BEATITUDES

Oh, no, I thought, NOT the Beatitues.  NOT gentle Jesus meek and mild, NOT poor in spirit not all that old stuff.  This is going to be boring and awful.  What happened to The Radical Jesus concept that was advertised for this soup and discussion series for Lent?

Pat Spoor wasn't going to let it happen though.  Not the the tired and true.  What do you want to get out of these discussions? she asked.  One reply was, I want to know the radical Jesus.  Another was interested in sharing the meaning and interpretation of scripture for TODAY'S life -- what is it meaning for us RIGHT NOW.  And yet another, a male person, was interested in hearing the feminine interpretation and meaning -- from the time of Jesus, and for now.  Interesting.  Each of us coming to the table with different expectations and desires and yet open to all.

We read The Beatitudes round the group, one verse at a time.  Then we spent quite a while discussing just what it meant to be "poor in spirit" and just what was "spirit" anyway.  The offerings were varied and heartfelt.  We went on to talk about the grieving of loss and what was comfort; and what it meant to be 'meek.'  Words, words, words and how they struck each one of us in a different way.

Then a homework assignment.  Assignments actually.  Watch the media.  Notice where the thoughts and meaning of the Beatitudes fit today's circumstances.  AND read on into Matthew -- through chapters ten or eleven -- and be aware of how the Beatitudes were the teachings and preaching of Jesus. 

Next soup supper at Grace Episcopal Church, Norwalk Tuesday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. 

Do come!!