Thursday, October 31, 2024

All Saints (November 1)

Revelation 7:(2–8) 9–17
1 John 3:1–3
Matthew 5:1–12

Saints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ

“A great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages,” cry out “salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–17). Faith-filled saints from every place and time with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we too, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:1–3). Joined with the throng of angels and a myriad of saints, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:9–17). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, sacred and profane, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears, comfort our spirits, and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ propels us forward, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure, and the persecuted are all blessed and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12).

All Saints copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Friday prior to All Saints

[1]

Matthew 5:1–12—The Beatitudes are not some new kind of Law given by a new Lawgiver, Jesus. Rather, they are a description of those who are in Christ. The Beatitudes describe both who Jesus is and what He gives to all who, by faith, have been incorporated into Him. You, dearly baptized, are blessed: the Kingdom of Heaven is yours, you shall see God, you are called sons of God, for you belong to Christ.

Life for the Christian is a life that is lived by faith – On this All Saints Day Jesus the greatest teacher who has ever lived gives a description of the child of God who has been incorporated into the family of faith. These Beatitudes are the gifts the Savior has given to you.

These Beatitudes are not some new kind of new Law given to us. They are not rules for the righteous. They are rather a description of those who are in Christ. The Beatitudes describe both who Jesus is and what He gives to all who, by faith, have been incorporated into Him. You, dear friend are blessed. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours! You shall see God for you are called the sons of God - for you belong to Christ.

In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure and the persecuted are all blessed, and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus introduces His Sermon on the Mount with nine beatitudes that detail the future blessedness of His disciples. These promised blessings are God's gracious gifts to those who repent of their sins and trust Christ for righteousness. Only after Jesus has assured His disciples of God's goodness to them does He call on them,, in the rest of His sermon, to be good and do good. When we recognize our own spiritual poverty when the Lord leads us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, when He makes us pure in heart so that we seek to worship only the true God, then we are blessed now and forever.

Gracious Savior, keep my eyes ever focused on You and Your blessings, which are mine by grace alone. Amen

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Reformation Day (October 31)

Revelation 14:6–7
Romans 3:19–28
John 8:31–36or Matthew 11:12–19

The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus the incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Thursday prior to All Saints

[1]

1 John 3:1–3—What an amazing thing it is to be able to pray the Lord’s Prayer, where we address the Holy and Almighty God as Our Father! This we can do because we are the children of God, as St John tells us in the Epistle reading for Sunday. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! We are His children because, being baptized into Christ, we are Christ’s, and heirs with Him. By the redemption we have by the blood of Jesus, God has made us His children.

Despite all our iniquity, our selfishness and sinfulness, He has called us His own children through the waters of Baptism. The love God has lavished on us is unique because it is not what our corrupted sinful nature deserves; it is not what our thoughts, words and deeds have earned.

Believers are not just “named” children of God but are actually reborn as His children, are actually “fathered” by God. This is no metaphor, for a new being is created (2 Corinthians 5:17) God promises that he has made us His children. Despite the lies, deceptions and partial truths of the world, God has never lied to us, and He has never failed to do what He has promised. You can count on Him.[2]

Prayer for blessedness of heaven: Almighty, everlasting God, You gave Your only Son to be a High Priest of good things to come. Grant unto us, Your unworthy servants, to have our share in the company of the blessed for all eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[3]

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Wednesday prior to All Saints

[1]

Revelation 7:9–17—This is the vision whence the antiphon for the Introit is drawn. These are the saints who never cease praising God and the Lamb for the salvation which has been accomplished by the Lamb of God having shed His blood for the remission of all our sins and for our salvation.

In the Lord’s Supper, we join with those saints who have gone before, with palm branches in their hands, in singing the Sanctus: ‘Holy Holy, Holy…Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord!’ With those saints, we also partake of the marriage feast of the Lamb which has no end.

