I grew up in a religious tradition that prided itself more on what we did not do than what we did do.  You might say it was a type of purity culture because we were indoctrinated into avoidance of anything that might bring temptation and sin.  In other words, no going to school dances, no watching “R” rated movies, be careful of the music you listened to, and vet people before you spend time together with them.  This teaching also influenced our dress and hair style.  There was a strong idea of what it meant to be “in the world, but not of the world.”  And while it was a way of being set apart, looking back, I am convinced that it was not the way to experience what Jesus meant in the beatitude, “blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

When these words of Jesus were translated the Greek word for “pure” actually meant “to clear out, make space for, to have simplicity, focus, or single-mindedness.”  It was not so much about sin as it was focus.  Did you desire a pure heart?  And speaking of heart, this word also had a particular understanding.  It was not the muscle in your chest.  It meant your truest self – your feelings, desires, and even grievances.  The pure in heart are those whose motivations are tested and refined to align with God’s heart because when they are, you will be able to see God.

There is considerable literature about what and who is upon God’s heart.  A consensus of scholars believe that God’s heart is inclined towards the poor and oppressed.  They are lifted up in the Old Testament commandments as the ones that the people were to be aware of and care for.  It also appears that much of Jesus’ earthly ministry centered on the marginalized.  Therefore, this is where God is and God can be found – dwelling with the least, the last, and the lost of the world.  Thus, Jesus is saying, if you want to see God you have to show up where God is at work in our world.  Unfortunately, most of us think that the main place for us to see God is in our place of worship.  Actually, I think you will have a better chance of seeing God on the streets.  But to do so, the clutter that surrounds our hearts needs to be peeled away.

I invite you to take time and read each of the scriptures above followed by reflection on the questions below.  Ponder the ways in which you think you see God and the ways in which you miss seeing God.  Lastly, I pray that God bless the reading of God’s Word and the meditations of your heart.

Questions to Consider this week:

• Monday:  What were you taught to avoid because it could lead to sin?
• Tuesday:  What actions were you taught that indicated “purity?”
• Wednesday:  How were you encouraged to guard your “heart” from the world?”
• Thursday:  What are some of the things you need to let go of because they are cluttering up your heart?
• Friday:  How are you pursuing being able to “see God?”
• Saturday:  Do you agree or disagree with the interpretation that God is mainly found dwelling with the poor and lost?  Why or why not?

Actions for the Week:

• Head:  Evaluate the way you make decisions, particularly regarding the accumulation of stuff.
• Heart:  Discern the journey needed for you to strive toward a “pure heart.”
• Hand:  Volunteer to work in spaces where the least and lost are served anticipating that is where you will “see God.”