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Episode 59: On the First Hour of the show, "How do Cyber Gangs recruit online talent and hackers?" We look to answer this question with Nick Espinosa from CIO of Security Fanatic. Then, why is California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington not allowed to purchase the newest Alienware from DELL? We also cover our first lawsuit about the same-day delivery of a movie to theaters and online streaming devices. Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney. Then we have a serious roundtable on "Gamer Time" as we talk about the lawsuit aimed at Activision. Finally, we have Jonathan's Just the FACTS - brought to us by StoriCoffee® along with our Whiskey Tastings.We have our "Letters" segment reading this week's email scams and funny phishing attempts on the Second Hour. Next, we have the [Ask the Expert] feature on a startup technology of "Cloud Kitchens". We will also look at the top companies providing cloud kitchens, including DoorDash, the delivery company. Finally, We have the list of the nominees for the 2021 LASE Awards coming up in August.  “Welcome to TechTime Radio with Nathan Mumm, the show that makes you go "Hummmm" technology news of the week for July 31st - August 6th, 2021. The radio show for the everyday common person, that will impact your future with insightful segments, weeks ahead of the mainstream media.”--- Episode 59:   --- [Loaded Question Of The Day]: Starts at 6:00 --- [Top Stories in 5 Minutes]: Starts at 7:08Dell is no longer shipping Alienware PC configurations to half a dozen US states because those product lines potentially fall out of bounds of newly adopted energy efficiency requirements. https://tinyurl.com/2pbjdkvsOlder Kindles may lose internet connection; Amazon warns https://tinyurl.com/nrrydkywDisney was sued by Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson over the movie's release as a same-day streaming service. https://tinyurl.com/52swtxyz  --- [Pick of the Day - Whiskey Tasting Review]: Starts at 18:34 --- [Technology Insider]: Starts at 20:12In today's segment, we have Nick Espinosa talk about the updates to the Kaseya Ransomware Breach, and we ask him all about Cyber gangs "How do Cyber Gangs recruit online talent?" We look to answer this question and more with the CIO of Security Fanatic.--- [Gamer Time]: Starts at 40:11‘Cube Crawls' | "The Cosby Suite" | ‘Frat Bro' Culture: California's Huge Activision Blizzard Lawsuit Alleges Yet Another Toxic Workplace in the Video Game Industry we have a discussion on this during our round table chat. --- [Jonathan's Just the Facts brought to us by StoriCoffee®]: Starts at 52:51--- [Pick of the Day]: Starts at 54:37Smooth Ambler  | 92 Proof | $35.00Nathan: Thumbs Up | Mike (Jonathan): Thumbs DownEpisode 59: Hour 2 -  Starts at 1:01:25 --- [Love Shack Question]: Starts at 1:04:08--- [Letters]: Starts at 1:07:21Jonathan and Nathan read this week's emails scams sent to him in the mail and email.--- [Ask the Expert]: Starts at 1:20:59Cloud kitchens are centralized licensed commercial food production facilities where anywhere from one or two to dozens of restaurants rent space to prepare delivery-optimized menu items.  We talk about a few of these new kitchens popping up around the nation and how technology makes this possible.  --- [2021 LACE Awards Nominees Announcements]: Starts at 1:44:55With the Second Annual "Literature Award of Streaming Entertainment" Award show approaching we announced the nominees for the 2021 award show. 

Teaching NotesTrain up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 A Proverb vs. A Promise Customized Parenting vs. One Size Fits All Unique Personality Strength Weakness *Sales *Exaggerator/Lying *Leader *Controlling/Demanding *Rule Follower *Legalistic/Perfectionist *Counselor *Pleaser/Depression Four Seasons Directing Early Childhood “Do what I say” Coaching Elementary “I'll do it, you watch me” Supporting Teen “You do it, I'll watch you.” Delegating Adult “You do it.” Action Required: Circle the unique personality of each of your children and put their name next to it. Get on same page with your mate. Children circle the one you think best represents you. Have a conversation about this.Circle the season of parenting you are in and have a conversation about a unified approach. Seek counsel from those ahead of you that you admire. Going Deeper Discussion“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12In this week's message we talked about parenting throughout a persons development into adulthood.Exodus 20:12 is directly from the 10 Commandments. It is the only one of the 10 with a promise. It contains a "so that." Why does God connect honoring your father and mother with prosperity and length of life?What are the various aspects of "honoring your father and mother?" What does that look like as a child? What does that look like as an adult?Does honoring equate to obedience all the time?As an adult, if your parent Is advocating that you do something contrary to God's best for you, how do you continue to honor them?Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamMercy- Elevation WorshipWho You Say I Am- HillsongWFC Speedway Great Things- Phil WickhamBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamSurrounded (Fight My Battles)- Upper RoomNothing Else- Cody CarnesBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

