Pastor's Corner

From Pastor Scott,

In recent years, several news reports have focused on the countries named the happiest countries in the world. Sadly, the standing of the United States among the happiest countries has steadily diminished. Scandinavian countries are mostly at the top of the list, but in spite of significant wealth, the United States is not noted as one of the key “happy” countries of the world.

Certainly, critics might latch onto these statistics. Still, even among the citizens of some very impoverished countries, many people lead very happy lives.

Not long ago, a group of social scientists devised a test to discover what single activity or attitude defined true happiness. They decided to use a fairly large sample of people from all walks of life. In one group, each participant received $400 and they were told to use the money on whatever gave them purpose and made them happy. In the other group, people were told to live their lives normally focusing on how they might live more happily.

Last week, for the first time, early results of the experiment were published. Amazingly, the social scientists discovered that the group that used the money to help others to secure happiness exhibited far more signs of happiness themselves. According to the report, the notion of purpose in life truly brings people a sense of happiness. People used their talents and skills and funded all sorts of projects with the money. And, in the end, they discovered that their attitudes about giving produced a sense of happiness within themselves.

When I read about this study, I thought of our Gospel lesson for this Sunday. In Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, Jesus says some pretty outrageous things: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.”

Then, on top of all this, Jesus offers his own key to happiness: “Give to everyone who asks of you.”

This Sunday, our congregational ministry comes into greater focus as we give thanks for God’s actions in our lives together. When you consider the importance of faith in your life, you will most likely consider your own happiness through giving. 

To me, one word summarizes our Gospel lesson this week: BLESSED. What Jesus says is that no matter what befalls us in life, God is blessing us. As disciples, we live in God’s blessedness and love every day. And, our calling is simply to share that love with others.

As we focus on our ministry during the coming weeks, we come to the common understanding that God blesses us even when we may not realize our blessings. Our response to God’s blessings is a response rooted in our gifts of serving—as individuals and as a congregation. As you consider your responses, remember how God has worked in your life and in our lives together. 

Peace in Christ,

Pr. Scott