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Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The Church of the Beatitudes sits upon a beautiful hill, forming a natural amphitheater, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. In your mind’s eye you can picture the crowds seated upon the outcroppings of stone basking in the cool breezes listening to Jesus teach. All around the mountain is some of the most fertile land in the world. Estimates are that they can get 18 cuttings of alfalfa a year! What better place to speak of the bountiful blessings that are available to the disciples of our Lord.
The Church itself is a marvelous structure designed with eight wings. One for each beatitude. And around the ceiling are those same beatitudes done in glorious stained glass. We were there early in the morning and as the sun streamed through it cast brilliant multi-colored light upon the whole interior.
As I reflect upon that sight I am reminded of the story of a little boy who grew up in a church with many stained glass windows that he saw every Sunday. One day he was asked by his Sunday School teacher, “What is a saint?” And he replied, “It is someone who light shines through!”
That little boy had it right. Didn’t Jesus himself say, “Let you light so shine before men?” Don’t keep the blessings to yourself. Share them with others as you reflect the light of God.
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