DOO-BE-DOO-BE-DOO: WHAT ARE THE BEATITUDES ALL ABOUT? The first part of the Sermon on the Mount must have been controversial at the time, when every action seemed to be guided by law and one’s position meant everything. Christ promises blessings and happiness to people that have nothing to do with what they have nor their circumstances. Are the Beatitudes more acceptable now? It seems that they have become more of a nice quotable bit of scripture than the startling message that came from Christ’s mouth. Are we more concerned with what we have and do than with who we are? What kind of “points in Heaven” do we think we gain because of the circumstances in our life? I look at the unique blessings promised in the Beatitudes and how they can be experienced now, regardless of circumstances.

JODY ENGLAND HANSEN, MATTHEW BOWMAN