DAY 6: February 23, 2021 Tuesday of Lent 1- Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
“In the midst of life we are in death. From whom may we seek help? From You alone, O Lord, who by our sins art justly angered. Holy God holy and mighty, holy and merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.” This 14th Century hymn has been used for thousands of years as part of the Christian committal service. [2] Death is result of the first great catastrophe known to man – the rebellion of our first parents Adam and Eve in the garden. In the midst of life we are in death.
In this life we experience sorrow. Sorrow over our sin and its consequences, sorrow over our failures and misgivings, sorrow over the loss of friends and family members, sorrow over our own mortality. Every time you arrive at church you are reminded of this certainty as you drive past the cemetery.
Yet Christ flips death on its head by promising us new life. Paul reminds us, “If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” – 1 Corinthians 15:19-21
Remember Jesus’ promise, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Because of Christ’s suffering death and glorious resurrection we can say, “In the midst of death we are in life.”
Blessed are they, full of sorrow;
They shall be consoled.
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the kingdom of God.[3]
Blessed are they, full of sorrow;
They shall be consoled.
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the kingdom of God.[3]
Grant to your people, Lord, grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only True God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[4]
[1] Easter
image copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2] Pastoral
Care Companion Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St, Louis
[3] Blessed
are They Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St.
Louis
[4]Collect
for Tuesday of Lent 1, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
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