Attitudes and Beatitudes

What a time we live in.

Just when things can’t seem to be more out of control, something else arises.

My thoughts turn to the words of Christ and the Sermon on the Mount.

Especially to His words from the Beatitudes.

It’s as if we’ve collectively forgotten them.

A quick Internet search indicates just how much confusion there is.

Some say there are eight Beatitudes while others claim there are nine or ten.

I will not go into all the Beatitudes but will focus on a few important for today.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Many are mourning right now.

Some mourn for the loss of loved ones to the pandemic.

Others mourn for victims of injustice.

But we can take comfort in the fact that Christ died for us - all of us - and set us free from sin.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Although we have all witnessed acts of violence, we should show mercy.

After all, hasn’t God been merciful to us?

Then, there is the Beatitude I find most helpful right now.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. 

In these days of contention and strife we desperately need peacemakers.

Those who strive to make peace between men, between communities and between nations.

In times like these, every Christian is called upon to be a peacemaker.

That is because God is a God of Peace.

Even the Son He sent to us is called the Prince of Peace.

It is by that act that we are children of God, children of peace.

Yes, these are troubling times.

There is no point in denying that.

Yes, we all fall short… all of us.

There is no point in denying that either.

Yet the words of Christ do far more than remind us of our imperfection.

His words remind us how we are meant to live.

So, what should “Be our Attitude” towards God?

What should “Be our Attitude” towards our fellow man?

Let us comfort those who mourn, show mercy to one another and strive to make peace with all.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 26, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 3, 2020