Matthew 5:1-12
“Have a blessed day!” “God, bless you.” “Bless you!” (after you hear a sneeze) “I am really blessed.” Perhaps you have used these expressions or have heard others share these words. Today’s Gospel lesson recounts for us the Beatitudes—eight blessings from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each of the blessings have a proverb-like theme that provides rich meaning for the reader and hearer. The original Greek word for blessed is markarios which has a range of meaning such as fortunate, happy, and privileged. These words are helpful but still do not adequately define the full and intended understanding of blessed as expressed by Jesus. In Jesus’ teaching, there is a very special element and gift we receive because blessedness is attached to the Kingdom of God. It is deeper than simply being happy or fortunate. Blessedness is not contingent on circumstances, wealth, health, or success. It is God’s sheer gift for the believer in Christ who has an abundant life on earth and eternal life to come. The pain and challenges of life cannot take away the fact that you are truly blessed.
