Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The eighth Beatitude returns to the present tense of the first: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom that belongs to the poor in spirit is the same kingdom that belongs to those who suffer for righteousness. The inclusion of persecution in the Beatitudes communicates that the kingdom's arrival creates opposition: those who embody the kingdom's values in a world organized around different values will face resistance. Acts 5:41 records the disciples rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. The persecution is for righteousness' sake — not any suffering, but suffering specifically because one belongs to the kingdom and lives by its values.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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