Morning Meditations

Matthew 5:1-16:

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

+ + +

As the holidays approach, I find myself feeling extra exhausted. Worn out already, and it’s not even Thanksgiving. I woke up with a slightly sore throat and as I wait for the kettle to warm on our stove, I listen to the wind rushing by, clanging a few tools under our house, jolting plants as it gusts. Fierce and fast as it hurries by. An eerie calm stretches over our home and I listen for the next gust.

This week especially has felt like that, poised and equipped for another surge in energy, fight or flight ready, grasping at moments of calm while listening for the howling wind to roll by.

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