Matthew 5:7-12 NRSVue

⁷“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

⁸“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
If it were a criminal offence to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

Reflection
Do I do anything that would make people want to persecute me?

Reflection
Or is my priority to seek approval and respect?

Reflection
If it was a criminal offence to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me? Would they identify me by these traits: merciful, poor in spirit, pure in heart, lover of peace, persecuted for the sake of righteousness?

Reflection
Our reward is great in heaven, says Jesus. Today we are in communion with the millions who have gone to the Lord. Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the human heart to conceive what God has prepared for those who love him.

Reflection
/The pure in heart will see/ God. Lord, you have a lot of purging to do on me before I am ready for your presence. Maybe I could start today.