In the course of researching a book on the Divine Qualities or 13 Blessings and Virtues, I came across this passage from The Jesus Book in which Jesus updates the Sermon on the Mount for the 21st Century.
From Jesus, “Chapter 6 – Blessings” in Linda Dillon, The Jesus Book. Port St. Lucie, 2017.
Long ago, in what you have come to call the Sermon on the Mount, I have shared with you some of the blessings of the Father for those who are true to love and to the Word. The blessings of the Father are infinite and eternal. Understand none who turn to Him are turned away. None who seek are not guided towards the truth of that love. None who sit alone in the darkness are ever forgotten. None who cry out from the depth of their loneliness are not heard. None who serve are overlooked and forgotten. All are heard, all are rewarded, all are received back into the heart of One.
So, long ago I spoke these words (Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-12) that you would understand and remember the infinite love of our Father:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall 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 others revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Now, my beloved brothers and sisters, I add these words so that you of the twenty-first century will also remember that your words, actions, and faith are always blessed. Understand, my beloveds, this is the short list.
Blessed are the mothers for they shall be the children
Blessed are the fathers for they shall know honor
Blessed are the nurturers for they shall be nurtured
Blessed are the providers for they shall be provided for
Blessed are the pure for they shall be blessed with grace
Blessed are the warriors for they shall find peace
Blessed are the journalists for they shall be heeded
Blessed are the writers for they shall be heard
Blessed are the healers for they shall be healed
Blessed are the teachers for they shall learn
Blessed are the artists for they shall be in beauty
Blessed are the ministers for they shall be attended to
Blessed are the leaders for they shall be led into the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who forgive for they shall be forgiven
Blessed are those who trust for they shall be re-united
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be victorious
Blessed are the dis-enfranchised for they shall be free
Blessed are the beggars for they shall be showered with riches
Blessed are the playful for they shall be in joy
Blessed are the humble for they shall be raised up
Blessed are patient for they shall be eternal
Blessed are the quiet for they shall hear the silence
Blessed are those who suffer in the darkness of despair for they shall be given the eternal light of hope
Blessed are the doubters for they shall find their faith
Blessed are those who thirst for freedom for they shall be liberated
Blessed are those who hunger for justice for they shall behold the truth
Blessed are the truth seekers for all shall be revealed
Blessed are the kind of heart for they shall receive infinite consideration
Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy
Blessed are the despised for they shall be embraced by God.
My beloveds, the love of the Father knows no bounds. There is infinite room in the Father’s heart for all His children. None are excluded. Turn to Him and know the comfort and support of His infinite love. Let your light shine that all may see your good works for it is the reflection of your devotion to our Father. It is the reflection of infinite love.