Thoughts for the Day

When 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.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We have looked at 'The Beatitudes' twice before (click on 'The Beatitudes' tag at the top of the page) and explored the first two of these sayings that are rather like proverbs. The word 'beatitude' comes from the Latin beatitudo meaning 'blessedness' and comes from the Greek word for 'happy'. Each sentence starts with the words 'Blessed are", meaning perhaps that they have God's joy and peace.

Jesus was teaching the people how to live their lives, and today we look at the third of these sayings: 'Blessed are the meek' and explore what it might mean for us. The word 'meek' doesn't have good press in our world today. It's not done to be humble or lowly - all too often we have a revenge culture, and we're encouraged to seek our personal rights and to assert ourselves. However, the meek are those who don't push their agendas on other people but allow God to direct events in their life, and they don't retaliate, rather they exercise patience when things are difficult. Yet the meek are not doormats, and nor will they be silent when their is injustice.

When we are meek, Jesus says we shall 'inherit the earth'. When we inherit something we are given it as a gift, so God gives the meek everything they need, and in return they receive deep contentment and joy.

Heavenly Father,
give us patience in the face of
life's dificulties,
and not to always insist on our rights.
May we allow You to guide us
in how we work with other people,
and to listen to their views
as well as wanting our way.
May we learn meakness and
accept your gifts with joy.
Amen.