Blessed are those who mourn

by Debbie Manning, former Pastor of Congregational Care at CPC

The beauty of the Beatitudes is that they aren’t commands, imperatives, or a list of what we have to do. The beatitudes are the Gospel—the good news that something new is happening. God is acting in and through Jesus to turn the world upside down. In a world where mourners often go uncomforted, Jesus changes everything, and we get to be part of His work in the world.

I get to witness this good news every month in our Grief Group here at CPC. On the second Tuesday of the month, a team of lay ministers gather together with those in our community that are grieving the loss of children, spouses, siblings, parents, and friends. There are stories of pain, suffering, and great loss. But in the midst of the tears, through the loving presence and listening ears of those who follow Jesus, people are comforted.

I love the Message translation of Matthew 5:4: “You are blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you can be embraced by the One most dear to you.”

That’s exactly what happens when we lean into Jesus and one another when we mourn. We experience the love of God in a way that changes everything.