Monday, January 23, 2017

A Poem a Sunday

Epiphany 4

January 29, 2017

Matthew 5:1-12 – NRSV

The Beatitudes

5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:11 Other ancient authorities lack falsely

Unlearn

What if there are no sides?
No God in the skies?
And all that you’ve been told
has yet to unfold?

What if the poor in spirit
garner divine merit?

What if mourning and grief
turn to dancing and relief?

What if the powerful have no say
and the meek bring on a new day?

What if hunger and thirst are gone
with food and drink now for all?

What if grace and mercy
help us all to see?

What if those pure in heart
teach to us a new kind of art?

Now peacemakers are named
by divine decree acclaimed.

What is learned
must be unlearned
if we are all to discern
the nearness of God’s Kingdom.

Copyright @ A Poem a Sunday
May be used with permission.

kennstorck@gamil.com

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