What does it mean that embodying the Beatitudes makes people the salt of the earth?
[Read more…] about Salt of the EarthA Ninth Beatitude?
Is there a ninth Beatitude?
I opened the series on the Beatitudes saying there were nine of them. It is true that, “blessed are” shows up nine times in the first part of Matthew chapter five. But is there really a ninth Beatitude?
[Read more…] about A Ninth Beatitude?Persecuted for Righteousness
In what some consider the final Beatitude Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10–12, NRSV).
[Read more…] about Persecuted for RighteousnessWho Are The Peacemakers?
Next in Jesus’ series of blessings is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NRSV).
[Read more…] about Who Are The Peacemakers?The Pure In Heart
Following “blessed are the merciful” comes, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8, NRSV).
[Read more…] about The Pure In HeartGiving and Receiving Mercy
Mercy is central to the fifth Beatitude. Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NRSV).
[Read more…] about Giving and Receiving Mercy