Journey Beatitudes

In Journey this week, Jesus turned our notions of happiness upside down as we read and discussed the Beatitudes. It was difficult to understand how happiness can come from mourning, loss, hunger, and feeling outcast.

However, we agreed that happiness--blessings--can indeed be found in the darkest moments of life, even for teenagers. And so, the assignment for each member of Journey was to write a beatitude for today, for teenagers. Not an easy task. Here's what we came up with, a few of the "Beatitudes According to Journey":

Happy are students who fail a test,
for they shall find new reason to apply themselves.

Happy is a high schooler who is ignored,
for there you will find a close and loyal friend.

Happy is the teenage student who fails in an honest attempt,
for they will learn from their mistake.

Happy is the high schooler who breaks up with his or her boyfriend/girlfriend,
for they will have more free time.

Happy is the student who gets an "F" on his report card,.
for they will get a fresh start next quarter.

We ran out of time before getting a chance to listen to "Deep River," a spiritual sung by Barbara Conrad. But - you can hear it here, and look at some Tom Atwood river photos at the same time. As you listen and read the lyrics, think about what the word "home" refers to in the first line. And what might this song have to do with All Saints Sunday?

Deep River (click to play)

Deep River
African-American spiritual
Performed by Barbara Conrad (b. 1940)

Lyrics:

Deep River,
My home is over Jordan
Deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.

Deep River,
My home is over Jordan,
Deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.

Oh, don't you want to go
To that gospel feast,
That promised land
Where all is peace?

Deep river,
I want to cross over into campground.

Happy are those...

When are you happy? Really happy? Today, as we celebrate All Saints Sunday, Jesus offers some surprising ways for us to seek happiness. Jesus' revolutionary message--what he says will make you happy--is probably not a message you are getting on TV, magazines, movies, or your iPod. We will talk about it tonight at Journey. See you at 5:30 for pizza in the Undercroft.

Today's Journey Scripture

Luke 6:20-31

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you* on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.
Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.