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[b] 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. Matthew 5 v 1-11
A central part of the Sermon on the Mount is a list where Jesus teaches about how his followers must live as citizens of two kingdoms: the present everyday world and the kingdom of God. When putting together assembly programmes (usually around this time of year for schools going back in August) as well as planning fun songs and themes, there always has to be an element of “otherness” included in the experience and outcomes. This is something the Curriculum for Excellence refers to in relation to creative religious observance that helps children to develop a sense of wonder. I also think “otherness” links to the idea of two kingdoms: the present everyday world and the “other” alternative world there could be if we introduced more of God’s way, more kingdom values into our day. This, for me, is what we are praying for when we say “Your kingdom come” and it happens when we all take our part in building the kingdom here on earth.
The list contained in the Sermon on the Mount will be known to many as the “beatitudes”. I once heard someone explain that the list is called the “beatitudes” because these are attitudes that you should be! Not quite right but I like the simplicity of that, encouraging us to think of cultivating some of the qualities from this list in our own way of being. Actually the word originates from the Latin “beati” which means “happy”. In some translations you will see this “happy are those who….” However, the translation we will look at this week uses “blessed” which I think helps us look at this list, not as a way of finding happiness for ourselves but as a way of blessing others. Essentially, the Beatitudes teach us how to treat other people. The Beatitudes teach us how to act. Jesus knew our relationships with each other are the most important thing about life. When you mourn, when you are peaceful, merciful….when you do the things on this list with other people, you are demonstrating the kingdom, you are showing what God is like and you are opening up a space in everyday life for the presence of God to be seen and known. How can you bring such a blessing to others today?
Today’s prayer :
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Keep us from being preoccupied with money and worldly goods, and with trying to increase them at the expense of justice.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Help us not to be ruthless with one another, and to eliminate the discord and violence that exists in the world around us.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be filled.”
Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your influence in our private lives and in society.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Grant that we may be quick to forgive and slow to condemn.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”
Free us from our senses and our evil desires, and help us to fix our eyes on you.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Aid us to make peace in our families, in our country, and in the world.
Lord Jesus, you said,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice,
for the kingdom of heaven in theirs.”
Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbours and oppress and persecute them. AMEN
Today’s music:
