I don’t have the words right now

I don’t have the right words or really any words in this moment following far too many horrible events going on right now and the multitude of excuses and justifications for every bit of it. I am experiencing a range of emotions. And I know I am not alone in that.

The only thing that keeps coming to be in this time are the words of Jesus found in the Beatitudes in Chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel. I think these words seem fitting because Jesus is addressing a crowd that is diverse and hurting. They were poor, sick, and oppressed. They were looking for healing and hope. They had suffered under various empires for generations. They were slaughtered and persecuted by powers and principalities. I think if they were here and knew what was happening, they’d invite us to have a seat next to them and to hear the words of Jesus.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.