The World Turned Upside Down
Feb. 21-April 4, 2021

The beatitudes launch the teaching of Jesus that describes the life that God intends, that God blesses and that God creates for us. The beatitudes describe the blessed life. But there is little question that the blessed life depicted in the beatitudes stands in tension with the pursuits of life defined by both ancient and modern cultures. And yet, blessed are you. Rev. Tom Are preaches this series.

Feb. 21	Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Feb. 28	Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
March 7	Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
March 14	Blessed Are the Merciful
March 21	Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
Palm Sunday, March 28	Blessed Are the Meek
Easter Sunday, April 4	Resurrection Happens in This World

Resurrection Happens in This World
Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

Easter is the day that we remember love wins, justice is coming, kindness is a power, and none of us are defined by the worst in us, but by the best in God. Easter means that there is life beyond the grave, but resurrection occurred in this world. The resurrection was a historical occurrence, so Jesus is alive in this world. And if that is true, we ought to be able to see him now and again. And we do. Our scripture reading is Matthew 28:1-14. 

​Sermon Transcript 4-4-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are the Meek
Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

In his Palm Sunday sermon, Rev. Tom Are preaches on the Beatitude “Blessed Are the Meek.” It was a day filled with hope as Jesus paraded into Jerusalem. Matthew’s Gospel comments that Jesus came into the city in a humble fashion. It’s odd to think about a parade being humble, but this one was. For most parades, it’s about the people in the parade—those who ride on the floats or horses and wave to the common folks as they pass by. But this parade was about the people…. The whole city. Jesus comes into Jerusalem because he can’t stay away from the people. Our scripture reading is Matthew 21: 1-11. 

​Sermon Transcript 3-28-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
March 21, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

Jesus said the pure in heart are blessed. But who is ever pure in heart? Rev. Tom Are preaches to be human, is almost by definition, to live with a divided heart. Why would Jesus offer a description of blessing that no one would ever obtain? Well, he wouldn’t. We may not be pure of heart, but we might see what it looks like, and in so doing, be drawn a little closer… and know the blessing that Jesus speaks of. Our scripture reading is Matthew 14:22-33. 

​Sermon Transcript 3-21-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are the Merciful
March 14, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

The Beatitudes include Jesus’ teaching that among the blessed are those who extend mercy. Rev. Tom Are reflects on how we might cultivate a practice of mercy. He shares wisdom both from the teaching of Jesus and from a Sikh woman named Valarie. Our scripture reading is Matthew 18:23-35. 

​Sermon Transcript 3-14-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
March 7, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

Can you remember a time when you were really thirsty? The thing about being hungry and thirsty is that they are first-order needs. When we are thirsty, other needs we have can wait. We need water now. One of Jesus’ Beatitudes says those who are blessed hunger and thirst for righteousness. Rev. Tom Are reflects on what it would be like for righteousness to be a first-order need in our lives, something that can’t be delayed. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:2-6.

​Sermon Transcript 3-7-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Feb. 28, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

In part 2 of the Lenten Sermon Series "The World Turned Upside Down," Rev. Tom Are turns to one of the more mysterious beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The beatitude does not say, “Blessed will be those who mourn,” but rather “Blessed are those who mourn.” There is something holy in the mourning itself. What is that? Rev. Are seeks the wisdom of this beatitude. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:3-4. 

Sermon Transcript 2-28-21

Listen to the podcast

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Feb. 21, 2021 - Rev. Tom Are

In Matthew’s Gospel, the first teaching Jesus offered was the portion we call the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. During Lent, Rev. Tom Are will explore the significance of these Beatitudes in his preaching series "The World Turned Upside Down." He begins with the first beatitude: Blessed are the poor in Spirit. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:1-12. 

​Sermon Transcript 2-21-21

Listen to the podcast