The multitude is clad in white, it is waving palm branches, and it is crying hymns of praise in a loud voice. While much of this imagery parallels the Triumphal Entry scene as depicted in the gospels, it should be noted that this multitude certifiably pledges itself to the Lamb. Unlike the multitude in the Triumphal Entry scene that later turns its back on the Messiah, this multitude will remain faithful to the Lamb “forever and ever

On the Feast Day of All Saints, we Christians around the world gather to celebrate the lives of those saints who have gone on before us. We give thanks for those saints living still today. And, we ponder how all of us -- you and me -- are called to live lives of sanctity. This passage reminds us that being a faithful witness -- like the great multitude -- is the baptismal vocation of us all. It also reminds us that when we live out our Christian vocation, we find freedom in the Lamb of God who sustains all of us.[2]

A prayer for joy in the promise of bodily resurrection: Merciful Father and Lord of life, with whom live the spirits of those who depart in the faith, we thank You for the blessings of body and soul that You granted this departed loved one, whose earthly remains we now lay to rest. Above all, we rejoice at Your gracious promise to all Your servants, both living and departed, that we shall be raised from death at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[3]

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2182

Monday, October 28, 2024

Tuesday prior to All Saints

Psalm 149—A psalm of high praise unto the Lord to be offered up in the assembly of the godly. He has taken pleasure in his people and adorned the humble with salvation. For this, we His saints do not cease to give Him the glory and praise due His name.

This Hymn of Praise divides into two surprising parts that may be seen in this way:

(Vv 1–4) Let us praise God with song

(Vv 5–9) Let us praise God with a sword

The first half invites God’s people to “Sing to the LORD a new song!” because he is both our Maker and our King. This should lead to exuberant worship in which each worshiper plays a part in giving honor to God. In this exhilarating exercise even dance has a place (this is practiced among Orthodox Jews; the movie “Fiddler on the Roof” is a good example of this kind of praise).

The church is given a similar missionary charge, to extend the kingdom of Christ throughout the earth (Matthew 28.18–20). While our power is not military, it is by means of the same Word of God that we engage in this work. Military metaphors are used throughout the New Testament to picture this work:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete” (2 Corinthians 10.3-6; see also Ephesians 6.13–17).

It is important for us to remember that when Jesus announced his public ministry in Nazareth, he read in the synagogue meeting from the Isaiah scroll:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor” (Isaiah 61.1–2a).

He ended his reading in the middle of verse 2, not reading the remainder of the verse:”…and the day of vengeance of our God” (Isaiah 61.2b).

He didn’t finish the sentence not because vengeance is not a part of his commission as the Messiah-King, but because that is part of his second appearance, not his first. He came in humility the first time to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19.10); he will appear a second time “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1.8).

It is an honor for all God’s people to be a part of extending his gracious rule into the lives of people all over the world (Psalm 149.9). We do this as our righteous lives and words shine the light of the gospel to both reveal the disfiguring effects of sin in people’s lives and to show them the way to God.[2]

Collect for Psalm 149: Lord, let Israel rejoice in you and acknowledge you as creator and redeemer. In your loving-kindness embrace us now, that we may proclaim the wonderful truths of salvation with your saints in glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

1 All Saints, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] http://psalmreflections.blogspot.com/2010/04/psalm-149.html

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Proper 26 Series B - Mark 12:28-34 reflection

October 28, November 1, 2024

Law/Gospel Theme: What does God expect of me above all else? This question was asked of Jesus by a scribe, a Bible scholar of his day. Without hesitation, Jesus says that love of God and of neighbor are the top two.

First things first…all things in life require a solid foundation. Before work or building can be accomplished. This message reminds us of the importance of this basic principle. Using the alphabet as an example. We need letters to communicate through language. Just as we need rules or guidelines to do anything. What is the most important foundational rule? We are reminded several times in the Bible of the true “Greatest Commandment”: Love God with all of who we are. And love others as ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, we love because you first loved us. We desire love you with all of our heart. with all our strength. With all our soul. With all our mind. We also desire to love others as you have loved us. Help us to show that love. Every single day.

Hymn: # 64 O God, Our Help in Ages Past

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Mark 12:28-34

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Hymn: #62 Now Thank We All our God

The two greatest commandments: Love God and neighbor. This week’s Gospel ends the period of Jesus’ answering questions. The public ministry comes to a climax with this final answer before the passion begins. A scribe honestly and sincerely asks Jesus which is the most important commandment. Jesus’ answer is approved by the scribe who agrees that loving God and neighbor is far more important than ritual and sacrifice. Jesus makes love of God and neighbor one commandment. But love of God precedes love of neighbor. We have a dual agreement:

The scribe agrees with Jesus’ answer, and Jesus agrees with the scribe’s answer. Yet, the scribe will chose to not be in the kingdom of God. To enter takes more than knowledge.

