Beatitudes, 29th January, 2017
When Jimmy Carter was sworn in as President of The United States in 1977, he laid his hand on a family Bible and on the Bible from George Washington’s Inauguration, as Presidents do. But Carter’s Bible was open, open to Micah 6.1-8. There is a question there – we heard it just now – and the answer, while clear, can be a challenge: What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Before 1977 I thought little of the Prophet Micah, but since that Inauguration, I have remembered his challenge: What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Picture Jesus in the Gospel this morning. He has been baptised and spent time alone in the wilderness with God. On return he finds first two, then four, disciples, to learn from him, walk with him, teach in his name, and ultimately carry on his work. Their trust in him is why we are here this morning. As his reputation spread throughout Judea, reaching as far as Syria and Jordan, people came. There was something about his word and his person that drew folk to him. This memorable day, as the crowds were gathering, he went up a hill, sat down, and addressed his disciples. Scholars today affirm that among the words of Jesus, and the words about Jesus, found in the New Testament, this Sermon on the Mount is the purest and clearest view into the heart of Jesus. Perhaps he is answering the question, “What is it the Lord asks of you?” If you want to know Jesus, more than the religion which has grown up around him, here is the place to start. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Would we not rather be rich in everything, to have everything, to need nothing. In that self-reliance we believe are security and safety. Jesus taught a wisdom which knew that one can never be completely self-reliant, and that while the creation is good, it is not always safe. The way to peace of heart is to be sure there is still room in our souls for growth, surprise and an intimate walk with God. Poor in spirit means we are open to Spirit, instead of being shut up with all our right answers. Blessed are those who mourn, he said, as opposed to those who try to hold back grief, or hide it. When we mourn, we are open. I believe we are closest to God when doubled over in tears, or doubled over in laughter. Then the walls we build around ourselves, the images we make and try to believe are true, our shells are cracked open. No one likes to be ambushed by grief, but when we are honest about our grief, we are in position to be comforted. Blessed are the meek. Not the weak, but blessed are those characterized by gentleness, kindness, the ability to be still and silent, people who have power, but not the need to use it over others, but for others. Here are marks of a contemplative life; not weak or shy, but reflective, truth-seeking and truth honoring. Then Jesus’ teaching takes a more active tone: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Holy ones pursue and work for what is just, no matter the distance nor the obstacles. He said, “Blessed are the merciful,” who understand that violence leads only to more violence, and while mercy is not the right response in all cases, mercy planted will bring mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are people who stay on the path of God’s goodness, who rejoice in small blessings, who have known deep love. Blessed are the peacemakers. It takes two sides to make peace, or three, all willing. Peace is often complicated, and requires first addressing injustice. It involves negotiation and compromise and respect of the dignity of all parties. And lasting peace can take time, but without peaceseekers and peacemakers, the kingdom of earth will not be of God. Blessed are the peacemakers, the reconcilers, and bridge-builders. Finally, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”, and in a change of tone, “Blessed are you when you are accused and slandered and falsely persecuted because you have taken this road with me. Note the change from “Blessed are those who” to “Blessed are you” – now we are being addressed. Jesus’ way is not easy, but it is good. It can be trying dealing with ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. It will be more difficult on a community or national scale. You may find reason to give in, but to give in makes you into your enemies. You become what you despise. There must be another way through. So in times of trial, or temptation, or when you just want to walk away, hold fast to your vision of kingdom, hold fast to your faith, hold fast to the Jesus you know in your own heart. Already in our country people are finding this last beatitude – blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account – a very present experience in their faith. But be confident, stay the path – you are in good company. Prophets and sages, teachers, and witnesses – Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Francis of Assisi and his counterpart in Rome Pope Francis, Ed Browning, Desmond Tutu, saints and whistle blowers and ordinary people who just said “No”, countless real people who have walked where you walk. Once upon a time, a man laid his hand on a Bible open to a page which said, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” May this be our witness, in our day. Amen
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AuthorI don't know what the future of the church is, but I know that we will continue to be a place of sanctuary and hope, working towards healing in the world. Archives
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