Blessed

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 don't feel blessed, do we? In a world where winning is everything, most of us often can feel as if we are less than, not enough and the also ran. Jesus is sitting on a mountain surrounded by people who are poor, outcasts, bereaved and lost. He sees on their faces the burdens that they bear, and wants them to know how loved and blessed they are. All of us can find ourselves in his list of those who are blessed and loved. In spite of our circumstances, our failures and inadequacies, we are reminded that, despite how it might seem to the world, we are blessed and loved by our Creator.

Loving Creator, source of all blessings

you see the pain in the faces of the people

your love and blessing for all creation is endless

and you ache for those suffering in our time.

We often feel our hard times are punishment

not seeing how close you are drawing to us

not knowing how you ache for each and everyone

refusing to see the love and blessing surrounding us.

Open our eyes that we might see you here

open our hearts to see the suffering around us

help us to know your blessings in our lives

and make us blessings to the people around us. Amen.