Matthew 5:1-12

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "Happy are the clear in heart: they shall see God. Happy are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God."

This passage is from the Beatitudes, as they are known, because in Latin the first word of each verse begins with "blessed." A more modern translation of the original Greek is "happy." These blessings begin what in the gospel of Matthew is known as the Sermon on the Mount. The blessings are surprising, even shocking. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake - they are blessed, or happy.

Of course, they are not happy, so when Jesus says they are happy we are confounded. Jesus seems to be saying that we are blind. Those who are suffering now will receive their rewards, so they can be happy now in anticipation of what is to come. "Rejoice and be glad," Jesus says, (v. 12) "for your reward is great in heaven." The kingdom of heaven is what Jesus is bringing into being, so "heaven" is not a place where those who have died go but is the eternal presence of God among us. Therefore, Jesus is saying, have faith and rejoice, because God is with you!

Grace and peace...Bob