St.Nick’s newsletter for Sunday 16th February
Dear Friends,
A few words on Sunday’s Gospel from Luke chapter 6 vs 17-26.
Just before this passage, Jesus had chosen the 12 apostles from among his disciples, following a night of prayer on the mountain. For Luke, the mountain represents a place of prayer, while the plain symbolises a place for being among the people. Those who came to hear Jesus were from various places. Highlighting those in need of healing could emphasize that Jesus’ work and teachings were for everyone.
Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) with its nine blessings is more well-known than Luke’s account of Jesus’ teachings, which includes four sets of blessings and woes: poor-rich; hungry-full; weeping-laughing; excluded and reviled-spoken well of. Perhaps it’s easier for people to see themselves in the blessings than to confront the discomfort of the woes. Regardless of the original audience’s composition, Luke’s woes seem particularly relevant for our time.
Jesus was not describing four ways to achieve happiness, Jesus was illustrating the reality inside and outside the kingdom. There is both a present (such as the rich already having received their rewards) and a future (such as you will be filled and laugh) aspect in the blessings and woes.
This passage underscores the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where the values of the world are often reversed. It calls attention to the plight of the poor, hungry, and suffering, offering them hope and assurance of God’s justice. At the same time, it challenges those who are comfortable and secure to re-examine their lives and priorities.
With every blessing,
Alison Mills
ALM and Churchwarden
Here are the reading and hymns for Sunday16th February
We hope you can join us on Sunday for a Cafe Church and Service of the Word, the service will be led by Alison, with music provided by our MD and Organist Ollie, and readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team. Refreshments will be served on arrival and after the service.
