Well, I’m looking at the Beatitudes as a sort of a check list for the perfect Christian. I know it only has eight items but, I am failing the test. The standard is so high, and I seem to flunk miserably at each attempt. There are people I revere who could pass many of the line items, but I certainly am not one. It seems so hard so why try? Why can’t I continue my regular path of feebly attempting to get by with the way things stand?
Enjoy this brief excerpt from Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children as well as my reflection and scripture reference.
Jesus is teaching the Beatitudes to thousands of people at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Upside down
Thousands are seated
upon the hill.
Jesus is speaking
it is a thrill!
His words are confusing
this isn’t the way
we live our life
day by day.
What the world thinks
doesn’t matter.
Ideas upside down
a mad hatter.
His words are spoken,
Jesus is wise
it catches the breath
heart beats inside.
Those who are suffering
mournful and meek
will be comforted
receive what they seek.
Those who are hungry
will be fed.
Peacemakers shine
followers led.
The pure in heart
will bear a crown.
Suffering eventually
upside down.
Christ calls us to
examine our life.
Turn it around
and make it right.
If you enjoyed this poem click on the books link within this website for easy access to purchasing Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children. God Bless You.
Reflection:
Well, I am looking at the Beatitudes as a sort of a check list for the perfect Christian. I know it only has eight items, but I am failing the test. The standard is so high, and I seem to fail miserably at each attempt. There are people I revere who could pass many of the line items, but I certainly am not one. It seems so hard so why try? Why can’t I continue my regular path of feebly attempting to get by with the way things stand?
Jesus asks more of us than the status quo. Will we ever be able to reach these lofty goals? Probably not but having them squarely in front of us helps to create an objective and try to shape our lives more like His.
Each statement begins with the word blessed. The word “beati” means happy, rich, or blessed. I believe attempting any of these grand goals will make us rich in spirit, happy and our souls will be fully satisfied.
I wonder what the crowds thought when Jesus taught this Sermon on the Mount? They probably thought the event was all about healing, miracles and perhaps a motivational speech. It was a far cry from that. It shook the way they thought about their lives as Jesus described a true disciple of God.
Below is an interpretation of the Beatitudes. May I suggest you pick one and strive to meet the standard as best you can? You will “rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Matthew 5:1-12
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes and Scripture Interpretation
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We recognize the need for God and acknowledge Him as King
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
We express sorrow over our sin, repent and are forgiven
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. We submit to God as Lord and in turn we inherit everything God possesses
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. We have a need and a passion for Christ, and He fills our soul.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. We show mercy to others and in return receive it from God.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. We posses an inward holiness that only God can see.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ and in turn we share that peace with others.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We endure our faith rather than hide it because of persecution.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.