THE WEEK OF LAETARE - TUESDAYLESSON: MATTHEW 7:7-12Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost.” John 6:11,12In taking the five loaves and blessing them, Jesus gives us to understand that there is never anything so insignificant that it cannot be of some use for His disciples. He can bless even a little for them, so that they eventually have more than enough, whereas those who are rich often do not have enough with all their riches.“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing,” as the Psalmist declares, but the rich often suffer hunger. “The young lions suffer want and hunger” (Psalm 34:10). In her Magnificat, Mary also reminds us that “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away” (Luke 1:53).On the other hand, in giving the order that the fragments should be gathered up, Jesus teaches us to be saving, to look after His blessings, to make good use of them so that one never tempts God by the misuse of His blessings.Just as He wants us to have faith when we have nothing and to be quite sure that He will provide for us, so also He does not want us to tempt Him by despising the blessing He has given us or by letting them lie to rot away while awaiting others from heaven by way of a miracle.What He has provided, we should accept and use. What He has not provided, we should wait for with firm faith.SL.XI.563,3-4AE 76,402PRAYER: You have often shown us in your Word, O Lord, that your children will never lack any good thing. We trust you to provide all the “good things” we need as your children. Grant us your grace that we never misuse any of these good things, for Christ's sake. Amen.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12In this extended Day 13, Apostle ID prays for powerful deliverance from issues of the soul and demonic hinderances such as soulties, poverty, and infirmity. God's Word reveals who we are and why we do what we do. The Word of God must divide soul and spirit as it is necessary to win the war against satanic kingdom. Join us to understand why it is important for every Believer to submit to the Word of God, and learn what God is looking for in every Believer and what pleases Him. Have the Word of God take dominion over your lives, enforce the Word of God and tarry with us to attain your freedom. In this series of 100 Midnights, we approach God's throne of grace with repentance and with faith to overcome every demonic and non-demonic obstacle. This is a series of warfare teachings and prayers designed to facilitate real and enduring deliverance.For each midnight, I will be sharing one day of Biblical principles and strategies from my new book: 100-DAY PLAN TOWARDS REAL DELIVERANCE. You are strongly encouraged to take the time during this 100-day midnight (EST) series to embark on some days of fasting and prayer. Intermittently, do a 3-day or a 7-day fast as you are led by the Spirit of God.And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force - Matthew 11:12​​​​.

Season 3: Episodes 10, 11, and 12In the wake of a massive victory, the scouts prepare for Eren’s return to Shiganshina. Kenny’s motivations are revealed, and hthe 104th reminisces on better times.Twitter: twitter.com/teatimetitansInstagram: instagram.com/teatimewithtitans

Matthew 7:7-12 (NASB95) Prayer and the Golden Rule 7Ask, andit will be given to you;seek, and you will find;knock, and it will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9Or what man is there among youwho, when his son asks for a loaf,will give him a stone?10Orif he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! 12In everything,therefore,treat people the same way you wantthem to treat you, forthis is the Law and the Prophets.

Sermon on the Mount series message 6Text: Matthew 5:1-12In this message we'll cover Jesus' statement: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Jesus continues to demonstrate that God's Kingdom work involves matters of the heart.

Tom Middleton is a director, cinematographer, drone filming specialist and co-founder of SMN Film – a video production and video marketing agency. He’s also one of the BBC’s 'go-to' drone cinematographers.In this interview – loaded with advice for aspiring and established filmmakers and creators, Tom gives us his best advice for drone shooting, how he connects on a personal level with businesses and what it takes to truly find a work-life balance.Tom runs the business with his wife Miche, also a filmmaker – specialising in creating beautiful cinematic films that evoke an emotional response in audiences worldwide.Over the years Tom has run film events, lectured in creative media production and freelanced as a DOP, director and producer.Listen @ http:videotalks.co/12In this episode:Why his family moved away from LondonHow they evolved a business by playing with toysThe power of LinkedIn vs other social networksWhy it's important to showing your personality through social mediaHow to shoot with a smart phoneHow to shoot the best drone shotsHow video can change the fortunes of a business, even in lockdownWhy you should separate yourself from your business when working from homeWhy gaming and playing Goldeneye is great for drone filmmakingWhy camera movement is key in everything he shootsWhy backing up footage is the first thing you should doWhy planning is fundamentally the best thing you can doAn overview of Tom's drone cinematography course

Podcast: The Smart City Podcast Episode: Interview with Albert Rooyakkers the CEO of Bedrock Automation Hosted by Rick RysPub date: 2020-06-12In this Podcast you will hear ARC ask Albert Rooyakkers the CEO of Bedrock Automation critical questions about how a control system can be secure and open at the same time. ARC goes on to ask Albert Rooyakkers how modern control systems configure the required process control functions and how standards like IEC 61131 and IEC 61499 apply to develop new re-usable control algorithms. In addition, ARC asks Albert how system software updates can be made while the control system is running a process that must be kept operational and Albert describes how that can happen.The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Smart Cities Team at ARC Advisory Group , which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Acts 10 9The next day, as they were on their journey and getting near the town, Peter went up onto the roof of the house to pray. It was around midday; 10he was hungry, and asked for something to eat. While they were preparing it, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heaven opened, and a vessel like a great sail coming down towards the earth, suspended by its four corners. 12In the sail there was every kind of four-footed creature, reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13Then he heard a voice: ‘Get up, Peter!' said the voice. ‘Kill and eat!' 14‘Certainly not, Master!' said Peter. ‘I've never eaten anything common or unclean!' 15‘What God has made clean,' said the voice, coming now for a second time, ‘you must not regard as common.' 16This all happened three times, and then suddenly the sail was whisked back up to heaven. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. O Love, O God who created me, in your love recreate me. O Love, who redeemed me, fill up in me whatever part of your love has fallen into neglect within me. O Love, O God, who first loved me, grant that with my whole heart, and with my whole soul, and with my whole strength, I may love you. Gertrude the Great

