Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat
down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught
them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
What does Jesus mean by poor in spirit? Does He mean simple-minded people? People who are not so learned about theology, religion, doctrines and teachings of the Church? People who do their best to get along in life; and pray and love God within the limitations of their capabilities? Do I know someone like that? Do I pray for them?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
We have all had reason to mourn in our lives. We miss loved ones. When we miss someone it means that their absence has had a positive input in our lives; in our presence. Let us make sure we miss the people and not the good times and experiences we have had in our lives.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Only if the greedy grabbing lot will let them inherit anything! These days, it seems, everyone is intent on looking after Number One first. It's all "Me ... Me ... Me ..." Am I one of those selfish people who cannot see poor Lazarus on my doorstep? Or that shy colleague at work? Or anyone else needing help but is too embarrassed to ask?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Righteousness? What is that? Surely what is right in my eyes would be wrong in someone else's point of view. And I'm always right after all! There are so many people doing bad things in the world today. Wrong things. Thankfully, I am not one of them!
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Are we always merciful? Do we really forgive the wrongs done to us? Or do we bear a grudge and look forwards to revenge, retribution and just punishment when the time is right? Does the wrong done to us gnaw within our hearts to the point that it is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will be harmed?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Pure of heart? What is that? Surely we all have some dark, or evil, or naughty thoughts and perhaps actions in our hearts! Lusting for someone or something. Envy. Greed. Jealousy. These are all natural emotions. Surely Jesus does not mean me specifically about this!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"I said peacemakers ... not cheese makers. Pay attention!" When there is a family argument, or some disagreement amongst friends or colleagues at work; do I immediately take sides? Do I think and weigh matters carefully before deciding on my position? Do I try to bring both sides closer together? Or do I act like a wedge between them separating both sides further apart?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all
kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted
the prophets who were before you.
There are many people in the world today persecuted and killed for just being Christian. Are they in my prayers and in my mind? Or are they too far away from my comfortable home for me to care?
There are many people standing up for righteousness. Speaking up for unfairness, injustice, poverty, evils and other wrongs in society. Where am I in this debate? I may not be able to stand up and join them physically but how do my daily actions compare with my beliefs? Is my behaviour one that God would be proud of?
Wise words.
ReplyDelete"Or that shy colleague at work?"
This touched my heart. It's how I see myself.
Oh...and...the cheese makers need to be blessed too. I mean, yum! Right? 😄
I'm so sorry you are shy at work, Sandi. Sometimes a new job can be daunting and frightening. Praying for you.
DeleteAs for cheese? Perhaps we can discuss our favourites. Mine is Parmesan, and Cheddar, and Feta, and Gouda and ...
God bless, Sandi.
In regards to your question on my post:
DeleteDo you mean the flags? Do they show up as letters for you? It is supposed to be a line of various nations' flags at the end.
All I see is: 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇯🇵🇱🇷🇲ðŸ‡ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¦ðŸ‡ªðŸ‡¬ðŸ‡®ðŸ‡± I thought it was a new type of cheese.
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
I am blessed but am I blessed? I think I'm still a work in progress. Thank you for this post!! It is one that calls one to ponder where they are in relation to humanity! And where I am! As always, Victor, thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe are all blessed in some way, Cathy. And God knows ... we need it so!
DeleteGod bless you.
We are blessed by God when we see righteousness only in Him, not in ourselves. We can only be blessed with God's righteousness through Jesus - the One mediator between man and God.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteGod bless, Brenda.
You are a blessing Victor.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that God works through you to teach us His word.
To reach out to us and simplify His teachings.
God's Blessings Victor ✝
Thank you Jan. You are very kind. I hope God loves my sense of humour otherwise I'm in real trouble.
DeleteGod bless always.
Victor, you've certainly given all of us a wake up call as we ask these questions of ourselves. Thanks for this thought-provoking post, my friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you so much, Martha. I guess we all fall short somehow in meeting the conditions to these blessings. I know I do.
DeleteGod bless you, my friend.
Those are some great questions to ponder. Sometimes it feels like we can't possibly live up to those standards after all we're just humans with a lot of baggage.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Bill. We are only human. God knows that; but He asks us at least to try to better ourselves.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
Great questions! In particular, 'merciful' -- tho' I'm afraid I've come up short on that criteria. Just this morning in Bible study we were discussing how, when someone wrongs us do we retreat -- or retaliate. Given that we're studying Corinthians 2, better than we be like Paul.
ReplyDeleteI guess it's in our nature to retaliate, or seek revenge, Mevely. At the very least, we harbour bad feelings against those who wronged us; even though we might not do anything physically to seek revenge. Is that short of forgiveness? If we still have bad feelings in our hearts?
DeleteGod bless you, Mevely.
Good questions for all of us to think about.
ReplyDeleteI try my best but fall so short!!
We all fall short, I think.
DeleteGod bless, Happyone.
It is sobering when we stop and take stock of ourselves and go to Him to confess. Way too often we know but do not do what is right. He forgives, though, and He helps us do right next time.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Mimi. Amen.
DeleteGod bless.
So well said Victor. Your last question is one we should ask ourselves every day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. I know I fall short in answering the last question. I hope He forgives me.
DeleteGod bless.