose to tend it with patience and care. This story reminds us of God’s grace - the way He nurtures us, giving us time to grow, change, and bear fruit in our own lives. We are never left alone; His love surrounds us, guiding us forward.
This grace is not just for us as individuals but also for our communities. This Saturday with NBUC, we have been given the gift of connection - an opportunity to build relationships and share in something meaningful beyond our own church walls. God often works through these moments of partnership, reminding us that we are stronger when we grow together.
May we continue to embrace these moments, recognizing that in God's garden, we are meant to flourish side by side.
Blessings,
Heart Lake United Church Board
Dear Church Family,
We are excited to invite you to join us this Sunday as we dive into Luke 9, we witness a powerful moment—the Transfiguration of Jesus. On the mountain, His glory is revealed, and the disciples catch a glimpse of His divine nature. It reminds us that God’s presence is always with us, even when we don’t fully understand His plans.
Like Peter, James, and John, we may long to stay in the moments where God’s presence feels most clear. But Jesus calls us to carry that light into our daily lives, trusting that He walks with us in both the mountaintop moments and the valleys.
Let’s come together this Sunday with open hearts, ready to receive and reflect on His word.
Blessings,
Heart Lake United Church Board
Be careful out there and connect with loved ones. Church services will be back next Sunday, February 23rd
If you are looking for something to contemplate, I share with you this reflection from Joyce Rupp called "Winter Teaches Me" from her book "The Circle of Life: The Heart's Journey Through the Seasons":
Winter teaches me patience:
Walk carefully on icy pavements.
Drive slower through snarled traffic.
Take more time to put on layers of clothes.
Wait for streets to be cleared of snow.
Be understanding about mail arriving late.
Winter strengthens my courage:
Go out into windy, freezing air.
Risk traveling on snowy roads.
Dress warmly and go for a walk.
Ski through woods, alone and free.
Be at peace in long days of darkness.
Winter brings me beauty:
Look up at the star-filled sky.
Pause to breathe the crisp air.
Vigil with steel-blue sunsets.
Marvel at frost etchings on windows.
Sink boots into soft, sensual powder.
Winter gives me silent hope:
Touch the terminal buds on branches.
Clear the snow and find green moss below.
Watch the sunlight fade, then linger longer.
Stand with the strength of evergreen trees.
Listen to birds chirping at the feeder.
Joyce Rupp
Life among the Believers
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
These words from Acts a good summary of what the church needs to do and be. Circumstances are forcing us to slow down, spend more time alone, be intentional about keeping connected and rethink our priorities. How can we re-organize ourselves, our church and our government so that everyone can "live with glad and generous hears, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people?"
Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)
The Commissioning of the Disciples
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[ a ]
Climb Your Own Mountain
Must I climb up this mountain again?
Why is it so hard to rendezvous with HIM?
I pray and I sing and I listen to scripture
But I don’t always get the picture
I have my doubts while others seem so sure
"Go and make disciples," what does that mean?
Am I to make Muslims Christians and declare Hindu’s unclean?
Who has the authority to be God’s ambassador on earth
To decide in whose name who has received a new birth?
Surely salvation is not mine to declare
even if I pour water, make the sign of the cross,
say your sins are forgiven, your soul is not lost.
Up here on this mountain you ask me to climb
I hear words that do speak to my heart and my mind
"Teach them my commands and help them obey
My rules of love and to follow my way."
If my life reflects the light that you give then
I can leave it to you to decide who gets in.
John 21:15-19 (NRSV)
Jesus and Peter
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Yes, of course,
I feed your lambs and tend your sheep.
I do what I see needs to be done
And others they do what I say; it is fun
To be in charge and be doing good,
Raising funds and handing out food.
Do you love me?
Yes, of course
I tend your sheep and feed your lambs.
I may fasten my own belt and go where I choose
But I always choose well and hardly ever lose
my way but you say that I am still young
and don’t understand that all that I’ve done
is not all that you
would have me to do.
Do you love me?
Yes, of course,
I feed your lambs and tend your sheep.
You want me to go places not of my choosing
You want me to risk that my life is worth loosing
In order for me to bring glory to you
And in bringing you glory find my life made new.
Do you love me?
