Reflecting on the beautiful teaching of Jesus on the
Beatitudes (marks of Kingdom values). Contrary to what the religious leaders in
His Days were teaching – an angry God, with a complex set of temple rules and
regulations governing what's holy and what's not. That different teaching also was distant from
ordinary folks who may have infringed on some of these laws (simply because
their vocations were deemed as unclean, for e.g. shepherds) and were thus
blocked from worshipping the One True God of Israel.
The life-giving Words of Jesus were like refreshing streams
of living waters flowing through a drought-stricken desert, and quenched the
parched souls of these sons & daughters of God who received His Words with
much joy and gratitude. As truly they are the blessed ones in God's Merciful
Eyes – the downtrodden, the poor in spirit, the ones who've tasted bitter
losses and pains through their lives, the meek, the ones who hungered for God's
truth and mercy, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. Yet they were denied
worship of their God by the custodians of the Jewish faith, who care more about
their own whitewashed reputations than showing God's mercy and grace to His
people. Even currently, how many of our religious leaders have painted
half-truths about God's Grace and mercy, which is not dependent on our
performance nor our achievements but rest solely on the accomplished works of
Salvation through the immaculate birth, cruel death and glorious resurrection
of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ – Healer, Messiah, Son of God, Brother
and Loving Shepherd.
Let's all spend some time this week to reflect how each of
our lives may reflect the Kingdom values in the Beatitudes and ask God for His
Grace and empowerment if there are areas which do not reflect Christ in us to
those around us. Let us seek and ask God for this Grace.
I will close with this beautiful hymn, inspired by the Beatitudes.
Blest Are They (inspired by Matthew 5:1-12)
1. Blest are they, the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God. Blest are they, full of sorrow, they shall be consoled.
Refrain: Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you! Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the Kingdom of God!
2. Blest are they, the lowly ones; they shall inherit the earth. Blest are they, who hunger and thirst; they shall have their fill.
(Refrain)
3. Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs. Blest are they, the pure of heart; they shall see God!
(Refrain)
4. Blest are they who seek peace; they are the children of God. Blest are they who suffer in faith, the glory of God is theirs.
(Refrain)
5. Blest are you who suffer hate all because of me. Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom, shine for all to see.
(Refrain) |
Composed by: David Haas Text based on Matthew 5:3-12. Text and music Copyright 1986. GIA Publications |
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/chqY9S1Lm2w
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