Blessed Are the Courageous!

ALOHA! As we continue our journey through the season of Epiphany, we are invited to watch for the light of Christ shining in unexpected places, revealing who God is, and who we are called to become. Epiphany carries us forward, week by week, toward the holy turning point of Ash Wednesday, when we will enter Lent with honesty, humility, and hope. For now, we linger in this season of illumination, listening for God’s call in Scripture and in our shared life, and asking how Christ’s light might guide our steps in the days ahead.

THIS SUNDAY, the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A), Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes will shine with surprising clarity: “Blessed are the meek… blessed are the merciful… blessed are the peacemakers.” In a world that prizes strength, certainty, and control, Christ blesses a different kind of courage: the quiet courage of humility, compassion, and faithful perseverance. We’ll also commemorate Queen Liliʻuokalani, whose life reminds us that courage is not always loud or victorious. Sometimes it looks like restraint, mercy, and steadfast love in the face of loss. We’ll reflect on how God calls us, in our own daily lives, to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our
God—living as people of light in a time that longs for peace. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

​ALSO THIS SUNDAY, February 1, after our morning worship, I invite you to join me in the Vicar’s Office for a special session to learn more about the sabbatical plans for 2027, which we discussed briefly at the Annual Meeting. I’ll be happy to share more information, get your ideas, and answer any questions about what’s ahead for St. Tim’s.

LAST SUNDAY we dove deeply into Psalm 27. The first verse captures the Psalmist’s confident declaration: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom them shall I be afraid” (Psalm 27:1). It’s a brave affirmation, but Psalm 27 doesn’t pretend fear isn’t real; it simply refuses to let trouble have the last word. This psalm doesn’t promise an easy day, but it can build a faithful and humble way forward. I encourage you to memorize that verse and start your day with it!

THE SEASON OF LENT IS COMING! We have some good things planned to help us all experience a meaningful Lent together at St. Timothy’s. Before it all starts, we’ll have a special Shrove Sunday Waffle Brunch on February 15 after worship (and if you can volunteer to help, please sign up!). Then on Ash Wednesday, February 18, our services with the imposition of ashes and communion will be at 12 noon and 6 p.m. On Wednesday evenings during Lent, February 25 – March 25, we’ll have our Lenten Soup & Study series at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall, using the book The Sign and the Sacrifice by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (copies are available for those interested). And we’ll have a wonderful series of Sunday Adult Classes led by Laurie Luczak on “Ho‘imi Pono,” helping us seek right relationships, after worship every Sunday, March 1 – 29. Please plan to participate in these opportunities for spiritual growth!

Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your continuing prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and devoted lay leaders and ministers, for your fellow members, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones always.  

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+