The Blessed Hunger and Thirst

Beatitude:   A state of utmost bliss, to beatify and make happy.  

As we join in spirit the crowd gathered to the one who has been teaching and healing around  Galilee, we are blessed. We too are hungry and thirsty for comfort and assurance apart from the burden of law that cannot be kept.

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.  Isaiah 49:13 NIV

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The dispossessed people of the earth without hope, recognizing their spiritual bankruptcy apart from God.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Those burdened with grief and ongoing mourning.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Those of a gentle spirit shall have the earth for their possession.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Those starved for justice, longing for God to put things right.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Those who show mercy, reciprocally will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

The bright star of the constellation, to see God!)

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Those at peace with God, and living in peace with others.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus emphasizes that such a life is in direct contrast to the secular world. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Those who suffer injury and loss-including loss of life for the sake of the Gospel,

Jesus tells us to rejoice, to be glad, for great is our reward in heaven. We are in the company of a “great cloud of witnesses” past, present and future as we wait for his return.

Matthew 5:1-12