Twenty-first Century Beatitudes

Matthew Moretz writes:

The Beatitudes sting me every time I hear them. What are the ramifications of Jesus’ poetic words in our day?

Blessed are you who have no second chances;
Blessed are you who have no health care for your families;
Blessed are you who cannot move away from the gangs and their stray bullets;
For yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who beg for their daily bread;
Blessed are you who have eaten out of the trash;
Blessed are you who eat junk food as the affordable option;
For you will be filled.

Blessed are you who lost your partner to cancer;
Blessed are you who lost your child in battle;
Blessed are you whose world was taken by a storm;
For you will find joy.

Blessed are you who fade away in prison;
Blessed are you who were kicked out of your home;
Blessed are you who weren’t invited;
For that is what your ancestors did to the prophets.

The Rev. Matthew Moretz is curate at Christ’s Church, Rye, NY and creator of the You Tube series Father Matthew Presents.