Spirit – A fresh look at the Beatitudes during this season of Lent.

I was captivated while watching the movie, “The Chosen”, an inspiring series of Jesus’ life from the start of his ministry.  One of the most moving parts for me was the last episode of Season 2.  Jesus is preparing to give his most important Sermon on the Mount and practices his speech by reading it aloud to Matthew.  To actually hear those words being spoken by the character playing Jesus brought it all to life for me.  Upon reflection, I felt Jesus was telling us to take a fresh look at what He wants us to learn.  So, each week we will be focusing on one of the Beatitudes; and how listening to something we’ve heard so many times before will, this Lent, transform our journey to the Cross and feel the Hallelujah in our very soul when we proclaim “He is Risen!”

Spirit – God breaths his spirit into each of us – blessed are we that recognize His spirit is within each one of us when we follow Him.  On a scale of 1 – 10 (with 10 being the highest) where are you on the spirit scale?  In other words, “Am I always trying to win the argument or insisting that I am always right?  Do I put myself above others and fail to recognize I am not in control?  Do I recognize that being poor in spirit means I have no strength without Him?  How often do I totally surrender to God’s will and not my own?  Jesus elevates those who recognize their own helplessness and desperate need for divine grace through Him. This week let’s be aware of how well we walk with God on our journey, instead of insisting that we can do it alone.  Take some time in prayer to admit your weaknesses before Him.  Try your hand at writing down any words or thoughts that come to you during prayer time.  It may be just a single word or phrase that speaks to you when reading scripture.  We were not meant to walk this journey alone towards the cross.  Jesus had his disciples and we have each other on our journey!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 5:1