You just can't get away from it, can you - it's revolution Jesus wants. When you line the beatitudes up along with the Magnificat, the Benedictus, the prophets then you can't avoid the fact that Jesus and the Realm of Love is out to change the whole order of everything. And how often do we repeat that thought? Too often without actually doing anything. Every sermon I hear and preach on the Magificat is about God turning things upside down, but do I actually go out there and live an upside down life?
I do it spiritually: inside my soul I know what it cries out for, in the worship I design I know what direction the words always point, in the language I use I choose quite clearly what I believe the priorities of God are and the Beatitudes sum it all up nicely.
But do I live a beatitudinal life? Do I want revolution? This passage is heart and soul a Realm of God affair and I'm left guilty, convicted and sorry. I measure myself up against these things and I don't happen to be anywhere. If Matthew had woes as Luke does, I'd be in the woe camp.
But it perhaps works for that very reason. Suddenly, again, the poor are in focus again, the mourners, the humble, the peacemakers. Maybe if I can respond to just one, just one, I'd find the Reign of God less of a dream and more of a quiet revolution that has still to take place in me. And won't stop there.
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