My choice from among the versions of the Aramaic translation by Neil Douglass- Klotz from Blessings of the Cosmos
Healthy are those who have softened what is rigid within; they shall receive physical vigor and strength from the universe
LECITO- CHOOSE YOUR TRANSLATION (OTHER THAN THE KING JAMES) OF THE THIRD BEATITUDE EITHER FROM THE ENGLISH OR ARAMAIC TRANSLATIONS.
Today is the beginning of week 4. It is also the week leading up to the climax of the Sacred and Fit Program, the week of fasting. Over the last three weeks we have shared the knowledge of all of the tools we need for a Healthy lifestyle. Everything is in place, we've done our part. Now is the time for Grace to do its part.
After this third Beatitude there is a shift in the tone or the emphasis of the seven verses of the Beatitudes. In traditional translations the first three verses have described the Seeker of truth as one who is poor, mournful and humble. According to my choice of Doulgas-Klotz translations (and the way I have experienced) these verses describe a Seeker as someone who is “trying”- Trying to be “linked to the Spirit,”“trying to be “Tuned to the Source” and now “trying to soften what is rigid inside.” This third Beatitude marks the end of the “trying phase.
To receive "physical vigor and strength" from the earth most directly is to receive it from food. Fresh fruit and vegetables are literally the product of light (photosynthesis in physical form). But on a deeper level, where does the earth get the ability to be life-giving and life-sustaining? What kind of rigidity could be softened by an energy that comes from the Universe? I am willing to grow my faith to the point where I believe in the power of Grace to affect change in my life ongoingly, even after the salvation experience. There are other areas in my life that need to "saved" from rigidity....my temper, my being so judgmental, my intolerance of far right-wing Republicans, my hatred of football.
After using the Lectio Divina as a way being mindful of what I eat, I feel that there is less actual “trying” in my spiritual life. There is a type of softening going on that feels more like a result than an effort. As I cultivate this mental habit of actively participating with Scripture through out the day. It is a little harder to be stressed. It is slightly more difficult to be angry and it feels like upset takes too much energy. Maybe this is “softening” and if it is, it is the perfect preparation for fasting.
In the Sacred and Fit program, fasting is not just about loosing weight but about a change in attitude…a change of heart….a shift in perspective. Fasting is about the end of something and the beginning of something new. In Sacred and Fit the goal is to end the counter-productive, unhealthy way of living and begin a beneficial and healthy lifestyle. Habits are behaviors and what changes behaviors are changes in thoughts. The proper way to fast is to view the fast as a time for thought cleansing. All of the energy and time and space in your brain that is ordinarily given to eating is given a respite. The body is de-emphasized so that Sprit can be the center of focus.
The preparation begins with an area that you feel requires change. When I was a mother with young children, I determined not to scream at them. However, no matter how hard I tried, I would lose my temper and there I’d go again. Then I went on a fast with a determination that this behavior would be the thing to change….and it did.
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What area of your lifestyle can you identify this week that you need to change. Think about what behavior or set of behaviors that have sabotaged your healthy life-style habits in the past (eating the right foods/ drinking water/ regular exercise). As you identify this area of your life consider what your life would look like if this issue was completely changed. What if you would “inherit” everything you need to cause a shift, what would your life be like?
Write down any thoughts about this in your Devotional Journal on the same page as your verse.
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