Addictions and Blessings
Framing the Beatitudes as they relate to many of life’s common addictions.
I listened to a lengthy conversation between Jordan Peterson and Bishop Robert Barron on the importance of getting the narrative right when it comes to understanding the Bible and its importance to both spiritual and character formation.
It was a thoughtful conversation throughout but one idea that jumped out to me was Bishop Barron’s take on the Beatitudes. These are the opening statements of the famous Sermon on the Mount found in the gospel of Matthew.
Jesus pronounces nine blessings and the way Bishop Barron framed each one was in terms of addictions different people fall into.
An addiction, when thought of from a spiritual frame of reference, is the worship of an idol — something we attempt to draw our lives from as a substitute for trusting in God.
Blessed, therefore, is anyone who is not addicted to each of the idols described.
So now, let’s walk down the list and follow the logic.
The first beatitude is
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
See if this makes sense to you.
People high in spirit, whether it’s an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol or pride in their own capabilities may appear to the world, at least at first, to be having the time of their lives. But the truth is they are enslaved. The truly blessed are those who do not suffer with this problem.
Let’s go to the next one.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
People addicted to the party life, who must always be happy are actually suffering from not being able to clear their deep real emotions. The truly blessed are able to manage the highs and lows of life and therefore find a blessing in being comforted.
On to blessing three.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
People addicted to power live in a distorted world of their own making. Love is not operational in this individual. Therefore, the truly blessed ones strive to work with and love others. They are gentle ones that enable others to find enjoyment in their presence. They inherit a life of community and cooperation.
Blessing four.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Righteousness is a description of living in a right or truthful way. The opposite is therefore the addiction to lie. It is to con others, to deceive for a living. Many politicians are good at this. They distort truth and manipulate others while appearing to be paragons of virtue.
To not be addicted to lying is a true blessing.
Blessing five.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Sadism is an addiction. It is finding pleasure in inflicting pain on others.
Six.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
The accumulation of addictions hardens the heart and eventually makes it impossible to believe in, let alone, see God.
Seven.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
The accumulation of addictions results in people of strife.
Those without all the addictions become able to restore others to authentic living.
Eight.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The true end result of living addiction free is a full life, but not one that will avoid the hatred of those enslaved in their own addictions.
Living the best life possible is to live with real certain hope in the ultimate goodness and power of God to one day make all things right.
There can be no real and lasting justice in this world. But that’s okay. We were made for another one that is to come.
The last blessing is a summery of the previous eight.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.