These are troubling times. More than ever, we need to ask, “How shall we live?”

THE BEATITUDES

Embraced by grace are the soft-hearted,
for heaven will find it easier to break into them.

Embraced by grace are the broken-hearted,
for crushed grapes make precious wine

Embraced by grace are the simple-hearted,
for the earth shall be theirs to enjoy.

Embraced by grace are those who are after the heart of God,
for God loves to be found.

Embraced by grace are the big-hearted,
for they shall know the enormity of God’s heart.

Embraced by grace are the single-hearted,
for they shall see what God sees.

Embraced by grace are those who donate their hearts to peace,
for God will give them a new heart in return.

Embraced by grace are the lion-hearted,
for in the face of evil-doers their faces shall remain good.

Embraced by grace are those who suffer heart-attacks because they love me,
for they shall be revived with the Breath of Life.

Rejoice, O gladhearts, rejoice!
For living wholeheartedly will bring you life, today and forever.

But, be prepared.
Those who give their hearts to living this way will suffer much.
Ask any prophet.

Daniel J. Miller, © 2010

Some years ago now, The Human & the Holy Community I have led for 16 years focused our 9 monthly gatherings on THE BEATITUDES. I invited each person to write their version of Matthew 5: 3-12. This is mine. A shorter version of this appears in the reflection found  here.