Beatitudes

As part of the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” When a loved one dies, even though we believe in the life everlasting, we feel their loss and absence deeply. Their death is something concrete to us and something which is easy for others to sympathize with. In this situation we consider the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-4: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die … A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.” In this way we are told our grief will not last forever, but will turn to joy in due season.

But what about those situations where someone we love lingers for months or years and gradually loses physical as well as mental abilities. The caregiver is most assuredly in mourning, because he or she witnesses a beloved life crumble slowly in front of them. Because their loved one is lingering, the caregiver’s grief does not appear as concrete or obvious to others as in the first example. And because the caregiver is so engrossed in tending to the one they love, they often do not realize the depth of their own needs and grief. This is where we can help them learn from the greatest of caregivers, Jesus Christ, by reminding them of Luke 5:15-16. When news of Jesus’ healing powers spread, he was frequently surrounded by crowds of sick people seeking his help and care. But He understood He also needed rest and spiritual renewal, so he would regularly withdraw to a lonely place to pray and commune with God. That temporary withdrawal is not born of selfishness; it is a necessity, and Jesus understands it in others. 

Let us keep the caregivers in our hearts and prayers, reaching out to offer them a respite whenever possible. To do so is truly a gift.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Sunday, November 8 is the 24th Sunday after Pentecost. The scripture readings for this Sunday are Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13. 

Commissioned Lay Pastor Mary Ellen Lucas will lead the service in the Lutheran Order with communion in the church building and as a Zoom meeting beginning at 11 a.m. To join the Zoom meeting, use the email contact on the website (dpflc.org) to ask for an invitation. 

The congregations of Delta Presbyterian (PCUSA) and Faith Lutheran (ELCA) meet together and alternate orders of worship weekly in the log church building located at 1760 Richardson Highway, near the Delta Community Library and just south of the Delta Community Center. Our website is www.dpflc.org - click the link on the website to follow us on Facebook.

The Alcoholics Anonymous Buffalo Group is a group of individuals who strive for sobriety and seek others for support and encouragement. The group holds open meetings at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement on Mondays for discussion and Thursdays for the 12-step recovery program. Call 907-978-5575 or 760-835-2274, or see fairbanksaa.org for more information about Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Al-Anon group (people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking) meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Sue at 907-687-9682 or online at al-anon.org for more information.

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me quickly, O God. You are my helper and my deliverer; O Lord, do not tarry.” Psalm 70:5.

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