Thank you for joining us. In this episode, we are discussing overcoming a scarcity or poverty mindset. In the current season with all that is going on in the world, we can be tempted to look to ourselves and not God as our source. We will be looking at scarcity's effect on who we are and how to overcome the temptation to think and act in this way. Listen to gain keys and strategies to overcome and live a healthy and whole life. Scriptures mentioned: Luke 6:38, 1 Corinthians 2:16, John 10:10, Proverbs 13:12, Hebrews 4:12In this episode we discuss:What is a scarcity mindset?Limiting beliefs leading you to have a scarcity mindsetEffects of a scarcity mindsetScarcity’s effect on your healthAnd More! Join us! You will learn about these items and more on Season 1: Episode 13 of the Prescription for Divine Health Podcast!Resources & Links Mentioned in the ShowThe God Still Heals Collective w/ Dr. Andrea (Free Exclusive FB Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/516490952161056/?ref=bookmarks www.drandreaihart.com- Website for tools to grow your faith in health and healing Text “GodHeals” to 77948 to receive your “7 Hindrances to Divine Healing” Free Action Guide or click here http://bit.ly/joindrandrea1 Click here to subscribe to the show and leave a review- http://bit.ly/PFDHSubscribe (Book) God Still Heals: Keys to Activate the Healing Power of God in Your Life by Dr. Andrea I Hart https://amzn.to/2vJ1hoQ Do you have a testimony? Form www.drandreaihart.com/mytestimony Dr. Lauren’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencarroll/ Dr. Andrea’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_andreaihart/ Dr. Andrea’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/DrAndreaIHart/

Thank you for joining us. In this episode, Dr. Andrea is discussing how to have faith for healing. We discuss some of the simple truths regarding believing God for healing in our bodies. Learn key aspects of building your faith for healing when symptoms of sickness and disease are attempting to away your faith. Gain wisdom and understanding to make a healthy lifestyle change today. Scriptures mentioned: 3 John 2, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 11:1-5, Romans 10:17, Romans 12:3, Hebrews 4:12In this episode we discuss:Two things you need to know for healing to work in your lifeIt is God’s will to healWe have God’s capacity for faithWhat are the requirements of Bible faith? Hindrances to Receiving HealingAnd More! Join us! You will learn about these items and more on Season 1: Episode 9 of the Prescription for Divine Health Podcast!Resources & Links Mentioned in the ShowSponsor: The Kingdom Business Leadership Network www.thekbln.com; Join at bit.ly/joinkblnThe God Still Heals Collective w/ Dr. Andrea (Free Exclusive FB Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/516490952161056/?ref=bookmarks www.drandreaihart.com- Website for tools to grow your faith in health and healing Text “GodHeals” to 77948 to receive your “7 Hindrances to Divine Healing” Free Action Guide or click here http://bit.ly/joindrandrea1 Click here to subscribe to the show and leave a review- http://bit.ly/PFDHSubscribe Prior Podcast Episodes Mentioned: S1 Ep 3 How Does Your Spirit Impact Your Healthhttps://www.drandreaihart.com/podcast/2020/2/28/s1-ep-3-how-does-your-spirit-impact-your-health (Book) God Still Heals: Keys to Activate the Healing Power of God in Your Life by Dr. Andrea I Hart https://amzn.to/2vJ1hoQ Do you have a testimony? Form www.drandreaihart.com/mytestimony Dr. Lauren’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencarroll/ Dr. Andrea’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_andreaihart/ Dr. Andrea’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/DrAndreaIHart/

Text: 2 Samuel 23.8-12In order to receive our blessings, we must be willing to stand our ground.The devil is trying to distract us from what’s good.You’ve got to be willing to stand during the testing time.A little thing can come in and spoil your faith but you have to stand your ground.

And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.  Mark 3:12In this passage, Jesus rebukes the unclean spirits and commands that they refrain from making Him known to others.  Why does He do this?In this passage, Jesus commands the unclean spirits to remain silent because their testimony to the truth of who Jesus is cannot be trusted.  They cannot be trusted.  The key thing to understand here is that the demons often deceive others by speaking some truth in a slightly erroneous way.  They mix the truth with error.  Therefore, they are not worthy of speaking any truth about Jesus.This should give us insight into the proclamation of the Gospel in general.  There are many whom we hear preach the Gospel, but not everything we hear or read is fully trustworthy.  There are countless opinions, advice givers, and preachers in our world today.  Sometimes the preacher will say something quite true but then will knowingly or unknowingly mix that truth with small errors.  This does great damage and leads many astray.  So the first thing we should take from this passage is that we must always listen carefully to what is preached and try to discern whether or not what is said is fully in union with what Jesus has revealed.  This is the main reason we should always rely upon the preaching of Jesus as it is revealed through our Church.  Jesus guarantees that His truth is spoken through His Church.  Therefore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the lives of the saints, and the wisdom of the Holy Father and bishops must always be used as a basis for all we listen to and preach ourselves.Reflect, today, upon how completely you trust our Church.  Sure, our Church is filled with sinners; we are all sinners.  But our Church is also filled with the fullness of the truth and you must enter into a deep trust of all that Jesus has and continues to reveal to you through His Church.  Offer a prayer of gratitude this day for the teaching authority of the Church and recommit yourself to a full acceptance of that authority.Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your Church.  Today, I especially thank You for the gift of the clear and authoritative teaching that comes to me through the Church.  May I always trust in this authority and offer a full submission of my mind and will to all that You have revealed, especially through our Holy Father and the saints.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Matthew 3:4-12In this week's sermon we see from God's Word that if you do not repent and turn to Christ, there will be eternal consequences.

