Hardships and budget concerns often act like a smudged pair of glasses, blurring the many ways a community actually thrives. By revisiting Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and the promises of the Beatitudes, we shift the focus from what is lacking to the tangible growth and quiet miracles happening within the congregation—from rising attendance to the simple joy of a shared meal. It serves as a reminder that being "chosen" isn't about human status or perfection, but about an identity rooted in grace that empowers us to be a source of comfort and peace for those around us.