Monday, 22 April, 2002

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Text: Matthew 5:4



A society longing for sensitivity among its people may quickly want to turn this beatitude into an encouragement to let oneself cry...show emotion...weep for the less fortunate as though we will then, in our weeping, make some kind of connection to those less fortunate than us. And yet, those who mourn would be those who are trampled along the way by the simple passing of the day and not you and I by way of our expression of sadness and grief for others. The words of promise to those who experience the crunch and bruises of daily life is that comfort will not pass them by. Like the "poor in spirit" this is not a "condition" we seek to have become a part of our life...like a goal. It is more a dilemma - a painful and brutal reality and a reality most of us can simply enter by being silent and listening to those who "mourn" over the condition of their lives and that of the whole world. Maybe in our silence...in our listening to them we will learn something of what it means to go to the cross...for another one of God's broken people. Maybe in our silence, we will hear something of the whole story of life that we may never even consider as we walk along our own paths. Yes, there are times when our individual lives may be mournful...but for most of us...we are a privileged group within the scope of the whole of God's creation. With ears wide open and eyes that will not turn away, to those who mourn we may be "a touch" of the comfort within the Reign of God that will one day - for them - come to a full portion of comfort.



Consider: Are there people in this day - as you go along your way - who may be among those who mourn/weep? Are you able to tell the difference between the voice of those who "mourn" and those who may be throwing a "pity party" for themselves or simple groaning because life isn't going the way they want it to go? I can groan...I know I do...but it is not from the depth crunching place of those who "mourn"...yet again, for times - for moments - in times of crisis...I suspect we each may be in touch with the utter desperation of those who mourn. A simple prayer uttered in silence for those who mourn may be one way to expand our vision of the promises of God's Reign for all.



O Gentle and Comforting God, help us see - help us listen - teach us to open our hearts so that we may, with intention, become students of your comforting ways. Remind us that we are a people greatly gifted and a people set in motion by your Holy Spirit to give thanks to you for such bountiful lives that overflow for the welfare of all. Praise be to you O God. Amen