Sermon for November 1, 2026

A reflection on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Drawing on a lifetime of work as a chemist and physiologist, Fr. Powers explains that science can describe much of our physical world, yet the things that matter most, the connection between human souls and God, lie beyond anything science can explain. We are called to do what is right even when it is hard, and to join the whole family of Christ in serving others. Recalling the words of Job he first heard as a child, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble,” he reminds us that Job also spoke of hope, like a tree cut down that sprouts again, and that God never asks us to weather the storms alone but promises to wipe away every tear.

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Fr. Robert Powers