Understanding The BeatitudesНамуна

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

When we face evil, it saddens us. The evil may come from ourselves, others, or sources unknown. In any case, when we honestly mourn evil words, evil deeds, or even evil policies on the job, God sees our sorrow and comforts us with the knowledge that it will not always be this way.

What might this blessing look like in the workplace?

Those blessed with mourning about their own failings can receive comfort by admitting their errors. If we make a mistake with a colleague, student, customer, employee, or other person, we admit it and ask their pardon. This takes courage! Without the emotional blessing of sadness over our actions, we would probably never muster the guts to admit our mistakes. But if we do, we may be surprised how often people are ready to forgive us. 

Some businesses have found expressing sorrow to be an effective way to operate. Toro, the manufacturer of tractors and lawn equipment, adopted a practice of showing concern to people injured while using their products. As soon as the company learns of an injury, it contacts the injured person to express sorrow and offer help. It also asks for suggestions to improve the product. Surprising as it may sound, this approach has reduced the number of customer lawsuits over a period of many years.1

Reflection

Is there any evil in the world that you want to bring before God in prayer today?

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I am overwhelmed by the evil in the world. I acknowledge my sorrow and ask for Your comfort. Give me courage to take action when You call me to.

Option For Further Exploration

1 Read “Caring about People: Employees and Customers, A Conversation with Ken Melrose,” Ethix, issue 55