140: Remember the Blessed {Matthew 5:1-11}

Well, after a little bit of a break, it’s good to be back. And today, as we slowly begin to settle into new routines after perhaps a slower, more spacious summer, I’m offering a simple reading of the Beatitudes, found at the very beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As I read it, you’re invited to listen and notice what you notice. Once the reading is through, I’ll offer a few questions for reflection, as you consider the reminders God might have for you in this passage.

I believe wholeheartedly that while these words were inspired and written a couple thousand years ago, God’s Spirit is still inspiring us as its readers today. Feel free to pause, rewind, or revisit as you see fit. As always, I hope it serves you well.

A reading from Matthew 5:1-11, from the New Revised Standard Version:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

• Does anything stand out to you in this passage? Maybe a word, image, or phrase? A feeling or a question? Take a moment to consider what that might be for you.

• What do you notice about your response to the passage? Do you resonate with it? Are you bothered by it? Both can be true, or you might notice something else entirely. Take a moment to welcome and sit with your response, whatever it may be.

• Now, consider your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this very day. What reminder or invitation might God be offering you through this passage?

• Finally, as you consider that reminder or invitation, what do you need from God?

Today, may we remember those Jesus calls blessed, as together, we continue to become the people God calls and invites us to be.