When Jesus gave his disciples the “Beatitudes,” or the “Blessed are…” statements, were they a blessing or a challenge? Lay Servant Trish notes that if we see them as a blessing, then Jesus isn’t condemning people for not living up to what may be very high standards. Instead, he’s blessing those who already have a vision of what it means to be fully alive in Christ, and encouraging those who haven’t yet caught the vision to “lean into” the possibilities.
Our services are being held with in-person attendance at 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Today’s service is provided below in its entirety in video format. Note that closed captioning is available when “CC” appears in white at the bottom of the video panel. Click the CC to see the text; as it is done with an automated service, there may be errors in transcription.
Our Scripture Reading is Matthew 5:1-12 from The Message. Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew. Jesus has just called the disciples to follow him, and they are doing so, after leaving their homes, families, and fishing nets – everything that was previously valuable to them. Jesus has been doing some teaching and preaching, and needs a break. He walked with them up a mountain to withdraw from the crowds and to talk to the disciples. The first topic shared in this gospel is what we call The Beatitudes. The word Beatitude means “state of utmost bliss.” Although they may sound like principles for living a good life, they are given here as promises for those living in the Kingdom of God. We’re reading from The Message to hear the story in modern language.
 The message today from Lay Servant Trish Catalano is “Blessed Are.” |
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is the one true Church whose faith we support with our prayers, our presence, our giving, our witness and our service.
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Credits and copyrights
- “You Who Are Thirsty” words, music by Barbara Ross. © 1992 Palm Branch Music, Inc. CCLI song #814453, CCLI License #2718708.
- “Let There Be Peace On Earth” words and music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, harm. by Charles H. Webb. © 1955, renewed 1983 Jan – Lee Music. CCLI song #93690, CCLI License #2718708.
- “Sanctuary” words and music by John Thompson and Randy Scruggs. © 1982 Full Armor Publishing Company (Admin. by Peermusic III, Ltd.); Whole Armor Publishing Company (Admin. by Peermusic III, Ltd.). CCLI song #24140, CCLI License #2718708.
- “Love the Lord Your God” by Jean and Jim Strathdee. © 1991 Strathdee Music (Admin. by Desert Flower Music). CCLI song #1400093, CCLI License #2718708.
- “How Shall I Come Before the Lord” words by Dean McIntyre, music English folk melody, harm. by Dean McIntyre. Words and harmony © 2005 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
- “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow” words by Thomas Ken, music from Geistliche Kirchengesänge. Public domain). CCLI song #1364029, CCLI License #2718708.
- “Trees of the Field” words by Steffi Geiser Ruben, music by Stuart Dauermann. © 1975 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). CCLI song #20546, CCLI License #2718708.
- All other text on this page © The United Methodist Church of Morgan Hill.