Pastor’s Corner – July 14, 2022
This summer I am sharing some thoughts on the teaching of Jesus called the Beatitudes, found in the opening verses of Matthew chapter 5. The word “beatitude” means a blessing that produces well-being. A blessing comes from God and is to be gratefully received and generously shared. A focus on the Beatitudes is an opportunity to align our lives with Christ’s intentions for his disciples.
The next Beatitude of Jesus is: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Here again we see the way Jesus focuses his Way on right and faithful relationships. Jesus calls us to the narrow and difficult way of pure motives that produce kind and just actions. Purity finds its source in the goodness of God that can be reflected in our own lives when our allegiance is to Christ and his Way of grace.
Jesus lives Divine grace in service to others, which is how our eyes are opened to God. Remember the words of Jesus later in Matthew’s gospel (25:31-40)? Jesus promises that when we serve the least we serve him. Pure hearts are dedicated to gracefully serving the needs of others. In our service we will “see” God.
May your heart be pure, your service be graceful, and your eyes be opened to Christ.
May you be blessed,
Marc
