Beatitudes

The text of St. Matthew runs as follows:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. (Verse 4)
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)

This song has been one of my favorites

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
longing for their Lord,
for God’s coming kingdom shall be theirs.
Blessed are the sorrowing,
for they shall be consoled,
and the meek shall come to rule the world.

Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord,
by the light of truth
to seek and to find the narrow way.
Be my way; be my truth;
be my life, my Lord,
and lead me, Lord, today.

Blessed are the merciful, for mercy shall be
theirs,
and the pure in heart shall see their God.
Blest are they whose hunger only holiness
can fill,
for I say they shall be satisfied.
Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord,
by the light of truth
to seek and to find the narrow way.
Be my way; be my truth;
be my life, my Lord,
and lead me, Lord, today.

I look around today and see more people interested in themselves, their thoughts, feelings, wants, needs, etc. at the expense of others. I can be guilty of this thought process very easily.

I remember this trend being promoted in the school systems in the early 70s. Things went from “the good of the whole” to “if it is right for you” I remember my mother-in-law and a few of her friends attending meetings trying to get this trend stopped. They were gaslighted by the academic community. A book called “Building on Solid Ground” by Thomas Williams, LC addresses this culture and offers suggestions on how to curb it. Had the academics listened, they would not have to promote their “kindness” policies today.

Had the school systems not outlawed religious beliefs…