Richard Mallory

Dear friends of Saint Philip’s,

I invite you to consider two contemporary versions of the Beatitudes.  One by Garnass-Holmes and the other by Stassen.

See which phrases “speak to you” in this moment, your personal moment, this moment of Saint Philip’s in its collective life and the historical moment of our country. Each beatitude contributes to a message that the entirety of the poem is making.

In one sentence, what is that message for you, right now? Trust your response. Tomorrow, it could be different.

Your fellow traveler,

—Richard

Steve Garnaas-Holmes

Jesus began to speak and taught them…
                       —Matthew 5.2

Blessed are you who have nothing to offer,
        for you are offered everything.

Blessed are you who are broken-hearted for the world,
        for God weeps with you, and will rejoice with you.

Blessed are you who do not seek to dominate,
        for love dominates your life.

Blessed are you who sacrifice for the sake of justice,
        for you will know victory.

Blessed are you who are gentle,
        for God’s gentleness enfolds you.

Blessed are you who seek only love,
        for God will be everywhere for you.

Blessed are you who remain peaceful in conflict,
        for so you reveal God.

Blessed are you who are treated harshly,
        for God treats you to the entire realm of God.
Blessed are you who are punished for your compassion,
        for this is the way of the cross. 

Glenn Stassen

•Joyful are those who are poor and humble before God, for theirs is the reign of God. •Joyful are those who are deeply saddened to the point of action, for they will be comforted. •Joyful are those whose wills are surrendered to God, for they will inherit the earth. •Joyful are those who hunger and thirst for restorative justice, for they will be filled. •Joyful are those who practice compassion in action, for they will receive God’s compassion.

•Joyful are those who seek God’s will in all that they are and do, for they will see God. •Joyful are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. •Joyful are those who suffer because of restorative justice, for theirs is the reign of God. •Joyful are you when they criticize, persecute, and slander you, because of me. • Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in God. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.