As we begin a new term we go back to the beginning of Jesus’ teaching ministry, the Sermon on the mount. Rev. Abi Todd, our vicar, starts us off looking at the beatitudes, what does it truly mean to be blessed, as it’s not what we might imagine.

Jesus starts with His disciples, not with the crowds who had begun to follow Him, because through this sermon He teaches some hard truths because only those who have committed to follow Him have a chance of understanding, only to those in the Kingdom does this make any sense.

The eight beatitudes, or blessings split into two groups of four, first four postures of the heart, ways in which we must approach God. Poor in spirit, mourning our rebellion, humble and meek before our creator and hungry for His righteousness. Then four actions or behaviours, merciful, compassionate like Jesus, pure in heart, holy in our following, peacemakers, willing to diffuse conflict and resolve disputes and expect persecution for defying the world’s norms.

Listen to God’s word and lean into true blessing.

The reading is from Matthew 5:1-12

This message was first preached on 07/09/2025