O how happy you would be

Our Gospel passage for Tomorrow is Luke 6:20-31. Here it is from Bible.com in the New Living Translation:

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,

“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh. What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

“What sorrow awaits you who are rich,for you have your only happiness now. What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you."

The word translated "blessed" can also be translated "happy." Someone has also translated this passage to read, "Oh how happy you would be if you were poor, hungry, persecuted . . ." Whatever the translation there is enough here for several sermons, but I will have to wait until the scripture comes back around again in the three-year cycle.

If you come to church at Honey Creek tomorrow you will get a sermon on this passage. O how happy I will be to preach on the launch date of the new church.



In peace,
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Photo - The Chapel of Our Saviour at Honey Creek