In our story for today certain leaders questioning Jesus were certainly focused on the law. They wanted to trick Jesus. But they also wanted to know which rules were the most important to follow. Jesus brings things all back to the most foundational principles. Reminding us that the first and foremost priority in our lives should be loving the Lord. We also have the blessing of knowing that God loved us first, and always will.

Why is the alphabet important? Well, these letters serve as the foundation for our language. You have to have letters to make sounds. And then when we put those letters and sounds together. We can make words.

When we put words together. We can create sentences and communicate ideas.

We can read whole books. And we can write things for one another. We can read the most important book, God’s Word, the Bible!

But we have to start with the alphabet! We have to have that as our foundation before we can do anything else with language.

You know, there are a lot of things in our lives that require some sort of first-step foundation. For instance, if you’re building something. You need to put a foundation down first before you build the rest.

If you’re making a pizza. You start with the dough. And then put on the toppings. What about in our lives as Christians?

What do you think might be the most important first and foremost principle we should follow before we do anything else?

This is something we see described often in the Bible. Jesus was once asked what the most important commandment is.

The people asking Him actually wanted to trick Him. As they had hundreds of rules and commandments they had devised to make themselves look good.

However, the response Jesus provided was to quote the Old Testament, saying that the most important thing we can do is to love God with all of who we are.

We should love God with our heart. Soul. Mind and strength. Jesus said this is the greatest commandment.

The second-greatest is to love our neighbor. Love God, and love one another. It’s not too complicated.

Jesus said all of the laws could be summed up by those simple elements. The most essential law is love!

This reminds me of another little letter trick…We can have true joy when we follow what Christ says here. We should put Jesus first above all things. Loving Him with all of who we are and seeking to serve Him in everything we do.

Then, we put Others next. Finally, we care for ourselves, but put Yourself last… This is how we can have “JOY”!

It’s not always easy. Sometimes we might not want to put God first. We might not want to love those around us. Especially if they aren’t our favorite people. Or they aren’t even very nice! But God can help us to do that.

God wants us to love Him. Because He knows that will bless our lives. And God loves US!

He loved us before we were even born. And He will always love us no matter what we do.

He wants what is best for us and promises to provide for us. What more can we do than give Him our heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Love God, and love one another! Let’s pray and thank God for His love, asking for His help in loving others.

Thank you Lord, for giving us firm foundations. Help us to love you with all of who we are. And help us love one another. Thank you for your blessings. Lord, thank you for your love and care. [1]

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord, for gathering us this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord, for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grasses and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[2]

[1] The Greatest Commandment: Children’s Sermon from Mark 12:28-34 - Ministry To Children

[2] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles (October 28)

Jeremiah 26:1–16

1 Peter 1:3–9

John 15:(12–16) 17–21

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles

“Stand and speak; do not hold back a word” (Jer. 26:1–6). The Word is always repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:44)—great mercy and a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3). “If they kept my Word,” says Jesus, “they will also keep yours; but if the world hates you, know it hated me first” (John 15:18–21). In Jeremiah’s day, the people demanded he die, but they did not bring his innocent blood on themselves (Jer. 26:8–16). When the priests and people gathered around Jesus, they refused to hear (Matt. 27:20–26).

Christ’s servants will not be above their master (John 15:20): according to tradition, Simon (the Zealot) and Jude (also known as Thaddaeus) worked to bring the Gospel to Persia, where they were martyred together. But even in this, God’s servants are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). Though tested by fire and suffering, we obtain the outcome of our faith—the salvation of our souls—and rejoice (1 Pet. 1:6–9). For as Jesus told Jude, If anyone loves me, he will keep My Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:23).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Monday prior to All Saints

Psalm 31:1, 3, 5; Antiphon, Rev 7:14b—The antiphon is the description of a portion of the vision which the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John received from our Lord Jesus. In it, he sees those saints who have received the beatific vision of God by virtue of their having been baptized, having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, that is, Jesus Christ our Savior. This is the blessed existence that awaits all the elect, for which we yearn even while we groan in this vale of tears.

The hymn writer assures us that we are but pilgrims and strangers on this earth. Heaven is our home. St. Paul explains, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” -2 Corinthians 4:8-11

The Psalmist concludes, “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” These are the last words the Savior spoke when He died on the cruel cross of Calvary. Jesus committed His life into the safe hands of the Father. He fulfilled the Law for you by living a perfect life. Then, He took your sins as His own and died the death which you deserve. Now, by faith you entrust your life to Him.

