Blessed are You

In the midst of our changing and challenging world I find myself returning to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5: 3-11. The Beatitudes.  It is a passage that roots me in my faith and living in action.  Throughout the passage Jesus used the word ‘BLESSED’ eight times followed by some hard-hitting word’s that many of us see as being applied to other people rather than ourselves. Yet no matter who we are or what our circumstances we all have a longing to be loved and accepted for who we are. This passage reminds us that in each of our lives we may experience times when we are poor in spirit, mourn, feel meek, hunger and thirst for what is right, show mercy, strive to be pure in heart, desire to be a peacemaker and experience persecution.  Yet ‘Blessed’ is the word that Jesus utilises prior to each of the statements. Blessed describes a state of deep happiness. It is not a happiness that is dependent on outward circumstances but a sense of fulfilment within that gives us spiritual joy.

Therefore this discourse was not something that Jesus randomly decided. It was his response to the needs and desires of the people who surrounded him at that time. Jesus teaches that in the midst of turmoil and change we need to deepen our spiritual understanding, return to the essence of our Christian way to enable us to make a response to issues that are inclusive of all people.  To work at or establish inclusivity we all need to keep listening, learning and growing in all areas. We need to listen deeply to those who are excluded, discriminated against and are on the edge of society including ourselves. Because Jesus says ‘Blessed are you’.

God bless,

​Lorraine