Beatitudes for the 21st Century

Beatitudes for the 21st Century

Matthew 5:2-12

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are the rich in the goods of the world, for to them belong all the kingdoms of earth.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are those who have enough of the world’s goods that tragedy never strikes them, or if it does, they can pay for it to go away so they don’t mourn.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are the powerful, the strong, the aggressive, for they shall own the earth now, and in the years to come.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are those who have enough power, position and wealth that they hunger and thirst for nothing.  Their might makes right, and their wealth makes righteousness unnecessary.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are the strong, the powerful, the mighty, for they have no reason to give mercy, and no need to receive mercy.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are the rich and powerful, for they can do whatever they want to whomever they want, and believe they can buy God’s favor with their wealth.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are those who fight for what they want, and who take what they want, for they shall claim victory in the name of their god.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are those powerful enough to avoid persecution, those who can persecute their enemies at will, for they will not have to wait to inherit their kingdom.  The kingdoms of earth belong to them now.”

            You have heard that Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

            But the world says, “Blessed are you when you have enough of the world’s goods, and a powerful enough position, that if someone says something negative about you, true or false, you can sue them using more competent lawyers than they have, and beat them in court.  Rejoice and be glad, for you can make sure no one can get away with anything at your expense.”

            Which set of beatitudes will you follow?  Your choice.  The world will reward you now.  Jesus will reward you later.