Matthew 4:23-5:12 describes the beginning of Jesus public ministry. Before his new-found disciples and the crowds around him have said a word or done a thing, Jesus begins by blessing everyone around him. He blesses them because they are present, and listening, and wondering, and seeking the power of the one who is called Emmanuel, God with us.

Jesus’ words of blessing showered on the crowds are also his orientation message. It’s as if he’s saying — okay friends, you’ve heard my message that the kingdom of heaven has come near. Now, let me orient you, so you know where to look for God’s kingdom in your midst.

Jesus’ first teaching points to the surprising places where God’s presence and blessing is revealed. Not within palace walls or even, religious structures. Not within systems of power which use force to oppress. When Jesus teaches using this word, blessed, he turns its meaning on edge. Jesus isn’t pointing to some outward sign of success when he calls the crowd “blessed.”

Jesus looks out upon the crowds of peacemakers and justice seekers, of those in need of compassion and care, of those mercy bearers and persecuted ones, and he sees them as they are, as children of God who are filled with God’s presence. That’s what compels him to say they are blessed, despite all outward appearances to the contrary.

It’s not their status or power or wealth that makes them blessed. They are blessed because Jesus sees them and promises them a place in God’s kingdom where their hunger and thirst will end and their tears will be wiped away.

If that is true for the crowds who first flocked to Jesus, who might it be true for today?

Who are those in our world who by all outward appearance have failed by the standards of the world? We might hear them referred to as “losers.” Maybe they live an unconventional life or claim an orientation that troubles us. Maybe they protest injustices, when those in the seats of power would prefer they remain silent, or respectful, or polite. Maybe they speak out and insist on equity when we would prefer to maintain the status quo. Maybe they organize mutual aid and insist on compassion and care for those who suffer when others would prefer to ignore or demonize them.

These are the ones that Jesus would call “blessed” if he joined our gathering today. If that makes us uncomfortable, perhaps that is also Jesus’ point.

If blessing is Jesus’ orientation, could it be that this is also where he is calling all of us who have caught up in the net of God’s mercy and love and grace? Blessed are you . . . is Jesus’ good news for us and for all who hear his words. And, Blessed are you is jesus’ invitation to share with him in the ongoing work of compassion, mercy, justice and love. Jesus calls us to BE the blessing we have first and freely received!

May this be so for us!