Text: Matthew 2:1-12In the story following the birth of Jesus, the Magi came from another realm with a completely different worldview then that of the Jews. Nevertheless, God decided to work through their false ideas of staring at the stars to reveal to them a divine truth. God was willing to save them and bring…

“In the desert there is a voice that calls, that says you are the beloved child of God."What do you hear when you step into the desert?//Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”//This episode was written and recorded by Jared Byas. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish Suppose It Is by Podington Bear and The Great Burn by Dave Depper.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“In the desert there is a voice that calls, that says you are the beloved child of God."What do you hear when you step into the desert?//Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”//This episode was written and recorded by Jared Byas. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish Suppose It Is by Podington Bear and The Great Burn by Dave Depper.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

SCRIPTURE (from the Revised Common Lectionary): Romans 15:4-13; Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 3:1-12In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes that hope is the product of steadfast belief. He tells the Gentiles of the city that all of the Law and all of the writings of the Old Testament prophets point forward to the arrival of Jesus, and by believing in him, we are connected to that story and given the gift of real hope. This leads us to two important responsibilities in the Advent season and beyond: first, we need to do the work of getting to know Jesus by exploring just who the Law and the prophets say he should be. By doing this, we are strengthening our beliefs about who Jesus says he is! And second, we need to live out what Jesus teaches us about being human; this is how we do the work of actually believing! Paul’s letter tells us that doing these two things produces hope in us, and as we live more and more like Christ, it allows hope to pour out from us into our world.

Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”John the Baptist, crying out there in the wilderness, shows up a lot in these Advent days every year. He’s the one God uses to get our attention – not just because he dresses funny, eats strange things and lives on the margins – but because he was calling people to repent of their sins and to prepare the way for Jesus; to get ready, to get baptized, to get right with themselves and to get right with God so they could receive and experience and participate most fully in what God was about to do through Jesus.And I don’t want to dismiss the importance of what most preachers will preach about this morning when John the Baptist shows up, again, on the Second Sunday of Advent – all of that hard, holy stuff about preparing the way, making the paths straight for Jesus, and repenting and turning to God, searching for God, and all the rest, matters. It’s why we’re so deliberate about making our confession in worship these days and receiving our forgiveness, too.But, because we’re into this Marks of Discipleship series – and because we’re called to consider what it means to “GIVE of our time and abilities for the sake of God’s kingdom,” I want to talk about the notion that John the Baptist – letting his freak flag fly out there in the wilderness – really was, apparently, an odd duck in a long line of strange birds and unlikely souls God has used over time to bear the Kingdom and it’s Good News for the sake of the world.And like John, each and every one of us is called to make a way for this King and for this Kingdom that’s coming. The high and the holy and the lost and the lowly, just the same – each of us is called to the proverbial river and invited to walk around in the waters of our baptism with a gift and a knack and a talent and a purpose and a passion – I hope – for however we can use God’s blessing in and God’s calling on our life to make a way for grace and love and mercy and peace to live and move and breathe among us, for the sake of the world. Each of us has a little John the Baptist in us, somewhere.But if there’s anything I’ve learned from people over the years about what keeps us from following Jesus or doing God’s will or serving the world by way of our gifts and abilities, two things seem to be true and almost universal. First of all, none of us feel completely qualified or compelled to do “too much.” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard some version of the phrase, “I’ll be glad to help – with this project or with that task – but I don’t want to lead,” I would have a lot of dollars. (You know who you are. And I’ve said it myself, so I’m not just throwing stones, here.) And the other thing that’s true for most – if not all – of us is that there’s never enough time, or we’re never sure it’s the right time, to say “yes” to what God may be calling us to do with ourselves, for the sake of the kingdom.So, sadly, too much of the time, we so “no.” Or we don’t say anything. We decline the offer, we don’t accept the invitation, we put off the opportunity, we leave our freak flags packed away in the closet, and we pretend we aren’t qualified or that someone else is more qualified or has more time or more talent or more, whatever.And when John the Baptist lets the Pharisees and the Sadducees have it, down by the river in this morning’s Gospel… when he calls them a “brood of vipers and says, “God is able, from these stones, to raise up children to Abraham,” I think he’s saying something to the effect of, “God is going to do, what God is going to do, people. God is going to bring this Kingdom to pass. God is on the way, in Jesus, and you are welcome to get on board and let it change you; and be part of the action; get in on the fun; do something for the good of the cause – or not.”God is going to God, if you will. And God is going to find people to prepare the way… to bear good fruit… to do God’s bidding… “God is able – even from a pile of stones – to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for all creation.”And God has done it before… raised up children, I mean, to accomplish God’s will in and for the sake of the world.And since we’re talking about Advent and getting ready for Christmas… and hopefully pondering and praying, now, about how we, ourselves, might help to prepare a way…. Just look at who and what God raised up in preparation for Jesus to show up that first time around. In those long, last days before Jesus’ birth, God was busy raising up stones and lifting up people and gifting all sorts of souls to work for the good of the cause.God raised up a stone in Mary, who had every reason to say “no,” young, unmarried, peasant-girl that she was. But what looked like strikes against her were actually qualifications in the eyes of our God: poor, humble, meek, and weak (in the eyes of the world, anyway), Mary was just exactly the right stone to grow, carry, nurse and nurture the One who would learn from her about how to live, to thrive as, and to care for the poor, humble, meek, and weak in the world around him.And God raised up another stone, too, in Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin and John the Baptist’s mother. Elizabeth was a companion and mentor for Mary in the early days of her pregnancy – an encourager, a confidante, a sister from another mister, someone too old to be having children, but pregnant by the grace of God, and someone with whom Mary could share this journey toward motherhood; a listening ear and faithful friend; a believer who believed what Mary told her and who confirmed what God was up to in their lives.And God raised up another stone in Joseph, of course, who had to be suspicious about all of this, but who became more than just a step-dad, but a dad who stepped up, as the saying goes; who owned his role as Mary’s betrothed and as Jesus’ father when he could just as easily – and with righteous indignation and all the support of his people – walked away from it all and started over without the hassle.And God raised up other stones, too: that innkeeper who had space and the gift of hospitality to share it; the shepherds who heard the Good News, had the faith, and went out of their way to confirm it; the wisemen, too, who had wisdom and used it and who had financial resources and shared them.You get the point, right? Maybe you have the gift of companionship and encouragement, like Elizabeth did. Maybe you have the capacity for hospitality like the innkeeper or the ability to listen like the shepherds or financial resources, like the wisemen. Maybe you’re a stone of another kind altogether. Each of us has a gift to give… each of us has more time and more ability than we need once we let the grace of God have its way with us… each of us is a stone God will raise up for the good of the cause – much to our surprise a lot of the time – for the blessing of the world and for the sake of the kingdom that was, that is and that is on the way.Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Christmas365 presents: Music Podcast 2018.12In this new music-podcast our guests are: 01 - Glamourama - Singing Jingle Bells and Let It Snow02 - Mister Snowman - Sing-A-Longs03 - Ray Conniff - Sleigh ride04 - Ronettes - Sleigh ride05 - Shakin´Stevens - Merry christmas everyone06 - Train - Shake up christmasVoice-Over: Anjes.For more Christmas365 Music visit our website: https://christmas365music.blogspot.com or download the Spreaker-radio app (for all devices),** or the Google-Podcast App or Apple-Podcast App, Search for Christmas365 make it your favorite and join the club.**Frits365 Music podcast is available on Googlepodcast, Applepodcast,Podcastaddict, Soundcloud, Tunein and Castbox .https://www.facebook.com/frits365 https://www.twitter.com/frits365

The Damascus Road 1Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink. Saul’s Baptism 10There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” “Here I am, Lord,” he replied. 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.” 13“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19And after taking some food, he regained his strength.

I. PEITHOW – PERSUADE, TO APPLY PERSUASION, TOPREVAIL UPON OR WIN OVER, BRING ABOUT A CHANGE OF MINDII. ACTS 13:43A. Take advantage of opportunities when and if they come upIII. Acts 14:19A. There will be opposition when you persuade men to continue in the grace of GodB. There will be friends when you persuade menC. You persevere to persuade menIV. Acts 18:4A. Church founded because Paul persuaded those like and unlike himB. Church founded because Paul persuaded consistentlyV. Acts 19:8-10A. Reach the reachable, teach the teachableB. Need to be open to discussion to persuadeVI. Acts 19:26A. His message was clear even to the unbelieverB. His message extended well beyond the city – as should oursC. If people are going to speak about us let’s make sure they have our message correctVII. Acts 21:14A. At times it is best to agree to disagree and say “The Lord’s will be done”.VIII. Acts 26:26-28A. No matter the person or the situation persuade men to become a Christian.IX. Acts 28:23A. Major on the majors – salvationB. Use ScriptureC. Don’t expect 100% successful responseX. Romans 8:38-39A. Persuaded that nothing can separate from love of God is a glorious position to stand, sit, rest.XI. Romans 14:14-15A. According to the law of love my rights and preferences are not as important as the walk of a brother.XII. Romans 15:14A. Emphasize what is good about anotherXIII. Galatians 1:10A. Are you a people pleaser or a God pleaser?XIV. 2 Timothy 1:5A. Our young adults may practice the faith differently, but be persuaded that the faith is strong.XV. 2 Timothy 1:12In 2 Corinthians 5;11 Paul said “knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men. Today, we have looked at 14 different times that Paul persuaded men. My questions to you are you persuaded? Who are you persuading? Who or what is persuading you?

