June 3, 2018
As preached by Brother Marc
Holy Wisdom Chapel
The New York Times had a special section for kids last Sunday. Grown-ups were not supposed to read it, but I found some of it fascinating. A headline-sized list filled the back page. #1, the truth is kids want to be part of the conversation. #7, the truth is kids are smarter than you think. #12 the truth is kids don’t need candy to feel better. #13 the truth is kids will inherit the earth. The last one, #19, the truth is kids can handle the truth.
These are more than useful but imagined facts or gut feelings. There is probably scientific evidence for some of them, and they all show honest respect for kids. Of course the Times is using this page for its own adult agenda.
Jesus had his own headlines. “Let the children come to me, …the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Unless you turn and become as one of these, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” St. Paul explains, “In regard to evil--be infants, but in your thinking--be mature.”
Jesus had a list of nine Bēátitudes connected with the kingdom of heaven. Each begins with Blessèd, which in Latin is beátus [m.] and beata [f.] The beati [pl.] can mean the rich, the happy or fortunate, or the saints. Grk. Makarios.
What does it mean to be called blessèd or blest? When things are good you feel blest. Being blest is usually about a good and happy fate, genetics, and work. Blessings are tied to happiness, delight, prosperity, wellness, good vibes, congratulations, being right on the mark or free of pain and suffering.
But can you still be blest with the opposite and when things fall apart or go sour?
Jesus clearly says how blest people are in that case. We are fortunate when not filled up by our own desires or with power, status, or success.
This is not some undefinable good feeling.
This blessing means uncovering and experiencing the freedom or liberation of God’s presence and help. It means knowing a joy here and now. It means—at the best of times and at the worst of times.
I heard the Spanish word bienaventurado comes closest to the precise meaning of blessed: We could say, for instance, “Those who are poor in spirit will flourish when they venture into the realm of God’s love.”
They are living in the spirit because they are not blinded by the good things of life. Because of negative circumstances, someone might finally awaken and feel a much deeper need and desire. We will discover a hidden inner spring of water and become a fertile ground for growth in love, wisdom and compassion. How happy to find a fulfillment deeper than we might have ever hoped for.
It may be a mistake or insensitive to simply describe mourning as blest and happy. In the Psalms, mourning (cf. Psalms 119:136; 42:9; 43:2; 38:6) is grieving over death, but also personal and national sin, oppression and injustice, and lack of respect for the word of God.
They also mourn who hunger and thirst for peace. Only this will comfort, satisfy and fulfill us. It’s personal but we also weigh in along with the tears of Christ for the world.
Suffering, grief, and weakness are not values. The world is full of endless darkness and evil. In the midst of them we can taste inner joy and peace. Contrary to what the world says, we are on the right side of life. Like children, we will inherit the earth.
At every morning matins we sing “The Lord is pleased with the people and with redemption adorns the humble. [Ps. 149:4]” We too seek to enrich whoever might be humble or troubled. We invite those who thirst and hunger for holiness to drink of the water of the spirit.
Like children, can we allow ourselves to become this kind of person and inherit the earth?
Brother Marc
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