A Different Kind Of Community, A Different Kind Of Vision
Rev. Erik Swanson
January 25, 2026
You can watch the entire sermon here.
The first time I went to the Day Workers Center in Mountain View to do accompaniment work, the organizers gave me a long list of do’s and don’ts. It was helpful and instructive, laying out guidelines and things to watch for. But once I actually stepped into the work, I realized how limited that list was. The alertness it required, the anxiety I felt, and the reality of what was unfolding around me couldn’t really be captured on paper. The list tried to describe the experience, but in the end, the only way to understand it was to live it in real time.
The Beatitudes: Jesus’ List
I think something similar happens when we approach Scripture. Often we encounter cryptic sayings, parables filled with wisdom but short on clarity, and spiritual teachings that sound nice but leave many of us wishing for something simpler. Sometimes we just want a list — clear instructions on what to do. And in today’s gospel, we actually get one. The Beatitudes are one of the few true “lists” we’re given: nine “Blessed are you” statements that lay out the values Jesus calls us to embody. They are surprisingly clear about how Jesus wants the disciples — and us — to live. And yet, like that list at the Day Workers Center, these values can’t simply be checked off. They only make sense when we try to live them out.
A Litmus Test
As we reflect on who we have been as a community, I believe the Beatitudes offer us a powerful litmus test. This is not an evaluation of church finances, buildings, or programs. Jesus never asked the disciples whether the bills were paid or the institution was running smoothly. He seemed far more concerned with who they were as they did the work of ministry — how they treated others, how they carried themselves, and what values they embodied along the way.
The Flow Of Our Worship Life
I also appreciate the flow of the last several weeks of our worship life. We began with Christmas, celebrating God’s light entering the world. Then Epiphany showed us a response to that light. Baptism reminded us that we are God’s beloved children, carriers of that light. Last week we heard the call to follow. And today, finally, we are given the values meant to guide us as we go into the world.
A Radically Different Vision
Too often the church has gone into the world to judge, dominate, or condemn, embodying power rather than humility. The Beatitudes offer a radically different vision — one that stands in sharp contrast to what our culture and our leaders often celebrate. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” “Blessed are the meek.” This upside-down value system isn’t about rewards or transactions. God is not transactional. These blessings point to what happens when we live in alignment with the Spirit — what is good for our souls and for the world.
The Sermon On The Mount – For Us
So as we look ahead, I wonder what Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount might sound like if spoken directly to us. Perhaps: blessed are those who remain hopeful in chaos, loving in the face of violence, humble enough to care for others. As we reflect on the past year and plan for the next, may these values guide us — not just in what we do, but in who we are as we do it. Amen.