“The Beatitudes are the badge of Christians.”
Those words struck me most from the homily today. You see, I’ve never been involved in an organization which promotes attaining badges – no Girl Scouts, no Cub Scouts, no American Heritage, nothing. So, to think of earning badges as a Christian, I have to admit – it felt a little cool.
Today’s Gospel reading was all about my favorite passages in the Bible – the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’
Lectionary for Mass
Growing up, I was the target of bullies – some pretty intense, miserable years formed my tween-age and teenage years. A few years back, I was asked by someone, “How did you find strength? Where did you turn when things got really tough?” My answer was, and still remains, “The Beatitudes.”
Living by the Beatitudes did not set me up to be a victim of circumstances, but it did give me something I did not find in any other area of my life – they gave me hope…
Hope in a better future…
Hope in a kinder tomorrow…
Hope in a gentler world…
And, I continue to hold out hope for a better future, a kinder tomorrow, and a gentler world.
As they grow older, whenever they meet difficulties and challenges, I will encourage my children to find hope and encouragement in the Beatitudes. I will tell them they are earning the most outstanding badge of all – as members of the Christian family.
I will also remind them to live according to the values God has set forth, reminding them of The Golden Rule:
What is your favorite passage of the Bible? What helps give you hope?
I’m linking up for the “My Sunday Best” series hosted over at A Blog for My Mom. Head over to Rosie’s blog to see more of what others wore, and their thoughts on their Sunday Best!
Beautiful thoughts!
Thank you!
Beautiful post–and beautiful scarf, too!
Thank you so much!
I love that even as a tween you found comfort and hope in the Beatitudes 🙂 I just set them as the background on my phone – Definitely something I could use a constant reminder of 😊
They definitely were a source of comfort – I remember crying one Sunday as they were read, thinking, “Yes, God! You are speaking to me!” Although, I will acknowledge, I could be a tad melodramatic as a kid … but, I have always figured being picked on and ridiculed for being kind to people was a form of persecution…
dramatic? so ya think!!!!! But I loved you that way, also.
You used to sleep in my bed b/c daddy was always travelling. You would sleep so soundly.
Remember what grandma Rose said- kill them with kindness. NOt literally kill, but kindness confuses them… and .it sets God’s example. My favorite saying from Exodus and about 7 other places in the
Bible ‘Be still and know that I am God.” Take Him with you and know that will shield you.
Great thought, and a beautiful verse to find comforting and hopeful as well!
How interesting that the passage that is such a challenge for me is such a comfort for you…
Months and months ago our priest said that every time we go to Mass, we should either be comforted or made uncomfortable. Either we should be given peace and strength, or we should be challenged. This seems to be a great example of what he was saying. Thanks for sharing!
Psalm 34:6 Look to him and be radiant
That’s a verse that gives me hope.
Oh! That is a beautiful passage for hope, too!
And, oddly enough. I was considering a post about the comfort I find in church, so o like how your priest thinks…
I also like how we both interpret something differently – it makes us both think of another angle to what is written. It’s also a great reminder that we all have different perspectives – neither right, neither wrong!