Reverend Christine V. Hides

God’s Odd Benedictions, I: The Poor

They [third graders] also told me that being blessed means that you can still feel happy and content if you are poor in spirit because the kingdom of God is here, still growing like a tiny seed that will one day be big enough for all the birds of the air to find shelter in its branches, and all creatures to find shade under its canopy.

We should be proud of these young people who condensed 2,000 years’ worth of Christian interpretation of this Beatitude into 150 words! Well done!

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Jesus’ Grandmothers, II: Tamar

Many have called Tamar’s tale scandalous. But focusing on the dicey details obscures the reason she might be included in Matthew’s version of Jesus genealogy: God will use what God will to accomplish God’s will. Tamar illustrates God’s definition of righteousness, which is concerned for the vulnerable. We see this unexpected kind of righteousness so often in Jesus' ministry we should expect it by now; Jesus talked with and ate with many whom society considers scandalous and unworthy.

Jesus' righteousness is doubly inherited. First from his divine parent who cares for the least, the lost and the left out. And also from his grandmother Tamar, who shows us that God’s righteousness transcends our imperfect, human laws and systems. Righteousness is the trait passed through the bloodline of Jesus’ ancestry.

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Joy Anyway, VI: Rejoice in the Lord

The leaders of last week’s anniversary event called it “a continuation, not a commemoration,” stressing that the American dream of equality and God’s dream of justice for all are still works in progress.

One of you said to me recently, “TV news makes me sad.” I agree. The endless list of intractable problems foments despair. But there are research backed practices for nurturing the hope necessary for living faithfully in a troubled world.

According to the Science of Happiness Podcast, commemoration is key to the continuation of positive action. It's a two-step process. First write about something important that you hope for. The poet on the podcast wrote about climate change. He hopes that the ice can return and for the native flora and fauna to thrive again. He hopes for protected places and for nations and people to make needed change.”

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Joy Anyway, V: Again we say rejoice

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is about how our wellbeing depends upon joy and sadness being able to coexist. Paul talks about joy 14 times, in the part of the letter I just read he adds love and peace to the mix, writing what I’m calling the very first Social Emotional Learning Curriculum ever. Paul knew something about what we are still teaching 2,000 years later: a healthy and meaningful life requires managing emotions, achieving goals, showing empathy, developing relationships, and making responsible decisions. This life-long learning happens at home, at school, in our careers, and at church.

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Joy Anyway, III: Complete Joy

Then and now living a gospel shaped life requires a like-minded community of support. Unity is elusive. Today church folks might argue about anything from Jello salad potluck recipes to political leanings. Though conflict is inevitable Paul urges Christian communities to focus on what unites them. I believe Kenilworth Union Church has an advantage because of its founding aspirations. The first church constitution reads, “Recognizing the minor differences which exist among believers as being consistent with Christian integrity, we have united as a church of Jesus Christ upon the great essentials of the Christian faith.”

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