10.20.23 - Matthew 5:9
Today, being a peacemaker seems daunting. Yet, there can be no peace without willing people. How can you take the first step in your relationships or communities to make peace happen today?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Being nonbinary I have a LARGE chip on my shoulder about using gender inclusive language in Scripture translations wherever possible, but using the gender inclusive term ‘children’ here rather than the original texts’ ‘sons’ means we miss out on a super important callback to the Hebrew Scriptures.
The “Sons of God” is a Hebrew Bible phrase referring to a category of angel. Specifically, those that comprise the hosts (read armies) of heaven: beings that level cities. Agents of God that execute God’s wrath and leave nothing standing.
Knowing this, Jesus’ blessing takes on a much different meaning: That peacemakers are powerful agents of the Divine, capable of miraculous feats. And that peacemaking, rather than destruction, will henceforward be what the armies of heaven will be famous for.
Jesus Christ did I need to hear that today. May it be so. May it be so.
I know it’s out of season, but sing through the first verse of an angel-themed hymn like “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. Marvel at how even heaven’s swords turn to plowshares.
--Kate Davoli