The Real Thing

Happy Valentine's Day, Christ Church!

My family and I decided to celebrate the day in a not so traditional manner by going to the zoo. From giraffes to monkeys to rhinos to meerkats to kangaroos, we saw many animals from all over the world. It was a fun time for making memories, especially since this was Haleth’s first visit to the zoo. So many of the animals she’s seen pictures of in her books, she finally got to experience in real life. And, of course, there is no comparison between the drawings or paintings or pictures that represent the animal — and the real thing. Whether it be animals or anything else, the real thing will always be more engaging, more interesting, more complex, more interactive and provoke more connection, feelings and response because… well, it’s the real thing.

As we enter the sixth week of Epiphany, we get the privilege of experiencing Jesus’ teaching firsthand in Luke’s version of the beatitudes. And in his words we encounter the real thing when it comes to a message from God. Later in Scripture, it’s apparent that the people recognize this because it says “the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he taught with authority, not like the scribes.”

In this part of his teaching, Jesus tells us about those who are blessed and those who are not – and, quite frankly, it flies in the face of the world and its values. But without a doubt, what he shares points to what is eternal, substantial and real over and against what is temporal, fading and ultimately false.

As Sunday approaches, let’s ask God to prepare us to experience afresh the teaching of our Lord in a way that turns our hearts to that which is real.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge