Matthew 5:5: The Meek
Easter Monday, April 18, 2022
On this Easter Monday we continue our reflection on the Beatitudes as we re-focus our attention on God’s priorities rather than our own.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. (Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount)
Perhaps patience is the quality we most need if we are to be humble servants. Patience in our understanding that we are not in charge. Patience in our knowing that it is God’s wisdom and grace that answers our deepest questions. Patience in allowing God’s fidelity and mercy to invade all that we do. Patience in both giving and accepting God’s healing love. Psalm 27 reminds us what we gain when we are able to wait. These verses bring into focus what it is we inherit, and why the land in which the Spirit dwells is worth our offering of meekness.
Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear . . .
On this Easter Monday we celebrate God’s strength . . .
Though war arise against me, I shall be confident . . .
We celebrate God’s hope . . .
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living . . .
We celebrate God’s gift of eternal life and love . . .
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage . . .
We celebrate God’s gift of promise . . .
Yes, wait for the Lord . . .
We celebrate God’s gift of persistence.
When our quiet strength rises from God we have no need to boast or strut. When our simple humility follows the example of Christ we have no need to exclude or divide. When our genuine meekness grows in the Spirit of God we have no need to hate or avenge. Let us wait on the Lord, let us give thanks for God’s presence, and let us celebrate the patience we inherit that offers us the gift of God’s meekness.
Using the scripture links, explore different versions of these verses and give thanks for our inheritance of meekness.
Tomorrow, the merciful.
Images from: http://eagleviews.org/2011/10/14/they-say-he-said/ and http://flowers-kid.com/easter-empty-tomb-images.htm
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