Written by: Frank Raike
Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“They are taking more away from us!” We were promised an income, benefits, and a future. Now, it’s slowly being taken away. Many are without jobs or have settled for a time on employment that is less than where we were before. Others have not had a raise in years. Health Care costs are rising. House values are decreasing. Gasoline is going up again. The retirement plan isn’t looking good. It’s not fair!
Matthew 5:1-12 are referred to as the Beatitudes and part of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls us to look at the world in a new way, to value and respect things differently than what we know in our society. Our ordinary ways of understanding are turned around, and the world is given a new direction. This was true two thousand years ago, and it’s so true today.
From the same blessings heard on the mount, they still ring true for today: God's ways value justice for all people. Understand that each of us who are poor, sorrowful, and oppressed physically, mentally, financially, and morally have much to rejoice for. Our faith inspires us as a community and individuals to speak up and act out against injustices in the world. Look to the recent events of peaceful protest throughout the world today, and know we bear witness to the power of God's love.
Christ Our Savior: teach us the eight principles of the Kingdom of God that we can live a justice life. Help us focus positively on what we should be like rather than on what we should not do. Keep us from evil and lead us to truth. With the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, let your love and holiness dominate our lives. Amen
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“They are taking more away from us!” We were promised an income, benefits, and a future. Now, it’s slowly being taken away. Many are without jobs or have settled for a time on employment that is less than where we were before. Others have not had a raise in years. Health Care costs are rising. House values are decreasing. Gasoline is going up again. The retirement plan isn’t looking good. It’s not fair!
Matthew 5:1-12 are referred to as the Beatitudes and part of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls us to look at the world in a new way, to value and respect things differently than what we know in our society. Our ordinary ways of understanding are turned around, and the world is given a new direction. This was true two thousand years ago, and it’s so true today.
From the same blessings heard on the mount, they still ring true for today: God's ways value justice for all people. Understand that each of us who are poor, sorrowful, and oppressed physically, mentally, financially, and morally have much to rejoice for. Our faith inspires us as a community and individuals to speak up and act out against injustices in the world. Look to the recent events of peaceful protest throughout the world today, and know we bear witness to the power of God's love.
Christ Our Savior: teach us the eight principles of the Kingdom of God that we can live a justice life. Help us focus positively on what we should be like rather than on what we should not do. Keep us from evil and lead us to truth. With the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, let your love and holiness dominate our lives. Amen
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