Weekly Update: Friday, February 5

Welcome to another week at Reconciler. We continue to grow in discipleship with one another. Our time of reflection and prayer before the service continues to be of great benefit.

This Sunday will be the last Sunday for that particular shared discipline for a while, as during Lent we will be reading In One Body Through the Cross, The Princeton Proposal for Christian Unity together. It is an interesting book suggesting that ecumenism is a opportunity for repentance, forgiveness and spiritual poverty. If you care to purchase the book for the purpose of this study, let us know. We can use some of the weekly offering to offset any expense. Reading In One Body during the Lenten season might prove enriching for us all.

As a reminder, there is an Ash Wednesday service to be held at the Community of the Holy Trinity at 7 PM, February 9th. The Community of the Holy Trinity is located at 6443 N. Bosworth apt. #2. All are invited.

5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

These are sayings of Jesus. They have been addressed to his own and to those who followed out of curiosity. They are guidelines for discipleship to those who follow him and they are prophetic words to the world. As we approach Lent, hold these words of Jesus close to your heart. Let them guide you in discipleship, so that your life may be a witness to the world.

Peace and all good things to you,

The Pastoral Team