Blessed … (Mt 5:2-3) by Paul Westendorf

08 Jun Blessed … (Mt 5:2-3) by Paul Westendorf

“...his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying:  ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, …” ~ Mt 5:2-3 (full readings)
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Paul’s Reflections:  The “Sermon on the Mount” is probably the most famous sermon by Jesus.  What is it about the Beatitudes that should catch our attention?  Have you ever run a meeting or given a speech?  If so, I think you’ll recognize the structure.  In speeches or meetings, you use bullet points to guide those you are trying to reach to help them to the desired outcome.  With Heaven being Jesus’ desired outcome for us, He gave us the bullet points for the right way for us to approach God and deal with His people. You might ask yourself “Why do we need the 8 Beatitudes, we have the 10 Commandments?”  The Commandments (often considered Thou Shall Not rules) are important for standards for us, but so are the Beatitudes (considered Thou Shall rules…) as the message from Jesus on these are one of humility, charity, and brotherly love. Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, virtues in life which will ultimately lead to reward.  Blessed are {_________}…  In the Pro-Life arena you can fill in this blank with so many descriptions:  the Meek, they who Mourn, they who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, etc.  One of the Beatitudes that is difficult but very critical in our society is Blessed are the merciful.  We know from research of women who had an abortion that 64% felt coerced and 84% felt they had no choice.  We know from the abortion workers who have left their jobs that it was never their dream to go to work in an abortion mill.  In many situations, it was simply a job they could get.  They were often misled and were told lies about the procedures being performed.  We’ve all fallen short of God’s will for us in our lives but still have received His great mercy by the death and resurrection of His son Jesus.  Let us be a bright beacon of God’s mercy for those caught up in the Culture of Death and help those impacted by it to see God’s compassion and begin the healing process.
* Paul Westendorf is Membership Coordinator of the National LIFE Runners Team.  His is married to Jacquie and lives in Sioux Falls, SD.   Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   Join in for prayer for those contemplating abortion and those in the abortion industry that they may find a way out.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. William of York
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Faith Quote:  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Through Christ our Lord,
Paul
Jer 1:5