Beatitudes of the fallen world

Blessed are the rich,
 for theirs is this kingdom.
Blessed are they who bring death,
 for they bring choice.
Blessed are the strong,
 for they shall take what they want.
Blessed are the gluttons,
 for they have their fill.
Blessed are the vengeful,
 for they bring about justice.
Blessed are the warmongers,
 for they create jobs and profits.
Blessed are they who hound and persecute,
 for they preserve our culture.
Blessed are they who are loved and cherished by all,
 rejoice, for they bring happiness to millions.*

This is the lie of society: these are the blessings of the minority, the elite.  Our society has duped the masses top accept this lie even though it cannot happen, it cannot work, for the majority.

The Orthodox Church proclaims differently, the blessings of God are available to all irrespective of circumstance.  God sees our sufferings and enters into them, endures them alongside us, that we may make ours an opportunity to receive God in our hearts.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
 for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
 for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
 for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
 for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
 for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
 for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
 rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
 for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:3-12)

* Based on an idea in 'Mission in Christ's Way' by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania (Brookline MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2010), p. 14.

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