The Beatitudes: The Sermon on the Mount part 1 of 5

Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Let go of any tension you are holding in your face, jaw, head, neck, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, hands, fingers, chest, stomach, hips, seat, thighs, calves, feet, and toes. Lean your torso slightly from front to back and side to side until you rest into a comfortable posture where you feel centered, balanced, and relaxed.

Now bring your attention to your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for two seconds, now breathe out all the tension, stress, or negativity you might be feeling. One more time. Breathe in deeply, hold, exhale slowly all the way.

As your breathing returns to normal, gently turn your thoughts to the Sermon on the Mount. This famous passage of scripture is, to our knowledge, the first sermon that Christ preached to his disciples. And He repeated it almost verbatim to the Nephites during his brief visit to the Americas. So we know these teachings are important.

After teaching the Sermon to the Nephites, Christ invited His listeners “go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand.”[1] This five part series of meditations on the Sermon on the Mount seeks to help you do just that. Take a moment before we start and say a prayer that, as you spend time pondering Christ’s teachings, you will understand His words and be open to any revelation that may come to you through them.

The Sermon starts off with what is known as the Beatitudes,[2] consisting of a list of qualities or attitudes and the results they produce. As you hear each attitude, try to liken it to yourself. For example, instead of thinking about “meekness” in the abstract, think about what it would look like for you to go about your day meekly. Maybe you have an attitude of meekness already. Maybe you have room for improvement. Maybe you are meek in some circumstances and not meek in others. These are all things you can consider as you ponder. Let’s begin.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit [who come unto me[3]]: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[4] “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”[5] “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.”[6]

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”[7] “Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”[8] BUT “Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.”[9]

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”[10]

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”[11] “Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.”[12]

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”[13]

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”[14]

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”[15]

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[16]

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and 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.”[17] BUT “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”[18]

When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.

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[1] 3 Nephi 17:3.

[2] Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-26; 3 Nephi

[3] 3 Nephi 12:3.

[4] Matthew 5:3.

[5] Luke 6:20.

[6] Luke 6:24.

[7] Matthew 5:4.

[8] Luke 6:21.

[9] Luke 6:25.

[10] Matthew 5:5.

[11] Matthew 5:6.