Blessed are those who mourn

22Apr
 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

-Matthew 5:4 

The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 seem to be a list of some of the most beloved Christian qualities. Blessed are the peacemakers, the merciful, the pure in heart–we all want to be like that, and to know people like that! But blessed are those who mourn? Who wants to be one of those? The assumption is that someone you love has died, or left you forever. 


Yet I reached out to claim this verse at a time I remember clearly. It was just a year or so after my husband Phil had died, and I was walking to my car after teaching all day at Loyola. Suddenly I was hit with a wave of grief so great that I almost stumbled. No longer was the end of the day a time to share a meal with Phil–no longer would we be talking about our students, their music and their progress, or maybe watching a funny movie together. I was missing him, and it did not feel blessed.


I thought of this verse, though, and I can remember exactly where I was and what the weather was like. I found myself saying “okay Jesus, you said those who mourn will be comforted. I need that comfort right now! You promised!”


I stood still and took a breath, because something happened. Something in the universe changed. It was as if Jesus was right there. I can’t explain it, but I changed too. The comfort came, in a down-to-earth way that I’ll never forget.  


God has sent me comfort in many ways, though never again quite like that. Often it comes through people, who call me or say just the thing I need to hear. The comfort is always different, but it’s there, when I remember to ask God for it!

Musical Reflection- Come Away, My Beloved (Hymn 213) - Laudate Mennonite Ensemble

Gracious and loving God, help me to remember that grief is a sign of how deeply I have loved. It is a change, a passage way - not the end. Alleluia! Amen.
 
New TestamentEasterGrief

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