Jesus Project, Day 9

I don't mean to make quite so much of Matthew, but apparently he has all the good stuff.  :)  Today's quote (at least the one we'll start with) is from Matthew 5:3-10 and is also known as The Beatitudes.


“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."

This passage is so hopeful.  Who of us don't hurt?  Who of us don't hunger in some way?  Who of us don't feel loss or injustice?  For all who suffer, for all who hurt and hunger, God is with you.  God will ease your pain.  He doesn't say when.  He doesn't say how or if it is even in this life.  But he speaks such hope in this passage.

I have a lot of wishes.  I speak sometimes in too many wishes rather than things that I will do or things that are  in fact.  But I do wish that Jesus or the author of this book would have added more to the passages...


Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Their emptiness and complete dependence upon God's Grace will reveal to them ALL of God's Grace.  All things from warm sunshine to flowers that look up to it will count to them as immeasurable blessing.  They walk in treasure.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  They will see love swarm around them to hold them up -- love they didn't see until they had the need.  They will know loss but God will walk them through the valley and show them joy and love in equal measure.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. When their quiet and humble voices rise, the earth will stop and listen.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  It is by their action that they and others will be set free.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  It is by the love they show those who need love most that they will be known.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Their devotion, their singular focus on God and God's love, will allow them to quiet the noises of the world and open their hearts to the symphony of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  They journey in the footsteps of Christ, the greatest Peacemaker.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Their willingness to follow their heart when they know they will be hated has already earned them God's love and Grace.