Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
-Matthew 5:4

I have always wondered about this scripture. Why would Jesus say that those who are mourning are blessed? Some of the other Beatitudes are somewhat easier to understand. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Or “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” “Blessed are those who mourn.” This one is difficult for me to grasp.

I have been thinking about this scripture since this morning, and I believe that I have finally had a moment of clarity. When I am broken, (or cracked open) I am ready to receive blessings. The blessings can get in through the cracks! God extends comfort to those of us who grieve through the power of the Holy Spirit. (We all grieve for someone or something.) The Holy Spirit is in the midst of friends and family, as they comfort each other during a time of pain or loss.

The scars repeatedly remind us of the pain of brokenness. In this place of vulnerability, we learn to live with the scars. It is from here that we begin to value and understand the blessings of love and comfort given us by God, family and friends. Having known the pain of grief, we strive to remember these blessings, and to offer the same to others who are broken.

Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That is where light enters you.
-Rumi