Mattheüs 5: 1-12a
The Saints Whom I Live Among
On All Saints’ Day, we hear Jesus teach the Beatitudes. He invites us to notice people we might otherwise overlook those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers. He calls them blessed.
I am learning that this way of seeing can begin with something as ordinary as choosing a seat in the dining room.
Walkers and rollators—affectionately called “chariots”—are often double-parked around our tables in the dining room. Finding a seat may require a little maneuvering!
But there is another kind of room to make: room for someone who hopes we will stop and sit beside her at a given table.
Some of our Sisters living with dementia notice when others pass by their table—and when someone chooses to join them. We all share the desire to be welcomed, to belong, and to have others enjoy our company.
One Sister often blesses us and thanks us for sitting at her table. I find myself thinking that Jesus would be delighted to sit at her table. And when she offers her blessing, I wonder if I am recognizing Jesus there.
After the meal, comes the gentle untangling of the double-parked “chariots.” Sisters looking for their own walker or rollator bring to other Sisters who need them. Even leaving the table offers another opportunity to care for one another.
Perhaps living the Beatitudes begins this simply: learning to see as Jesus sees and letting what we notice shape what we do.
Whose table might I choose today – in my community, neighborhood, school or workplace – so that someone who feels left out knows the blessings of companionship?
When a person needs a little more time, a listening ear or help finding her “chariot,” how might I offer the compassion, mercy, and faithful presence Jesus offers us?
The Saints, with whom I live, help me recognize that holiness takes flesh in ordinary lives. Mercy becomes companionship. Love pulls up a chair.
And there, across the table, we catch a glimpse of God’s goodness. The Kingdom of God is already among us!
Mattheüs 5: 1-12a
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Zalig zijn zij die treuren, want zij zullen getroost worden. Zalig zijn de zachtmoedigen, want zij zullen het land beërven.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Zalig zijn zij die vervolgd worden omwille van de gerechtigheid, want voor hen is het Koninkrijk der hemelen.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
Maak kennis met zuster Angele Lewis, SNDdeN
