Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." 

Matthew 5:9

"This peace is 'much larger' than the mind that needs to understand, label, and explain everything." 

Richard Rohr,  Just This

    

photograph:  San Leandro, September 2019    

      

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."   

Matthew 5:8   

    

I think this has to do with our intentions.  On what are we focused?  If we are focused on seeing God's love manifested in this world, we will see and experience that love.  We can take part. If we just concentrate on trying to make ourselves pure, that is simply feeding the ego.  That is a trap because a hungry ego can never be satiated.   

One evening I came home from my yoga class wondering what was I trying to accomplish.  I picked up the book Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar.  This phrase surfaced: "to gain strength to serve the Lord."  I smiled and gave thanks.    

  

I believe the attached photograph was taken in 2019.  

  

  

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."   

Matthew 5:7    

  

photograph:  San Leandro, July, 2015    

    

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."   

Matthew 5:6    

 

In my ministry with SpiritCare, I read from the Common English Bible.  In that translation, the Beatitudes read "Happy are those..."  The change still surprises me, but we should be surprised by Scripture. It is good not only to be surprised, but confused, and even angered.  As long as we stay engaged, some truths will emerge for each of us.   Bible study groups can be very helpful.  One of the elders I serve tells of a Bible study group that he was a part of for over twenty years.  He is quite frail now, but I do believe he was filled by the rhythm of regularly coming together to read, study, and share with people he loved.      

   

I am trying to let the Beatitudes guide my walk.  Yesterday I was reminded that when I am feeling impatient, I am anything but meek.  That was helpful.  I also learned something about being "poor in spirit,"  that willingness to accept my life just as it is, knowing I am on a journey.  This is one of the lessons of the Beatitudes.  I hear Jesus saying, "Keep going; this moment does not have the last word.  There is more."  And that more is God.         

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." 

Matthew 5:5   

  

A few days ago, I was waiting to sign in at the receptionist desk at a skilled nursing community.   A robed Buddhist monk was signing out.  The receptionist asked him if his visit had been nice.  He paused, smiled and then his entire essence seemed to illuminate happiness.  He quietly replied, "Oh yes, always so beautiful."   I felt I was in the presence of Christ, and I was humbled at the altar.     

    

In our society, we do not trust the word meek.  It seems to imply weakness, but in that moment, I believe that monk was at complete peace, and that peace is what he offered.  He offered himself. What if we all walked in that peace?  Isn't this the peace that Jesus spoke of when he said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Do not be troubled or afraid (John 14:27)"?    

 

I encourage us all to have a moment of meekness today; it can change the world.  

  

photograph:  San Leandro, February, 2019       

   

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will be comforted." 

Matthew 5:4   

  

photograph:  San Leandro, February 2019  

   

The Narrow Gate

I think this quote from Eberhard Arnold really articulates what I think of when I read Jesus' encouragement to enter through the narrow gate.  The simpler, the more expansive. That is the gift of traveling light.  
"Our life will become not narrower, but broader; not more limited, but more boundless; not more regulated, but more abundant; not more pedantic, but more bounteous; not more sober, but more enthusiastic; not more faint-hearted, but more daring; not more empty and human, but more filled by God; not sadder, but happier; not more incapable, but more creative. All this is Jesus and his spirit of freedom and peace. He is coming to us. Let us go into his future radiant with joy!"   


 Plough, Daily Dig, September 22, 2019

photograph:  Butchart Gardens, British Columbia, August 2019    

  

    

Pondering the Beatitudes

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."   

Matthew 5:3   

        

   

photograph:  San Leandro, April 2019

Leavening

I just read a short post on Sister Joan Chittister's "Monasteries of the Heart" page about a 95 year old nun who was the bread baker for a monastery for about 50 years.  She has lost her sight, but she says she is content to sit and pray for the cooks of the monastery, and has no interest to return to the kitchen, even for a visit.  She accepts this new time of her life.  I think I shall bake some bread today with her in mind.   

Earlier this week I met with a small group for what is now being called a "Bible Chat".  I smile at the homey name, and while chat is not a word I use very much, I agree that "Bible Study" can sound imposing.  I think what I am coming to prefer is "Bible Listen," because that is what we are doing.  We listen for what part of the text has meaning for us.  We listen to one another's reflections, and we absorb some of what others have expressed.    

One of the residents is losing her sight.  I do not think she is at the content stage yet, but I believe her trust in the One she calls Lord will lead her there.  This week I looked around the table at those gathered, and marveled at their steadfastness.  Every one of them is dealing with a serious illness or impediment.  One man's hearing is so impaired, I am certain he misses most of what is said, but he likes to pray with us. I believe he feels the prayers more than hears them, and that is pretty profound.  One woman says she really can't believe in God, but she is struggling with depression, and she says the conversations are helping her make the transition to living in community. The group is supportive and welcoming of all.  We are being kneaded together, and together we rise, perhaps a little wobbly, but definitely stronger than before.  I am grateful to be among them.   

   

The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.    

Matthew 13:3    

   

Hospitality is openness to the unknown, and trust of what frightens us. 

Sister Joan Chittister, OSB     

   

Seasonless Season

Yesterday as the pianist walked into the memory care community, he was humming "I Am Dreaming of a White Christmas."  Yes, that did indeed lead to a service dedicated to Christmas carols.  Several of the staff looked at us a little sideways, until they looked around and realized that several residents were smiling, nodding their heads, and some were singing from memory.   As I served Communion, the pianist played "Silent Night". One of the assistants came to me and asked if I would visit a resident who was dying. The promise of a bright, holy night carried us into that time of blessing, prayer, and release.       

The heart knows no calendar, no schedule, only love.