Those people who know they have
great spiritual needs are happy, because the
kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Matthew 5:3

[God] promises [sacred delight]. And he promises it to an unlikely crowd:

* "The poor in spirit." Beggars in God's soup kitchen.
* "Those who mourn." Sinners Anonymous bound together by the truth of their introduction: "Hi, I am me. I'm a sinner."....
* "The merciful." Winners of the million-dollar lottery who share the prize with their enemies.
* "The pure in heart." Physicians who love lepers and escape infection.
* "The peacemakers." Architects who build bridges with wood from a Roman cross....
* "The persecuted." Those who manage to keep an eye on heaven while walking through hell on earth.

It is to this band of pilgrims that God promises a special blessing. A heavenly joy. A sacred delight.

The Applause of Heaven
-Max Lucado