The readings for this week for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12. The readings for the Presentation of the Lord are Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40. This week we explore the Beatitudes and the Presentation of Our Lord through the lens of psychological well-being research. Discover how modern studies on post-traumatic growth, purpose, and the "hedonic treadmill" illuminate Jesus' teachings about the blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. Through the patient waiting of Simeon and Anna, we see how seeking after God through life's difficulties—rather than avoiding them—leads to genuine spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Join us as we examine where faith and science converge on the transformative power of facing challenges with purpose. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.

Remember to answer this week's question: Where in your life do you need to stop and reflect and think about things? #FaithandSciPod

If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out: 1-29-23 - The Difficulty of the Beatitudes! 2-2-20 - We Should be Expecting Change!

I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz

Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity

Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod

References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/ https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill https://gwern.net/doc/psychology/1978-brickman.pdf https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827649/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4241300/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2208661120 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107 https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273