They Will See God

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

He said: "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 children 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.

Matthew 5:1-12

There are so many lessons from the Beatitudes. Suffering helps us realize our urgent need for redemption. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our interdependence with one another. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our interdependence with one another. Suffering helps us distinguish between necessities and luxuries. Suffering helps us respond to the call of the gospel because we may have become so desperate that we cry out to God.

The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God.

Our Daily Bread – June 17, 2010