Blessed Are These – Sunday, October 06, 1985
As long as language survives and men’s hearts are pure, the Sermon on the Mount will be rehearsed with reverence; For, within that short expression, lie the hope and glory of mankind. Across the boundaries of time and geography, the words still whisper their message of hope and consolation.
“Blessed”1 He said.
BLESSED are the peacemakers—those who have conquered the enemy within, who have defeated the causes of conflict upon the battlefield of self, remaining rational and calm through life’s turmoil’s: at little league parks, board rooms, through neighborhood squabbles and family disputes, calming the troubled waters of life wherever they may be—for these shall be called the children of God.
BLESSED are they that mourn—those of broad shoulders who share the burden of sorrow with those who grieve, standers over open graves, bakers of casseroles and cakes, embracers of bewildered widows and orphans, shedders of tender tears to souse the burning pain of grief. Blessed are they, for they shall be comforted.
BLESSED are the merciful. We are all at the mercy of God and of one another. There is no corner of the world so quiet or obscure that the emissaries of mercy are not needed: visitors to prisons, givers of loans, volunteers in hospitals and schools, forgivers of friend and foes. Grateful we are for the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
BLESSED are the meek—the strong and majestic meek, as strong and majestic as the Lamb of God, who submitted silently to shame and death without protest or grudge. The patient meek, who wait their turn upon the freeways and in the supermarkets. The quiet meek, who pay their taxes and bills, obey the laws and rules without complaint. The humble meek, who care not who receives the credit or fame, as long as the job is well done. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”2
Yes, blessed are these: the peacemakers, they who mourn, the pure in heart, the merciful, and the meek—for of such is the Kingdom of God.
1 Abstracted from The New Testament, Matthew, Chapter five
2 The New Testament, St. Matthew 5:5
October 06, 1985
Broadcast Number 2,929