Oneness and Peace in Christ 11Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. 14For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. 17He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. A Temple for the Lord 19So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

Standing Firm in GraceGalatians 5:1-12In this letter to the church at Galatia, Paul argues that obedience to the Law cannot lead to salvation and cannot form a proper basis for the conduct of the Christian life. 2019; Ken Mitchell.June 30, 2019 | Westside Chapel

Victim or Villain?Ecclesiastes 9:1-12In this life, we struggle between seeing ourselves as victims and villains—neither of which is helpful for living a life that glorifies God.I. To Be or not to Be? (vv. 3, 4-6, 11)A. The Battle—Solomon v. Paul (vv. 4-6; Philippians 1:21-23)B. The Limits of Solomon’s Comparison (vv. 3, 11)II. Life Under the Sun (vv. 1-3, 7-12)A. What God Allows (vv. 1-3, 11-12)B. What God does not Require (vv. 7, 10)C. What God does Require (vv. 7-9)III. When a Dead Lion is Better (v. 4; Revelation 5:5-6; 7:13-14)A. Where Our Logic Leads (v. 4; Revelation 5:5-6; 7:13-14)B. Seeing Our Lives (in this World) through His (v. 1; Romans 8:16-17)C. Feasting Upon the Lion (v. 7; John 6:53)Discussion Starters1. Monday—How do we see ourselves as victims when bad things happen to people who strive to live well? How do we tend think the world should operate?2. Tuesday—Have you ever felt like you were letting God down—like he expects more from you and you never do it all? Do you struggle to believe that God approves of what you have done?3. Wednesday—What does it mean that God wants you to keep your garments white? What is more important—holiness or accomplishments?4. Thursday—What is the danger of forgetting to slow down and enjoy God’s blessings? What are the blessing you could a better job enjoying?5. Friday—Why do you think God allows those who follow him to suffer like those who don’t? Why doesn’t he choose for the world to be like we think it should be?

Victim or Villain?Ecclesiastes 9:1-12In this life, we struggle between seeing ourselves as victims and villains—neither of which is helpful for living a life that glorifies God.I. To Be or not to Be? (vv. 3, 4-6, 11)A. The Battle—Solomon v. Paul (vv. 4-6; Philippians 1:21-23)B. The Limits of Solomon’s Comparison (vv. 3, 11)II. Life Under the Sun (vv. 1-3, 7-12)A. What God Allows (vv. 1-3, 11-12)B. What God does not Require (vv. 7, 10)C. What God does Require (vv. 7-9)III. When a Dead Lion is Better (v. 4; Revelation 5:5-6; 7:13-14)A. Where Our Logic Leads (v. 4; Revelation 5:5-6; 7:13-14)B. Seeing Our Lives (in this World) through His (v. 1; Romans 8:16-17)C. Feasting Upon the Lion (v. 7; John 6:53)Discussion Starters1. Monday—How do we see ourselves as victims when bad things happen to people who strive to live well? How do we tend think the world should operate?2. Tuesday—Have you ever felt like you were letting God down—like he expects more from you and you never do it all? Do you struggle to believe that God approves of what you have done?3. Wednesday—What does it mean that God wants you to keep your garments white? What is more important—holiness or accomplishments?4. Thursday—What is the danger of forgetting to slow down and enjoy God’s blessings? What are the blessing you could a better job enjoying?5. Friday—Why do you think God allows those who follow him to suffer like those who don’t? Why doesn’t he choose for the world to be like we think it should be?

