Thy Kingdom Come!
Scripture:
Matt. 5:1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Questions for Reflection:
1. “What are we here on earth for? We’re here to create on earth a world which reflects the reign of God in heaven. Are we up to the challenge? Let’s say we are – we must then discover what God’s kingdom of heaven is all about. What it looks like, what it feels like – how it works! It’s in the Beatitudes that we discover what virtues define God’s Kingdom.” Please reflect on this statement.
2. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Poverty of spirit is that most perfect state of spiritual humility. It’s that state in which we, as it were, stand with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and declare – ‘Whatever You say – be it unto me as You have said! You have it all and we have nothing to offer but our immediate obedience and devotion!’” Are you poor in spirit? Please discuss.
3. “’Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ William Barclay wrote a little poem that will help us:
‘I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chattered all the way,
But left me none the wiser,
For all she had to say.
I walked a while with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she,
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me.’
Please discuss.
4. “’Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ The dictionary defines meekness as “pliant, gentle, free from hautiness, patient and unresentful under injury or reproach, not easily angered, patient, courteous, kind, merciful, and compassionate.” How meek are you – please discuss.
5. “’Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.’ Blessed is the person who hungers and thirsts for what is just, upright, virtuous, guiltless, sinless, and ultimately conforming to the standard of the divine or moral law of God.” How much do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Please discuss.
6. “’Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’ Mercy is loves other name – it’s “Agape” love which is at the very heart of God given expression. As one of my mentor’s once put it – it’s what is born when God’s Agape love is spoken into the world!
Mercy identifies with those who need mercy. Jesus is the perfect example of this virtue. He so identified with our need that He became one of us. You and I exhibit this great kingdom virtue when we identify with those about us who are lost and need a shepherd – this is what mercy is all about.” Please discuss.
7. “’Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’ This beatitude describes the blessedness or bliss of the heart whose thoughts, motives and desires are completely unmixed, genuine and sincere.
The pure of heart can withstand the stare of God Himself – it’s is the pure heart and the pure of heart alone that can stand in the presence of Almighty God.” How many of us seek to keep our hearts completely pure?
8. “’Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.’ O how this world needs peacemakers! But are peacemakers permissive? I don’t think so. Are they compromisers at any cost? I don’t think so.
So what are peacemakers? Are they not people who are at peace with the God of this universe and their very presence ministers peace to all who surround them. To have peace with God is to bring peace to the world around us.” Please discuss.
9. “’Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ May it be so that as we seek to adopt more and more of the blessed virtues of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we too may be persecuted for then we will know the blessedness of our Lord and His certainty of coming home to glory! Amen and Amen!”