The Attitudes
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:1-9)
While Jesus' message in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew is for everyone, Jesus was specifically speaking to his disciples and a community of marginalized people - marginalized in their relationship with their faith community because, as Galileans, they weren't considered "Jewish enough". Jesus sought to honor those whom society had discouraged and shunned by reminding them of their true value to their community and to God.
Whom do we devalue in our society that Jesus would implore us to honor? We should consider the migrant, the wrongfully imprisoned, those economically or educationally disadvantaged. Which voices do we silence in our churches that Jesus would beg us to hear? We might consider those who have questions we can't answer, those who encourage us to leave the safety of our pews, those distrustful of the church/religion. We gain nothing from distancing ourselves from one another - instead, we all loose. We loose the creativity, innovation, compassion and broadened horizons that only diversity can yield. We all are blessed only when we bless all. May God fix the attitudes of our hearts to see all of God's people as God's beloved, blessed, sons and daughters.
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
(Matthew 23:1-4,11-12)
