Shocking Us - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

The deliberate inversion
of the standard order
whom Christ defined as blessed, happy
cursed, shunned now
in society

Shocking us
forcing us to reconsider
stopping to read the words
how we live, in our freedom
as Christ’s followers
claiming his kinship
as children of God

Do we measure up
are we faithful
able to claim these blessings
in our nation
on this day of our freedom
flinging off the yoke of oppression
taking on the mantle of these

July 4, 2010
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.