Beattitudes

John Dear suggests a different approach to reading the sermon on the mount:
Instead of blessed, insert "walk on" or "walk forth." It provides a different angle into overly familiar words, inviting deeper reflection on what is sanitized all too often and easily forgotten and ignored.


"'Walk on poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Walk on you that mourn, for you shall be comforted.
Walk forth meek, for you shall inherit the earth.
Carry on you who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for you shall be filled.
Keep going you merciful, for you shall obtain mercy.
Carry on pure in heart, for you shall see God.
Keep after it, peacemakers, you shall be called the children of God.
Perservere you who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, yours is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.'"