Sunday 03 November 2019

Psalm: Psalm 34:1-10, 22

Background

I wasn’t brought up in a church – we moved too frequently with my Father’s job to actually settle into such things plus he had to work weekends so Sunday was sometimes the only day of the week that we could all be together. Having said that, I was aware of something called the 10 commandments which told me what I shouldn’t do.

I was 13 when I first met our reading for today and I thought that they were called ‘Be’ attitudes – ways of living life and being that would be helpful to all people.

I guess my teenage self wasn’t far out with my misunderstanding for the words of Jesus do indeed suggest that those who live a life that is going against the prevailing attitudes of self and mine will indeed be blessed.

However, there is always a sting in the tale and the one here warns the readers, the listeners and Jesus disciples that their contrary way of living will cause comment, will draw suspicion and they may cause discomfort by being a people who speak up for the marginalised, seek to bring peace, search for justice and show mercy.

But the whole passage speaks to me of peace makers, comforters, seekers of justice and givers of mercy and draws a picture of what the world we live in, and the society to which we belong, might be like if we could just slow down a little, take time out to think about the effects of our words and actions and be prepared to look outwards at the needs of others and upwards to what God is calling us to be.

To Ponder:

• What does your way of life and living say about your faith?
• Where are the peacemakers and comforters in your world and life?