The True Meaning of the Beatitudes
Trying to cover Beatitudes in one message kind of like that old book the one minute manager
Because what makes the Beatitudes so special is how powerful, how unique each one is
In fact, each Beatitude is its own invitation to a Holy Moment
Wasn’t a Bible scholar as a kid, but I could remember the Beatitudes – they are catchy.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Some find them offensive – “I don’t like them, makes us sound like a bunch of wimps”
“Blessed are the meek. Offended by it” – that’s OK, lots of folks find the gospel offensive.
Others misinterpret – “since Jesus said these people are blessed, I should be these things too.”
Try to be persecuted
Or Meek – “”I’ll just do what everyone says, woe is me, woe is me – masochistic.
Not telling us to be persecuted or meek, just saying if are, it will be OK.
God notices and is with you – you are in His care
Jesus is assuring them of vindication on last day – giving hope.
Suffer and work and act on behalf of God in this lifetime, God will vindicate you in end.
II. So do you mind if I ask: which one of these Beaitudes do you think is most important?
Poor in Spirit – Mother Teresa, tirelessly touching, serving, loving streets of Calcutta, would probably say so
But others would say mourners – Joseph of Arimathea who came and mourned with Mary and took body and anointed it and buried - maybe so.
But what about meek? – folks behind the scenes, get no credit even though they work hard
People like Tertius, wrote letters for Paul
Or Ruth who never asked for anything except to go with Mother-in-law - maybe so.
Could certainly be hunger and thirst for righteousness – tough thing to do – like Fr. Roy in downtown Atlanta, dodging gunfire giving new sleeping bags to men and women living in the alleys and under the bridges – because he hungers and thirsts for righteousness – or like Bruce Klunder who protested segregated schools in Cleveland and got run over by a bulldozer – could make a strong argument that this is most important - maybe so.
Maybe it’s the Pure in heart – these folks know that what really makes a difference is the heart – where decision to serve God is made.
Jesus said clean up the inside of cup and outside will be clean.
Pure in heart – like Noah the only good man left – and Daniel who ate next to nothing because didn’t want to give in to the king – put lives on line to be pure in heart for God.
Speaking of putting lives on line, what about the persecuted?
Father John Mark Cheitnum – kidnapped and murdered by Islamists in Nigeria last year – simply for being a priest
OR Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, 37, single mother of 2 and Catholic blogger – sentenced to 10 years in prison in Vietnam – for criticizing the ruling Communist Party
Then there’s the peacemakers too – not keep peace but make it.
JB Barnett gave his life trying to bring peace to streets of Indianapolis last year
Which of these is most important?
Me? I say it’s the merciful – more I look at Jesus’ life and at Gospel of Matthew, I see a life immersed and saturated in mercy.
18 – king forgives servant who then won’t forgive another – delivered to jail – so also will Father do – have some mercy.
18 – kids come and Jesus says these are God’s people – do not lead one astray or else – no one else wanted them around – tender hearted mercy.
20 – workers in vineyard – begrudge my generosity – my mercy
21 – lame and blind come to him in the temple and he heals them
21 – Prostitutes and tax collectors get in before the unrepentant – mercy for all
25 – sheep and goats separated by who showed mercy to the naked and prisoner.
I mean this was a man saturated in mercy – in every thing he did or said.
My hunch is in the Beatitudes, he is calling us to be like Him.
Not talking about being some kind of superhero, Pope, renowned scholar, missionary to China,
Simply talking about being a Christian – one Holy Moment at a time
God has shown you great mercy – by all means, please share it
Because, Lord knows, the world could use a little mercy right now.
