Blessedness!

We use the word bless or blessed all the time. Blessed is a wonderful word. We say “bless you” when someone sneezes, wishing them healing and health. On other occasions, we say “bless you” when ending a conversation or gathering. People generally understand blessedness as wishing for good fortune or receiving exceptional comfort.

The question remains: what is blessed? What does Scripture teach us about it? The word blessed, in Greek makarios, appears at least 50 times in the New Testament. This word is predominantly used in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew and the Sermon on the Plain in Luke, Jesus discussed blessedness.

Blessedness is an inner quality of a faithful servant. It is a state of contentment, satisfaction, and joy despite difficult circumstances. Someone once said that blessedness means religious joy.

Mary called herself blessed when she said, “Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49). She knew that she was blessed and acknowledged that it was from God, not from her efforts. Her circumstances remained the same, but she realized her blessedness.

In Luke’s Sermon on the Plain, Jesus explained that blessedness is seen in being poor, hungry, weeping, or persecuted. These conditions may be rejected by others, but in them, blessedness is revealed. May the dear Lord help us understand the meaning of blessedness and guide us on the path to it! God bless!