The Beatitudes Begin The Sermon on the Mount

Text: Matthew 5:1-11

Reflection and Question: Jesus begins several chapters of teaching in Matthew, known as The Sermon on the Mount, with the section listing those who are blessed, called The Beatitudes. Different kinds of people are featured and the reason each group is blessed is clarified. Some of these are the kind of people we want to be, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart. Others are not: mourners and the persecuted, for example. It is comforting to know, whether we chose a situation in life or it is thrust upon us, that God’s blessing will be there for us. Which of the Beatitudes is most precious to you?

Prayer: Holy and Loving Spirit, mold us into true disciples of Christ so that we may see ourselves in the blessings Jesus shares with His disciples up on the mountain. Whether our way is hard or easy, open our eyes to Your blessing upon us. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).