Reflection for february 28

Being a follower of Christ is more than wearing a cross or attending church. The Beatitudes describe the internal reality of life belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven. The blessedness (Makarios) Jesus describes is not a reward we earn, but a state of constant joy and overflowing gladness found in Him. During Lent, we fix our eyes on Jesus to grow in his humility and purity. To be poor in spirit is to recognize our spiritual bankruptcy and surrender the urge to fix ourselves or defend our sin. When we admit we are empty-handed, God fills those hands with His grace. God can provide Hope. This road to peace and freedom from addiction is the road that goes to the cross on which God’s Holy Lamb was slain. Christ frees us from our fear of death, because, in him, “death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54) We recognize our emptiness, but Joy is in all of us. We are interconnected in the family of God. We can come together and learn from, pray for, and help each other. Pastor Jason offered his daily prayer during Lent before he gets out of bed, “Lord, I have nothing to offer this day on my own. I am spiritually bankrupt without You. Fill my empty hands with your grace.” This is a prayer we can use to see how God is calling us each day. We can feel joy by fixing our eyes on Jesus so we can grow in his humility and purity. Thank you to everyone here at this church who helps each of us see how God is working in our lives. We see how we are receiving the blessedness of Jesus. We appreciate the joy received from others. Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.