In the dust of my rabbi

Most of us know of the Beatitudes. We learned them in Sunday School, but didn't really get it. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth", whatever that meant to a child. And then we grow up and I can honestly say that I haven't had that many adult conversations about the Beatitudes. I know, shocking, huh? Until yesterday, when my pastor referred to them in his sermon and used "The Message" version, which makes them so relevant. Kind of a V8 moment for me. Duh. So I thought, for those of you who are interested and don't have "The Message" lying around the house, that I would post them. I figured Jesus took the time to teach them to the Disciples, so we should probably figure out how they apply to us.


"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are- no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "care-full", you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world- your mind and heart- put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your committment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that, count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens- give a cheer, even!- for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."


May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi.