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Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “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 be shown 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 because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

Beatitude or supreme blessedness.

 

We receive blessings from our pastors, and we say a blessing before we eat our meals. I don’t think this is what Jesus is talking about in the sermon on the mount. The supreme blessedness is more than some causal encouragement or a thank you for daily nourishment. The beatitudes make me stop and question how I treat others and behave in general.

 

I feel truly blessed when I do something for someone else. It might not be a big thing but something that I can do that is unexpected or difficult to achieve. I think these beatitudes force us to dig deeper into our imaginations. Imagine having a pure heart or to thirst for righteousness. These ideas give me hope that we can do more for others than I imagined.

 

Today we need peacemakers, people who are comfortable being meek, leaders who will look for ways to solve others’ problems and disciples who rejoice and are glad.

 

Peace be with you

 

Jesus thank you for truly blessing us and help us to hear your words when you teach us through our church family. We need your reassurance and blessings every day.

 

Matt Ward

Wardmus79@mac.com

 

Prayer Concern - Pray for those who are meek and don’t have courage in this challenging world.