The psalmist’s expression of trust death was not in his thought. It was in life. Amidst all its troubles and dangers, he trusted. The Hebrew translation says literally, he deposited as a trust his spirit. Such is the life of the faithful child of God. We commend ourselves into the hands of God. Thus, in the Morning and Evening we simply pray, “Into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul and all things. May your Holy Angel (Spirit) watch over me that the evil foe may have no power over me.” Such a bold and powerful prayer is the prayer of faith.

Prayer for Psalm 31: God of kindness and truth, you saved your chosen one, Jesus Christ, and you give your martyrs strength. Watch over your people who come to you now, and strengthen the hearts of those who hope in you, that they may proclaim your saving acts of kindness in the eternal city; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

Saturday, October 26, 2024

All Saints observed study notes

All Saints (Observed)

Revelation 7:(2–8) 9–17
1 John 3:1–3
Matthew 5:1–12

Saints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ All Saints

“A great multitude … from all tribes and peoples and languages” cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Revelation 7:9–10). Faith-filled saints from every place and time with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we, too, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Joined with the throng of angels and a myriad of saints, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Revelation 7:15). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, sacred and profane, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears, comfort our spirits and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ propels us forward, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure and the persecuted are all blessed, and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:1–12).

O Almighty God, by whom we are graciously knit together as one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Jesus Christ, our Lord, grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those unspeakable joys which You had prepared for those who love You; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Gracious Savior, keep my eyes ever focused on You and Your blessings, which are mine by grace alone. Amen

Observe both future and present tenses...

Life for the Christian is a life that is lived by faith - On this All Saints Day Jesus the greatest teacher who has ever lived gives a description of the child of God who has been incorporated into the family of faith. These Beatitudes are the gifts the Savior has given to you.

It is yours now and soon to come. Blessed now are present the rewards future…now and not yet.

Matthew 5:1

Ἰδὼν δὲ τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος· καὶ καθίσαντος αὐτοῦ προσῆλθαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ·

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

Matthew 5:2

καὶ ἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ ἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς λέγων·

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying

Having sat down, the posture of prophet, posture of learning. Another Moses, Jesus is THE prophet. He came to preach and to die. Works of mercy are out of His compassion. He opens His mouth like that of creation.

Matthew 5:3

Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι, ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. To be poor is to rely on the mercy of God. These are indicative and the rewards are all passive.

Not blessed are the growing churches. The only command is "rejoice and be glad"

Matthew 5:4

μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες, ὅτι αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are those who mourn, you are a Christian. You will mourn, but you will be comforted. What do we mourn? As Jesus grieved over Lazarus.

Preach theology of grace as opposed to theology of glory.

Matthew 5:5

μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς, ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Meek inherit the earth. Meek are powerless, a picture of the cross. Inherit for free from those who would try to take by force. This is anti world. This is completely out of the realm of measurement and feeling

Matthew 5:6

μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

They will be engorged/enlarged. Their cup will run over for those who hunger after righteousness.

Your blessedness comes from the blessed one who blesses.

Matthew 5:7

μακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες, ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

The merciful receive mercy. Mercy to the deserving is justice. Mercy is only to the undeserving. Show mercy as you have been shown mercy.

The unmerciful serving misrepresented the king who had shown mercy. He acts as if the king still had the debt hanging over them.

Matthew 5:8

μακάριοι οἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ, ὅτι αὐτοὶ τὸν θεὸν ὄψονται.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the clean in heart because they themselves will see God. The only way in which you see God.

Matthew 5:9

μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί, ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ θεοῦ κληθήσονται.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons^[^a^] of God.

Blessed are the ones making peace they will be called God's sons.

Matthew 5:10

μακάριοι οἱ δεδιωγμένοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης, ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The ones who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heavens.

Matthew 5:11

μακάριοί ἐστε ὅταν ὀνειδίσωσιν ὑμᾶς καὶ διώξωσιν καὶ εἴπωσιν πᾶν ^[^a^]πονηρὸν καθ’ ὑμῶν ψευδόμενοι ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Blessed whenever they reproach you and say all evil against you on account of me.

Matthew 5:12

χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτως γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Rejoice be glad, your reward is in heaven. In this sameness the prophets were persecuted.

All Saints copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday, October 31, 2024