Jesus says: “Blessed are the poor, the gentle, those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst for uprightness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness” (Matthew 5:3-10). These words offer us a self-portrait of Jesus. Jesus is the Blessed One. And the face of the Blessed One shows poverty, gentleness, grief, hunger, and thirst for uprightness, mercy, purity of heart, a desire to make peace, and the signs of persecution.
The whole message of the Gospel is this: Become like Jesus. We have his self-portrait. When we keep that in front of our eyes, we will soon learn what it means to follow Jesus and become like him.
7 comments
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May 23, 2007 at 4:47 pm
writeathome
Knowing Jesus and seeking to become more like Him(through seeking Him) is really what it is all about.
May 23, 2007 at 4:52 pm
helenl
Indeed, it is, Carol. That should guide our every thought and action.
May 23, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Ellen
I had never thought of this being a portrait of Jesus – talk about hitting me upside the head with a 2×4. It is plain as day when you say it (or Nouwen). Again I thank you!
May 23, 2007 at 8:08 pm
helenl
Hi Ellen, It was Nouwen. It was good.
May 24, 2007 at 1:19 am
Jana Allard
Oh, to be like Jesus!
May 24, 2007 at 7:46 am
helenl
Nic way to put it, Jana. That’s the goal now, isn’t it?
May 24, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Jana Allard
Amen.