When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. ~Matthew 5:1
The word “beatitude” derives from the Latin for “blessedness.” On the Mount of Beatitudes, it’s easy to make the connection.
Flowers bloom in profusion, pink and purple against the green grass. The sun sparkles on the water of Lake Galilee below. I picture Jesus speaking blessings to a crowd gathered on this mountain.
Our group assembles in a chapel where our Palestinian guide, Ghada, sings in Arabic, a cappella. The solo is ethereal. I can’t understand a single word, but I experience a blessing.
Then we divide into smaller groups to choose a spot on the grass to study a specific beatitude. My small group is assigned the sixth, Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. So much pure beauty surrounds us that I find it hard to concentrate.
Nearby some Nigerian pilgrims assemble in choir formation. They sway to djembe accompaniment and sing. I can’t understand a word of their song. But I don’t need words for this blessing.
Have you ever experienced a blessing beyond language?
Prayer: O Creator, thank you for grace beyond words.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo is mine, taken on the Mount of Beatitudes.
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