In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described nine beatitudes (theological principles beginning with the initial words, beati sunt, “blessed are” and naming deeply valued human qualities and experiences).

Recently, Unitarian Universalist minister, Lindi Ramsden, developed her own set of beatitudes, using that same sentence format, but intended for people who are “justice builders”—a fundamental commitment of UUers.   

A few of them are:

• Blessed are you who question your own assumptions and listen with an open mind; you will receive new insights beyond your imagining.
• Blessed are you who stand up for what is right, despite others’ attacks; you will not be alone, for your courage will inspire others to rise.
• Blessed are you who build friendships as well as justice; even when you lose an issue, you’ll strengthen the foundation of our community.
• Blessed are you who ask for help in your role as leaders; you will find teachers at every turn, and your work will remain interesting and alive.
• Blessed are you who do not demonize your opponents; your eyes and your hearts will be open.
• Blessed are you who can change your mind; you are still alive.
• Blessed are you who will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good; you will see progress in your lifetime.
• Blessed are you with an active spiritual life; you will find perspective and comfort even in times of loss and betrayal.
• Blessed are you who live from a place of gratitude; for you will know the meaning of Life.

[SUUF Member Paul Friedman continues to provide weekly articles for publication in the Red Rock News. This article – or a variation thereof – appeared in the Mar 17, 2023 issue]