Guest Pastor Barbara Groote invites us to a fresh understanding of the Sermon on the Mount. In Jesus' pronouncement to the gathered crowds and to his disciples we hear a call that resonates strongly today. A call to end the practice of "othering". A call to accept blessing and to be a blessing.

Matthew 5 New International Version (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

1Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

"We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained."

Marie Curie, French physicist and chemist