Contemplating Grace

Blessed are the Merciful “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”[1] This saying is another of the Beatitudes that has no obvious parallel in Luke’s Blessings and Woes. That those who are merciful will receive mercy may seem obvious to most, but not necessarily to the merciful. Acts of mercy often seem to … Continue reading Blessed are the Merciful

Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”[1] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”[2] My mother used to try to guilt me into eating whatever food on my plate I did not like by telling me that … Continue reading Blessed are the Hungry, Part 2

Blessed are the Hungry “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”[1] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”[2] This combination of one of the Beatitudes from Matthew and a corresponding Blessing and Woe from Luke is particularly interesting. The latter passage from Luke … Continue reading Blessed are the Hungry

Blessed are the Meek, Part 2 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”[1] Unlike many of the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the meek…” does not have a corresponding verse in the Blessings and Woes found in the gospel of Luke. Of course, each author of each gospel had a particular audience they were … Continue reading Blessed are the Meek, Part 2

Blessed are the Meek “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”[1] The present-day implication of being meek is of being weak or unwilling to take a strong action for what one believes is right. So it is puzzling that Jesus would say the meek will inherit the earth. But being meek does … Continue reading Blessed are the Meek