Blessed Are We

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." (Luke 11:27-28)

Jesus was being humble.  He did not call his mother’s womb “holy” with the implication being he was not holy.  That’s quite the admission for the “Son of God” to make.  Rather he focused his attention on all of us.  We are holy when we observe the word of God.  

“The Lord be with you!” is what deacons (or priests) say as the introduction to the Gospel reading – the word of God, as historically determined by our Church.  The Lord is with us when we hear and act upon that Word.  Here’s where it is useful to make the distinction between faith and belief.

In the spiritual realm, there is an important difference between belief vs faith. Belief leading to words and busy work is simply religiosity. Belief leading to trusting God with our lives and doing God’s will is faith. Have we moved beyond belief? Do we know and love God through a relationship with Jesus?

People believe we can jump out of an airplane with a parachute, pull the rip cord, and the parachute will open allowing us to safely land on the ground.  We can ask just about anyone, and they will accept that statement is true.  However, it is another thing to take the step of putting the parachute on, jumping out of the plane, pulling the rip cord, and safely landing on the ground.  This does not require belief; this requires faith.

Belief is acknowledging something is true. This helps us understand what is possibly the biggest difference between the two – belief does not automatically translate into action.  While it has the potential to transform or shape our behavior, there is no guarantee it will. Belief in its most elementary form is about what we accept to be true, not what we do with it.

Faith has to do with confidence. But it doesn’t stop there. Faith in its truest form is when we have confidence in God to the point that it causes us to act.  Then we are truly blessed.  

Moreover, Jesus said (Matthew 5:3-12)

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

We must act by applying these beatitudes to our everyday behavior.  Let's display our faith.  

Deacon David Pierce