a credo for today

A Credo For Today

The Sermon on The Mount opens with the Beatitudes:

Blessed are

1. the poor – or poor in spirit – who do not trust in status or riches
2. those who mourn – who grieve over the injustice in the world
3. the meek – who get angry but who never get aggressive
4. those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – who seek justice
5. the merciful – who are compassionate to all in need
6. the pure in heart – who are whole-hearted in desire to do right
7. the peacemakers – who work for peace in a world at war
8. those who are persecuted for righteousness – who suffer for just causes

These Beatitudes indicate the Be-Attitudes Jesus advocates:

1. Humility- Focusing on the poor (not status or riches) 
2. Empathy – Grieving over the injustice in the world 
3. Self-restraint – Getting angry but not getting aggressive 
4. Righteousness – Seeking for justice (not vengeance) 
5. Mercy – Extending compassion to all in need 
6. Integrity – Being whole-hearted in a desire to do right 
7. Non-violence – Working for peace in a world at war
8. Perseverance – Suffering for just causes (patiently) 

These Be-Attitudes suggest a clear set of ethical commitments that Jesus would advocate we make if we are to engage a world of poverty and violence constructively:

Be The Change You Want To See’

1. identify with the poor ‘in spirit’.
2. grieve over injustice in the world.
3. get angry, but never get aggressive.
4. seek to do justice, even to my enemies.
5. extend compassion to all those in need.
6. act with integrity, not for the publicity.
7. work for peace in the midst of violence.
8. suffer yourself, rather than inflict suffering.