Thursday, 19th Week of Ordinary Time

Matthew 5:1-10 (ESV)
Matthew 5:1-10 (The Message)

The Daily Office

I’ve linked to two versions of the reading from Matthew, the first from the more literal translation, the English Standard Version; the second from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, a paraphrase of the original Greek.  I don’t recommend The Message as a primary Bible for study.  But I do think that Peterson has a gift for making the scriptures more relevant to one’s personal life.  In particular, he makes it clearer why it is that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, or that the meek will inherit the earth, and so on.

When looking at the Beatitudes (or “Blessings”) in general, notice that there are eight in total.  The first four (vs. 3-6) are essentially promises of grace.  The second four (vs. 7-10), up the ante with challenges to those hearing Jesus.  The first four offer good news to those who need it.  The second four challenge us to become bearers of grace and good news ourselves.

So, what sort of blessing do you need to hear?  Are you so down, or deep in a hole that you don’t know how to get out?  There is a blessing for you in the first four beatitudes.  Are you unsure of God’s purpose for you?  Look at the challenge of the second four beatitudes, and be assured that God’s blessings are waiting there for you.