9 of Coins: The Blessed Be Attitudes
(c) Cheryl Lynne Bradley 2004-5


The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus' most important sermons. The sermon reveals God's nature and sets down 9 Commandments of Blessedness and Benediction. These do not usurp the original 10 Commandments as set down in the Old Testament. They are called the Beatitudes.

I have always called them the Blessed Be's but somehow the Blessed Be Attitudes seems very appropriate and tie into the spiritual qualities expressed in the 9 of Coins. These 9 blessings are recorded in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew 5: 3-12.

Verse 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs' is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Verse 4. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Verse 5. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Verse 6. Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Verse 7. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Verse 8. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Verse 9. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Verse 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs' is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Verse 11. Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

Verse 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven.

I have always thought of the 9 of Coins as a Christmas card because it carries with it a blessing and an unexpected fulfillment at Christmas time. Most of us are familiar with the traditional imagery of the 9 of Coins, a woman with a peaceful aspect, standing alone in a garden with a bird perched on her arm. It has a very spiritual and loving quality about it.

Her life is filled with the things that matter and not concerned with material acquisitions. She is content with her place in life, whether it is a great place or a small place. She knows herself and is true to her own self. She wears a dress made of compassion and she knows how to find herself in and share another persons' sorrow.

This is a woman who knows how much she has been forgiven and extends her experience and practice of forgiveness into her daily life and into the life of others. Her heart is her own, her life is kept to the simple and her quest is for the truth. She tries to build bridges that connect people and tear down the walls of division. People who share her world are blessed and find healing in her presence. Her heart has been tried and troubled but she speaks her peace to all who will listen.

The Bless Be Attitudes are worth remembering and practicing everyday of the year, not just at Christmas.

 




This page was created November 24, 2004.