THE BEATITUDES: Looking Back Through a Long Lens – I Was There that Day
Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints and today, the Commemoration of All Souls. It feels to me like a two-day celebration of all God’s people: those above the “grass” and those behind a very thin dividing wall but dancing to the same tune: “Great things happen when God mixes with us!”
This weekend I offer you a reflection from my journal on the Gospel often used for the Solemnity of All the Saints. When you settle into a few moments of leisure, you might read Luke and Matthew’s accounts of Jesus delivering the Beatitudes.
In his Gospel the evangelist Matthew tells the story of the day Jesus offered us a bequest. This bequest gathers many of His lessons into one gift-wrapped package we call the BEATITUDES. The evangelist Luke, too, relates his version of that afternoon on the mountainside. Both men may have been there but Matthew’s version contains more details. I know that Luke gleaned an insight into Jesus’ home life from Mary, Jesus’ mother. This particular day I know Matthew was there, hearing Jesus firsthand. He was seated right beside me. I can conjure up his image now. He wasn’t very agile so he kept squirming to find a comfortable position on the grassy sloop.
LISTEN UP NOW! Jesus is getting ready to speak. Look around you. The Beatitudes that he’ll share are not some pie-in-the-sky sayings. What Jesus says reflects what He has seen so often. He gives us a gift to unwrap and remember in our everyday life. “Blessed are they.”
He spots a rich man and his wife who live very simply. Did you notice her peasant style dress? She got it at the Jerusalem Good Will store. This couple has a reputation for generosity. Raising his hand in blessing over the crowd, Jesus says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of God is theirs.”
See that family there? They are mourning the death of their infant daughter. Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are the sorrowing, they shall be comforted.”
Turning to make eye contact with the family whose only child is in a wheelchair and has many special needs, Jesus says: “Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.”
Seeing some of John’s disciples, Jesus senses the people’s hunger for His words. But, the sun is high in the sky. Some have traveled far and Jesus knows they must be weary and hungry. But they wait with an air of expectancy to see if He will offer than a word. Jesus does not disappoint them as he says: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness, they shall have their fill.”
Oh, look over to your right. Do you see the older woman gently soothing a fretting infant so a young mother can rock her fretting toddler to sleep? Hear Jesus when he says: “Blessed are they who show mercy, mercy shall be theirs.”
Why is Jesus looking over there? He seems to be focusing on some who’ve lost interest in his sermon. He knows that they’ve heard this before in different ways. This time it might soak in if they’d just listen. He knows their deep desire to be always in his presence. He reminds them: “Blest are the singe-hearted, for they shall see God.”
Why is He smiling now? Oh, I see. It’s that young father rolling a yarn ball back and forth to his two young sons. A moment ago they were squabbling over the ball. Gently flicking the ball in the direction of each boy in turn seems to a habit of his. And all the time Papa’s listening so intently to Jesus’ words. “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.”
Jesus’ expression changes. Mmmm. He is looking at those church officials who have dared to follow him. They know they’re going to be the object of tomorrow’s gossip fest. Jesus speaks directly to them. “Blessed are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign of God is theirs.”
Slowly scanning the entire crowd, Jesus goes on to say: “Blessed are YOU when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Again, I remind you: ”You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
Recall all the folks whose paths you’ve mutually crossed… Happy memories.
