Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes Mash-Up

(Translations: One: NRSV/ Two: The Message)

One:   When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

           ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

One:   ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”

One:   ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”

One:   ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.”

One:   ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.”

One:   ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”

One:   ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Two:  “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”

 

One:   ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Two:  “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”

One:   ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Two:  “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.