Matthew 5:1-12
*”Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach 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 be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The Beatitudes, heavenly joy in worldly affairs while finding God’s favor and blessings, but to rejoice and be glad to be persecuted for Your name’s sake?
Lord, it’s much easier to be blessed in my comfy, cozy lifestyle. Share the Gospel with others? Lord, your voice is a little faint to me. I’m having a difficult time hearing you right now with so many other important things to attend to.
Noah, Abraham, and Joseph are only a few examples in the Bible of those who heard the call, followed with humble hearts, and were obedient. Along the journey, sometimes it’s hard to see divine favor and blessings.
As the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day approaches it reminds me of another who heard the call, followed with a humble heart, and was obedient to become a blessing to the nation of Ireland.
*As a teenager, he was captured during a raiding party in Britain and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. It was a land of Druids and pagans. During his captivity he learned the language and practices of the people who held him. Day and night he turned to God in prayer and wrote:
“The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.”
At the age of twenty, he escaped after having a dream from God. He found his way back to Britain to be united with his family. He began his studies for the priesthood and later ordained a bishop. Another dream from God lead him back to share the Gospel with the people of Ireland.
- Shamrock used to explain the Trinity.
Over a span of 40 years, he preached the Gospel throughout Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Thousands were converted, churches were built all over the country, and entire kingdoms were converted to Christianity.
Trusting in God completely, he feared nothing, not even death. He lived in poverty and endured much suffering. He was a humble, pious, and gentle man. He realized the importance of his mission and call upon his life. His love, total devotion, and trust in God continues to be an inspiration and a shining example.
*From Saint Patrick’s Breastplate –
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.
Several years ago, my two youngest kids sang in choir. Their programs ended with a blessing to the audience. I would like to end this post the same way.
An Old Irish Blessing. (Please click the link)
healingoftheheart 