The Gospel is for the Underdogs.
The month of October is the Month of Mission where we are looking at "Going for growth: Sowing, Growing, Reaping." Going for growth demands that we become disciples who live in such a way that we in turn will make other disciples: to lead our lives the way Christ desires us to.
The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes, a carefully thought out message of purpose and will.
Beatitudes: The Latin beatus means "blessed" and affirms an existing state of blessedness. It does not pray for a blessing but affirms that it already exists. Jesus here is teaching that, this state of blessedness is not for everyone but it results from the cultivation of certain attributes that are approved by God: These are attribute of being: "the poor in spirit (in need of God), mourning (recognizing a need for forgiveness), merciful (extending mercy to others), pure in heart (choosing to avoid sin), meekness (humility), those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (recognition of one's own unrighteousness), peacemaking (seeking harmony and unity), being persecuted and being falsely accused for His sake.
Jesus is teaching this during a time when those regarded as the have-nots were often treated with undisguised contempt, while the exalted were truly exalted - the rich, the emperors, the royal, Sadducees and Pharisees, the tax collectors. But Christ is saying, it is not them that will enjoy this state of blessedness but rather it is those common people, the ones whom earthly success has largely passed by. Why so? Because though they may have never experienced worldly success what cannot be taken away from them is their potential to live rightly by one another.
This today, should give us all the strength even in the face of challenges. Yes, there are times when you look into your life and all you can see is criticism, obstacles and it seems as if all odds are against you but remember, you need to respond to them in a way that qualifies you for the affirmed blessedness, for the kingdom of heaven and for the advancement of his message in this world: the way of adherence to Christ.
Whatever challenge you face must not take away the potential to live rightly with the other. Each Beatitude does not only give the attribute of who is blessed, but also declares what is in store for such people. The high standards of living Jesus preached here are not meant to discourage us, but let's bear in mind that, it is the unexalted that will enjoy the blessings of God, therefore, let us put our complete dependence on the Spirit of God.
| 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: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew5:1-11) |
Rev Dephine Murove married to Caesar and am serving at Eiffel Flats Kadoma POZ.
