Matthew 5:7-9
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
REFLECTION
Lent is the time to ask ourselves if our lives reflect our faith. We can hold up the Sermon on the Mount like a mirror and find our answer. These three chapters of Matthew’s gospel are often misunderstood as ways to act to achieve salvation…but that is entirely impossible. What is possible is using these verses to expose the quality of our discipleship. We can authentically honor and express gratitude to God for his mercy and grace by extending them to others.
God’s mercy towards us is undeserved. Do we withhold forgiveness from other people? Are we more critical or more compassionate; which do we hope for from our Creator? God sees our hearts and judges them. Do we have pure hearts…or are our loyalties, commitments, and desires divided? How much do we desire to be at peace with God? When we encounter conflict do we seek reconciliation and restoration…or do we add to the divisiveness and fuel the resentment?
PRAYER: Holy God, we have seen ourselves in the mirror of your Word and found ourselves woefully inadequate. We know that we can never make ourselves whole, but you can! Give us new hearts to reflect your mercy towards us in our forgiveness of others. Heal our broken hearts and make them whole and holy again. Give us courage to walk with Jesus against the tide of violence and division in this world. AMEN
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