All Good

Absent here, happily busy elsewhere. The groundhogs Punxatawney Phil and Maryland Murray have seen their shadows, I hear, predicting six more weeks of winter. Here today: warm again, and cloudy. The blanket that's airing on the deck railing will need to be run through the dryer.

These are some traditional translations of the Beatitudes, and then new translations from the most ancient known manuscripts by Aramaic Scholar Neil Douglas-Klotz, (Healing Breath):

First Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

"Tuned to the Source are those who live by breathing Unity, their ‘I can’ is included in God’s."

Second Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

"Blessed are those in emotional turmoil; they shall be united inside by love"

Third Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth

"Healthy are those who have softened what is rigid within; they shall receive vigor and strength from the universe."

Fourth Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy

"Healthy are those who extend grace; they shall find their own prayers answered."

Fifth Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

"Aligned with the One are those whose lives radiate from a core of love; they shall see God everywhere"

Sixth Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God

"Aligned with the One are those who prepare the ground for all tranquil gatherings; they shall become the fountains of Livingness."

peacemakers!

Seventh Mystery of the Holy Spirit

Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

"Drink a drop or drench yourself. No matter where you turn you will find the Name inscribed in light: it’s all the One Creation."