Open Table indeed

Matthew 5:1-12

             For those that might follow these pages on a daily basis, you know yesterday I noted how radical Jesus' message is. If you took that to heart (as you should), your life is broadened and enriched by the realization of who is called. Today Jesus again shows how radical his message is.  While yesterday you may have looked at a stranger or someone you thought less than desirable or worthy and said  'yes, they too belong at Jesus' table'. Today though, Jesus throws caution to the wind and show that he is yet even more of a radical. Everything is turned on end - everything.

             All of the comfy paradigms and references we use to justify and view the world, Jesus turns up side down. Everything he said on the mount is as valid today as it was then. Read through the list carefully. You can easily insert life situations from today that would make us squirm and know how God is calling us to act. 

       Who are today's poor of Spirit? The trans young man you is taunted by everyone, is confused and feels abandoned? He thinks everyone is against him and he feels a freak because even his family does not understand and his church may say he is of the devil. How poor is this young man?  Certainly God loves his most beloved creation. How does God call us to act? respond?

        Who is in mourning?  How many people do we know that have lost loved one's?  Do you know anyone who loved their faith and now feels repelled and rejected  and so too they feel they have been rejected by God? They mourn the loss of God.  Do we mourn for the loss of innocence that the sins the world foists on us? Do we mourn for the lack of response when children are begging at our borders? 

        Go down the list and use your imagination. I am afraid you won't need much of an imagination. This could be a tearful and sobering reflection.

        To all people, all of God's creation, from a battered soul to a battered seal pup, God weeps. Jesus lets us know we are all welcome to the table today. His love and feast are never ending. Now and forever, amen.

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.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.