Audio recording of January 7 worship - Epiphany Festival. Bulletin pasted below:Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us. Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy; AMEN.Christ, our Advocate:Our churches teach that the history of saints may be set before us so that we may follow the example of their faith and good works, according to our calling. For example, the emperor may follow the example of David [2 Samuel] in making war to drive away the Turk from his country. For both are kings. 2 But the Scriptures do not teach that we are to call on the saints or to ask the saints for help. Scripture sets before us the one Christ as the Mediator, Atoning Sacrifice, High Priest, and Intercessor [1 Timothy 2:5–6]. 3 He is to be prayed to. He has promised that He will hear our prayer [John 14:13]. This is the worship that He approves above all other worship, that He be called upon in all afflictions. 4 “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). Augsburg Confession, Article 21 (Concordia p. 44)Glory Revealed:God has blessed us with 40 years of worship here. What a miracle!An heir was placed in the lap of bereaved Naomi. What a miracle!The Magi worshipped the young Christ-child. What a miracle!Paul reveals the mystery of the miraculous: God’s grace is for all people!How does Epiphany relate to our gospel proclamation today?OPENING HYMN: 83 – As with Gladness Men of OldLITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Ruth 4:13-17Through Ruth, God provided a descendent for bereaved Naomi; in the mystery of his grace, God included Gentiles in the ancestry of Christ:13Then Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went to her. The LORD enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi: Blessed is the LORD, who has not left you without a redeemer today. May his name be proclaimed in Israel! 15He will restore your life and care for you in your old age, because your daughter-in-law, who loves you, has given birth to him. She is better for you than seven sons! 16Then Naomi took the boy and put him on her lap, and she became his caregiver. 17The neighboring women named him, saying, “A son is born to Naomi!” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David.PSALM: 72, p. 93 SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:2-12 God has proclaimed the mystery: Through this gospel, we can approach God in freedom & confidence:2Surely you have heard of the administration of God’s grace given to me for you, 3namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation (as I have already written briefly). 4When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5This mystery was not made known to people in past generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and people who also share in the promise through the gospel. 7I became a servant of this gospel, in keeping with the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8To me—even though I am the very least of all the saints—was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 9and to enlighten everyone about the administration of this mystery. In past ages this mystery remained hidden in God, who created all things. 10He did this so that, through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God in the heavenly places might now be made known to the rulers and authorities. 11This was done according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we can freely approach God with confidence through faith in him. THEME VERSE: Matthew 2:2Alleluia. We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” 7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31HYMN OF THE DAY: 79 vv. 1-3 – How Lovely Shines the Morning StarSERMON based on Psalm 72: The Fulfillment of the King’s ReignHYMN: 79 vv. 4-5 – How Lovely Shines the Morning StarOFFERINGPRAYER & LORD’S PRAYERThe sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 310 – I Come, O Savior, to Your TableSONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36CLOSING HYMN: 622 – For Many Years, O God of GraceNOTESChristmas undecorating today at 11:30 AM.All are invited to the parsonage for chili lunch. (517 Tilden St)Starting this Wednesday, 6 & 8 PM - WELS Online Bible Study. Tune in from the comfort of your home computer - www.wels.net/interactivefaithFebruary 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.THIS WEEKToday Judges 2 9:30 - Epiphany Festival Worship 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class: Genesis 3 11:30 - Christmas undecorating 12:02 - Lunch at the ParsonageMonday Judges 3Tuesday Judges 4 7 PM - CouncilWednesday Judges 5 11:30 AM - LW @Perkins 5 PM - Small Catechism ClassThursday Judges 6 6 PM - ChoirFriday Judges 7Saturday Judges 8Sunday Judges 9 9:30 - Epiphany 2 Worship 10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline  Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572 iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app. Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine. Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.                                              

Following Jesus Following Jesus starts with a Divine Interruption 1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,”he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. When God interrupts our lives, it’s often an invitation to do something uncomfortable. 10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” How God speaks to us: Through His Word All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Through Other People "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”" - Acts 9:17 Through Our Circumstances Through Prayer God will never command anything contrary to what he has already revealed through Scripture. When God commands us to do something uncomfortable, we must do the uncomfortable thing. 17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. 19….Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. -Acts 9:17-20

