Moving Forward - 16 February 2025

SUNDAY, February 16, 6 Epiphany

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

I especially love this verse of the Beatitudes or “blessings” pronounced by Jesus because it is so subversive. In many of our cultural contexts—work life, friend circles, sometimes even church—mourning is seen as something that makes others uncomfortable, something to quickly get over. It’s almost as if there’s a time limit for a healthy mourning, and those who finish the fastest win. But, win what?

Jesus not only blesses those who mourn with permission to have it take the time it takes but also reminds us that mourning is what comes in the absence of something, someone that we hoped would be with us. Mourning is an act of love, and to love and be loved is a blessing.

Blessed are those who mourn, for those we have lost in our family and friend circles and our congregations, and for those who suffer in the world. Thanks be to God for love and compassion that is not stopped by pain. Keeping our capacity to love is indeed a blessing.

MOVING FORWARD: Forward Movement is a non-profit that donates thousands of books and pamphlets to nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals. You can support this work with your gift. 

PRAY for the Church of Bangladesh

Ps 1 | Jeremiah 17:5-10 | 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 | Luke 6:17-26

(Source: Forward Day by Day Movement)