2nd
Season on National Geographic Channel - “The Story of God” narrated by Morgan
Freeman. It is a study of all things God – how God is understood and worshipped
across the whole earth. As Morgan has
suggested – there is truth to be found in many religions. It is interesting to
learn about the Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. Many have exceptional teachers – Mohammed,
Confucius and the Buddha. But only one –
Jesus - has said – I AM THE way, THE truth and THE life. Follow me!
Today
we follow Jesus up the mountain – just like Moses went up the mountain to
receive the 10 commandments.
Then
Jesus sits down – the posture of a teacher -
Cathedral come from word Cathedra – the chair – from which the bishop
teaches.
This
is the path to happiness – to true joy!
Beatitudes - Be-Attitudes -
Attitudes for being.
1)
Happy
are the Poor in Spirit – not praising poverty – rather, how good it is to be
detached from things – do things own us or do we own them?
2)
Happy
are those who mourn – not good to be depressed – rather those filled with
compassion, to suffer with.
3)
Happy
are the Meek – sounds like allowing people to walk all over us. Rabbis
described Moses as the meekest person ever, yet he erupted in anger when they
worshipped the Golden Calf. The meek
person empties themselves out so they can hear God.
4)
Happy
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Makes us think of being self-righteous. No – righteous means in right relationship
with God. Stay in God’s good graces. Do
it God’s way. Thy will be done!
5)
Blessed
are the merciful - Forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Det Steven McDonald
said the boy damages my body, I will not allow him to damage my soul – I will
let go of the hate! Allow the divine
life in us to grow!
6)
Blessed
are the Clean of Heart – pure of heart – My heart is focused on God – not divided
between my life on the internet or TV & my life with my family.
7)
Blessed
are the peacemakers. – Madonna “I’ve thought about blowing up the White House.”
Later - "However, I know that acting out of anger doesn't
solve anything," she said. "And the only way to change things for the
better is to do it with love."
Exactly! Can we listen? I have monthly lunch with local Protestant
clergy. Many differences – but can listen.
8)
Persecuted for the sake of
righteousness. Very hard in certain
areas of the country to say you are Right to Life. But if we don’t experience some ruffled
feathers, we are probably not living our faith.
Nietzsche thought that
Christian values were mere “consolation prizes” for those who could not make it
in the world. For losers. And Jesus was the ultimate loser – hanging on the
cross – or was he? Where there is death –
now there is life! So consider the Beatitudes – path to true joy – as way that
leads to heaven!
