When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
What a rich selection of readings.
I want to say everything because the Beatitudes sing such a beautiful song, but I also want to say nothing because they are perfect as they are.
I suppose somewhere in between everything and nothing will have to do.
“Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Reading this verse reminds me of an encounter I had at an event a number of years ago. My band was leading worship for Adoration; the drums aren’t a vital role in leading people through quiet/reflective prayer, so I will take breaks to kneel and pray during the Holy Hour. As I was at this event, I felt the Holy Spirit inviting (or nudging) me to leave the stage. I didn’t know why, but it was pretty clear I should walk away from the drums.
Nerves and courage pulling me both ways, I finally decided to make my way down the stairs of the theater-made-church and kneel next to the teens attending the event.
What am I supposed to be doing?
Maybe I am supposed to pray with them?
I asked the teen at the end of the 1st row if they would pray with me and invite the rest of the row to join.
1st row.
2nd row.
3rd row.
When I inched back to the 4th row, I heard hysterical crying. Years later I still don’t know why this adult volunteer was weeping, but I put my arm on her shoulder and by the Holy Spirit I said:
“Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
Amidst tears, with a sigh of healing and an affirming nod, she thanked me.
We both turned towards the Tabernacle in thanksgiving, she because she didn’t mourn without being comforted, and I for the unique privilege to love her at that moment in that particular way.
Many have described the Beatitudes as “instructions for a happy life”. And I agree. However, I also believe the Beatitudes are a portrait of a Christian who is sincerely guided by the Holy Spirit.
We just need to say yes!
Yes to the invitation to be close to Him, and we need to be continually saying yes. He will equip us to be merciful, to be a peacemaker, to be a comforter. Blessed are they who subscribe to the Beatitudes, for their life will be awesome.
Be blessed.
Be awesome.
Say yes.
During the week, Matthew Juliano is a mentor for individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. On the weekends, he is a drummer for Full Armor Band. You can find more content by Matt and his band at www.fullarmorband.com.
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