Thoughts for the Day

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

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

How often have you heard the expression "You're a saint!"? Sometimes it's said ironically, even if it's meant as a backhanded compliment. We usually offer it when someone has done something special and gone out of their way to help. But of course we also use the term Saint of those who have gone beyond the call of duty because of their faith. They are not necessarily easy people to live with though, neither are they perfect in every aspect of their life. However, in some way they fulfill the criteria of Saint because of their faithfulness and commitment to God.

In today's reading we see Jesus at the beginning of his ministry beginning to teach his disciples. These Beatitudes are part of 'The Sermon on the Mount' and they are revolutionary. We are Blessed when we fulfill any of these statements. We know how hard it is to live a life that follows these statements, but we must keep trying. then confessing our sin, and trying again. To be a child of God is to be called to live such a life.

Perhaps today we can think of those Christians we have known who fulfill one or more of the Beatitudes, and thank God for their existence and for their faithfulness to God.

A Prayer for All Saints, Living and No Longer Living

Heavenly Father, you have enriched us with such a wonderful universal church. We have so many faithful examples to draw from, and so many stories of faith and trust in you. I lift up the universal church to you now. May the stories of those from the past be able to encourage us, and may we be able to shine your light, so that future generations may look back on our example and feel the same trust and conviction that we do. Amen.