Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
This Sunday, we’ll hear Jesus’ words from Luke 6:17-26—the Beatitudes as told in the Gospel of Luke. Unlike Matthew’s version, which speaks of being "poor in spirit," Luke’s account is raw and direct: Blessed are the poor. Blessed are the hungry. Blessed are those who weep. It’s a message that doesn’t just offer comfort—it calls us into action. Jesus doesn’t just acknowledge suffering; he demands a response. It’s as if he’s looking us in the eye and asking, ‘When you see those who are struggling—and you will—where will you stand?’”
Too often, we think of blessing in terms of success, security, and abundance. But Jesus flips that on its head, reminding us that God’s presence is found in the places the world tends to overlook. What does it mean to stand in solidarity with those who are struggling? How can we move beyond sympathy and into real relationships and connections with others?
Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus' words challenge and call us, leading us into deeper compassion and justice.
Pastor Michael Vollbrecht
