Blessed are the Meek Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Among the modern-day synonyms for meek are timid, docile, passive, spineless, resigned, and weak. I suspect the definition of meekness has softened from what it meant in Jesus’ day, and here is why: One of Jesus’ most frequent instructions … Continue reading Blessed are the Meek
Month: March 2018
Those Who Mourn
Those Who Mourn Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 The second of the Beatitudes seems almost too obvious to warrant serious consideration, that those who mourn will be comforted. If it were so obvious, why would Jesus bother to say it? Perhaps the answer, as is so often the … Continue reading Those Who Mourn
The Poor in Spirit
The Poor in Spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 The first Beatitude of Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. As he so often does, Jesus mixes metaphors in a way that many will reject as nonsense. For others, … Continue reading The Poor in Spirit
Rejoice and Be Glad
Rejoice and Be Glad Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Matthew 5:12a As this series on What Did Jesus Say continues, I will begin reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount, as found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. This is one of the longer of Jesus’ discourses recorded in … Continue reading Rejoice and Be Glad
By Bread Alone
By Bread Alone Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you … Continue reading By Bread Alone
Contemplating Grace 