The Way and Ways of Blessing : Matthew 5:1-9
by James A. Sharpe SFTS M.Div. 2000
The Beatitudes, found in the first verses of Matthew 5, are extraordinary. Descriptions of tenuous living conditions experienced by the other 99% of humanity are juxtaposed against a new result, a new hope, and a new life. That these teachings were shared from a mountain gives them the same setting which Moses experienced, but now there are many people. It is a new plurality: not only is Jesus here, but also the disciples and, certainly within hearing, the crowds.
The vision described by the Beatitudes might seem a little confusing: an inescapable situation is presented with potential for a new result, but what is left unsaid is how that new result happens. Even the word blessed is unusual, for its counterpart in Greek is full of irony: congratulations. Who would want to be congratulated on such as situation, unless from within that situation one has the opportunity for making change?
In our new Presbyterian Hymnal, Glory to God, in Hymn 769, “For Everyone Born,” poet Shirley Murray writes, “and God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace. ” The image is one of our active participation in the Work, in taking personal responsibility for Creation, and for its evolution into the Kingdom of God. She continues, “… For everyone a place at the table …” and gently asks that we take responsibility for seating arrangements.
