Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - A

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - A

Years A
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12

Blessedness and rejoicing are both exciting, over-the-top, expressions and bedrock foundations from which comes steadfast love in shown in many ways. They need particulars to bring goodness into better clarity. They need particulars to respond to questions that will set case law.

Let's track some parallel terms from Micah, Psalms, Paul.

do justice - speak truth from the heart - do not take a bribe - desire wisdom

love kindness - do what is right - do not lend money - demand signs

walk humbly - walk blameless - stand by your oath - decide through foolishness

All manner of arrows can be drawn between these terms. Some will double-back on themselves, particularly when the beatitudes are tossed into the mix. Each of the blessings can be related to good effect to each of these terms.

In fact we have a season of possibilities here. Write them on a magnetic sheet and cut them apart. Each day rearrange them on your refrigerator until you have identified the best pattern for your life in this season. (In another season you may go through the same process and find yourself with a different best pattern.)

= = = = = = =

O my poor spirit
you have mourned much
destroyers of creation
the unhumble dominionists
who settle for righteousness
presently defined
devoid of future, of hope
the strict constructionist
merciless
setting up blowback
and child soldiers
through persecution
an evil of falseness
unable to see itself

pause
breathe
prepare to contend with yourself
for yourself
plead your case

no more sacrifices
internal or external
they will not fix
brokenness
they will not heal
hurt
they will not cover
debt

rejoice persecuted soul
peace is at hand
in heart and gut
created to comfort
to strengthen
your presence