I am continuing with the Beatitudes; these bedrock statements of the Christian faith. They are the seven commandments for living that Jesus gives us. Unlike the 10 Commandments which speak to behavior; the Beatitudes speak to the way we think, the way feel, how we view life.
The 4th Beatitude is "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." There are two striking features in this Beatitude. First, "hunger and thirst for righteousness." The sense of internal fulfillment or satisfaction does not come from achieving, it comes from "hungering for."
God never expects us arrive. We are constantly growing and changing. In a sense the object of life is not "getting there" or "achieving," it is experiencing and enjoying the trip. Probably the key word here is "thirst." The experience of thirst is much stronger than hunger... it drives us, compels us. Imagine Jesus today where there is little water and dry hot land. To be thirsty is not a causal "Oh I think I'll have a drink"... water becomes a singular focus.
And for "righteousness" to become a single focus was revolutionary in Jesus day. Righteousness implied equity, humanity, and respect extended to all persons. It forgives, it understands, it gives a second chance. The Old Testament is severe with many rules of stoning or an eye for an eye... it does not stress righteousness.
In fact the word is used only 10 times in the Gospels. None in Mark, the first Gospel, one in Luke, two in John and seven in Matthew. It is a new thought, a new way of being; and Jesus suggests "live a life of thirsting for fairness and equity for all people."
Still a revolutionary idea... I don't know about you but I really have to work at this. |