OK, I have established that I don’t go along with it being called “The Sermon on the Mount,” nor am I in favor of the beatitudes being referred to as the beatitudes.
Yeah, I can be a bit of a fanatic.
I suggested, last time I mused, we can call them the “Blessed Ares”.
If that is not your fancy, you might prefer the “‘Be’ Attitudes”.
The former is easier to remember. The latter is more on point.
In Marcos’ oversimplification I see them like this:
Numbers 1-3: The first three look like weakness (being poor, mourning, meekness), but we know there is a lot of upside-downness with Jesus.
I see these “weaknesses” as things that open one up to God.Thus, #4 is much more specific: “hunger and thirst for righteousness”.
I will get satisfied, Jesus says. I take that to mean I will find the righteousness that comes by faith.
I will become a whole new man, and show it by beginning to look like Jesus.
Numbers 5-7:
I will become a man of mercy
I will seek pureness of heart
I will then seek to share the Gospel of peace to the fellow next to me on the bus, as well as to her or him who lives in the most depraved darkness, bowing before some Hindu god, or praying with simon-says rituals to Allah, or fearing the god of the sun or the thunder or the jaguar in the jungle.
And thus, persecution comes…
Number 8: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
And 9: Blessed are you, Marcos, when others revile you, persecute you, slander and lie about you. Yes, Marcos, that is certainly something to write home about. “Rejoice and be glad.”