by John McCarthy
We rarely take the time to sit back and think about scripture as it relates to our daily lives. We have families, plans and lives that often take precedence, and our spiritual lives are put on the backburner.
As Republicans and Democrats enter talks leading up to the fiscal cliff, we should turn our thoughts toward a piece of scripture we all know but rarely take the time to sit and think about. We think we know them because we've heard them before, but how many of us have really thought about the Beatitudes and our civic life?
The Beatitudes are radical ideas that call us to a life of love and humility rather than blindsights and egos. They call us to understand those around us and have compassion for their place in life.
So often, we hear the poor dismissed as "lazy" and the rich described as "greedy." Instead, as we discuss the difficult economic future of our country, let us remember our call to show mercy and work toward an economic policy that protects everyone:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are they who mourn
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven, Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
