Devotion - Thursday, October 1

An earlier Devotion spoke of being in the world but not of it; of maintaining the traits of God rather than taking up the traits of those fixated on self-aggrandizement.

This morning I read Matthew's Beatitudes.  These sentences set forth the alternative way in which Jesus' followers live their lives.  We do not lose ourselves in the the pursuit of that which glitters, but find ourselves in that which is lasting.  We are not fixated on our own advancement, but seek the good of all.

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.