I have the opportunity to write references or recommendations for students at least a few times every year. Though as a campus minister, I seldom have first-hand knowledge of their academic work, because I spend with students over meals, doing service projects, in discussions, and in one-on-one conversations, I am able to share my observations from a personal perspective. In the context of our faith community, I see students from a unique angle and I often see the ways a student grows through their college years.
This week’s passage has started me thinking about the attributes and characteristics I’m asked to write about in recommendations. As word of Jesus’ teachings and his remarkable healings begins to spread, a great crowd of people from across the region gathers. He sees the crowd and goes up the mountain; in scripture, mountains are places away from the everyday, places of retreat, and places to encounter God.
When Jesus returns, he sits with the disciples and begins to teach. What does he teach in this first account from Matthew’s gospel? Jesus lays out a series of people and situations that are “blessed” which we can read as “doing well,” “cared for by God,” or “in an enviable situation.”
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 receive 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 for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
You will probably not be surprised to learn that the prompts on recommendations don’t ever ask about the characteristics and attributes that Jesus names here. God’s priorities are very different than the rest of the world’s priorities. Don’t get me wrong; communication skills, initiative, organization and leadership are important for most work environments. These are the skills and attributes that are very helpful in a faith community, yet God also values us when we are facing struggles, and when we are caring for others. Those are often the times we are most aware of God’s presence and God’s love. God is committed to us when we are at our best and when we are at our worst, and everywhere in between.
In a world where we may feel constantly evaluated and valued only for our achievements or accomplishments, God treasures us. When we are vulnerable and struggling. When we are caring for others. When we are persecuted. God’s priorities are so different from the rest of the world’s priorities.
Peace,
Alicia