Tonight on our drive from St. Louis north to Des Moines, Iowa (en route to visit friends in Minnesota) we listened to Krista Tippett’s “On Being” interview with Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, of Homeboy Industries, who has worked with gang members in some of the toughest neighborhoods in LA for decades. During the interview he said this:
“I read once that the Beatitudes’ original language was not ‘blessed are’ or ‘happy are’…but that the most precise translation is ‘You’re in the right place if.’ I like that better. It turns out the Beatitudes is not a spirituality. It’s a geography. It tells you where to stand.”
Which got me thinking…
You’re in the right place if you can stand and embrace your poverty and that of others, for one day you will stand very close to God. Maybe you’re already standing there.
You’re in the right place if you can stand before coffins and graves and cry, weeping for those now beyond your sight, for you will feel the arm of God around your shoulders.
You’re in the right place if you can stand behind and beneath others and let them go first and receive the best of everything, for you have much coming to you in the end.
You’re in the right place if you hunger and thirst for what is right, if justice brings you alive and injustice moves you to action, for you, someday, will be satisfied.
You’re in the right place if you speak words of mercy instead of aggression and accusation, for mercy will find its way back to you and make its home in you.
You’re in the right place if your words and actions are pure love, for you will see God in your own reflection.
You’re in the right place if you can make and embrace peace with those around you, no matter their faults, their addictions, their histories, their origins and leanings and orientations, for then you are accepting your given place as a child of God.
You’re in the right place if you’re ruffling a few feathers, if you’re hated for your hatred of injustice and your acceptance of the little, the weak and the oppressed, for you will find yourself sitting in the lap of God.
Wonderful….I will always think of the Beatitudes in this way from now on….it makes perfect sense……
Thanks Steve. That is going into the journal – not just to keep as a note but to have before me always. As Lorraine says, it makes perfect sense. Have a good time with your friends.
Beautiful Steve. It is truly so much easier to relate to and apply in our everyday life with just a few essential words added on to or as was suggested, that was how it was originally written.
What immediately came to mind was Rudyard Kipling’s poem “IF” – lessons of Life .He may been influenced by the Beatitudes for similarities abound.
Have a great holiday catching up with friends and keep well.
Warmest regards,
Lily Lee
Steve: This is such a wonderful post especially in light of the past few week’s happenings bringing to the forefront lovely acceptance but ugliness too. I would rather focus on those who are softened by today’s events & love one another.
Like butter! Feels good to think of them in this way.
The “Beatitudes” for today . . . For all the places we are in . . . The most important – standing with heart and soul keeping us grounded in His love – His way, wherever we are. Thank you for helping us stay grounded, Steve! God bless your words and your work, always. Hope you have a much needed, I’m sure, wonderful, peace-full trip and enjoyable time with your friends! God bless! Kathleen
Beautiful Steve. It is truly so much easier to relate to and apply in our everyday life with just a few essential words added on to or as was suggested, that was how it was originally written.
What immediately came to mind was Rudyard Kipling’s poem “IF” – lessons of Life .He may been influenced by the Beatitudes for similarities abound.
Have a great holiday catching up with friends and keep well.
Warmest regards,
Lily Lee
Thanks, Lily. I really enjoyed writing this and I’m glad it’s touching people.
Thanks, Kathleen. It’s been a great trip so far…I’ve always loved the Beatitudes and Fr. Greg’s idea really allowed me to see them differently.
Steve
Thanks, Jan.
Thanks, Debbie. I’m glad this reached you…
Thanks. Peter. Glad it’s a keeper for you.
Thanks, Lorraine. It does make sense, doesn’t it…
Thank YOU for sharing your insight and brilliance with the world. This is true revelation and life giving to those of us who do the work of justice making & peace building. God bless you. Thank YOU!
Thank you, Rev. Dionne, for taking the time to write. God bless you and the work you do.
I just stumbled on your blog after reading your offering in Living Faith today. I was given the booklet by a man who recently passed away. He was 91 years old, and a beautiful soul- a faithful follower of Christ. I feel I am “in the right place” for having read your blog today. Thank you!
This speaks to me. I learned of it on a recent Sunday as we discussed the beatitudes in my home church in Durham, NH. May I use your paraphrase of the Beatitudes with attribution in the small Madbury church where I will lead in worship Sunday, January 29?
Judy, of course! I just sent you an email, too.