When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught 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 receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10
We often think of this opening to the longer Sermon on the Mount, otherwise known as blessings and curses, as referencing those who suffer in this life due to societal circumstances beyond their control. I have instead, started to consider it as a comfort to the artistic and differently abled ones who cannot fit into society's norms. Not surprisingly, today is also the feast day of Christina Rosetti, an often poor and overlooked artist in her day. Yet she used her words to lift the souls of throngs of people, in her own time as well as now. Her life was not a bed of roses, but she was blessed and blessed others with her gifts. May we use the blessings we have been given to uplift, spread mercy and feed the broken spirits.
Gracious Creator, your surround us with your blessings
in a range of colors and expressions you have made us
and you call us to use our beauty to bless others.
We might feel cursed and act out in terrific anger
we destroy the lives you call us all to protect
and forget you are the source of all good blessings.
Make us your poets, composers and artists
so we might bring beauty and compassion forth
to a generation suffering in the darkness of greed. Amen.
