The Beatitudes for Our Day

The Beatitudes (A Contemporary Paraphrase):

Blessed are the undocumented, the imprisoned, and families on welfare,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are those who lament injustice, violence, abuse, and oppression,

For they will be comforted

Blessed are those who lay down power, privilege and self-interest for the good of all,

For they will inherit the earth

Blessed are those who protest for justice and righteousness,

For they will be satisfied

Blessed are those who show mercy to everyone, especially their enemies,

For they will receive mercy

Blessed are those who keep love at the center of their lives,

For they will see God

Blessed are those who interrupt violence in order to make a way for peace,

For they will be called sons and daughters of God

Blessed are those who are tear gassed, shot at with rubber bullets, falsely imprisoned, and endangered for standing up for justice,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Photo Credit: Mother Emmanuel Church: Stephen B. Morton/AP; "Is His Life Worth More" oogeewoogee.com; Charleston Protester: Credit: The Associated Press