I am in the Slough of Despond, which is terrifically  boring for all others---anyway,  a friend's parent died and I am ruminating on Things Lost.  I read somewhere that one  reason Jesus associated with the poor and unfortunate was that they know what the world  is really like. The reason we Christians don't always get tons of converts is  that we recognize that well enough  but completely  forget about heaven.  Oh yes, it's real.

If you go over the Beatitudes you'll see how, compared to the rules of life here and now, they are upside down--not suited to this  place at all. They can begin here, of course, but to me they express the way the universe will be. But there is so much more that can be said.

Anyway here they are--I couldn't resist copying the other stuff too.

	And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2	and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
The Beatitudes
Lk. 6.20-23
3	¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4	¶ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Is. 61.2
5	¶ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Ps. 37.11
6	¶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Is. 55.1, 2
7	¶ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8	¶ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Ps. 24.4, 5
9	¶ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10	¶ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: 1 Pet. 3.14 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11	¶ Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 1 Pet. 4.14
12	Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets 2 Chr. 36.16 · Acts 7.52 which were before you.
The Salt of the Earth
13	¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mk. 9.50 · Lk. 14.34, 35
The Light of the World
14	¶ Ye are the light of the world. Joh. 8.12 ; 9.5 A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15	Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; Mk. 4.21 · Lk. 8.16 ; 11.33 and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16	Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 1 Pet. 2.12