For many this beatitude is associated with the death of a loved one.  For some it is associated with repentance and salvation.  Both are applicable.  Yet lately in my walk with God it has been associated with the hurt that comes from loss or disappointment.  I was preaching at the nursing home this morning and the Spirit led me to talk about their loss, their loss of spouse, or home, or freedom, or independence, or health, or happiness.  I wanted to tell them that it was okay to mourn and even weep over their loss as long as it wasn't too long.  I told them that unless they experienced the gift of mourning, they might live with sadness, pity, bitterness, and depression all their lives.  But if they experienced the gift of mourning, then they could expect God to comfort them and they could get some closure and move on.  Not only that, I told them that if they experienced this beatitude they could expect to experience the fruit of the other beatitudes as well.  If they hungered and thirsted after righteousness, they could be filled.  If they were peacemakers, then they would be called children of God.  If they were merciful, then they could experience mercy.

            It has been my experience lately to experience the gift of mourning and weeping and the subsequent comfort God has given.  Two times the experience of loss and hurt has brought me to weeping and tears, and two times God has given me comfort to move on.  This has been a new experience for me but I know what it is to hunger and thirst after righteousness and be filled, I know as a teacher and preacher what it is to be a peacemaker and to be called a child of God, and to be merciful and experience God's mercy.  Now I know this beatitude as well and I know if I am meek, I will inherit the earth, if I am poor in spirit, I will inherit the kingdom of heaven.  This knowledge gives me great peace and joy and hope for the future. 

            The Sermon on the Mount beginning with the Beatitudes is not some otherworldly unattainable flowery words with no practical import.  Jesus spoke them to us, that if we enter his kingdom, that they were attainable to any who would walk in the light of Christ.  We must allow God to take us on our journey, moving from one state of grace to another, until we reach our final destination, eternal life with Christ.  My prayer for you is that you reach the highest state of grace achievable in this life and consequently be a blessing even a stumbling block to those who you meet on the journey.  Be at it for God and expect to receive an abundance of love, joy, and peace with persecution and so enter the kingdom of God.

amen