“I’m blessed,” she said. An Introduction to the Beatitudes

312th Edition September 2025

Welcome to Stories Seldom Heard. Both Matthew and Luke have a set of Beatitudes, and not surprisingly, they differ from one another. Luke has four Beatitudes that are followed by four woes. Matthew lists eight Beatitudes. Matthew’s Beatitudes are the ones we traditionally think of when we refer to the Beatitudes. During the next few months, we will be reflecting on the Beatitudes according to Matthew’s Gospel.

Some people view the Beatitudes as a table of contents for Matthew’s Gospel. In other words, their meaning will only be revealed when we listen to the parables and observe how Jesus interacts with the diverse people he meets. As we do this, it is good to keep in mind that the Beatitudes are not a list of commandments, but rather a set of promises God makes to us. As we listen to the scriptures and reflect on our own life experience, we will begin to see how the Beatitudes are like abbreviated parables that need to be carefully explored.

The Beatitudes describe our reality– our human situation. As we reflect on our lives, we know we will mourn the loss of loved ones. We will come to know our limitations. If we are disciples of “the way” as the early Christians were called, we will meet resistance from powerful people in the world when we seek justice for the least in our societies. Yet, it is in these very situations, as we come to realize our dependency on God and our interrelationship with all of creation, that we will experience unique “Beatitude Blessings.”

This might sound a little abstract, so maybe a couple of examples might help. A friend of mine was at a local Farmers’ Market. As she was checking out the newly arrived tomatoes, she met a neighbor and casually asked her how she was. The neighbor’s response was, “I’m blessed.” Most of us probably wouldn’t respond this way if someone asked us how we were, but those words, “I’m blessed,” say a lot about how this woman lives her life – both the joyful and the difficult parts of it. It also speaks of her relationship with God and the way she treats her neighbors. I’m sure this woman would never consider herself a theologian, but she is a faithful church “go-er” and a woman who is wise beyond her years.

At another time, when I was in a parish setting, we discussed the meaning of the word “blessed” and what it means to feel blessed. The group’s responses were illuminating. Whether they were born in the United States, Hong Kong, Central America, or the Philippines, they had similar insights. What I learned from them is that being blessed is a spiritual quality that affects our choices and the way we live. One of the Filipinas said the word “blessed” in Tagalog is close to the word for “palm.” Because of that, it reminded her of the scripture passage that says, God formed us and holds us in the palm of God’s hand. For her, she is blessed because she is constantly being shaped and held by God. Acknowledging our blessedness awakens us, not only to our giftedness but also enables us to recognize and appreciate the gifts of others and the wonders of all creation. Blessings are freely given to us, and in return, we who realize our blessedness freely bless others.

Truly blessed persons seem to have a capacity to know deep within themselves that God is their security. Even though they might be going through difficult times, they can make a connection between what is happening in their lives and God’s tender care of them. When life is stressful or disheartening, they can still trust because they know they don’t have to face the day by themselves. When the situation seems overwhelming, they don’t shrink from their responsibilities because they know that God will guide them. Friends and sometimes strangers will be there to support or comfort them.

In each of our lives, there have been moments when we have felt blessed: a profound sense of God’s presence in our lives. These times often come when we least expect them. We might be in a church praying, silently scanning a hilltop meadow while hiking in the mountains, standing at the seashore on a blustery winter’s night, or in a conversation with a long-time friend and/or spouse. There’s a well-known story about Martin Luther King Jr., who was sitting at his kitchen table. Suddenly, he experienced a profound sense of God’s presence: the God who, without words and in the silence of Martin’s heart, reassured Martin that God would never leave him alone. That experience sustained Martin. It served as a touchstone, enabling Martin to remain faithful to the end of his life.

We, too, have had moments when we have felt touched by God, but sometimes we don’t give enough credence to these experiences. Perhaps we gloss over them too quickly because we think we are not worthy or that God only communicates with saintly people, even though that is not what scripture says. Jesus is Emmanuel (God with us) and reassures us that his Spirit will always be with us and not just us, but in the lives of those around us. For those who have eyes to see, the blessings are abundant. They flow both ways: the receiver becomes the giver.

Grace abounds for those who have beatitude eyes.

We are called to be Beatitude People: people who recognize our own blessedness and that of others. Before we continue the work of this day, I encourage you to recall a time when you felt particularly touched by God: a time of peace in the midst of chaos, of clarity in the face of doubt, of new friendships at a time of confusion, or a sense of security even though everything in our lives felt out of balance. These moments are gifts from God. They are blessings that can give us great strength and confidence by just calling them to mind in times of crisis or need. Most of our experiences of gratitude and blessedness are rather ordinary. But for each of us, there have been extraordinary moments of awareness. Grace has changed our lives and given us the strength and courage to meet adversity with integrity and grace.

After recalling one of our experiences, we might respond with a prayer of thanksgiving. Then think of one person, one group of people, or one country that is experiencing tremendous pain and suffering. Write their name or place on your mirror or another place that will catch your attention. In silence, pray for them. Pray they might trust God’s living presence within them and recognize their blessedness. Pray that they might have the wisdom, courage, and strength to respond to the challenges that meet them. Repeat this prayer throughout the day. I believe, and I’m sure you do too, in miracles and the power of God’s transforming grace.

A friend sent this prayer to me: Prayer for the Crossroads

Holy One, God of justice and fierce love,
I stand at a crossroads.
So much has been broken. So much continues to unravel.
Give me the clarity to see what is happening,
The strength to resist despair,
And the courage to speak and act with conviction.

Do not let me forget my neighbor.
Do not let me forsake the common good.
Do not let me be lulled into complicity.
Do not let fear blind my imagination
Help me remember, repent, and return
For all is grace. Grace in abundance. Amen. Cameron Trimble (Adapted)