During the summer, I am thinking about the Beatitudes... those sharp, thoughtful statements that are the "kick-off" for Jesus ministry in the Gospel of Matthew.
It is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5. It seems to be an intimate conversation with his Disciples. It reads, "When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, he began to speak." After all, these are very intimate statements... sharing deep inner thoughts.
Last week was "Blessed are the poor in spirit... the humble, those who are not proud or haughty in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... the kingdom of right relationships... right relationships now."
This week is "Blessed are those who mourn." The Amplified New Testament defines Blessed as "happy, with a happiness produced by experience of God's favor and His matchless grace" Strange statement... how do you put happy and mourning in the same sentence?
Our Monday Bereavement Group shares the deep pain of loss... the loss of a spouse or a parent. There are tears as group members listen carefully, lovingly, patiently. There needs to be time for the pain to come out. There is verbal reaching out and often a hug. Frequently at the end of the session there is a smile, a little bit healing has taken place. A little bit of peace is found.
There is comfort. Deep blessedness found in open and loving hearts. |