From Matt. Chap. 5:

"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 be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sometimes we read this passage (usually referred to as "The Beatitudes" and our attention is usually drawn by those parts that speak to existing circumstance - poor in spirit, in mourning etc. The passage, however, also speaks to things that we do or are and that seems to be what jumps out at me this morning.

Do I show mercy? Am I a peacemaker? Am I pure in heart?

Do we as Christians live out this credo? Does the Church feel blessed when it is insulted and/or persecuted? Do we lash out in anger & resentment or do we reach out in love? "Rejoice and be glad ..." - can this be said of us?

Grace & peace,
Deji