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A look at the appointed gospel from the Revised Common Lectionary for February 2, 2020.
“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. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 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.””
My Two Cents….
Blessed are those…. In some translations, the word “happy” is used instead. Happiness… blessedness… these are two horses that run in the same direction of overwhelming joy. Neither is trite or fickle or fleeting. When you are genuinely happy or feel blessed, there is a sense that ‘life is good’ and that ‘all is right within.’ There is a confidence that permeates being when such a state is achieved.
When Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God, as Matthew records it in the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-8), he mentions happiness/blessedness. These things come not from the circumstances of life - one could hardly call grief a ‘blessing’. They are not ends unto themselves. Rather, happiness/blessedness emerges as a result of heading in God’s direction. Those who hunger and thirst to be in right relationships, those who seek peace, those who care for the needy - these are the ones who are traveling down the roads that God prefers and favors.
Of course, the direction itself and the effort involved don’t create blessing. We don’t manufacture either happiness/blessing. It comes as a gift from God. The creator of life lavishes joy upon us. Like a double scoop of ice cream on a hot day, it is cold and melts all over our hands as we try to lap it up. Often it is a surprise and we don’t recognize it until we are right in the middle of it all. How sweet and refreshing!
How might you head in God’s direction this week? In what ways might you share the love, grace, and forgiveness of Christ? When joy comes your way, how might you cherish and delight in it?
In Christ's Light,
Walt
Permission granted to share today's content with family and friends. Copyrighted 2020. Walt Lichtenberger
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