humility, not power

May 6, 2012

Many of our group are commenting on the way their whole understanding and appreciation of the scriptures is changing and growing through this pilgrimage to the land of the scripture.

Here we have experienced the distances between the towns we have been raised with: Tiberius and Nazareth, or the geographical relationship between Cana and Jerusalem and Jericho. To feel the heat, taste the dust and wander the ancient streets…all of these experiences are helping us to know the humanity of the Jesus whose divinity we encounter in every sacrament.

Today was a restful day; a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes with the celebration of the Mass at an outdoor chapel, and a visit to the ancient town of Zippori.

I became aware in the visit to the place of the Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes) of the shock that Jesus’ teaching in this place must have been for his listeners.

The political situation as Jesus began his public ministry was volatile. People were longing for a political messiah who would free them from Roman oppression. Perhaps they pinned their hopes on this new preacher.

People were used to hearing political messages of might and power that would use military skill and the strength of armies to fight away persecutors.

And then Jesus begins to speak. This is what he taught them:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they shall possess the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God.