Poor in Spirit

The first of the Beatitudes are "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs."

When I think of "kingdom," I envision English castles and fancy wardrobes and parties and dancing and wealth. I admit I watch way too much PBS; thank you Downton Abbey.  

So blessed are the poor in spirit is an oxymoron to the vision implanted in my head with "kingdom."  How could you be poor in spirit if you are in the midst of a kingdom....unless you are one of the servants.  I shudder to think of Henry VIII's reign.  He might have been the one to coin the phrase "I'd just as soon shoot you than look at you!"  Ain't no one wants to get on his bad side.

Of course in this instance Jesus is teaching His disciples about God's kingdom.  The kingdom of heaven looks drastically different than the kingdoms here on earth.  In God's kingdom blessed are the poor, the grieved, the meek, the hungry and thirsty,...

This is a kingdom where the last become first and the first become last.  It is a topsy turvy world.  Jesus came not to make the great feel greater, but the lost and alone to feel loved.

What might our community look like if we treated EVERYONE with respect and love?  How does this translate to the person on the street?

Right now we are in a volatile time.  People on both sides of the aisle are spouting hatred and anger and no one wants to listen.

I am here to say we cannot let our elected leaders define who WE will be.  If you don't like who is in political power, don't be like them.  If you feel they are bigoted and divisive and evil, counter it by being accepting of all, a unify-er in your home and community, and for the love of God be loving.  Get out there and be the next Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King.

But please do not use our elected leaders as an excuse to do nothing.

And now I'm off my soapbox.

Have a great day, Grainiacs.