January 30th - Reflection

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV)
The teaching of Christ: Beatitudes

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.
"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.

Reflection
Jesus gets away to a mountain with his disciples and sits down to teach. Sits at the same level as the disciples. Sits in the temple that God created at the beginning of this world. Jesus sits with his close friends and disciples to teach. Jesus teaches blessings...Jesus integrates Old Testament parallels with Christian qualities and character.

Here we have a capsule of Christianity values. We see the people we are to serve and love and the qualities we are to emulate, love and qualities to emulate in joy. Rejoice and be glad.

Here we see the Kingdom on earth united with the Kingdom of heaven. In this passage we witness a joy not meant for selfish satisfaction, but a joy that causes fervent love to serve God.

This passage is the Christian call to action, given by Jesus as he sat and taught his disciples under the temple of heaven and on the temple of earth. Here we are introduced to the Kingdom. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you come and deal with my inward self. You come and teach me my spiritual side. You come and show me how to work all of this out through your power of love. I see and hear your teachings and by your grace I follow in service to you and your church. Take me forward into this new life of discipleship day by day. --- Amen