IL COMMENTO BREVE "POCKET GOSPEL" E' IN FONDO ALL'APPLICAZIONE----Dal Vangelo secondo Matteo 5,1-12In quel tempo, vedendo le folle, Gesù salì sulla montagna e, messosi a sedere, gli si avvicinarono i suoi discepoli. Prendendo allora la parola, li ammaestrava dicendo:“Beati i poveri in spirito,perché di essi è il regno dei cieli.Beati gli afflitti,perché saranno consolati.Beati i miti,perché erediteranno la terra.Beati quelli che hanno fame e sete della giustizia,perché saranno saziati.Beati i misericordiosi,perché troveranno misericordia.Beati i puri di cuore,perché vedranno Dio.Beati gli operatori di pace,perché saranno chiamati figli di Dio.Beati i perseguitati per causa della giustizia,perché di essi è il regno dei cieli.Beati voi quando vi insulteranno, vi perseguiteranno e, mentendo, diranno ogni sorta di male contro di voi per causa mia. Rallegratevi ed esultate, perché grande è la vostra ricompensa nei cieli. Così infatti hanno perseguitato i profeti prima di voi”.-----BEATI NEL BEATO CHE HA VINTO LA MORTE E CI ATTIRA NELLA VITA NUOVA DEL CIELO GIA' QUI SULLA TERRAFratelli, è un lunedì meraviglioso; il Signore ci ama infinitamente, per questo ci dona di cominciare questa settimana con il compimento nella nostra vita del Mistero ineffabile che abbiamo celebrato ieri. Così questo lunedì diventa il prototipo di ogni lunedì, di ogni nuovo inizio della nostra vita, dopo una confessione o un'eucarestia ad esempio; oggi, infatti il Signore ci annuncia che siamo “beati”. Attenzione, siamo "beati" per ciò che viviamo nel presente al quale è già legato indissolubilmente quello che gusteremo nel futuro. "Beati", dunque, in questo momento, che abbraccia il presente qui sulla terra e il futuro nel Cielo, a cui possiamo credere proprio perché ne possiamo pregustare già qui la "beatitudine". Essere "beati" allora non è solo una promessa, ma è la nostra identità autentica, ed è anche la missione alla quale ci chiama. Sì, perché la “beatitudine” è, soprattutto, un “invio” a vivere quello che siamo, ad annunciare e a testimoniare la “beatitudine” che Cristo compie in noi nella Chiesa. “In ebraico la parola “ashrei” – felice – tradotta con "beato", non allude a sentimenti, sensazioni, stati d'animo, nemmeno a tranquillità e appagamento. Indica, invece, un “dinamismo”, tanto che la parola “beato” si potrebbe tradurre con "cammino rinnovato in ogni momento" (M. Vidal). La tradizione ebraica ha compreso le Dieci Parole ricevute sul Sinai - i "comandamenti" - come il "cammino" della vita: terminano infatti con "Fa questo", ovvero, cammina così, “e avrai la vita”. Su un’altra montagna, quella che s'innalza dolce dalle rive del lago di Tiberiade, in piena Galilea immagine della terra di missione, e sulla quale il Signore risorto ha dato appuntamento ai suoi apostoli per inviarli ad annunciare il Vangelo, Gesù ha consegnato alla Chiesa sua Sposa il famoso Discorso in cui è tracciato il cammino della Nuova Alleanza; e l'ouverture che ne sintetizza i contenuti è composta proprio con le note delle “beatitudini”. Oggi la Chiesa, nella quale il Signore "è tutti i giorni" con i discepoli, le consegna anche a noi, già compiute su un altro monte, il Golgota; sulla Croce, infatti, Gesù ha inciso con il suo sangue ogni “povertà di spirito”, “afflizione”, “fame di sete e giustizia”, “persecuzione a causa della giustizia”, “insulto” e “calunnia”, offrendo con “mitezza” ai suoi assassini la “misericordia” e la "pace” nel suo corpo; per questo ha ricevuto la “grande ricompensa” della resurrezione, la porta spalancata sull’autentica “terra” promessa, il Regno dei Cielo nel quale si è “saziato” di “consolazioni” nel “vedere” di nuovo il volto del Padre. Fratelli, Gesù è il “Figlio di Dio” che ha “ereditato” per noi il destino eterno di felicità che ci offre gratuitamente nella Chiesa attraverso la “misericordia” che ci rigenera per vivere secondo la volontà di Dio, cioè “beati”. Fratelli, Cristo è risorto, primizia dei “beati”! Entrando con Lui nella morte anche noi sperimenteremo, oggi, la sua stessa “beatitudine”. Non ce ne sono altre, perché nessuna di quelle che offre il mondo, nessuna di quelle che oggi speriamo è incorruttibile. Che vuoi, guarire da una malattia? E chi non lo vorrebbe, e a volte Dio ce lo concede. Ma ci riammaleremo di nuovo. Se però nella malattia che ti “affligge” sperimenti già la “consolazione” di Cristo, che cioè è con-la tua solitudine e, abbracciandoti, ti fa distendere sulla Croce che “purifica” il tuo “cuore” da ogni menzogna del demonio per “vedere” il Padre tra le piaghe e i dolori, allora questa è la “beatitudine” vera, che non sfugge dalle mani, mai. Come quella di due fidanzati che possono sperimentare le primizie del “Regno dei Cieli” nel pudore, nella libertà, nella sincerità, nel rispetto e nella castità in cui imparano il dono reciproco, mentre sono “perseguitati a causa della giustizia” del mondo e della carne che li vorrebbe sottomettere alla dittatura del desiderio. Come quella di due sposi che, “operando la pace” donata loro da Cristo risorto nel perdono che prende su di sé il peccato dell’altro, fosse anche un tradimento, sperimentano la libertà senza limiti dei “figli di Dio” che non hanno nulla da difendere perché vivono già l'anticipo della vita celeste che è l'amore di Cristo che distrugge le barriere del peccato e della morte. Come quella di chi, “ammansiti", cioè resi "miti" e senza pretese dinanzi alla storia e ai fratelli attraverso gli eventi dolorosi e difficili accettati perché illuminati nella Chiesa, "ereditano" in tutto e in tutti la "Terra" dove gustare il latte e il miele dell'amore e della misericordia di Dio. Allora coraggio fratelli, siamo "beati", soprattutto quando "tutti" - anche chi ci è accanto ingannato dal demonio - ci ritengono dei “miserabili”, ovvero dei “pitocchi” e “rannicchiati per lo spavento” (secondo l’originale greco tradotto con “poveri”), cioè vigliacchi e inutili per aver creduto a Cristo e consegnato a Lui la vita. Per questo "insulteranno" noi e i nostri figli al lavoro e a scuola, e "ci perseguiteranno e, mentendo, diranno ogni sorta di male contro di noi per causa” sua. Ma sarà proprio in quei momenti che gusteremo sino in fondo la “beatitudine” che sa di Paradiso, così soave da farci “esultare”, come i martiri durante il supplizio. Sì fratelli, perché la “fame di giustizia” che muove alla violenza il mondo dominato da satana e dalla sua ingiustizia, in noi è stata “saziata” dalla Giustizia di Cristo che ci ha amati così tanto da perdonarci e ricrearci in Lui; e ci ha fatto addirittura degni di assomigliargli nelle sofferenze, per ricevere nel Cielo - a cui crediamo e che attendiamo perché nella Chiesa ne stiamo pregustando l'amore - la sua stessa “ricompensa”, ovvero la vita eterna nell'eterna beatitudine. Per questo oggi saremo “beati”, cioè “profeti” che, dalla Croce che tutti sfuggono, annunciano la Terra che tutti desiderano, il Regno preparato per ogni uomo le cui primizie risplendono in noi. Non dobbiamo far nulla, solo essere quello che siamo, rinnovati, sostenuti e guidati dalla Chiesa, entrando in questo lunedì così come si presenterà, accomodandoci all'ultimo posto, il più vicino al Cielo, dove c'è già Cristo, la nostra "beatitudine".