The Walk of the Humble
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany | February 1, 2026
Opening Thought
What does it mean to be "successful"?
In our world, the answer usually involves power, wealth, and influence. We celebrate the strong, the self-sufficient, and the ones who come out on top. But this Sunday, Jesus climbs a mountain, sits down with his disciples, and turns every human definition of success completely upside down.
The Beatitudes are not just a list of nice things to be; they are a manifesto for a new kind of kingdom. Jesus looks at the people the world overlooks—the mourning, the meek, the poor in spirit—and calls them "Blessed."
It’s a jarring message. It suggests that God’s favor isn't found in our achievements, but in our need for Him. It suggests that when we are at our most vulnerable, we are actually at our most "successful" in the eyes of heaven.
We saw a glimpse of this "new kingdom" just this week. Something amazing—and some would say miraculous—happened in our church: Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally was ordained as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman ever to serve in this capacity. While the headlines celebrate the history of the moment, her resume tells a deeper story of what true success looks like in God's economy.
Before she ever wore a mitre, Sarah wore a nurse's uniform. She began her career caring for cancer patients, eventually rising to become the Chief Nursing Officer for England—the youngest person ever to hold that post. Her ministry was formed not in an ivory tower, but at the bedside of the hurting. She has spent a lifetime holding the hands of the sick, comforting the dying, and acting as the true hands and feet of God. She brings to Canterbury a profound understanding that true authority is found in compassion, and that the highest calling is to serve.
She is a true disciple of Christ, and it is my hope that she will remind us all that we are Blessed, Loved, and Worthy. As we walk through this service, we are invited to set aside the world’s yardstick and measure our lives by the radical, merciful standard of the Gospel.
Engaging the Word
Our readings today challenge us to look past appearances to see what God truly values.
Micah (6:1-8) presents a courtroom scene where God has a "controversy" with His people. The people wonder if they can win God over with elaborate sacrifices or thousands of rivers of oil. But the prophet cuts through the ritual to the heart of the matter: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Psalm 15 asks a similar question: "Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?" The answer isn't about social status, but integrity. It describes a person who speaks the truth from the heart, does no evil to a neighbor, and stands by an oath even when it hurts.
1 Corinthians (1:18-31) finds Paul leaning into the "foolishness" of the cross. He reminds the Corinthians that not many of them were wise or powerful by human standards when they were called. God deliberately chose what the world considers "low and despised" to shame the strong. In the economy of grace, the only thing we have to boast about is the Lord.
Matthew (5:1-12) begins the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus sees the crowds and begins to teach. This isn't a list of new laws to follow, but a description of the character of those who belong to his kingdom. Each "Blessed" is a promise that God is present in the very places we least expect to find Him.
A Journey in Song: Our Musical Guides
Our music today echoes the themes of humility, service, and the pure joy of a heart centered on God.
Entrance Hymn: We begin with the majestic "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" (#390). This hymn is a grand declaration of God’s sovereignty over creation. It sets the stage by reminding us that our health, our shelter, and our very lives are granted by the "King of creation."Sequence Hymn: Just before the Gospel, we sing "O Master, let me walk with thee" (#660). This is a hymn of quiet, humble discipleship. It mirrors the walk mentioned in Micah—asking for the patience, trust, and strength to serve others in the "slow pace" of Christ.
Offertory Anthem: The choir offers "The Beatitudes" by Robert Lehman. Lehman’s setting of this text is masterfully atmospheric. It allows the words of Jesus to breathe, creating a musical space for us to contemplate each blessing. As the choir sings through the list—from the poor in spirit to the peacemakers—we are reminded that these are the hallmarks of the life we are called to lead.
Presentation Hymn: As we bring our gifts to the altar, we sing "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow" (#380, v.3). Using the Old 100th tune, we acknowledge the Source of all the blessings mentioned in the Beatitudes.
Communion Hymn: We sing "Lord, make us servants of your peace" (#593). This text, based on the Prayer of St. Francis, is the practical application of the Beatitudes. We ask to be instruments of God’s love where there is hatred, and light where there is darkness.
Post-Communion Hymn: We conclude with the exuberant "Rejoice, ye pure in heart" (#556). Having been fed at the table, we go out with a "song upon our lips," ready to live out the "blessed" life in the world around us.
A Closing Note on our Journey
There is a phrase in Micah that always catches me off guard: "To love kindness."
Notice it doesn't just say "be kind." It says we are to love kindness. We are to crave it, seek it out, and cherish it. In a world that often rewards "toughness" or "getting even," loving kindness is a revolutionary act.
I once had a member of the clergy tell me that I was "too kind." I remember asking, how can one be too kind? Isn't that exactly why we are here on this earth? I wondered if that person would have said the same thing to Jesus. Looking back, they probably would have!
Over the years, people from all aspects of my life have taken advantage of that kindness. Perhaps that is truly what that clergy person was trying to say in their limited capacity—that it is a risk. But that isn’t my concern. The prophet Micah didn't say, "Love kindness, then worry about how everyone else will treat you." He simply said, "Love kindness." Period. And Jesus echoed this in our Gospel today: "Blessed are the merciful."
What I realized was that there is no such thing as being "too kind." That is a worldly definition. When Jesus calls the peacemakers and the merciful "blessed," he isn't describing people who are weak; he is describing people who are strong enough to keep their hearts open even when they’ve been burned. I love people, and I have always tried to see the good in them. I can only do my part, and that is to try and live and love like Jesus.
This week, my challenge for you is to choose kindness, even if it feels risky. Remember that you are walking with the Master, and He is teaching you a song that the world can't hear, but heaven will never forget.
A Prayer for the Week Ahead
Let us pray for the humility to walk with God.
For the grace to be poor in spirit, knowing our need for the Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the courage to do justice and love kindness in a divided world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the pure in heart, that they may see God in their neighbors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the peace of God to rule in our hearts and in our homes.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Collect for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany:
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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