The Beatitudes

The reading for this week is Matthew 5:1-12

The Beatitudes

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

“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 receive 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 for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As I read this passage and reflect on the words, I think of a song by the group All Sons and Daughters called All the Poor and Powerless.  It’s a song we used to play in the Messengers.  Here’s a recording of Samantha Koosmann and I singing it for you.  Thanks for listening!

All The Poor And Powerless 

All the poor and powerless

And all the lost and lonely

And all the thieves will come confess

And know that You are holy

And know that You are holy

And all will sing out hallelujah

And we will cry out hallelujah 

All the hearts who are content

And all who feel unworthy

And all who hurt with nothin' left

Will know that You are holy