Trying to cover Beatitudes in one message is kind of like that old book the one minute manager because what makes the Beatitudes so special is how powerful, how unique each one is.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Some people find the beatitudes offensive – “I don’t like them, they make us sound like a bunch of wimps.” Blessed are the meek. Some people are offended by them. That’s OK, lots of folks find the gospel offensive. Try to be persecuted or meek – “I rather just do what everyone says, woe is me.” However, Jesus is assuring us of vindication on the last day – giving hope. Suffer and work and act on behalf of God in this lifetime, God will vindicate you in end.
So ask yourself: which one of these Beatitudes do you think is most important?
Poor in Spirit – we immediately imagine Mother Teresa, tirelessly touching, serving, loving in the streets of Calcutta, but I would add my friends at Volunteers4Animals welcoming abandoned newborn kittens or an older kitty surrendered at the shelter because its owner had died. We might think of mourners – people whose loved ones have died, caregivers of family member with dementia, or neighbors mourning a neighbor killed protesting for democracy. What about the meek? – folks behind the scenes, get no credit even though they work hard. I’m thinking about our volunteer firefighters and EMTs who were working during the recent snow storm. Or, 80 year olds freezing in the cold protesting to protect our constitution.
Could certainly be hunger and thirst for righteousness – tough thing to do – like Sister Julia feeding the hungry in Rochester. or the people in Minnesota and cities around the country protesting the murder of innocent citizens or protecting children in their schools. They could make a strong argument that this is most important.
Maybe it’s the Pure in heart – these folks know that what really makes a difference is the heart – where a decision to serve God is made. Jesus said clean up the inside of your cup and the outside will be clean.
Speaking of putting lives on line, what about the persecuted? The population of this country who are trying to save this democracy by peaceful protest, speech and political change. Members of the clergy in Minnesota arrested for their peaceful protest of the murders of Renee Nicole Wood and Alex Pretti.
Then there’s the peacemakers too – not just keeping the peace but making it. People in all our states occupied by federal agents trying to bring peace to the streets of their cities. Peaceful, relentless protests. No, we are not going to let you build a prison camp for immigrants and their children in our city. Ask yourself, what are you doing to say no?
Which of these is most important?
Me? I say it’s the merciful – the more I look at Jesus’ life and at the Gospel of Matthew, I see a life immersed and saturated in mercy. A king forgives his servant who then won’t forgive another – delivered to jail – so also will the Father do – have some mercy. Some kids come and Jesus says these are God’s people – do not lead one astray or else – no one else wanted them around – tender hearted mercy. The workers in the vineyard – begrudge the owner’s generosity – my mercy. The lame and blind come to him in the temple and he heals them. Prostitutes and tax collectors get in before the unrepentant – mercy for all. Sheep and goats separated by who showed mercy to the naked and prisoner.
Jesus was a man saturated in mercy – in everything he did or said. My hunch is in the Beatitudes, he is calling us to be like Him. Not talking about being some kind of superhero, renowned scholar, celebrity, missionary to China. Simply talking about being a Christian – defending the powerless, the voiceless, the immigration crackdown, one Holy Moment at a time.
God has shown you great mercy – by all means, please share it. Because, Lord knows, our country could use a little mercy right now.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are exhausted by another snow storm or the storms in our country’s city and streets. Give us a heart like yours, and share a little mercy right now.
