Let your light shine

I was raised Catholic.  I am catholic.  I love the words of Jesus.  In the new testament, Lamsa translation from the Aramaic, Jesus's language, Matthew writes in Chapter 5 the Sermon on the Mount.  From this writing, I have always been drawn to the Beatitudes.  The Beatitudes speak to me today.

"Blessed are the humble, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

I look for humble, wise, and caring leadership.  My humility reminds me we accomplish nothing on our own.  Many others will always play a part in our success and service.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement for Social Justice, there Is too much to mourn.  Our collective grief is overwhelming.  Our only sane solution is unity and compassion.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be well satisfied."

Worldwide, millions hunger and thirst for justice.  Racism, sexism, poverty, hatred, gender prejudice, and violence towards those we perceive as different must end now.  Love and fellowship are the only answer.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall have mercy."

I pray to release my judgement and to be more forgiving and merciful.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

I am privileged to live with the pure in heart.  My beloved wife Sandra and our daughter Ashley are both pure in heart.  I see God in them each and every day.

"Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God."

My intention has always been focused on peace.  To be a peacemaker you stand with the great spirited warriors; Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, St. Francis, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

"Blessed are those who are presented for the sake of justice, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

This persecution is sadly part of humanity.  The persecutions are historical; slavery, holocaust, genocide, apartheid, and they continue on the streets of our cities today.

"Blessed are you who reproach you and persecute you and speak against you every kind of evil, falsely, for any sake."

This has happened to each and every one of us who we speak the truth with integrity, empathy, compassion, and love.