The beatitudes have been called Jesus\u2019 version of the Ten Commandments. They sum up the heart of his message, point us in the right direction, show us the truth of God and grant eternal hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Except they are a lot harder to understand. And to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it really mean, that<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBlessed are the poor in spirit,<\/em> This week I heard the closest thing ever to a modern restatement of the beatitudes. It was an interview with a young French child and his father at the Bataclan, the site of one of the terror attacks in Paris last Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/em> <\/em>for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are those who mourn,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will be comforted.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are the meek,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will inherit the earth.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will be filled.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are the merciful,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will be shown mercy.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are the pure in heart,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will see God.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are the peacemakers,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for they will be called children of God.<\/em>
\n<\/em>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,<\/em>
\n<\/em> <\/em>for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.\u201d Matthew 5:3-10<\/a><\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n