A Thought For The Week Of June 11

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. " (Matthew 5:11) The ninth and final beatitude - and, in many ways, probably the most important. This one, after all, is personalized. Throughout the series, Jesus refers to "those" who are the reciepients of the sometimes strange sounding blessings. Now, it's "you." Now, it's us! Most of the beatitudes are directed toward people who are facing difficult times or circumstances or who would not be counted among the blessed by worldy standards. Perhaps the stark reality of this beatitude is that it reminds us of the reality of our faith. As has been said, the gospel leads not to prosperity, but to death on a cross. As followers of Jesus, we need to get over the idea we sometimes have that we "deserve" some sort of reward for our faith; that we should be exempt from the struggles and trials that others have to go through. The way of the cross, and living by the gospel isn't easy - nor should it be. But for all it's challenges, it's also the way of blessing and of blessedness. Whatever you're facing this week, remember - God is with you! Be blessed!