Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 4th Sunday of Easter: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 41 and 52; Evening, Psalm 44;
Exodus 32:1 to 20; Colossians 3:18 to 4:18; Matthew 5:1 to10:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Of all the Beatitudes, (as they are called), I like “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” the best. I have become aware of the Enneagram personality types. I am a 9 on their spectrum. The 9’s are traditionally those who try to bring people together, they are peace makers. They listen to others and work to find consensus.
Of Matthew 5:9, I prefer the Spanish translation of verse 9 of this chapter of Matthew. It reads, “Dichosos los que trabajan por la paz,porque Dios los llamará hijos suyos.” Roughly translated it says blessed are those who “work” for peace, they will be called children of God.” It might be nitpicking but in the English translation, if peace is not actually accomplished, you fall short of the title peacemaker. However in the Spanish version you are called a child of God if you “work” for peace. None of us knows for sure if our efforts will bring about the intended results, whether it’s planning a conference or actually bringing about peace. All we can do is work towards the goal.
I realize that not everybody is called to be a peace maker. I think it would be interesting for you to look up your own Enneagram type and match your own numerical personality type at http://www.enneagraminstitute.com and compare it to the Beatitudes and see how you match up. This will require you to take an online free test that will discern your Enneagram number. Be careful not to log on to an ad. Your strongest of three numbers is the one you should match up with the Beatitudes if you can. It may be a new way in which the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.
What kind of peace maker is necessary to bring peace, or at least work towards peace, between Ukraine and Russia? While it sounds impossible, nothing is impossible for God, or, God working through us. Working towards peace is the work of the children of God – children who listen to what the Spirit is saying to us.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 