This poem was inspired by the Beatitudes and read during a recent series at Oak Life Church. On that particular Sunday it was paired with the Beatitude “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" and explores the blessedness and complexity of romance, sex, intimacy, and love. Some of the language is mature in content.
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Blessed Bodies
Written by Charlotte Aschlock
When Jesus saw our desires, he went where everyone would hear him; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are those who toss and turn in their bed, dreaming of a happiness that may never come, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the rape survivors, for God will heal their sexuality, and reteach them softness and sweetness and comfort.
Blessed are those who are too shy to ask their crush on a date, for when they finally find their lover, sex will be fulfilling and splendid beyond their wildest dreams.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst in their loins and their belly for the free and shameless union of bodies and souls, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are those who never tire of rebuking the terrible voices of self-criticism and ugliness in their lover’s life, for their own insecurities will be healed along the way.
Blessed are those who long to please one another, for they will see the peace of God on their lover’s face when they unlock their lover’s bliss.
Blessed are those who make peace with their own bodies, for the people who gaze on them will not see their imperfections, but only their joy at being children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for holding hands in public, for kissing in the staircase, for moving in together, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people call you slut or bitch or whore or frigid or cunt, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted prophets like Mary Magdalene who were before you.
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