We may toss a buck or two in the church offering plate to fund a community-feeding program now and then. But until we get serious about addressing the systemic issues that keep people locked in pocket… — Glen Schmucker
by Ken Sehested
Blessed are the poor, they shall all be raised
Blessed, you mournful, sorrow turning to praise
Blessed are the meek, all the earth be yours
Blessed: all the hungry-hearted shall endure.
Chorus: Rock on, you beatitudes, teach me to pray.
Rock on, you beatitudes, help me obey.
Jesus, lead me on along the Pilgrim Way.
Rock on, ‘til the coming of the Bright New Day.
by Nancy Hastings Sehested
Mercy is not mercy if it is offered to those who deserve it.
It is not ignoring cruelties or violence.
Read more ›In the book by his name, Job is addressed directly by the Lord God: “Gird up you loins, oh human one! I have questions for you. See if you can answer.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the children of God shouted for joy?
“Who shut in the sea with doors when it burst forth from my womb and fashioned its garment with clouds?
Read more ›Let blessings leap from your lips, you People of Mercy!
For the One who saves is the One who serves.
Bring all that you are to this holy abode. Take off your shoes and lean into God’s breath.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
To the Blessed One of Heaven does my heart heave its burden.
For release from my shame, I wait all the day long.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Happy are you who do not heed the advice of evil ones, or take the path of deceivers, or sit in the chambers of the haughty.
But our delight is in the Way of Life; we labor along its path by day and we are wrapped in its protection by night.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Rejoice in the presence of those who resist the counsel of the arrogant, who sidestep the influence-peddlers, who refuse to participate in political payoffs.
Blessed One, multiply their presence in our midst! And may we have the courage to be among their number!
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
For what do we hope?
We hope for the Beloved’s Promise to overtake the world’s broken-hearted threat.
Read more ›We travel today with Jesus as he was leaving Caesarea Philippi, in the far northern region of ancient Israel. Named for the Roman Caesar, located in what is now known as the Golan Heights, a site of contention to this day, Syrian land occupied by Israeli allure. Even after these years together, the disciples still imagine Jesus supplanting the great Caesar, scattering Rome’s legions, restoring the glory of Judea’s lost splendor, fulfilling its remembered boast as the capital of nations.
And now this! What is this gibberish about “the Son of Man must suffer,” rejected, kicked to the curb, tracked and targeted by the drones of imperial purpose and religious conceit.
“No!” screams Peter, mouth in gear before his brain engaged.
Read more ›Listen to the voice of Wisdom, O people of folly. Hear the voice of understanding as She makes Her stand at the city gate and presides in the town square.
“All of you, hear my cry. Your lives are marked by trivial pursuits. Deceitful ways and crooked days are unbecoming, no matter how much gold acquired or jewel-attired.”
Guided by Wisdom’s voice every ruler’s choice leans toward just and worthy decrees.
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