“Blessing will come from the most difficult journey”
Christ on the Rocky Path
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
~ the Gospel According to Matthew, chapter 5, verses 1 to 12, from The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. 1989, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. (Revised Common Lectionary Year A, Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, 29 January 2017)
The list still catches me by surprise.
I graduated high school with an A+ average. I sailed through university with a solid B+ average. Grad school: more of the same. I have been “blessed”—I use the term intentionally—with enough smarts and achievements to impress a good portion of the population.
And I’m not sure I make Jesus’ list—except in my worst moments. I’m only “poor in spirit” when anxiety or despair deals me a crushing blow; and I don’t show those moments to the world. I mourn and weep over lost family members and lost opportunities; but I try intentionally not to dwell in that feeling. I have a difficult time being a “peacemaker,” because I prefer not to walk into a combat zone; I only go when I’m forced.
I prefer to be strong-spirited, cheery, and conflict-avoidant. And I really hope that’s the kind of life that God wants me to lead. And yet. Here is Jesus, saying that the kingdom of God comes specifically and especially to those in the bottomed-out and difficult places in life. What about those of us for whom things are not so bad?
Jesus’ list of blessings comes as an encouragement to those hiking a rocky path. As the psalmist so poignantly reminds us on so many occasions, God goes that rocky path with us. Middle-schoolers scraped and bruised by the brutality of peer forces can take heart: The meek get it all, in the end. High-schoolers beginning to see how much error there is in the world around them can take courage: Yes, God will answer your hunger and thirst for righteousness. Adults trying to make room for wise conversation in a high-voltage political world can persist: You really do reflect God’s character.
And if you are on an easy path right now (as is the case with me), then blessings are found when we help others on their rocky journey. When you sit in sad silence with a newly grieving friend, you are in the realm of blessing. When you forget “how it looks” and befriend someone who doesn’t fit in, you’ve just stepped into the kingdom of heaven. When you listen to someone whose heart has been broken by the evil of the world, you both will get a glimpse of God. None of this happens because your grades were good, your words worthy of praise, or your labors heroic. The power of God arrives when human strength gives up to tend weakness (remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5). In this we imitate our teacher, Jesus Christ, who succumbed to death in order to reveal the life of God.
Seek Christ on the rocky path, and blessing will come from the most difficult journey.
Spirit Who Shines in the Darkness, open our eyes to the blessing of weakness. Give us courage to set aside the accolades and pride of this world so that we can take up your mantle of joy. Remind us, especially on the most difficult part of the trail, that you go that way with us. And transfigure us into your image for others, so through us their darkness might brighten with you. We ask it in the name of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ!
~ emrys tyler