Speak slowly - September 19, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; PM Psalm 73; 2 Kings 1:2-17; 1 Cor. 3:16-23; Matt. 5:11-16

I celebrated Eucharist at a local retirement community recently and one of the residents stopped me before the service and offered me guidance – speak slowly. Her request bubbles up for me this morning. So, I am sitting here with the gospel message and ruminating on what it means to speak slowly.

When we speak slowly, there are several assumptions at play that come to my mind:

·        we have something meaningful to say;

·        someone wants to hear the message – and understand it;

·        no one will speak over us while we are still talking.

When Jesus went up the mountain, as we read in Matthew 5, he sat down. His students and followers surrounded him, and he began to speak what we know as the beatitudes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy,” and others. (Matthew 5:1-10) Jesus was teaching his friends and offering encouragement. He was equipping these normal people to do extraordinary things in ordinary exchanges of this world.

To deliver this message of the blessedness that can come from living in a space of vulnerability, I imagine Jesus speaking slowly and deliberately. I hear a measured tone. I wonder who he looked at in the crowd. I wonder if, as he worked his way down the nine statements of blessedness, tears began rolling down his cheeks when he spoke of those who would be persecuted for righteousness’ sake. I imagine that God’s love emanated from him as he shared these words.

Let’s remember, Jesus was not advising people in the highest seats of power and affluence. He dwelled among the average people. He offered a message of divine inclusion to those often excluded. The gospel appointed for today begins there: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) The disdain and criticism of this world that seeks to break down and isolate people is nothing but dross; Jesus reminds his listeners of heavenly promise to come, though the brokenness of present is great. He reminds them of their progenitors, the prophets, who also endured hardship as they offered words of truth to a people scattered and absorbed in idolatry. Those who did this hard and holy work are not called for their own personal growth or glory, but to the glory of God – so that all may know that God is the Lord.

To get the message of hope across, Jesus speaks slowly. Rebuilding takes time when we are lost and broken. Jesus tells his disciples and listeners that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The richness of connection among people is there upon that mountain – with people sitting together, learning, and being in harmony. Hearts and minds open for inspiration.

Before you read the news or go out into the world today, hold fast to this Good News, spoken slowly for you to hear and absorb: know you are blessed when you are vulnerable, for God is not yet finished with you. Look for the blessedness in others, exhibiting empathy and showing mercy. Live as people who Jesus sees as salt and light. Receive his words of encouragement this day: “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

With God’s help,

Katherine+