The scripture reading for today is Matthew 5:1-11.
Blessed are the poor…the meek…those who mourn… Matthew 5:1ff
When someone wants to speak in a Twelve Step meeting, she begins by introducing herself and then publicly acknowledging her problem. In my case, I’d say, “I’m Tommy and I’m an adult child of an alcoholic.” And after I introduce myself, I’d be greeted by name and welcomed. “Hi, Tommy. Glad you’re here.”
Why do individuals in recovery programs introduce themselves this way? I think it’s because everyone in the room realizes that admitting our problems, our inadequacies, and our inabilities to control our own lives is what God (or another Higher Power) uses to make change possible. It’s important to be vulnerable and transparent and it’s important to feel welcomed and known, even with all our problems and inadequacies.
I think that’s what Jesus is getting at with the beatitudes. When I think about being blessed, I don’t initially think about being poor or reviled or persecuted or mournful. Instead, my initial thoughts of blessing are the exact opposite: to be rich, praised, protected, and cheerful. So why does Jesus emphasize the former?
Perhaps it’s because Jesus knows that when we have problems, when we feel inadequate, when there are things going on that are beyond our control, that’s the kind of stuff that God uses to make changes in our lives; perhaps it’s when we’re most receptive to God.
We’re not excluded from God’s blessings when things aren’t going the way we’d like; we’re actually in a prime position for God’s blessing.
What’s going on in your life that isn’t exactly what you’d call a blessing but could be used by God as one or for one? May God grant you the grace to be believe that it’s possible today.
