February 1, 2026
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Talking Alternatively”
We have now two renderings that serve two totally different functions in two totally different interpretations. Whereas Luke is preoccupied with financial issues, Matthew is targeted on Judaism that had develop into not more than professional forma train of spiritual obligation. We should merely allow the 2 readings to have their say, and never give both one precedence over the opposite.
Dr. Raj Nadella, “The Sower and the Seed and Black Lives Matter”
The blessed in Matthew are usually not those that are lucky sufficient to fall on good soil, profit from favorable constructions, and flourish. Within the Beatitudes (5:3-11), Jesus proclaims blessed are those who mourn, the meek, the marginalized, and the persecuted.
The blessed in Matthew are exactly those that fall by the wayside, on rocky soil, and are greedy for all times.
In most Beatitudes, the company within the second half is within the passive voice (they are going to be comforted, they are going to be fed, they are going to be proven mercy, and many others). The passive voice leaves the company open-ended and requires human company—the church and neighborhood—along with divine company.
Narrative Lectionary: John 4:1-42
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Recovering Relaxation, Recovering Humanity”
… Thus I wish to think about the convergence of those moments on the village properly the place a counter-narrative will be reiterated that defies the dominant narrative:
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The Black slaves, on Pearl Road, got here to the properly for twenty minutes of humanity that stored them emancipated all day lengthy.
In all of those situations, the world out past the properly is endlessly demanding, exploitative, and coercive. Thus by itself, the world past the properly will enslave and dehumanize.
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